The classic evangelical question on the fate of those who never hear the Gospel arises from concern for their salvation. Rejecting inclusivism, the scriptural reality is that all are dead in sin, needing to hear, believe, and call on Jesus for salvation. Understanding this truth is crucial for maintaining the urgency of missions.
Waiting on God
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 Remember dial-up? The unforgettable tone and that lengthy sign-on process. Now, imagine that all of your internet reverted back to that old school AOL. Could you even go back? Could you handle the wait time for logging in? For... Continue Reading →
Book Review: A Good and True Story by Paul Gould
Character I recall once listening to a podcast conversation discussing reasons why cross-denominational Christian unity seems so much stronger in the UK rather than in the US. One of the primary reasons discussed was the fact that in the UK it is more difficult to avoid those Christians whom they disagree with. In the US,... Continue Reading →
Giving from Gratefulness not Guilt
There are few areas of the Christian life where I feel more tension than when it comes to giving. Is it wisdom or self-reliance that leads me to want a thick savings account? Is it greed for this world or joy in the goodness of it that makes me desire a pool one day? Am... Continue Reading →
Jesus and Guns Don’t Belong Together
I’m not a pacifist. I believe in Just War. I absolutely believe in the use of deadly force to defend the innocent. And, I lean in favor of self-defense to save one’s life (not one’s property). Further, I’m not just a gun owner, but an owner of guns. Rifle, shotgun, handgun, I’ve got them all.... Continue Reading →
People Pleasing or Christ Serving?
Recently, I was reading a commentary on Galatians by co-founder of the Center for Pastor Theologians, Todd Willson. Chapter 3 of the commentary (dealing strictly with Galatians 1:10) is titled “People-Pleaser or Servant of Christ?”1 As the title suggests, Wilson is setting those two concepts in opposition to each other. Either we are good servant’s... Continue Reading →