24
Apr
2013
Exodus and Biblical Theology
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“[A]n understanding of the Exodus is…essential for understanding and probing the theology of the Bible as it unfolds historically.” Stephen Dempster makes this point in a recent article on the role of Exodus in biblical theology titled “Exodus and Biblical Theology: On Moving into the Neighborhood with a New Name.” Here I’d like to pass... Read More
22
Apr
2013
Middle Knowledge
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For those of you who have attempted to get a handle on the theologically difficult topic of Middle Knowledge or Molinism, there is a nice introduction by Paul Helm over at Ligonier Ministries blog.
20
Apr
2013
Prayer and the Sovereignty of God: Six Reasons Why Believers Should Pray
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From time to time, people assert that if a person believes God has predestined all things then that person will necessarily tend to downplay the importance of prayer. But is that really true? Granted, we all pray less than we ought, but does belief in divine foreordination actually cause one to minimize the value of... Read More
18
Apr
2013
Have You Studied the Issue of Baptism?
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Adoniram Judson, pioneer missionary to Burma, was not afraid to, and it changed his view and cost him dearly. I encourage, yes, challenge you—do not think you hold to a biblical mode of baptism that is not believer’s baptism by immersion, unless you can read this missionary’s reasoned study and refute it by God’s Word. If you... Read More
16
Apr
2013
Another Good Book
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I just finished a helpful book by Thomas E. Bergler, The Juvenilization of American Christianity (Eerdmans, 2012). Those of you who know me know that books on youth ministry are not my typical cuisine, but this was no typical book on youth ministry. Instead, it was a history of how excessive Christian catering to youth... Read More
14
Apr
2013
Why the Silence?
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“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Eph 5:11). We live in a world where too often we hear about the unfruitful works of darkness—the nightly news seems to thrive on ghastly stories of murders, rapes, and violence. Frankly, it is why I don’t watch very much news. I’m... Read More
12
Apr
2013
The Importance of Being Important
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Christianity consists of beliefs and practices. There are certain ways one must view God, himself, and the world at large, and there are certain ways one must think, feel, and act as a result of those views. Throughout church history, Christians have debated what beliefs and practices are proper for the believer. That debate continues... Read More
10
Apr
2013
Refresh Your Greek
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I’ve never met a Bible teacher who wished they had not learned Greek. It’s only the guys who have let it slip and no longer use it for their sermon preparation who try to tell me that Greek doesn’t enhance their teaching—Con Campbell in Keep Your Greek: Strategies for Busy People If you’ve let your... Read More
7
Apr
2013
Things to Do in Detroit: The Detroit Historical Museum
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Most people probably don’t have Detroit near the top of their list of possible vacation destinations, but there actually are quite a few interesting places to visit in and around the city of Detroit. The Detroit Historical Museum is located downtown in the museum district between Cass and Woodward Ave (about 15 minutes from the... Read More
5
Apr
2013
Gay Marriage
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A couple of months ago I posted a rather somber assessment of what is coming for the evangelical church as it confronts the push towards gay marriage under the guise of “marriage equality.” I see that Professor Paul Rahe of Hillsdale College, who is also a Roman Catholic, has come to a similar conclusion: If... Read More