This is a response to a question I received concerning God’s justice. The inquirer referenced a diagram by RC Sproul in his book “Chosen by God” in which Sproul argues that the Mercy is “non-justice” and God’s condemnation on the unrepentant is “justice.” I had argued quite differently at our Tulip Class last Wednesday (see […]
4 Rules for those Seeking Ministry (or those already in the Battle)
As a pastor entrenched in ministry for the past two decades I am seeing and connecting with, thank God, many young people pursuing vocational ministry. One such young man reached out to me this morning and I hope my response to him encourages and challenges anyone looking to embrace the dangerous call to ministry (and […]
Was Ravi Zacharias a Christian?
“So…was Ravi Zacharias really a Christian?” The young staff member and I sat at a table filled with boneless wings, wedge salads, and leaders of our church. Her eyes were wide with saddened incredulity. Could it be possible that one of the most famed Christian apologists of the last century was, in fact, not a true […]
Hypocrisy, Division & Riots at the Capitol
The divide is vast. The hypocrisy is thick. The church of Jesus must rise above. Last week, as self-proclaimed Patriots stormed our nations capital in undeniably heinous anarchy, I witnessed progressive Christian friends and left-leaning church leaders point fingers across the aisle not only at Donald Trump but at anyone who had the nerve to […]
“O Tidings of Criticism & Unmet Expectations”: A word from, about, and for Pastors
“Criticisms against pastors have increased significantly. One pastor recently shared with me the number of criticisms he receives are five times greater than the pre-pandemic era. Church members are worried. Church members are weary. And the most convenient target for their angst is their pastor.” This declaration, which – after a bizarre week of ministry – […]
Courage in a Time of War
The solider cowers under the bridge of his helmet and the barrage of heavy gunfire. The foxhole provides, at least for the moment, an asylum. Anxiously his fingers trace the stock of his rifle, rise to scratch his whiskered cheeks, and descend again to drum the trigger guard. Unconsciously this routine plays forward again and […]