12
Jun
2023
How are We Running the Race?
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Paul described how he ran with purpose, “Run in such a way as to get the prize….Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly….No…I make [my body] my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize“ (1 Cor 9:24-27). “I press on toward the... Read More
9
Jun
2023
Fear of Man vs. Gospel Credibility
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One of the greatest and most common dangers for Christians is falling into the trap of the fear of man (Prov 29:25). Christians must be on constant guard against allowing their lives to be controlled by what others might think of them. Today the fear of man often manifests itself in a Christian beginning to... Read More
5
Jun
2023
“Spirit of Glory and of God” Or “Eschatological Glory and the Spirit of God”?
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The Greek article usually has minimal influence on the interpretation of a passage, but sometimes its presence is quite meaningful. 1 Peter 4:14 is one of those times. It is debated, however, and our goal in this short blog post is to consider the best interpretation of the passage. The broader passage is referring to... Read More
30
May
2023
A Down Payment on a Good Home
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It is that time of year here in Michigan when you begin to see yard sales cropping up around your neighborhood. When I decide to sell something, I have become more fond of the online methods that eliminate the unpleasant experience of moving things from your yard where they did not sell back into your... Read More
22
May
2023
Christianity: It’s a Religion (Not Just a Relationship)
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You’ve heard the mantra a dozen times: “Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship.” This statement is quite wrong. Firstly, because it’s a false dichotomy (can’t it be both?), but secondly because if we have to choose, Christianity is more fundamentally a religion than it is a relationship. The trouble here is our definition of a religion.... Read More
15
May
2023
Summer Series: The Use and Misuse of Transcendental Arguments in Apologetics.
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On June 20, DBTS will host the seminar: “The Use and Misuse of Transcendental Arguments in Apologetics.” This seminar will be presented by Dr. Michael Riley, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Wakefield, MI. The seminar is built off of Dr. Riley’s Ph.D. dissertation at Westminster Theological Seminary. Many who hold to a presuppositional view... Read More
26
Apr
2023
The Future of Pro-Abortion Arguments
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A recent Wired article fascinated me. It began with the line, “One day, human wombs will no longer be necessary for bearing children.” It continued, highlighting the scientific advances that make it quite probable that there will be artificial wombs in factories within the foreseeable future. Of course, this is a fascinating topic on its... Read More
29
Mar
2023
Love Covers Sins
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As Peter considers the coming eschatological end of all things, he appeals to his readers to “above all have constant love for one another” (1 Pet 4:8). The statement, “above all” indicates that this is the most important principle out of those he provides in this context. The centrality of love is not surprising. Of... Read More
23
Mar
2023
Free and Informed Choices
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Each spring I teach a section in a third-year pastoral course aimed at helping aspiring pastors deal with change and conflict in churches. I have been doing it for years, but the escalating level of tension in our culture that is seeping into churches and ministries has given me an even greater sense of urgency... Read More
20
Mar
2023
Reviewing Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision
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I have not engaged substantially in the study of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Most of the celebrity that Bonhoeffer has earned is in the spheres of ethics, piety, and courage (and he rightly merits our admiration on those counts); still, I have been concerned that unqualified celebration of these traits might unwittingly commend as well his theology,... Read More