“Looking back, nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults (72%) say the pandemic did more to drive the country apart than to bring it together.” - Pew

“Ordinances passed in 2019 and 2023 by Kansas City and Jackson County, respectively, prohibit ‘conversion therapy’ of minors. This a violation of free speech, the suit contends, by preventing the plaintiffs from offering biblical counsel regarding sexuality.” - Baptist Press

“They are changing the 2001 ESV for the 2025 edition—and that’s after changes in 2007, 2011, and 2016. But I’m not alarmed, and I don’t think you should be.” - Mark Ward

A Sermon delivered on Thursday evening, March 2, 1882, by the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington

(The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, vol. 28)

Like as a father pitieth his children,
so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. (Psalm 103:13)

I have been studying Romans 14 a lot lately. In this thread, I am interested in intensively exegetical and theological discussion about what Romans 14 teaches about foods, days, and worship music.

Paul begins his teaching by saying the following:

Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

“I’m writing to anyone who already assumes congregationalism. With that in mind, how does voting on members protect the gospel?” - 9 Marks

“The ESV’s 2016 edition…: ‘Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.’ In the 2025 revision, the verse will revert to its 2001 translation: ‘Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.’” - CPost

“the leaders from Chernivtsi, a southwestern Ukrainian city bordering Moldovia and Romania, expressed confusion after meeting with Congressional leaders in Washington to discuss U.S. support for Ukraine … . ‘Alarmed…. We don’t understand what stage we’re at.’” - Baptist Press

I marvel with gratitude at the wonderful opportunities that the Lord God has given me to learn from some exceptional teachers. My appreciation of this gift only grows as the years go by—and as I speak with other Christian leaders who, for one reason or another, never had such an opportunity.

One of the men who has had the greatest impact upon my theology and thinking is Dr. Myron J. Houghton, about whom I have written before. I had the awesome privilege of studying under him in five courses at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary.

“Just after Election Day in 2024, 69% of registered voters said the elections in their community were run and administered very well, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Yet only 43% said the same about elections across the United States.” - Pew

“With the recent apostasy of Kanye West, the issue of celebrity Christians has once again surfaced. In addition to Kanye West’s high profile religious rise and fall, we might think of Russell Brand’s recent profession of faith.” - Cripplegate

“For every American who believes they’re going to Hell, there are 120 who believe they’re going to Heaven. This optimism stands in stark contrast to Christ’s words in Matthew 7:13-14” - Randy Alcorn

“At BJU Seminary’s 2025 CoRE… apologist Renton Rathbun led a panel covering a wide range of issues relating to recovering the church’s authority in the world.” - BJU Seminary

“Part of our protecting religious-freedom initiatives means recognizing, in our foreign policy, the difference between regimes that respect religious freedom and those that do not … The United States must be able to make that distinction.” - CToday

“This impact will be at least as great as the internet and email were. So as we consider AI in light of ministry, its present and future, I suggest three conversations pastors should have not only with stakeholders of your ministry team but also their congregations at large.” - Word by Word

“If done well, a pastor’s sabbatical will glorify God as they come back eager to be a blessing to their family, church, and community….Here are five steps I encourage pastors to use to help their church implement sabbaticals.” - Lifeway

“Piper reinforced that while the Old Testament’s harsh penalties served to highlight sin’s seriousness, the New Testament’s emphasis is on redemption through Christ.” - CPost

“The evangelical college posted, then deleted, a message celebrating Vought’s confirmation as director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.” - RNS

Also: Wheaton College rebuked for removing post congratulating alum in Trump admin: ‘Caving to the mob’ - CPost

This post comes in response to a brother in the Middle East who seems to be combating false teaching in this area. I hope that this helps. I have not included the apposite sections within the major Systematic Theologies, nor have I included the important critical studies of Dunn or Pannenberg (which are both worth reading). These books furnish a well-rounded portrait of the Jesus of the Bible and His identity as the God-Man.

Doctrinal Works

B. B. Warfield – The Person and Work of Christ

An old standard made up of essays from various publications, this volume includes historical, biblical, apologetic and devotional material by one of America’s greatest theologians. This is a must-have.

New statement on dual - practice baptism

“Every city in America is different when it comes to regulating space for churches. However, in our current cultural climate, here are some suggestions for churches to become better neighbors in their community.” - By Faith

“The IRF [international religious freedom] community is a loose network of activists, policy experts and religious organizations that advocate for greater attention to IRF in US foreign policy. I engaged with them when I ran the Pew Research Center Global Restrictions on Religion project” - Providence

In another thread (Christ Anderson’s book), Romans 14 came up. That passage commands unity. It’s meaning is important in the schism-vs-fellowship question.

In the other thread, Larry said:

“Brierley thinks this ‘wider turning of the secular tide in the West,’ is a result of secularism’s failed predictions. A couple decades ago, the New Atheists promised a rational utopia in the wake of religious decline. Instead, we got a crisis of meaning” - Breakpoint

“Gavin Ortlund offers a critical appraisal of the Roman Catholic sacrament of penance or confession, from a Protestant perspective.” - YouTube

By Anthony Wood. Read Part 1.

His Humility Will Protect Us

For those of us who serve in a leadership capacity, the world demands that we show strength. Who among us, in the flesh, has not been lured by more power? A larger church building? An organizational structure without checks and balances?

Deeper still, which among us has not been tempted to think that “he” is the reason for a church’s effectiveness? Business success? Money saved? Children well raised? How quickly our hearts turn from the truth as we erode into self-sufficiency.

“The ‘He Gets Us’ ad campaign [aired] a new commercial during the first half of the Super Bowl on Sunday (Feb. 9), marking the project’s third consecutive year of having a presence in the big game, with the hopes of spurring dialogue and curiosity about Jesus.” - RNS

“For an ancient philosophy, Stoicism is wildly popular right now. Silicon Valley tech barons and young men in weight rooms across the country are searching for guidance, and they often find it among the maxims of Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius.” - Acton

“Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to lead and shepherd the GARBC from the men who know it best. This interview features David Strope, GARBC interim national representative, and Clare Jewell, current GARBC national representative.” - GARBC

“The old purity culture that has earned such scorn in trendy Christian circles over recent years certainly had its limitations and its problems. But it understood a couple of truths: Sex is important, not trivial; sex is sacred, not just one species of human act among others” - Carl Trueman