Most people love a formula. Do this. Do that. And you'll get this. Simple. No mystery. No strain. No unpredictability. We want a formula for dating, marriage, work, community, church, sports, and especially for our spiritual lives. Two cups of Bible. One half teaspoon of sermons. Three tablespoons of unsalted community. Stir in devotional book. Evenly pray pan. … [Read more...] about The Formula for Spiritual Growth
Articles
Baptism
I have put together a brief FAQ on baptism. I have used this over the years in talking with candidates for baptism, and I thought I would share it has a helpful resource for you. It relies heavily on Grudem's Systematic, but I hope to update it further with other sources. So be sure to check back at hobotheology.com/baptism for updates. What does it mean to … [Read more...] about Baptism
What Are “These Things” in Titus 3:8?
Paul writes to Titus, "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works" (Titus 3:8). Sounds important. We better be careful here. So what exactly are "these things?"William D. Mounce (2000) argues: τούτων, "these things," refers back at least to the creed in vv … [Read more...] about What Are “These Things” in Titus 3:8?
Don’t Stop Believing
Charles Spurgeon on the need for abiding faith: Oh that we might always live so that the Lord might see in all our actions that they spring from faith. Then shall our actions as well as ourselves be always accepted of Him by Christ Jesus, for the Lord has plainly declared, "the just shall live by faith; but if any man draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him" - that … [Read more...] about Don’t Stop Believing
Don’t Cancel Youth Group Yet
From my article Don't Cancel Youth Group Yet at RootedMinistry.com: I remember my high school youth group with fondness. Death-defying games, sitting legs-crossed on Berber carpet, acoustic guitars and songs sung in a round, overhead slides slid the wrong way, worn out back pocket Bibles…these images stir my heart as much as they cause me to grin and chuckle.Most of the … [Read more...] about Don’t Cancel Youth Group Yet