Take Your Stand

What’s the difference between creeds and confessions, and are they helpful to the church today? And what about church covenants? I give an overview of the distinctives of these documents and explain their benefits for contemporary believers. They can be helpful tools that summarize our faith and convictions. Specifically with covenants, they also remind church members of their commitments to one a...

Is it appropriate to sing new music to the Lord? When we examine Scripture, we see the emphatic affirmative answer. As we walk in a dynamic, on-going relationship with the Lord, so our music should reflect this relationship rooted in God’s deliverance.   Anthony L. Chute, Nathan A. Finn, and Michael A. G. Haykin, The Baptist Story: From English Sect to Global Movement, (Nashville: B&H Publishi...

Although baptism may seem fairly straightforward, there are two different views about what the practice represents. As a result of those theological understandings, there’s a variety of how believers actually baptize. I give an overview of believer’s baptism and Paedobaptism, then give a Scriptural analysis for why I believe the former most closely aligns with the explicit teaching of the New Test...

How do we know that God really accepts believers even when they sin? Hebrews 10 gives us two clear reasons for such confidence. As we reflect on each aspect, we find peace and assurance as we seek to grow in our faith.   “Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ For Sinners and Sufferers,” by Dane C. Ortlund: https://www.crossway.org/books/gentle-and-lowly-hcj/   Scripture quotations taken from the N...

Many times, church membership is presented almost as a Biblical command. But is this accurate? I examine what membership is and the Biblical reasons why church membership is important for the believer, even if not a direct command.   Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible For All It’s Worth, Fourth Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014. 69, Kindle.   Scripture quotations taken f...

As we deal with pain and sorrow, we search for a refuge—someone or something we turn to for comfort, security, and rest. The only Refuge which offers lasting peace is the Lord Jesus Christ. I share some examples of false refuges, then conclude with an encouragement to look to Jesus for our comfort and peace.   Psalm 11 ESV by the Corner Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7fYvt1PAV8   Scripture...

Scripture speaks of a Kingdom over which Christ will reign, but where is this Kingdom and when will it come? There are three main views on the subject, and I give a description of each. I then conclude with a defense of the Pre-Millennial view and a few notes of how the doctrine effects our lives now.   This article gives more details about the Post-Millennial view: https://postmillennialworldview...

The term “the world” can refer to the earth, humanity, or an ungodly mindset, depending on the context. I share some Biblical examples of each of these then move into a discussion of worldliness. God doesn’t call believers to withdraw from society, but He does charge them to guard against adopting ungodly attitudes and heart desires.   Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standar...

Calvinism is one of those terms tossed around frequently, but what exactly does it refer to? I share an explanation and brief history of this theological concept. I also give a Biblical critique of its strengths and weaknesses.   Erickson, Millard. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013. 572-573, Kindle. Ortlund, Dane. Gentle and Lowly: the Heart of Christ for Sufferers and Sinners...

While we sing for the glory of God, we also sing to edify one another. I share several Scripture passages that teach this horizontal aspect of our music. I then conclude with a few reflections on how the dual-purpose effects other aspects of the songs we sing.   Merker, Matthew. Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers As God’s People. Wheaton: Crossway, 2021. 68, Kindle.   Kauflin, Bob. “Words o...

Scripture primarily calls us to sing for the glory of God. This truth is rooted in the story of redemption and is expressed throughout the Bible. As we sing for the glory of God, we praise Him both for who He is and what He has done. He is worthy of our songs.   Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission...

Why do we sing? More specifically, why does God want us to sing? This episode introduces a miniseries that seeks to answer this question. In Scripture, we are called to sing for the glory of God and the edification of one another. I share a brief overview of this point and explain it’s significance.   Matthew Merker. Corporate Worship (9 Marks: Building Healthy Churches). Wheaton: Crossway, 2021....

