Religious claims, by their very nature, are total. Whenever someone advances a religious claim that is partial, they are not disproving this claim, but rather demonstrating that they are dishonest or confused. If they are dishonest, they recognize that their religious claims really are total, but also that those people who are not adherents are …
Holy Warfare
Worship is warfare. Throughout the Bible we learn the lesson that when the people of God worship rightly, their enemies give way before them. When they worship according to their own wisdom, they are prevailed against. Look around, and consider the condition of the church today. Nothing is more apparent than the fact that we …
More and More
Our congregation continues to grow, which can only be a problem if we cease to grow in love. Paul tells the Thessalonians that their love for the brethren throughout Macedonia was highly spoken of. But this, for Paul, was inadequate. He wanted them to love “more and more.” You are loving congregation, but far from …
Blood on the Envelope
July 2005 Dear Friends of Credenda, I see that the time has come for me to write another support letter to those of you who help keep the ministry of Credenda afloat. And so let me put it to you this way. Having grown up in evangelical ministry circles, I have been acquainted for many …
Professional Arrogance
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) Growing Dominion, Part 55 As we consider our responsibilities in the business and professional world, we have to begin by distinguishing different kinds of professional or vocational arrogance. The first is arrogance of an anti-intellectual sort-driven by the egalitarian assumption that anyone can …
Expertise
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) Growing Dominion, Part 54 Vocation is important in business, and when a man is called to his profession, one of the things that develops over time is expertise. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall …
Sidelong Glances
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) Growing Dominion, Part 53 In the world of business and vocational callings, one of the hardest things for the Christian heart to mortify is the carnal reaction to what other people make. Even the ludicrous examples illustrate the principle. In a free country, …
Cliffhangers
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) Growing Dominion, Part 52 The universe is governed by personal law. It is not governed by impersonal forces. Up to and including gravity, everything operates the way it does because it is the will of our Father in heaven. Economic downturns, hardships, cash …
Mint, Dill, and Cummin Cops
In our service of worship, we declare the mighty acts of God. He has made all things, and then recreated them in His Son Jesus Christ. We are here today because we profess to believe this. Now these declarations by God’s covenant people are potent, whether or not unbelievers are paying any attention to them …
Flooding the World Again
As Scripture instructs, we must be adults in our understanding. But we must also cultivate what Luke records in the books of Acts when he says that the early Christians ate their bread with gladness and simplicity of heart. We may be refreshed with both maturity and simplicity when we come to understand the water …