Calvin On Purity

Ever since God revealed himself Father to us, we must prove our ungratefulness to him if we did not in turn show ourselves his sons. Ever since Christ cleansed us with the washing of his blood, and imparted this cleansing through baptism, . . . Continue reading →

Dead Idols In The Temple Of The Living God: A Critique Of The Modern Idea Of Idols Of The Heart (Part 1)

In recent decades, the concept of “idols of the heart” has become nearly ubiquitous in the American church, and particularly in Reformed churches. In part, the popularity of this concept has come from a couple of prominent Reformed pastors and theologians, David Powlison and Tim Keller. Continue reading →

The Fruit Of The Spirit: The Third Fruit—Peace (Part 2)

When Paul talks about peace as a fruit of the Spirit, we have to remember the above aspects of peace. It is found in God, and it is from God through faith in Christ. These are objective. When Paul mentions peace as a fruit, however, he is referring to peace in a subjective way. Continue reading →

Political Therapeutic Deism

In my new book, The Spirit of Our Politics, I introduce a new term, Political Therapeutic Deism, inspired by the term Moral Therapeutic Deism which was coined by sociologists Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton. Political Therapeutic Deism is a system of beliefs . . . Continue reading →

The Utility Of Education For Perspective

Perspective is important for all areas of life. In his book, A Non-Anxious Presence, Australian pastor Mark Sayers describes a strategic shift that took place during the Korean War when the US Air Force transitioned from propeller-powered aircraft to jet fighters. When flying . . . Continue reading →

NAPARC’s Lonely Stand

It’s 2024 and NAPARC denominations stand almost alone for male-only pastors/preachers and lay leaders (elders). The Southern Baptists are far from solid on this issue (https://sbcamendment.org/) and most evangelicals are giving way by degrees. Decisive action from the SBC would help, but . . . Continue reading →

What The Hoodie Means

I was driving home from work yesterday when I saw a teenager walking down the street in 80-degree weather with a hoodie pulled over his head. It’s July! I wish I owned the patent on the hoodie design, if such a thing . . . Continue reading →