Archive for March 2018
The Day of Atonement
Credo Magazine’s newest issue has arrived: “The Glory of the Atonement.” As we reflect on and rejoice in the cross of Christ this Good Friday, we want to highlight Michael Morales’ article on “The Day of Atonement.” Michael Morales is Professor of Old Testament at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Greenville, South Carolina. He is the author…
Read MoreWhat Does Christ’s Resurrection Mean for Your Local Church?
Our celebration of the Easter season generally centers on the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Having always had authority over all things due to His divine identity, Jesus is declared in the resurrection to be the Lord of the universe (Rom 1:4), the God-man who is given the name that is above all names…
Read MorePrinciples for Preaching on Easter
Every time a minister ascends the pulpit to expound and apply God’s Word it is important. But this Sunday—Easter Sunday—is especially important. It is one of the highest attended Sundays of the year. Christians, non-Christians, and nominal Christians alike will be present in churches all across America and beyond. This means pastors have a unique…
Read MoreYou say you want a revolution? Musings on The Heretic
The story of Rob Bell has resonated with many. Raised in a fundamentalist home that stressed the “do’s and don’ts” of religion, born and bred in a church that taught there is only one way to heaven, and trained to evangelize by threatening the fires of hell to unbelievers, Bell threw off the shackles of…
Read More5 Reasons Why You Should Reflect on the Final Days of Jesus
Writing the book, The Final Days of Jesus, has been life-changing. Immersing oneself in the last week of Jesus’ earthly life culminating in his death and resurrection gives one a whole new appreciation for how vital this week is in human history. In this short piece, I submit five major reasons why you, too, should…
Read MoreNew Issue has arrived: The Glory of the Atonement
The new issue of Credo Magazine is now here: The Glory of the Atonement In the twenty-first century there are few concepts as offensive to modern ears as the wrath of God. The reason why has more to do with us than God. We do not really believe we deserve such wrath. Failing to come…
Read MoreJustification and Assurance According to John Calvin
Justification by Faith Alone Calvin, like Luther, stresses that justification is by faith alone. A right relationship to God can’t be gained by works since all people sin, thus the only pathway to salvation is faith. Calvin is careful to say, however, that faith shouldn’t be construed as a work, as if faith itself justifies us, for…
Read MoreIs God unfair? The Logic of Grace
There are very few passages I’ve taught that have generated quite as much heat as The Parable of the Day Laborers in Matthew 20:1-16. The first time I ever taught this passage in church, I had just finished one of my first major projects fresh out of the MBA program. I had spent several months…
Read MoreNext issue of Credo Magazine coming soon! The Glory of the Atonement
We have an exciting, new issue of Credo Magazine coming your way soon! The topic is “The Glory of the Atonement” with contributions by some outstanding pastors and scholars.
Read MoreGod as Sovereign Creator: Revelation 4:1-11
When we approach a text like Revelation 4, we must remember that the believers in the early church were a small and persecuted minority in a hostile world. So, they needed to be reminded that God is the sovereign creator. And this passage is put in Scripture because we need the same teaching. Our world…
Read MoreHoliness and Morality
In his great work, a Discourse on the Holy Spirit: His Name, Nature, Personality, Operations and Effects ….(in Vol. 3 of the Goold edition) John Owen devotes an entire book (two hundred pages) to the sanctification of the saints. For him sanctification is as much the immediate work of God’s as is regeneration. He cites…
Read MorePraying to the glory of God (part 3)
When should we pray? Such a question sounds a bit strange when pitted with other more natural prayer questions like why and how. But I ask this question in order to prompt specific reflection on planning to pray. We can speak in platitudes about the importance of prayer, the necessity of prayer, and the content…
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