Tag: Justification

Racial Segregation has no place whatsoever in Christ’s Church

One of the most sickening and illuminating sections in Stephen Wolfe’s apology for nationalism was not so much what he said about the nation state but this quote on the church. Indeed, civil fellowship is what makes strong church fellowship possible, because people do not lose their particularity when they pass through the doors of… Continue reading Racial Segregation has no place whatsoever in Christ’s Church

In his name

Quite a few worship songs talk about “the name of Jesus.”  Classics include:  “There is power in the name of Jesus” “There is a name, who reigns without contention …” “What a wonderful;/beautiful/powerful name it is.” “I speak Jesus” There is a risk with these kinds of song lyrics that they could be perceived superstitiously… Continue reading In his name

The shame myth

There’s a little myth that has gained currency over the last 30 years to the point where it is generally held as unchallengeable truth.  The theory goes like this: Western cultures are all about guilt and retribution, Eastern cultures are all about honour and shame.  Reformed/Evangelical Theology has paid too much attention to the former… Continue reading The shame myth

I am NOT Jesus

John Stevens mentions on his blog a new video game “I am Jesus.” The idea is that the game simulates various events from Jesus life in order that you can get to know the events of his life through experiencing them.  John rightly points out that whilst this may seem like a great idea, the… Continue reading I am NOT Jesus

The danger of Federal Vision

I’ve mentioned the so-called Federal Vision a few times here.  This is the position associated with James Jordan, Peter Leithart and especially Doug Wilson.  I thought it was worth revisiting it as my social media timeline has been busy again recently for some reason with discussion about Wilson and Federal Vision.  I think as well… Continue reading The danger of Federal Vision

Why did Jesus get baptised? (Mark 1:6-13)

Mark’s Gospel is shorter than the others with a greater sense of immediacy and urgency. The focus appears to be much mor eon the narrative and so we don’t tend to get the extended conversatinos and teaching we find in Matthew and John. So, when Mark takes a bit of time to flesh out a… Continue reading Why did Jesus get baptised? (Mark 1:6-13)

A magnifying glass on my sin

Back in 2019 I was becoming increasingly irritable and snappy.  I found that my patience was in short supply and that I struggled to find joy and delight in things.  Perhaps it was no surprise then when towards the end of the year I found myself diagnosed with Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder. Things had… Continue reading A magnifying glass on my sin

Happy Reformation Day

Over 500 years ago today, Martin Luther nailed his theses –  a set of 95 propositions for debate to the door of the church in Wittenberg.  This was to spark the Protestant Reformation.  The reformation is about much more than that one act of protest though. At its heart was the rediscovery of what Scripture… Continue reading Happy Reformation Day

Sanctification Romans 6:15-22

Available to watch here I frequently say that our relationship with God means that we must allow him to disagree with us through his word.  In what ways has God challenged and disagreed with you through his word?  In my case I remember one specific challenge being that as a pastor, my responsibility is not… Continue reading Sanctification Romans 6:15-22