Several months ago, sitting in the Indiana Memorial Union with my friend Adam deWeber, two students approached us and asked if we'd do a quick survey for a class project. We agreed and were given sheets with twenty-five or so questions. One of the questions was 'do you support prayer in schools?' I asked what … Continue reading Evangelicals, We Don’t Want Prayer in School (or Why We Shouldn’t)
apologetics
Could Paul Have Been Wrong?
Maybe. The question came up (not for the first time) last week as I was preparing to preach on 1 & 2 Thessalonians. It's common to hear that Paul, at the outset of his ministry, thought Jesus would be returning within his lifetime. So, did he? Could Paul have been wrong? It depends. Paul might … Continue reading Could Paul Have Been Wrong?
Why did I become a Calvinist?
Another question: What led you to your Calvinistic position, especially after attending an Arminian (Wesleyan) college? I think I was predisposed to Calvinistic theology and against Arminian theology growing up. My dad (who doubled as my pastor) wouldn't have identified himself as Reformed or Calvinistic, but he strongly emphasized the doctrine of eternal security. I … Continue reading Why did I become a Calvinist?
Double Predestination
Another great question from the same friend who asked about God changing his mind. He writes, "My biggest question with Calvinism deals with the concept of double predestination. How do you handle this topic? Does that bother you?" I did struggle with double predestination (election/reprobation) at one time. What helped ease the discomfort was understanding … Continue reading Double Predestination
Does God Change His Mind?
Earlier this week a friend sent me a couple of really good questions, and with his permission, I'm posting questions and my responses here. The first question has to do with God changing his mind in Numbers 14:11-21 where Moses pleads with God to spare the Israelites. Some have suggested this text and the others … Continue reading Does God Change His Mind?
God Entranced 