The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead demonstrates Jesus’ heart in the midst of our trials. Although God’s will doesn’t always include healing or removing every difficulty in this life, He will produce good in us as He draws us closer to Christ. No matter what we go through, however, we can trust the heart of Christ and lean on him.   Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New Amer...

Seven years have passed since I lost my sight in a car wreck. I share a brief account of what happened and how God had prepared us for that event. I also share some of the main lessons the Lord has been teaching me in the years that followed. Tripp, Paul David. Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People In Need of Change Helping People In Need of Change . Phillipsburg: P&H Publishing Company,...

In this final episode of the mini-series, I look at how believers maintain unity while holding their own convictions. We hold fast to the gospel and walk in love and grace with other believers, including those who hold different convictions and practice. Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr. “A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity.” Albermohler.com, 2004. https://albertmohler.com/2004/05/20/a-call-...

How do we find convictions in the gray areas of the Christian life? In this episode, I share a few passages of Scripture that provide a framework as we answer the question. I then propose five principles that can serve as a starting point in determining convictions. Albert Mohler. “A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity.” 2004. https://albertmohler.com/2004/05/20/a-call-for-theologic...

A helpful category for understanding gray areas of faith is Albert Mohler’s concept of “Theological Triage.” This concept helps us identify which areas are essential and how we can respectfully disagree with other believers in other areas. We aren’t relativizing the faith; we are simply recognizing some matters of practice require us to rely more upon the Spirit’s guidance. “A Call for Theological...

The security of salvation for the believer is in the gospel, not in the particular convictions we hold. Paul makes this point repeatedly in his epistles, using this truth as the foundation for the unity of the church. The diversity among believers isn’t a cause for concern, but rather, reflects the great multitude God is saving through Christ. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. “A Case for Theological Triage a...

The Bible acknowledges that there are some gray areas in how we live out the faith. These shouldn’t make us unsettled, for the Lord has given guidance concerning our convictions. In this episode, I present an overview of the topic, drawing primarily from Romans 14. The matter of “faith” is central to the discussion. Kevin DeYoung. “The Hole in Our Holiness.” (Wheaton: Crossway, 2012). Kindle E-rea...

The terms “evangelical” and “evangelicalism” can be somewhat confusing. This is because they have a broad usage and a more narrow application. I give a short overview of the subject and suggest two books for further information. “Gospel People,’ by Michael Reeves: https://www.crossway.org/books/gospel-people-tpb/ “Finding the Right Hills to Die On,” by Gavin Ortlund: https://store.thegospelcoaliti...

When it comes to reading the Bible on our own, there are a few techniques or tools that can act as a guide. As we look at repeated words, we can find the main point and carry that with us. I give a few examples of how this plays out and offer some questions of application. For the meaning of “appraise:” “G350 –anakrinō - Strongs Greek Lexicon.” Blue Letter Bible, 2023. https://www.blueletterbible....

Although we may not often think about it, our songs teach us. There’s nothing wrong with the fact: Scripture says that’s one purpose of music. We should rejoice in songs that accurately teach truth and be discerning with new music we listen to. Holy, Holy, Holy – traditional hymn A Triune Prayer, Chris Anderson and Molly Ijames All Praise to Him, Sovereign Grace Music (Matt Merker and Bob Kauflin)...

I share a broad overview of the season and explain the basis for the main points to be covered. The local church and music have been themes I’ve wrestled with with for several years, and I’m excited to bring these up throughout the season, although each episode won’t always address them. I also share a brief lesson about the need to develop a deepening relationship with Christ in the face of diffi...

As I close out this season, I share five of my favorite books. Most of them have been talked about at some point on the podcast, but I group them here together and give a brief overview of why I believe each of these books is worth reading. Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

In this episode, I recap where we have been over this season. We have covered a lot of ground in discussing how we got the Bible as well as surveying a few translations available today. I bring things together and present a short overview of the main terms, figures, and events to remember. I also share a few takeaways and lessons we can learn from this study. Scripture quotations taken from the NA...