17
May
2014
Learning about the Past: The Beginnings of a Reading List for Pastors, Future Pastors, and Curious Christians
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I recently had a student ask what books pastors and future pastors should read in order to become familiar with the church’s past. I’d like to answer that question by suggesting a short list of books over a couple of blog posts. The nature of church history is such that one should probably begin by... Read More
15
May
2014
An Evaluation of the Word of Faith Movement
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The suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross is at the center of Christianity. In Righteous Riches: The Word of Faith Movement in Contemporary African American Religion (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005), Milmon Harrison notes that the prosperity and well-being of Christians is at the heart of the Word of Faith movement. Harrison is... Read More
13
May
2014
A Graduation Observation
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Last week I received one of those Tweets that had been forwarded about a half dozen times before it landed in my inbox. It purported to offer an idea for a “Calvinist Graduation Card”: “Happy graduation. You did nothing. You are nothing. So just march.” It was funny and I laughed. Of course, it really... Read More
10
May
2014
Ecclesiastical Separation and the Two Kingdoms
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Commencement season has revived a fresh spate of debate about separation. Should Liberty University have invited Glenn Beck to speak? Should Al Mohler have gone to BYU (again)? And related, should Bob Jones University have invited Dennis Praeger to speak? None of these three situations is the same, of course, and as they say, the... Read More
7
May
2014
God is Red
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“I’m going to be gone soon. Don’t be sad. I’m not afraid of death…. Mother, we are all going to die someday. Don’t be discouraged by my death. Continue in your faith.”… After a final public condemnation meeting, the militiamen shot him by the roadside and dumped his body in a shallow hole in the... Read More
5
May
2014
Three Reasons Why the Lottery is a Bad Bet
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I heard it on the radio again the other day—a slick sounding ad depicting happy sounding people talking about how much fun it is to win “the big one.” It was an ad for the Michigan Lottery, and it left one with the impression that most people who play the lottery actually win. When such... Read More
2
May
2014
Do You Want to Pray More Effectively?
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We teach many subjects in seminary: languages, theology, history, hermeneutics, etc. We teach classes in these areas, expecting students to learn, grow, and improve in their ability to effectively minister the Word. This is good and right. As elders, we are supposed to “devote ourselves . . . to the ministry of the Word”(Acts 6:4).... Read More
30
Apr
2014
On Dealing with the Frowning Providence of Failure
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I recently had a conversation with a man who made a major life decision that turned out poorly. This man apparently did everything right—he based his decision on careful research of the available facts, the application of sound biblical principles to these facts, the unanimous advice of wise counsel, and much prayer. But after the... Read More
26
Apr
2014
Summer Test Drive
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One of the best ways to consider whether a seminary like DBTS is the place for you to train for gospel ministry is to actually take a class, or as we call it in car country, a Test Drive. Our summer Test Drive program is a wonderful opportunity to earn 2 graduate credits free of charge and... Read More
24
Apr
2014
Paul’s Strange Proof: Psalm 19:4 in Romans 10:18
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But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world”—Rom 10:18, citing Ps 19:4 How can Paul prove that Israel has heard the gospel by citing Ps 19:4? The psalm doesn’t seem to have the spread of... Read More