I’ve been blessed by a brother in Christ who recently moved to Strasburg (he and his wife being potential attendees of the church I am minister for). When I meet with a possible new member who especially cares about theology, I figure it is best to be up front about anything he or she might…
Category: Theology
The Gospel Message in the Sermons of Acts
A continuing debate about interfaith dialogues on Twitter often hinges on whether a full gospel declaration was provided. For my undergraduate degree at Liberty University I wrote a paper, “The Gospel Message in the Sermon of Acts,” that first had to define what is in the gospel. If you click on the title, you can…
Damien and Augie’s Sermon on Angels
Last Sunday… Last Sunday Damien came over after church, and he, Augie, and I were chatting at the kitchen table. I cannot remember if I specifically asked what they would like me to preach on, but, regardless, the two boys ended up telling me they’d like one on angels. And this sermon is a result…
“The Walking Dead: Man’s Fallen Condition”
A great article by @soteriology101 on total depravity from an Arminian-ish view: “The Walking Dead: Man’s Fallen Condition”
Au Contraire Mr. Edwards
Depending on your picture of the Most High, this may sum up your perception of Him: It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31, English Standard Version). Perhaps the most famous sermon based on this sentiment is Jonathan Edwards’ “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”…
“Is Homosexual Practice No Worse Than Any Other Sin?”
Another (even longer) article worth your time: “Is Homosexual Practice No Worse Than Any Other Sin?” Although I can’t say I agree with Robert A. J. Gagnon entirely, I appreciate his logical approach and ultimate appeal to Scripture. Interestingly enough, where I might differ in accepting one sin as being greater than another is somewhat…
“Critique of The Final End of the Wicked by Edward Fudge”
Well, I thought my previous post was a little light on Scripture when it got to the section on hell. This one does a bit better…. Alan Fahrner Theo 202 S04 Summer 1 06 Critique #4 Critique of The Final End of the Wicked by Edward Fudge Critique Although I personally think Edward Fudge did…
“The Destiny of the Unevangelized and the Nature of Hell”
I imagine it’s far from the first time John Piper gave his view of annihilationism, but within the last 24 hours he wrote this: Annihilation is what the unrepentant want, not what they dread. It would be a reward, not a punishment. Non-consciousness knows no loss. I’m not going to debate the merits of his…
“What God Has Joined”
Jesus’ words about divorce appear to leave little room for the practice in a Christian context: It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and…
Is it Okay to Test God?
A new Twitter friend posted an article which showed that prayer had no effect on the success of heart bypass surgery (and that, actually, those who knew they were prayed for fared worse). For her consideration I shared my article, "A God that Does Not Want to Be Measured Will Not Be Measured." Although she…
God Gives Us What We Want
I’ve heard this C.S. Lewis quote before…but was glad to run into it in page 72 of my The Great Divorce: There are two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are…
Is There a Baby in the Charismatic Bathwater?
Interesting talk by Phil Johnson at the Strange Fire conference: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlwCcIiQs1Y&w=512&rel=0]
Jesus’ 7 “I Am” Statements in John
Jesus’ 7 “I am” statements in John for my Twitter friends Julie and Mike: John 6:35 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 8:12 (ESV) Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light…
“Homosexuality is not an identity, it is a behavior.”
In a short clip about homosexuality, “Bible Answer Man” Hank Hanegraaff answers, “Can you be a Christian and actively practice homosexuality?” (The title of this short post is a quote from his response that is very important to the discussion…even in a secular context.)
Quick Arguments Against Pluralism
Overall it seems that arguing with pluralism is like pushing against the wind. If a pluralist will not even concede the validity of the law of non-contradiction, there is nothing to "push against" to even begin an argument against pluralism. Having said that, there are two approaches: one for a believer, and one for an…