As we approach November, I think it is fair to say that the media coverage of the presidential race has been both exhaustive and exhausting. Even within the world of evangelicalism, we have received our fair share of election analysis. I am thankful for the fruitful political dialogue that has taken place by evangelical leaders in the public square. These discussions are healthy as we try to bring the Scriptures to bear on our decisions this November. However, the constant drumbeat of political analysis coming out of Christendom can easily give the impression that we Christians ride the coattails of politicians (may it never be!). Amidst the overwhelming amount of evangelical opinions telling us what to do this November, I simply want to articulate five scriptural affirmations that should help shape our collective spirit this election season—and every election season for that matter. At the risk of being labeled “captain obvious,” I think we need to be reminded of the bigger picture every once in a while. So here goes: Continue reading “Five affirmations to remember during an election year”
“Why were our reformers burned?” Reflections on the Lord’s Supper
Throughout Church history the Lord’s Supper has been celebrated as a sacred meal by churches of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christians in every generation have rightly understood the gospel-centeredness of the meaning of the bread and the wine. Indeed, to distort the Lord’s Supper is to distort the gospel. We need look no further than the English reformers to discover a generation of Christians who refused to relinquish the biblical meaning of the Lord’s Supper, even at the expense of their own lives. Continue reading ““Why were our reformers burned?” Reflections on the Lord’s Supper”
Men of whom the world is not worthy: Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer
Hebrews 13:7: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer were among the most notable English reformers during the 16th century. The story of their martyrdom under the reign of Queen Mary is nothing short of inspiring. Their unflinching resolve to die for Christ exemplifies the type of faithfulness every believer hopes to embody if called to endure the same test. J.C. Ryle the details of their execution in his book Five English Reformers: Continue reading “Men of whom the world is not worthy: Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer”
What Religion Would Jesus Belong To?
What religion would Jesus belong to? This was the question posed by Nicholas Kristof in an op-ed piece published in the New York Times on September 3, 2016. Kristof argues that if Jesus were alive today, he would not endorse the type of Christianity reflected in many conservative evangelical churches—a Christianity that emphasizes the importance of theological convictions and doctrinal clarity. Instead, Kristof suggests that the Jesus we meet in the Gospels was less concerned with a “system of beliefs” and more concerned with compassion and service to the needy. Kristof appeals to Brian McLaren’s new book, The Great Spiritual Migration where McLaren argues that modern-day Christianity has migrated away from the religion founded by Jesus: Continue reading “What Religion Would Jesus Belong To?”
Do we need temples today? (Final post in this series)
This is my final blog post in this series examining the question, “Do we need temples today?” If you have been following this series, then you know that we have traced the temple theme through the pages of scripture from the Garden of Eden to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Here is a brief summary of the ground we have covered so far. Continue reading “Do we need temples today? (Final post in this series)”
“Why Not to Check Your Phone in the Morning” from John Piper
These are thoughtful words from Pastor John Piper (Below). The subject of Piper’s talk reminded me of a paragraph I read recently in David Wells’ book, God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-Love of God Reorients our World. He writes about the danger of the endless distractions of technology. If we are not careful, these distractions will hinder our pursuit of God. (Isn’t it ironic that I share these thoughts with you through a blog post requiring the technology of the internet!) Here is what Wells says: Continue reading ““Why Not to Check Your Phone in the Morning” from John Piper”
Will there be marriage in heaven?
Will there be marriage in heaven? Yes, but only one. When the Sadducees confronted Jesus about the resurrection of the dead, they tried to disprove the reality of resurrection by creating an absurd situation involving a woman with seven different husbands (Mark 12:18–27). If a woman has been married seven times during the course of her life, then whose husband will she be in the resurrection (Mark 12:23)? Jesus answered with this statement: Continue reading “Will there be marriage in heaven?”
Do we need temples today? The answer (Part 4)
In my previous post in this series on temples, I considered the function and symbolism of Israel’s tabernacle and temple. We now continue our trek through redemptive history in order to arrive at a biblical-theological answer to the question, ‘Do we need temples today?’ If you have been following this series, you know that I have not yet given an answer to the question. Maybe you have been thinking, “Just answer the question already!” I hear you and thank you for your patience. So do we need temples today? Answer: No, if you are talking about a temple made of bricks and mortar. Yes, if you are talking about a temple made up of people. Let me explain. Continue reading “Do we need temples today? The answer (Part 4)”
Men of whom the world was not worthy: Thomas Cranmer
I recently began reading J.C. Ryle’s book, Five English Reformers. The book focuses on the lives and martyrdoms of John Hooper, Rowland Taylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford, and Nicholas Ridley. In chapter 1, however, Ryle briefly discusses the events surrounding the executions of a handful of other English reformers. One of these men was Thomas Cranmer. Continue reading “Men of whom the world was not worthy: Thomas Cranmer”
The Gospel in 6 Minutes by John Piper
An excellent summary of the gospel by one of my favorite preachers.