I have to say honestly that the book of Romans has caused me a great deal of trouble over the years. At the same time, I also have to say that it is trouble for which I am profoundly grateful. Although these were difficulties which I did not request, a retrospective look is cause for …
Guarding Against Error (1 Tim. 4:1-16)
INTRODUCTION: Just as Adam was assigned the task of protecting and guarding his wife in the Garden, so the minister is assigned the task of guarding the congregation of God against error. There is always a need for it. THE TEXT: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from …
Ordinary as Brown Dirt
Just a quick Fourth of July note. Hope you set off lots of fireworks, and eat lots of hamburgers. But here’s also hoping that you do it with a clear head. This civil holiday celebrates resistance to tyranny. And of course, some of the most ardent participants at such events are those who want to …
The Central Gift
In the ongoing discussion among Christians over the validity of the “sign gifts,” those (like myself) who believe these gifts have now ceased are sometimes tempted to dismiss the question with a platitude and a wave of the hand. “We should seek the Giver and not the gifts” provides a representative sample. But this is …
Piety in the Rat Race
“I do not insist that you live in the mountains and the deserts but that you be good and moderate and chaste, while dwelling in the midst of the city” (Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew).
Chesterton Down the Highway
Greenbaggins has reviewed some commentaries here, among them Peter Leithart’s new commentary on Kings. Apart from demonstrating that he is a young man in a hurry — he expresses his disappointment with the commentary without having read it, on the basis of the bibliography alone — he also misses an important aspect of theological development …
Away from the Judgment — and Back to the Sin
We too often have a simplistic understanding of sin and judgment. This understanding is true as far as it goes, and is consistent with the teaching of Scripture that a man reaps what he sows. This is obviously true, but Scripture also encourages us to think past this point. It is also true that a …
Sanctified Apathy
The word apathy has all kinds of negative connotations, and rightly so. But I would like to commend the word for at least one positive application if for no other reason than to make us think about how we interact with the culture around us. The word means to “not care,” but it also carries …
Wise Turks and Foolish Christians
Charles Colson has done a lot of good stuff, and God bless him as he continues. But among his many good works, he has recently contributed to one the central muddles of our times. He did that here. In this Breakpoint commentary, he was responding to secular critics who are hyperventilating over the rising American …
Impatient and Restless
Minister: Lift up your hearts! Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord! Our Father and great God, we assemble before You as You have summoned us to do. We gather in the name of Jesus, in accordance with Your Word. We are brought together in the power of Your Spirit, poured out so liberally …