I once arrived home from a camping trip covered with mosquito bites. I had tried to protect myself from getting bitten, for I react pretty severely to bug bites. My skin gets all red, swollen, itchy, and hot, and I sometimes feel feverish and fatigued. I mixed up a blend of oils—citronella, peppermint, lemon balm,…
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Though argument does not create conviction, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish. Austin Farrer, “The Christian Apologist,” in…
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Conclusion: Why Does This Matter? “Most evangelical Christians today seem to treat their church as one more thing to help out their Christian life, perhaps along with this Bible study, that music, those authors, this retreat, and keeping a journal. In other words the Christian conceives of his or her spiritual life as fundamentally one’s…
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The Gospel Was Given for a Time Like This “The gospel was not given to a world without sin, without confusion, without difficulty and persecution—that world needs no gospel. The gospel was given to a world like this one, a world marked by every kind of pain and perversity. This world needs a gospel and,…
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I God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. II Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill he treasures up his bright designs, and works his sovereign will. III Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread…
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Augsburg Confession of Faith presented to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Written by Philip Melanchthon and representing the views of the early Lutheran reformation, it took a strong stand on the necessity of justification by faith alone. Hopes that the emperor would sign the confession were dashed when he commissioned traditionalists to respond and then…
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There are few people who don’t love to read or watch a good mystery story. There is an allure to that which is mysterious, a thrill in the search of the valiant detective for the truth that draws us to (vicariously) join in the quest. Conspiracy theories take this allure to a whole new level.…
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The true gospel is radically exclusive. Jesus is not a way; He is the way, and all other ways are no way at all. If Christianity would only move one small step toward a more tolerant ecumenicalism and exchange the definite article the for the indefinite article a, the scandal would be over, and the…
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Chapter Thirteen: A Gathered Church: Putting Together the Membership of the Church “The physical gathering of the church presents a theological reality. The refractions of God’s image in thousands of cultures and races and millions upon millions of individuals is presented, however partially and imperfectly, in the weekly meeting. The visual witness of the diversity…
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3 Truths to Speak To Your Temptation “The temptation to sin is inevitable when you are a sinful person living in a sinful world. But the actual committing of sin is by no means inevitable when you are made a saint through Christ Jesus. Learn to speak truth, his truth, to every temptation.” 10 Ways…
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