Ministry in the times of loss and death is one of the crucial roles of a pastor, so good examples of such ministry are indispensable. Recently in our church a dear brother took his own life. Such a situation raises a host of challenges and questions. Many people continue to think that a person who …
Continue reading ‘Suicide, Justification by Faith & Pastoral Care’ »
Here is George Herbert’s wonderful poetic portrayal of justification by faith: LOVE LOVE bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back, Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning If I lack’d anything. ‘A guest,’ I answer’d, ‘worthy to be …
I think God is really teaching and growing me in the realm of grace and much of it is tied to the book of Galatians. Eric Smith who is preaching through Galatians has commented on this (here and here) and has helped me in conversation. At our church, we have been walking through Galatians as …
Following some request I have posted the print version of the funeral message for my brother. It is basically complete except for the gospel proclamation at the end. I have been delayed in getting this up due some technical issues, and that has caused me to reflect on the fact that it has finally, in …
As I mentioned previously Dr. Gerald Bray is with us at Union for a couple of weeks as our Scholar-in-Residence. On Tuesday he spoke at our Christian Studies colloquium addressing the current debate on justification particularly the recent interaction between John Piper and N. T. Wright. Bray’s editorial on this topic in the Churchman stirred …
By Faith Alone: Answering the Challenges to the Doctrine of Justification Ed. Gary Johnson & Guy Waters (Crossway, 2006), pb, 219 pp. I obtained this book because I wanted to read more particularly about Federal Vision (or Auburn) Theology. The book is presented as a response to both Federal Vision and the New Perspective on …