So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. … Read More
Five Essentials of Spiritual Growth
On Sundays in many churches, personal use of a Bible in any form is unnecessary. Congregants know little of its contents and, barring a possible Sunday school or confirmation class, there’s insufficient training on how to handle it correctly. One mom scornfully described the classes of her own children’s church experience as “God loves you. Draw a tree.” Churches like … Read More
How Church History Helps Us
Last week, we discussed the question “should we judge a movement by his abuses?” Yet, it’s impossible to answer this question well without a basic knowledge of church history. Indeed, as I’ve said here: “a knowledge of history and tradition can provide perspective when church leaders fall or are exposed.” Last week, someone sent me a note asking me to … Read More
Expository Preaching and the Future of Christianity, Part 2
“The ultimate healing of the world’s hurt is not to be effected by legislation but by the redeeming grace of God, and the proclamation of that redeeming grace is the highest work to which any man can be called.” – Congregational minister, J.D. Jones[1] As we said last week, expository preaching is essential to building individuals and families that love … Read More
Expository Preaching and the Future of Christianity, Part 1
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? Romans 10:14, ESV Last week, I talked here about the future of Christianity and how it’s tied to the importance of “moms and dads … Read More
Reading, Snuggles, and the Future of Christianity
Note: This post is a re-purposed and expanded version of “For the Love of Books,” and commemorates my son, Timothy, and daughter, Emily’s, graduations this week: Tim from Villanova where he got two Masters, one in English Literature and one in Theology, and Emily who became a registered nurse, receiving her RN from Rowan College. Very proud of them! In … Read More
The Problem with “Church-free” Christianity
A local church defined biblically is “a group of believers banded together for worship, edification, service, fellowship, and outreach; accepting spiritual leadership; willing to minister to all segments of society through the various gifts in the body;” and regularly practicing the sacraments.[1] That’s why any celebration of a “church-free” Christianity is problematic. Although I’ve had many seasons where I didn’t … Read More
Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection
“So the other disciples told him [“Doubting Thomas], ‘We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.’” John 20:25, ESV A healthy skepticism is good but Thomas … Read More
Finding Joy in Simple Things
I’ve never had a guest blogger, however, this week I’m breaking with that tradition and sharing a piece posthumously as a tribute to the life and example of my Aunt “Rusty,” Eleanor Loper, one of my dad’s older sisters. She passed away earlier this year on January 18th and was one of the kindest and most positive people I’ve known. … Read More
Shame-based versus Grace-based Churches
In my role as Executive Director of Church Outreach and Engagement at Care Net, I’m constantly talking about the need to refer pregnancy center clients to “grace-based churches.” Often I’m asked what I mean by this term and, although there are several things I have in mind, below is the story of where I first heard the term, as well … Read More