Category Archives: Commentary

Where Are They Keeping That Secret Book?

UPDATE: One actually should be wondering at what kind of church will a person be ostracized and labeled for not believing the whole enchilada. Who is drawing the lines here on what is and is not “essential” to the complementarian position? Listening to the discussion at the “Send in The Clowns” post, I had aContinue reading “Where Are They Keeping That Secret Book?”

How Do I Love The Church? (Or Why Jesus Isn’t An Enabler)

I assume that we are supposed to love the church, even though there isn’t a direct command with those words in the New Testament. The love of the Psalmist for the people of God is obvious. Paul’s love for particular congregations causes him to recite his sufferings and sacrifices for their sake. His love forContinue reading “How Do I Love The Church? (Or Why Jesus Isn’t An Enabler)”

God Have Mercy On the Messenger

The ministry where I serve has students from all over the world. We have many Africans and we have many children of African immigrants. These students come from both Muslim and Christian backgrounds. Hebrews 13:3b  Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. (NLT) The 9:15 a.m. student worshipContinue reading “God Have Mercy On the Messenger”

Difficult Concept Workshop: Repeat After Me…”The Shack Is A Story”

Well here we are again, talking about The Shack. (Original Review. Follow Up. Driscoll. Witherington.) I’m going to start and finish this post with the same encouragement: TELL YOUR STORY. WRITE YOUR STORIES. TELL THEM YOUR WAY. IN YOUR WORDS. Don’t be afraid or intimidated. The story matters. Some will NEVER see it, but it’sContinue reading “Difficult Concept Workshop: Repeat After Me…”The Shack Is A Story””

Congregationalism First, Evangelicalism Later

In the November 2007 Issue of Touchstone Magazine, there’s a fascinating forum/symposium on “Evangelicalism Today.” It’s available in its entirety on the Touchstone website, and it is well worth your time. Such diverse voices as Russell Moore, Daryl Hart, John Franke and Michael Horton discuss a variety of topics of interest to the IM audience.Continue reading “Congregationalism First, Evangelicalism Later”

They Bought Me, and I’m Glad

Ordination: I was ordained to the Gospel ministry by a Southern Baptist congregation in 1980, but you won’t hear me have a lot to say about ordination. I believe in it, but in a minimalist kind of way. I don’t believe in titles. (Not calling someone Father or Reverend seems like a can’t-miss teaching ofContinue reading “They Bought Me, and I’m Glad”

What Will It Be For The Institution? Blind Loyalty or Naive Criticism?

This may be one of those posts that ought to appear over at JSS, because it has a lot to do with what Jesus was doing when he was on earth and how it continues today. BTW, I’m not criticizing the defenders of institutions. I love mine and defend it all the time, but IContinue reading “What Will It Be For The Institution? Blind Loyalty or Naive Criticism?”

Tom Schwegler: Why Contemporary Music Makes Congregational Singing Difficult.

IM reader Tom sent me some responses to the Riff on “The Slow Death of Congregational Singing.” I thought his comments were well worth posting here for your reading and discussion. Thanks Tom. Michael, I don’t read your work as much as I used to, but I caught and appreciated your excellent post on congregationalContinue reading “Tom Schwegler: Why Contemporary Music Makes Congregational Singing Difficult.”