8
Jul
2012
The Current Status of the Presbyterian Church in America
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It is difficult for us Baptists to always understand the various Presbyterian denominations. One of the largest evangelical groups is the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Dr. Richard Phillips, the senior minister of the Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC, gives a fascinating rundown on the current state of the PCA, which he believes is a rather... Read More
6
Jul
2012
Why Women Still Can’t Have It All
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Anne-Marie Slaughter kicked the hornet’s nest two weeks back when she published an article with that title in The Atlantic. In it she explained why the feminist ideal—women can have it all, a family and a fulfilling career at the same time, just like men—is still unattainable and, therefore, why she decided to leave her... Read More
4
Jul
2012
Is Prayer a Skill Worth Seeking?
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The title may be a question you have not considered before. With all of our good focus on learning life skills—whether they be vocational, athletic, musical, or academic-—we sometimes fail to cultivate some of the skills which will profit us most in life and in the ministry. Prayer is one of those skills. I was greatly... Read More
2
Jul
2012
Luther on Social Reform and the Human Heart
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I recently came across an interesting quote from Martin Luther about the prospect of social reform. He wrote, To be sure, the world sees evil acts, nay, it is amazed at them and complains about the great wickedness of people; but it does not know how it happens. It does see the water flow and... Read More
1
Jul
2012
Should We Pray for God to Save the Lost?
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Most, if not all, Christians would answer that question with an unqualified “Yes.” But in a recent couple of blog posts, well-known Arminian theologian Roger Olson says “No.” In his own words: “In a recent post I said Arminians should not pray for God to save their friends and loved ones.” While this may be... Read More
29
Jun
2012
Could Paul Grant Spiritual Gifts to Christians?
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The answer to that question might seem to be “Yes,” if we look at what Paul says in Rom 1:11, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong.” The idea of imparting a spiritual gift is found in most translations (ESV, HCSB, KJV, NASB,... Read More
27
Jun
2012
The Lost Practice of Recognition Councils
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Baptist churches are by definition autonomous in their polity. It’s one of the “distinctives” by which they are known. This does not mean, however, that they are obliged to eschew all confessional, conciliar, or associational relationships with other churches. The early Baptists observed a robust variety of such “connections,” some of which have been lost... Read More
26
Jun
2012
Has Dan Wallace Made a Big Mistake?
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This is the provocative title of a post by Stan Porter, well-known NT scholar, challenging Dan Wallace’s claim that a 1st century copy of Mark has apparently been discovered. We reported on Dan’s claim in a series of posts here, here, here, and here. You can read Stan’s reasons for questioning the 1st century dating... Read More
24
Jun
2012
The Holy Spirit’s Indwelling Ministry in the Old Testament
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Were Old Testament believers, as a necessary part of their sanctification, permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit? In this post I will respond to this question by initially providing a few resources that treat this subject and then provide a brief theological argument for OT indwelling (this blog post is based upon my journal article... Read More
24
Jun
2012
Does the Nation of Israel Have a Distinct Role in the Future Plan of God?
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Many people do not believe so. Bruce K. Waltke says, “no clear passage [of Scripture] teaches the restoration of national Israel” because “the Jewish nation no longer has a place as the special people of God.” Matt Waymeyer believes that Waltke is wrong and explains why in a post titled “Acts 1:6–7 and the Restoration of Israel.”... Read More