Does your church still sing vintage hymns? Occasionally or often? Do you have a hymnal in the seating/pews?

We know that some composers (most notably the Gettys) produce modern songs that are sometimes considered hymns. But in the context of the poll, we are discussing classic hymns or Gospel songs. It will be interesting to see the various perspectives on this via Sharper Iron participants. Comments always encouraged.

I used to litter rest rooms everywhere with tracts. I still believe they can be useful in certain situations, but I don’t use them nearly as much as I used to. And, although it is a common recreational activity in the theological world to criticize the 4 Spiritual Laws, and know a number of people who were led to Christ visit this simple approach. Several tract publishers are no longer in business. What about you? Your thoughts are appreciated.

I used to litter rest rooms everywhere with tracts. I still believe they can be useful in certain situations, but I don’t use them nearly as much as I used to. And, although it is a common recreational activity in the theological world to criticize the 4 Spiritual Laws, and know a number of people who were led to Christ visit this simple approach. Several tract publishers are no longer in business. What about you? Your thoughts are appreciated.

How much longer will the war in Ukraine go on? Many had hoped that it would end quickly with a new president, but that does not seem to be happening. Do you have an opinion on the matter? Feel free to share your thoughts.

How many points of Calvinism do you embrace?

I added a place for 4 and 1/2 points because many people have told me that is where they stand. Some 5 Pointers will admit that Christ’s death is sufficient for the sins of all mankind but not intended for all mankind. Other 5 pointers seem to take a more thrift-oriented approach — no more grace than absolutely needed, no extravagance (sufficient only for the elect and no more). So where do you stand?

Hell and the Lake of Fire are clearly taught in the Scripture. Sometimes hell is referred to as outer darkness, at other times a place where the fire is not quenched. What is your understanding about this? Feel free to share comments and insights.

What will actually happen with Gaza? The president has suggested that the U.S. take over the land and build it into a beautiful place. Is this realistic? What are your thoughts?

It is easy to begin with comments “It depends” or “Yes and no.” A poll, by nature, addresses a broad summary, not so much nuances or exceptions.

I have felt overwhelmed with all the news about the many changes our current president has made in such a short time. Many of them thrill me, others I have questions about. But I don’t think I have ever seen so much creativity from Washington. Even solutions that might not work (like making Gaza into a Riviera) are out of the box.

What is your general impression?

In Romans 2:14-15, Paul speaks of law written on hearts:

14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them …

In 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, Paul uses this term to refer to believers, seemingly referring to the work of the Spirit in regeneration:

Jonathan Edwards was famous for his “resolved” statements. But, on the “vow” end of things, Solomon warns us about making vows we don’t keep: “It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay” (Ecclesiastes 5:5, ESV).

James 4:13-15 admonishes us: