On:
In: Bible, Church

In Part 1, we surveyed some of the Old Testament teachings on giving and tithing. In this last post, we will look at teachings from the New Testament. Giving in the New Testament Just as the Old Testament taught required offerings in the form of tithing (i.e., taxation), the NewRead More

On:
In: Bible, Church

Must the Christian give ten percent (or more) of their income in these bad economic times? If so, where does the Bible teach this? If not, why do so many believers and church leaders today maintain one must give at least ten percent? Just how much should a Christian giveRead More

On:
In: Bible, Church, Culture, Divorce, Reviews

In Part 1 we noted that, contrary to some traditional teaching, there are biblical grounds for divorce and for re-marriage. This final post compares the teachings of Paul with that of Jesus, summarizes our findings, and offers some possible implications. Is Paul’s Teaching Consistent with Jesus’ Teaching? Comparing Mt. 5:31-32Read More

On:
In: Bible, Church, Culture, Divorce, Reviews

This is the first of two posts on the subject of divorce and re-marriage. More than ever these two issues are relevant given the reductionist view of marriage in our culture and the divorce rate in our country. Part 2 will compare Paul’s understanding with that of Jesus’, summarize theRead More

On:
In: Church, Theology

What exactly is “worship?” When you go to church for “worship,” what exactly are you doing? These questions should be answered by all thoughtful believers. John Stackhouse’s recent entry “Memo to Worship Bands: Turn It Down, Please!” especially got my attention (see also his “Chris Tomlin’s Worship Songs: We Have Got toRead More

On:
In: Church, N. T. Wright

Ever think your work does not matter? Consider this thoughtful response by N. T. Wright. How does one’s work fit into the overlap of Heaven and earth? If it is true that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, then each Christian is a place where Heaven and earth overlap.Read More

On:
In: Church, Culture

There is no question that immigration issues and border policies are complex. From legal and political concerns to national security and economics, all of these variables need to be considered when sketching out a just and civil equation that adequately deals with immigration reform. But rather than pretend to tellRead More

On:
In: Church

The Witherspoon Institute hosts a document entitled Marriage and the Public Good: Ten Principles that is a shining example of solid research on why marriage, traditionally understood between one man and one woman, should be upheld on all levels legal, moral, social, psychological, and philosophical. Although published more than twoRead More

On:
In: Church, Culture

Please take the time to read A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER FOR 2009 by Dr. Ben Witherington. “God have mercy on us as a nation and may the change we have heard so much about begin within us and be solely the work of your hand!!”Read More

On:
In: Church

Inevitably I get asked this question whenever running into people who are likely Christian but don’t know me well. For some time now, I’ve been conducting a kind of experiment with my response, which goes something like “Not really going to church; just focusing on being the church.” After the wrinkled foreheads straighten and the dazed looks clear, most have no clue what I just said. In all fairness, however, I did answer a different kind of question.Read More