When we cling to worthless idols, despondency and hopelessness will not be far away. Jonah reminds us that the price of idolatry is very high. When we hold onto something we know that we need to renounce, we lose sight…
An Interview with Danny Akin: On Apathy, Baptisms, Re-Baptisms, and Having Children
Trevin Wax continues an interview with Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Seminary. I’m not a Southern Baptist, but, I found myself agreeing with at least three things he said. Dr. Akin observes that one of the big challenges being faced…
What’s the Matter with Matter?
Answer: nothing is the matter with matter. If you asked me to list the most important concepts I learned in seminary, one of them would be the idea that the destination of God’s people is not to hover eternally in…
Luther on Whether or Not Being Missional is Worth the Risk?
Recently, I made a missions trip to Togo, Africa. I went with the experienced missionaries of ABWE. I was in good hands. Still, it is a long way from Stillman Valley, IL to Mango. And, I had to ask, “Is…
Reading, Reflection, and Preaching
“An individual without time to read broadly and intensely, without time to reflect on life, without time to compose (even if merely in a personal journal), is not likely to be an individual who can preach.” T. David Gordon.
T. David Gordon on Watching Television (I Think He’s Against It)
I read today to great profit Gordon’s recent book on preaching or the lack thereof. I would recommend it for pastors. (Gordon will make you feel a bit defensive at points which is a good thing). I would also recommend…
Ever the Tactful One, Luther Explains to Erasmus Why The Delay In Writing The Bondage of the Will
I suspect that many people who would call themselves “Reformed” in their theology, have never actually read much that Luther wrote. If you want to get started, The Bondage of the Will, would be a good place to begin. At…
On Relating to the San Andreas Fault, Weapons Grade Uranium, and Junior High Girls
The First Law of Instability: The three most unstable substances known to man are weapons grade uranium, the San Andreas Fault, and junior high girls. All three (uranium, the S.A. fault, and jh girls) should be handled with the sensitivity…
A Graphic Worth Considering
HT: The Jesus Creed Update: Per the comments, this is a t-shirt that can be ordered at www.despair.com . . . I’m tempted to get one. (Click here).
A Key Principle for Youth Ministry
So, we’re having a bunch of people over to our house on Sunday night. We’re going to burn stuff, sing, reflect on Scripture, and eat. Those things in reverse order. I have many reasons for doing this. But, teens are…