It is hard to deny that a proper understanding of the atonement is at the heart of the gospel. Christians can disagree over whether to baptize infants, over whether congregations should vote, or over end times, but as J.I. Packer notes, since one's belief about the atonement is bound up with one's belief about the very character of God, a faulty understanding can be indicative of a major problem. In our day, massive distortions exist on the significance of Christ's death. Some are bold enough to call it "divine child abuse," since they deny that God's righteous indignation toward sin … [Read more...] about In My Place Condemned He Stood
Discussion on Thabiti’s T4G Talk
The Nine Marks guys are having a good interaction on Thabiti Anyabwile's T4G message. Jonathan Leeman asks two good questions. Thabiti responds. … [Read more...] about Discussion on Thabiti’s T4G Talk
The Pennsylvania Democratic Primary
The oft-discussed demographic divide between Senators Clinton and Obama seems to have persisted in yesterday's Pennsylvania primary. In short, Clinton dominates among white women, the elderly, those without college degrees, union members, and (apparently) more religious voters. Alternatively, one could also argue that Obama is penetrating these voting blocs (Clinton's margins are decreasing, despite the highly publicized Jeremiah Wright and "bitter" controversies). This table by Jay Cost helpfully summaries the divergence in the Ohio and Pennsylvania primaries: … [Read more...] about The Pennsylvania Democratic Primary
Christians and Alcohol
The entire most recent issue of the Criswell Theological Review is dedicated to Christians and alcohol. They published an article by Dr. Richard Land and Dr. Barrett Duke which argues that alcohol, while not inherently evil, ought not to be consumed by Christians at all. They also included an article by Dr. Kenneth Gentry which argues that a moderate use of alcohol is permissible for Christians. [Note: I have not yet read these articles, but it sounds like a good discussion.] [HT: Denny Burk] … [Read more...] about Christians and Alcohol
Let No One Despise You For Your Youth
John Piper kicked-off a five-part sermon series on a "vision for the rising generation of young people." When I was still at Bethlehem, I had the pleasure of hearing this vision in seed form, and participating in several productive meetings on this topic. Piper's introductory message was taken from I Timothy 4:11-16: "Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the … [Read more...] about Let No One Despise You For Your Youth
Jonathan Dodson on Engaging Culture
Discussing the opportunities (and dangers) associated with Christian cultural engagement, Dodson writes: Our practice should flow from our position in Christ. Our actions ought to reveal our redeemed identity, not form our identity. Consider the danger of mistaking your newly formed habits for who you are. For instance, do you think of yourself now as an environmentalist or as a citizen of Zion with an environmental conscience? Do you draw significance from being a "pro-lifer" or from being new creation in Christ Jesus? Ask yourself, "Am I confusing my practice with my position?" or "Am I … [Read more...] about Jonathan Dodson on Engaging Culture