Oct 23, 2024
The Protestant Reformation: Looking Back and Ahead
Who Were the Heroes of the Protestant Reformation?
In the first installment of this series of articles, I briefly explained that the Protestant Reformation—more commonly just “the Reformation”—consisted of an effort in 16th century Europe to reform the unbiblical teachings of the Roman Catholic Church regarding how a person was able to receive forgiveness of sin from God. The Roman Catholic Church demanded good works, money, and penance in order to secure God’s grace, while the reformers taught that “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one could boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Oct 21, 2024
The Protestant Reformation: Looking Back and Ahead
What Was the Protestant Reformation?
It is somewhat of a paradox that the name “Protestant Reformation” (more commonly known just as the “Reformation”) is made up of two words which are kind of ironic. “Protestant”—meaning someone who is protesting—no longer carries the same meaning that it did 500 years ago. Now “Protestant” is used to generally refer to any Christian church or denomination that is not Roman Catholic. And the word “Reformation” is ironic because it never happened. That’s right, the Reformation never happened.
Sep 23, 2024
Theopneustos: The Nature of Scripture Commands the Ministry of the Word
Years ago, I had the opportunity to preach in several small churches in England. Being unfamiliar with many cultural differences, I learned something new from congregants after I preached. Many of them would say, “Thank you for the ministry.” Not, “thanks for preaching.” Thank you for the ministry. Now, to me, “ministry” embodies all that the shepherd is to do, from preaching, counseling, leading, prayer, to committee meetings. But for them, “ministry” was exemplified fully in the sermon.
Sep 7, 2023
Church Planting Basic Training
When is a Church Plant Now a Fully Established Church?
There are a wide variety of opinions on the difference between a “church plant” and a “church,” so admittedly, this final article in the series more seasoned advice based my own experiences.
