Currently I am taking some high school guys through the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. Each Friday we gather together in my office and talk about the resolutions we had read and meditated on the week prior. We are going at a slow pace - last time we read the first six resolutions, and this week … Continue reading Don't Lose One Moment of Time
What is a False Antithesis?
I wasn't aware of the logical error of a 'False Antithesis' until I read D.A. Carson's Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church. It is an error that I know I have been guilty of, and an error that I am becoming keenly aware of in others through conversation, reading, etc. It is an error that can … Continue reading What is a False Antithesis?
What Drives Your Theology?
In his book, No Place for Truth, David Wells examines the steady disappearance of theology in the evangelical church over the past century. The subtitle (or the alternate title) of the book, Whatever happened to Evangelical Theology? explains well his approach and concern in the book. What has happened to theology in the Church? When did … Continue reading What Drives Your Theology?
John Owen on Handling Controversy
Another vital component in our approach to controversy that will keep our hearts soft and our mind focused is communion with God. Not merely communion with God in prayer for help (e.g. 'Lord help me to remain steadfast as I defend your truth,' etc.) but also in the truth itself that we are currently contending for. … Continue reading John Owen on Handling Controversy
John Newton on Handling Controversy
John Newton provides us with some very helpful words in a letter he wrote to a man who was involved in some kind of controversy in his day: As to your opponent, I wish, that, before you set pen to paper against him, and during the whole time you are preparing your answer, you may … Continue reading John Newton on Handling Controversy
Charles Spurgeon on Handling Controversy
In his excellent book, The Forgotten Spurgeon, Iain Murray focuses on an aspect of Spurgeon's life that has been overlooked in recent times: Spurgeon's faithful commitment to Bible doctrine, primarily the doctrines of free grace and God's sovereignty in salvation. These theological commitments, however, often put Spurgeon in the midst of controversy. Toward the latter half of … Continue reading Charles Spurgeon on Handling Controversy
What is the Gospel?
What is the Gospel? How can we explain it to others? Mark Dever and Paul Alexander in their book, The Deliberate Church, give a helpful explanation of the gospel: The most important aspect of evangelism is the evangel---the Gospel, the Good News. If we are not getting the evangel right according to the Word, then … Continue reading What is the Gospel?