The Importance of Child Dedication

I grant that “train” may not be the best translation for the crucial verb in Prov. 22:6. May I suggest (dynamic equivalence) “baptize”? The verb is hanak. It is the verb from which we get the derivative Hanukkah, which means dedication or consecration. It refers to inauguration or dedication, usually in a cultic setting. The …

Faith or Presumption in Child Rearing?

Because of the condition of our sinful world, words from God’s law are frequently “hard words.” But, for the same reason, but in a different sense, words of gospel and promise are even harder. In my books on family, I have often emphasized that the rearing of godly children is not accomplished “by works,” but …

Just Call Me Old-Fashioned

This coming Thursday, Jim Wallis and Al Mohler will be debating the question of social justice and the mission of the church (HT: Justin Taylor). Click here for more. The question before the house will be this: “Is Social Justice an Essential Part of the Mission of the Church?” Wallis will be arguing the affirmative …

That Chokey Feeling

Apparently the office at the Vatican responsible for ushering in the millennium has suggested that we obtain for ourselves a central world bank, and has further intimated that various market idolatries are responsible for the economic mess we are in. One headline I saw suggested that the Vatican butt out of economics and go back …