Calvinism and especially certain Cavinists get a bad rap these days and, although some of that reputation is deserved, sadly most of our culture’s perceptions are based on stereotypes rather than serious study. But before I share a few thoughts on that, let me start with a 30,000-foot view. I’m a Christian in the Protestant tradition who believes wholeheartedly that … Read More
The Implications of God’s Special Favor, Part 3 of 5
As mentioned last week, I first became aware of and grappled with doctrine of election when I was seventeen. I had just graduated from high school a year early and started my freshman year at Baptist Bible College (BBC) in Springfield, MO. I went there because it was affordable, the largest Bible college in the world, and the school that … Read More
The Basis of God’s Special Favor, Part 2 of 5
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” 1 PETER 1:1-2, ESV I … Read More
Is the Essence of God Love?, Part 2 of 3
Growing up, movies like The Burning Hell made me think God was more wrath than love, and then, detoxing from that, I spent another thirty-five years believing love and wrath were both attributes of God. In viewing John’s plain statement that “God is love,” I stood with good-hearted teachers that said things like “certainly love is a very important attribute … Read More
Ten Things I Like About Being Presbyterian
Heaven have mercy on us all—Presbyterians and pagans alike—for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending. –Herman Melville, Moby Dick We have cool movies associated with us like A River Runs Through It. Directed by Robert Redford, this movie is based on the 1976 semi-autobiographical novel by Norman Maclean. Our idiosyncrasies, stereotypes and foibles bring a … Read More