The next article in Tabletalk is by Cornelis Venema, and is entitled “A Future Justification Based on Works?” In it he tackles Wright’s emphasis upon a future justification on the basis of works. Venema’s point is that Wright “radically compromises the scriptural teaching that justification is not based upon works or human performance.” Venema adds …
Deep Fried in Something Icky
Many years ago, when we were first learning how to handle our weapons in the culture wars, I had to sort through what I thought about boycotts. And where I landed is related to a point that has continuing relevance for Christians who are trying to sort out how to relate to the broader culture. …
Fifty Yards Across and Bright Red
The Greek word apoplanao is only found twice in the New Testament. The first use is in Mark 13:22, where it is rendered as seduce. The second is in 1 Tim. 6:10, where it is translated as err. In Mark, the atttempted seduction is offered by means of signs and wonders. “For false Christs and …
Hail Marys in Protestant Churches
“There are preachers who make a last ditch effort to make something out of a sermon which was generally disorganized, vague, and lacking biblical content. Such a pastor may recognize (too late) that he isn’t getting anywhere, so he moves into his ‘two-minute offense’, trying to hit pay dirt quickly” (Wagner, Tongues Aflame, p. 84).
Fame Junkies Indeed
“How many viewing hours will be devoted to contests like American Idol, in which seemingly every single person in the country is lining up to become famous?” (Jake Halpern, Fame Junkies, p. xxii).
The Common Denominator
“When men fall away from the Lord, they do so for all kinds of reasons — money, career, a woman, sex, drugs, alcohol, etc. But when women fall away from the Lord, invariably there is a man involved” (Her Hand in Marriage, p. 75).
No Cooties in the Cupboard
When an insecure third grader wants to be accepted by his schoolmates, and he is afraid that they will see and identify his lowly origins — by which he means his folks and the rest of his family — the way he tries to insinuate himself into the good graces of the cool set that …
The Whole Hipster Food Industry
Been a while since I posted on this topic, but something has been rolling around in my mind for a few days, and I thought it would be good to put at least the bare outlines of this down. This will be in the form of some simple assertions and observations — detailed argument will …
Some Thoughts on Life Together
INTRODUCTION:As you may observe by looking around you, we are now worshiping together in one service, instead of the two services we have had for the last year and half. This was not a decision made lightly, and part of the decision depended upon us having a message dedicated to the various issues surrounding this …
The Kindergarten of This Particular School
The cross of Jesus Christ is the grace of God, extended to the world. When we are given the privilege of being joined to Christ in order to die in union with Him, and to be raised in union with Him, this too is grace. It is liberation from self-absorption. The cruciform life is therefore …