We live in a pluralistic society where ideas and cultures collide. As Christians, how should we navigate these collisions? Watching the ministry of Jesus gives us a clue. To any controversy Jesus brought grace and truth. Grace Jesus did not avoid controversy. He allowed all kinds of sketchy types and rejects to join him (Matthew 9:10). He talked with sinners and … [Read more...] about How Jesus Navigates Controversy and Culture
Are Mission Trips a Good Idea?
Mission trips play an important role in the life of believers, and they constitute a legitimate form of ministry. The idea of traveling on purpose and in the name of Jesus is biblical. The Apostle Paul planned epic trips to plant churches, but he also made small trips to simply visit and encourage believers. And on the flip side, Paul welcomed the visits and care given by … [Read more...] about Are Mission Trips a Good Idea?
David Platt and Knowing the Will of God
At RelevantMagazine.com, David Platt shares a helpful excerpt on discerning the will of God from his book Follow Me. I recommend reading the whole article, but I would nonetheless suggest the article needs further clarification. In his post, Platt lists a variety of methods we use to discover God's will, and he implies these methods are not adequate. Alluding to these … [Read more...] about David Platt and Knowing the Will of God
John Stott on the Victories of Christ
"…[F]our tyrannies characterize the old "aeon" (age) that was inaugurated by Adam. In it the law enslaves, the flesh dominates, the world beguiles and death reigns. The new "aeon," however, which was inaugurated by Christ, is characterized by grace not law, the Spirit not the flesh, the will of God not the fashions of the world, and abundant life not death. This is the victory … [Read more...] about John Stott on the Victories of Christ
Remembering Grace
I remember my freshmen year of college vividly. The walk from my car to my dorm in the presidential courtyard. Little restaurants. Friendships. Classes and class locations. New found freedom. And a growing, exhausting tension. When I was a freshman, I experienced two polar opposites that nearly tore me apart. On one side, my heart for God was growing. My spiritual longings … [Read more...] about Remembering Grace