Let's start by stipulating that if the apostle Paul wrote that women shouldn't speak in church meetings, then they shouldn't speak in church meetings. Paul had revelation direct from Christ. Paul knew what he was talking about. The question is whether we know what he's talking about. We should not interpret the bible by our … Continue reading Scriptural reasons to doubt the traditional interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:12
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The separation of church and politics
By now, it's a familiar notion that churches and ministers should avoid politics. In my estimation, it's an artificial constraint of the gospel, but it's certainly a well-known artificial constraint. It has been common for churches to avoid weighing in on politics, preferring to stick to more obvious elements of the gospel. (What is obvious … Continue reading The separation of church and politics
Agreeing to disagree
Let's face it, we're going to have disagreements. As a Christian I expect to have disagreements with other Christians and with non-Christians. Some of these disagreements will be a big deal, and others will be small potatoes. There are a number of cases where we can respectfully agree to disagree. What do those look like? … Continue reading Agreeing to disagree
When a plan comes together
One of the benefits of building a God-centered society is that it will teach by example, day after day. Rather than leading astray, with examples of unfaithfulness, dishonesty, and greed, our society can (or could) demonstrate the goodness of God's will. Every faithful husband is a reproach to the adulterer, and every adulterer is a … Continue reading When a plan comes together
A God-centered society
In order for the church to realize its potential as the "city set on a hill," we have to live our lives in a certain way. We must live in the fear of God, with everything done in awesome reverence for him. We must learn what he loves, and then love and do those things. … Continue reading A God-centered society
Who needs Jesus, anyway?
One objection to Christianity that is posed by secular society today is that our faith is too exclusive. It is too exclusive in its truth claims and too exclusive as to the means of salvation. Of course anyone who objects to a truth claims because it is exclusive clearly doesn't understand the nature of truth … Continue reading Who needs Jesus, anyway?
Offense of the gospel – Doug Wilson (video)
Here's a video you might enjoy. Doug Wilson considers reasons that the gospel is offensive to unbelieving man. He identifies the gospel as inherently offensive and declares that this offense is part of God's design. He also considers the additional offense that believers sometimes sinfully add to the gospel. Towards the beginning of the talk … Continue reading Offense of the gospel – Doug Wilson (video)
Quick thought: many other words
In Acts 2, Peter took an opportunity to speak to a large crowd of his generation. The message that he delivered was about their great sin in killing the savior. He showed how the people had made themselves enemies of God. God was directly opposed to their sinful desires. This was clear because God had … Continue reading Quick thought: many other words
The lost art of being light
Maybe this title is overly dramatic, but maybe not. The followers of Christ are called to be light in the world. This is both the example and the instruction he has left us. It is confirmed by the apostles, and unfortunately, contradicted by some common notions in the American church today. Jesus answered, Are there … Continue reading The lost art of being light
In what is the church failing?
How then is it that we see such devastation in our land? It is because the Christian church, which is the body of Christ, his representatives here on earth, have failed to understand his teaching. We have not discerned the shape of the spiritual battle nor have we recognized the enemy. Indeed a partial blindness … Continue reading In what is the church failing?
Seen a Great Light 