Author: faithrootsdw

The papal mirror: How Evangelical commentary on the death of Pope Francis tells us more about Evangelicalism than it does about the Pope and Catholicism

What we say and do when someone is dead is more to do with ourselves than it is to do with the deceased, even if we talk in terms of respecting them or their wishes.  The things we say in eulogies, obituaries and articles analysing a person’s legacy tend to tell us more about ourselves… Continue reading The papal mirror: How Evangelical commentary on the death of Pope Francis tells us more about Evangelicalism than it does about the Pope and Catholicism

Who is God?

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You may notice two things from some recent blog posts.  First I’ve been engaging quite a bit with some theological issues specific to the Doctrine of God and also to do with what being human entails.  The former has focused on questions to do with whether God has emotions, the latter around sin temptation and… Continue reading Who is God?

Oh thou who changest not: God as pure act and a warning about imported metaphysics

One of the challenges with the EFS debate was the tendency by those critiquing Grudem Ware and others was to get frustrated with their failure to follow classical theist formulations. They would then accuse those who held to EFS of either being in outright heresy or straying into heresy.  The problem was that they ignored… Continue reading Oh thou who changest not: God as pure act and a warning about imported metaphysics

When a pope dies

Yesterday Pope Francis died.  As with the death of any public figure, the politicians and media were ready with their long prepared statements, eulogies and obituaries.  I was, admittedly surprised to see Evangelical outlets such as Evangelicals Now and The Gospel.Coalition had articles ready to go.   To be honest, this didn’t feel like something we… Continue reading When a pope dies

Is having children the best long term strategy for church growth?

Ian Paul writes that “the best long-term strategy for church growth” .. is child birth.  Now, as John Stevens has said when commenting on the article, yes, encouraging people to get married and have children is a good thing to be doing and very counter cultural.  However, it is not by any stretch, a strategy… Continue reading Is having children the best long term strategy for church growth?

Is God’s wrath eternal?

Linked to the recent conversation about God, emotions, passions and affections, someone asked about whether or not God is eternally wrathful.  Will he continue to have wrath/righteous anger after Satan has been thrown into the lake of fire. Interestingly, those who identify with classical theism have been the strongest in insisting that God is not… Continue reading Is God’s wrath eternal?

“I have seen the Lord” What difference does Easter make? (John 20)

On Friday the tomb was closed and sealed.  We left the disciples deserted, despairing, denying, and doubting. Then came the dawn of that Sunday morning . Some women arrive at the tomb and see angels before heading off to tell the other disciples back at Bethany.  On the way, they meet Jesus. Mary Magdalene seems… Continue reading “I have seen the Lord” What difference does Easter make? (John 20)

What difference does Easter make?

Here’s my story of the difference that Easter/The Resurrection has made in my life. In fact, today marks a double celebration. As well as it being Easter Sunday, it’s also the 45th anniversary of when I put my trust in Jesus. Here are some thoughts on how to preach the difference the resurrection makes