As I continue to prepare Mantua Creek for a baptismal service on 9.15 and make some updates to Baptism and Its Significance, this week we’ll explore this question: How did the Baptist perspective on baptism offer an important corrective to the Church at a key moment in history, but then go too far?“ Derek Radney, Pastor at Trinity Church (PCA) … Read More
Gospel Transformation vs. Politics
As a minister of the gospel serving at the center of the pro-life movement, I often used the phrase “non-political” to distance myself from unhelpful associations with white Republicanism and single-issue voting. Additionally, as a “never-Trumper,” I did it to protect myself from being canceled by many in my own network. I say this last statement not to disparage those … Read More
True Christian Spirituality
“Sin is basically ingratitude, and in Christianity, religion is grace and ethics is gratitude.” -Klyne Snodgrass ‘Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is … Read More
Still Reformed and Saving Calvinism
Calvinism and especially certain Cavinists get a bad rap these days and, although some of that reputation is deserved, sadly most of our culture’s perceptions are based on stereotypes rather than serious study. But before I share a few thoughts on that, let me start with a 30,000-foot view. I’m a Christian in the Protestant tradition who believes wholeheartedly that … Read More
Three-Branch Unity: Reflecting the Heart of God
I’m a three-branch guy. What I mean by this is that I’m a Christian in the Protestant tradition that believes wholeheartedly that I share the same faith as my Orthodox and Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. There are three branches of Christianity: Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism. All three branches share allegiance to the cross and the Trinitarian faith expressed … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 5 of 6
Here are a few remaining clarifications and comforts, as well as a call for unity: On the Difference Between Adult and Infant Baptism: “Those who embrace faith in Christ as grown… [adults], since they were previous strangers to the covenant, are not to be given the badge of baptism unless they first have faith and repentance, which alone can give … Read More
Focus for Fall: Big Lessons from Small Creatures, Part 4 of 5
“Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs; the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank; the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings’ … Read More
How the Holy Family Gives Laser Focus to Ministry
In my current vocational role at Care Net, the Christmas story is especially significant, as it deals with the most famous “unplanned” pregnancy in history. Earlier this year, my wife and I went to Orlando to celebrate my mom’s birthday. While there, she gave me a figurine of the Holy Family. It was originally my grandparents’, and my mom thought … Read More
The Problems with Justification by Faith Alone
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, ESV) “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24, ESV) I thought about titling this piece “How Wesley Helped Reformed Folks Get the Gospel Right” or “Orthodox Church Corrects Protestants for De-emphasizing … Read More