Reformation21

One of the great missiologists and scholars of world Christianity, Andrew F. Walls, recently passed away at the age of 93. One of my (small) claims to (admittedly minor) fame is that Andrew F. Walls graciously agreed to write the foreword of my book, Inside the Whirlwind: The Book of Job through...

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” If there is any commandment that is broken more consistently, habitually, historically, and egregiously by Christians than by non-Christians, it is the third commandment. That’s because taking God’s name in vain goes a lot farther than...

In the middle of a long race, doubt can be a killer. Realizing how far you have to go, the present ache in your body can make finishing seem unlikely. Doubt then quickly transforms itself into certainty and you give up. Likewise, it is with the Christian life. If we doubt our ability to trust and...

1. Preach sound doctrine. Don’t reserve Bible doctrines such as justification and sanctification for your Sunday school. Preach these doctrines during your worship service. 2. Preach with discrimination. Address both believers and unbelievers in your preaching. Don’t assume that everyone in your...

People who are part of a particular Christian congregation are often called church “members.” This language is profoundly biblical, and is a visible manifestation of the believer’s union with Christ and the communion of saints. The Greek word used to describe the individual parts of a body is melos...

On Sunday, May 30th, cries of terror filled the scattered homes that make up the rural community of Nwori Nduobashi, Nigeria. It was around 3 in the morning, and people were still asleep when an armed band broke into their homes, flashing light in their eyes to confuse them while they swung their...

Last year I changed pastorates from a church in the southeastern United States to a church in the Pacific Northwest. Of course there are cultural changes that come along with geographic shifts, but one of the biggest differences I noticed was the attitude toward church membership. I am painting...

Popular opinion concerning sexuality is changing rapidly. “It took more than a century for the homosexual movement to win cultural affirmation. Transgenderism’s acceptance happened much more speedily, partly due to the path carved out by the homosexuality movement.” [1] The traditional boundaries...

Note: This article is part of a series on terminology related to homosexuality. The word “gay” can refer to: A pattern of male sexual attraction for other men. An identity rooted in such a pattern of attraction. More broadly, a variety of identities and practices that depart from the norm of male-...

“You shall not make for yourself an image…” Don’t be a "person of faith." It’s a meaningless statement, like saying “I like food” or “I like to sleep.” Be a person who admits he doesn’t know what he believes, or a devout Buddhist or Muslim. Then, at least, you stand in well-defined ignorance or...