Last week, I had the privilege of participating in a Charles Simeon Trust workshop in Charleston, SC. The focus was preaching historical narrative in 1 Samuel. The organization is named after Charles Simeon, a faithful Bible preacher in England during the 1700s. Charles Simeon pastored for fifty-four years, faithfully preaching God's Word Lord's day after… Continue reading Charles Simeon Trust
Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 4
What does worship in the early church look like? That is the question that this short series tries to answer. This is now the final installment (here are Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3). I have been arguing that while worship forms may be different between the ancient church and today, the essence of… Continue reading Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 4
Does Jesus’ Death on the Cross Demonstrate God’s Inability? A Theological Response to President Duterte
Before the year ended, President Duterte had another controversial religious comment in an attempt to insult a Roman Catholic view also shared by evangelicals: the death of Jesus on the cross. Duterte argued that if God was nailed to the cross, then he is weak and powerless. The word he used is "nakakawala ng bilib"… Continue reading Does Jesus’ Death on the Cross Demonstrate God’s Inability? A Theological Response to President Duterte
Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 3
This is now part 3 of 4 on a mini-series of posts introducing the worship practices of the early church. I have introduced the idea that the worship in the early church—though different from today’s forms, methods, and procedures—remains the same in its essential activities. This is true in at least three major areas: the… Continue reading Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 3
Reading 9 books about the Church with the Church for the Church in 2019
Happy 2019! Mark Dever encourages pastors to read 9 books with men in their church for 9 months out of the year, not including June to August (see video below). When I first saw this in my news feed, I thought I'm too busy reading required texts from my seminary courses to participate. But I… Continue reading Reading 9 books about the Church with the Church for the Church in 2019
Bible Reading for 2019
Courtesy of Matt Botsford on Unsplash Happy New Year! For me, the new year is always a great reminder to get in the Word. Perhaps because that's when people talk about Bible reading plans for the year or maybe because my pastor preaches on the means of grace (Bible reading, prayer, etc.) every time the year begins. I… Continue reading Bible Reading for 2019
Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 2
In the previous post, I introduced the idea that the worship in the early church—though different from today's forms, methods, and procedures—remains the same in its essential activities. This is true in at least three major areas: the day of worship, the place of worship, and the elements of worship. Previously, I introduced the day… Continue reading Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 2
Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 1
While Christian worship has developed over time in some ways, the fundamental elements of worship continue to be practiced today in many faithful Christian churches. This is clearly demonstrated in the worship of the early church, particularly in the early centuries. The essence of Christian worship was never its form, methods, and procedures; rather, it… Continue reading Introduction to the Worship Practices of the Early Church—Part 1
John MacArthur in the Ben Shapiro Show
In the Sunday Special Episode 29 of the Ben Shapiro Show, Ben interviews long-time pastor-teacher, John MacArthur. JMac answers all kinds of cultural and religious questions from the perspective of evangelical Christianity. MacArthur exhibits firm conviction on Scriptural truth with sincerity, care, love, and humility. Topics discussed at various points of the interview include the… Continue reading John MacArthur in the Ben Shapiro Show
When Santa Learned the Gospel
For many Christians, the month of December is a festive time of Christmas celebration. Unfortunately, a confused message of Christmas is being taught by the juxtaposition of the story of Jesus' birth and the story of Santa Claus. Photo from http://www.santagospel.com Let's be honest, embedded in the story of Santa is the false gospel of… Continue reading When Santa Learned the Gospel