Read your King James Bible and several times you’ll run across the word “sackbut.” Say that today and somebody will feel insulted. Back in 1611 people knew it was a musical instrument. Language changes as centuries pass. That can happen with theological vocabulary too. Take the word “keys.” Listen hard to sermons, to your Christian […]
Archives for October 2014
Guest Post on ChristianMomThoughts.com: “Training Wheels for Your Child’s Prayer Life”
I am thrilled that Natasha Crain invited me to write a post on her great Christian parenting blog, “Christian Mom Thoughts.“ Natasha writes on apologetics for parents, equipping them to help their kids grow in a strong and well-informed faith, and she now has a book under contract with Harvest House. Check out her work — but […]
That Body and Blood Thing (Heidelberg Catechism Q76)
One Sunday long ago that rarest of things happened: A woman who had never before set foot in a church came and joined us for worship. Her son had asked why they didn’t go to church. Ours was in the neighborhood. They showed up. I mean they had never, ever been in a church before. […]
A Prayer for Timothy Matthew Slemmons
Last night at UDTS we installed my friend and colleague, the Rev. Dr. Timothy Matthew Slemmons, as Associate Professor of Homiletics and Worship. I was honored to be asked to offer a prayer in the service. I thought I would share it with you, especially since many of you who know him could not be […]
Remember Your Baptism? What About It? (Heidelberg Catechism, Q71)
On many Sundays I find pastors telling me “Remember your baptism!” Sometimes water is poured into the font. Sometimes there is a bit of liturgy. But what do we remember, really? I hang around Presbyterian churches. Most of the people around me were baptized as infants. How many secretly respond Nope! Can’t remember a thing about it.” Even […]