My first real exposure to the concept of speaking in tongues was at youth conference when I was in my teens. The speaker mentioned this fantastical possibility, this new, exciting and necessary part of the Christian faith. I remember him encouraging us to speak in tongues and telling us how important it was. He spoke of … Read more
There is a saying in Christendom that goes something like this “God will never give you more than you can handle”. This is a mantra that is repeated over and over as a way of building up the willpower to overcome an especially difficult situation. As it were, there is a struggle and a weight … Read more
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwkAAzGomL0 At a special weekend apparently and ironically themed “The Glory of God,”, youth at Cross Church do the “Harlem Shake.” The church, then, posted the video on their YouTube channel. In case pop-culture is not your thing, the Harlem Shake is a dance popularized by a musical artist (I use that word loosely) named … Read more
God’s called deserve the best preparation for ministry for God’s people that is available. – Jeff Crawford, President of Cross Church School of Ministry and Teaching Pastor [vimeo http://vimeo.com/69573317] Through a series of “powerful messages,” God began to move in a “mighty way” in 2012 as Ronnie Floyd’s “vision” for the Cross Church School of … Read more
Tony Miano recently wrote an article titled “Abortion Abolition is Not the Gospel“. As far as that goes, we agree with Miano: abolition is not the Gospel. We have said the same thing ourselves on numerous occasions. We are Gospel-centered, and as we have explained to our critics before, we believe that the work of … Read more
I was listening to a recent sermon of a Southern Baptist evangelist, Bill Britt, who was encouraging the students at Truett-McConnell College to “look alive” while he was preaching. In order to spur them on, he told an anecdote that I immediately recognized. He purported, “I was in a revival one time and a guy … Read more
Brothers, The oft-heard phrase in Reformed circles, ‘Semper Reformanda,‘ came first from Jodocus van Lodenstein – a Dutch Reformed stalwart who coined the expression in a devotional publication in 1674. According to Lodenstein and others who began to use this terminology, it was not enough for a resurgence of Biblical literacy to reform the doctrine … Read more
I recently heard a song that blurred the line between Jesus and a theoretical boyfriend in one of the most blatant ways possible. It was only on the second listen when I realized “Hey, that song has the word “Lord” in it. She’s singing about God! What on earth…….?” It was a real stunner, and … Read more
I recently heard a song that blurred the line between Jesus and a theoretical boyfriend in one of the most blatant ways possible. It was only on the second listen when I realized “Hey, that song has the word “Lord” in it. She’s singing about God! What on earth…….?” It was a real stunner, and … Read more
I remember attending Christian retreats/festivals/revivals/conferences. These were much-loved quiet times of reflection, a time to spend in unabashed and unashamed camaraderie with fellow believers. More importantly though, they always had great music. I knew without a doubt that the evenings would be intense. It would be a kamikaze of blue lights, key changes, tears, sweat, … Read more
I remember attending Christian retreats/festivals/revivals/conferences. These were much-loved quiet times of reflection, a time to spend in unabashed and unashamed camaraderie with fellow believers. More importantly though, they always had great music. I knew without a doubt that the evenings would be intense. It would be a kamikaze of blue lights, key changes, tears, sweat, … Read more
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. … Read more
Is the doctrine of the Trinity something worth standing resolute on anymore in the Southern Baptist Convention? The question, seemingly obvious among the people who turned back the liberal tide and fought for the inerrancy of Scripture 35 years ago, must be asked in the early days of 2014 when one looks at the schedule … Read more
Monday’s Program – Alan Doane; On Monday’s program, JD begins by discussing a recent article he posted at Pulpit & Pen about whether or not Christians are obligated to register or surrender their firearms. Click here for the link. JD also spoke to Montana legislator, Alan Doane, about various issues relating to Christians in politics. … Read more
There is an art to most modern evangelical altar calls today. While this is no means a detailed vivisection of the entire process, it does highlight one key element that seems to be crucial to sustaining the entire process and practice. Hopefully the sheer familiarity and shared experience of such encounters will serve to prove … Read more
