Why are we Shocked?

Don't forget, we live in Babylon. And Babylon isn't Jerusalem - never has been, never will be (in fact, earthly Jerusalem ain't no Jerusalem either).  In two stages, Israel was taken into exile. First, the Northern Kingdom was conquered carried into exile to the Assyrian empire in 722BC. The Southern Kingdom of Judah help off … Continue reading Why are we Shocked?

Evangelicals, We Don’t Want Prayer in School (or Why We Shouldn’t)

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)

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