“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”  (Matt. 5:13–16). That text is often cited as if it were a mandate for the church to engage in political activism — lobbying,…

  A note from Pastor Tedd: Last month we addressed why the 39 books of the Old Testament. This month let’s look at why the 27 books of the New Testament.   ** CLICK HERE TO READ PART 1 **   How do we know that these 66 books, and no others, comprise the inspired Word of God? … In this article, I would like to offer a simple answer that…

Last year we as a church voted to make clear in our statement of faith what we believe about marriage. The vote was unanimous. Here’s what we as a church agreed on: We believe marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime, designed by God to be a picture of the relationship of the…

Every movement and organization has their sayings. They can be helpful when they are accurate and memorable. But they can also be destructive when they are inaccurate and memorable. Such sayings float around a bit in Christendom. Thus, it behooves us to evaluate things we say against Scripture so that we accurately represent the faith. Oftentimes newer or mis-shepherded Christians will latch…

“I’m moving to Canada.” Personally, Canada would be way too cold for me, but I get the sentiment.  However, instead of fleeing for the hills, maybe it’s time for American Christians to start living like missionaries in their own country. Before you get offended, let me assure you that I am in no way belittling the millions of American Christians who are…

Have you ever looked at your Bible and wondered, “How do we know that these 66 books, and no others, comprise the inspired Word of God?” That is a critically important question, since there are many today who would deny that these 66 books truly make up the complete canon of Scripture. The Roman Catholic Church, for example, claims that the Apocryphal books which were written during the inter-testamental period (between the Old…

(Article Source: http://thecripplegate.com/love-the-hurt-feelings-bookkeeper/#more-58962) Insurance companies amaze me sometimes. Something like one little speeding ticket or a minor fender-bender, and everything changes. Your monthly payment sky-rockets. They no longer trust you. Simply for doing the human thing of making a mistake, you henceforth are placed on insurance detention. They not only record the minor mishap, but your previously good relationship with them goes sour…

On Voting, Part 3… To Vote Or Not To Vote In the first installment of this series, I addressed what we do know for certain. Whatever form of government under which believers in Christ live, we are instructed to pay our taxes, live respectful lives toward those in authority, and be praying for them (Rom. 13; I Tim. 2; I Pet 2). In the second essay, I reminded…

Article Source: http://thecripplegate.com/5-truths-were-keeping-from-our-youth-groups/ When I do campus evangelism, I often start the conversation this way: “What are two reasons you stopped going to church?” I’ve asked hundreds of students that question, and the most common responses make me think that church youth groups have failed dramatically. I understand that every human being is responsible for their own sin, and that even the best of youth groups…

{ ARTICLE SOURCE: http://michellelesleybooks.com/2016/03/01/guest-post-daughters-of-the-king-dont-take-personality-tests/ } Scrolling through my Facebook news feed this week I must have come across at least half a dozen personality tests all calling to me — all begging me to answer their questions so each one could tell me who I really am. Am I an introvert or an extrovert? Am I emotional or intellectual? Am I an Anna…