Amid our shifting culture—moving away from a culturally Christian, modern culture to a postmodern and neo-pagan culture—how should church respond? I think that we should reclaim some of our Protestant roots and learn from the great Reformer, Martin Luther.[1] In 1518, Martin Luther was still a monk within the Catholic church. His superiors, however, wanted … Continue reading Church of (Human) Glory? Or a Church of the Cross?
Gospel
The Advent Wreath is a War Flag
The Advent wreath is a war flag. It is a reminder that Christmas is really about conflict. As 1 John 3:8 says, “The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil.” All the world lies under the power of the devil (1 John 5:19). But Jesus has destroyed the works of the … Continue reading The Advent Wreath is a War Flag
You Don’t Make A Decision To Join a Local Church
Steve Timmis and Tim Chester, in their book Total Church, speak on the true nature of church membership: By becoming a Christian, I belong to God and I belong to my brothers and sisters. It is not that I belong to God and then make a decision to join a local church. My being in Christ means … Continue reading You Don’t Make A Decision To Join a Local Church
God Renews, Restores, Repairs
The book of Zechariah can be summed up in one word: Restoration. It’s about the restoration of Israel’s land, temple, city, priesthood, prophetic office, and even the people. Just as every aspect of Israel had been corrupted by sin and lead to exile, so also, every part of Israel will be renewed, restored. A Brief … Continue reading God Renews, Restores, Repairs
Thousands of Small Steps for God’s Mission
To get involved in God’s mission does not necessarily require selling all of your possessions and moving across the globe. God wants you to be involved in His mission right where you are. But if you feel stuck, consider taking one small step today. I wrote for Lincroft Bible Church’s Community Groups blog 3 Ways … Continue reading Thousands of Small Steps for God’s Mission