August 2018

Century 2: Christianity at the Crossroads

Posted On Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Section: 
Mortification

Century 2: Christianity at the Crossroads

The second century of the church hasn’t received much attention from historians, as it lacked what many would call “remarkable developments.” Michael Kruger disagrees. In his recent book, Christianity at the Crossroads, the RTS president fills in the gaps on how the challenges faced, decisions made, and directions taken by second century Christians were essential to the growth and future of the young church of Jesus Christ.

Professor Kruger offers examples of the political and intellectual resistance Christians faced at that time, and draws helpful parallels with the present day. Join the crew, as we discover how our faith took root in the second century.

The second century of the church hasn’t received much attention from historians, as it lacked what many would call “remarkable developments.” Michael Kruger disagrees. In his recent book, Christianity at the Crossroads, the RTS president fills in the gaps on how the challenges faced, decisions made, and directions taken by second century Christians were essential to the growth and future of the young church of Jesus Christ.

The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is member supported and operates only by your faithful support. Thank you.

It's One for the Money...

Posted On Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Section: 
Mortification

Money can be a pretty sensitive topic for pastors to address, so there’s often a temptation to avoid the subject altogether. However, the needs of a church must be clearly communicated to its congregants.

So, what principles should be followed? How much should members give—a tithe? What if someone is unemployed, or going through financial difficulty? Can the financial offering be replaced with service to the church?

The team may not have all the answers, but today’s discussion offers some general guiding principles with a good dose of sanctified wisdom!

Money can be a pretty sensitive topic for pastors to address, so there’s often a temptation to avoid the subject altogether. However, the needs of a church must be clearly communicated to its congregants.

So, what principles should be followed? How much should members give—a tithe? What if someone is unemployed, or going through financial difficulty? Can the financial offering be replaced with service to the church?

The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is member supported and operates only by your faithful support. Thank you.

Special Needs, Special Love and Care

Posted On Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Section: 
Mortification

The team sits down for coffee with Tim and Jonelle Frost. Tim is an associate pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, VA, which Carl refers to as “Todd’s megachurch!”

Tim and wife Jonelle talk openly about the initial shock and all-consuming journey of raising a child with Down’s Syndrome. The couple recounts their struggle with Declan’s health issues, their physical and emotional exhaustion, and how—through it all—the family gives glory to God, and rejoices in their little one. Grab a mug, pull up a chair, and be encouraged by this dear brother and sister as they share precious advice, and relate the love and care provided by their church family.

The team sits down for coffee with Tim and Jonelle Frost. Tim is an associate pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, VA, which Carl refers to as “Todd’s megachurch!”

The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is member supported and operates only by your faithful support. Thank you.

Feeling Blue?

Posted On Wednesday, August 08, 2018
Section: 
Mortification

It’s group therapy in the bunker. The crew is feeling blue, and the only cure at this moment is to get together and discuss their gloominess.

Depression and anxiety are real issues. But is depression a sin? Saints from Biblical times to today have experienced discouragement and depression. What can we learn from them?

Join the meeting and find out how to minister to those who are struggling with this issue, as we discover what measures of comfort the Word of God offers to those who are in Christ.

It’s group therapy in the bunker. The crew is feeling blue, and the only cure at this moment is to get together and discuss their gloominess.

Depression and anxiety are real issues. But is depression a sin? Saints from Biblical times to today have experienced discouragement and depression. What can we learn from them?

Join the meeting and find out how to minister to those who are struggling with this issue, as we discover what measures of comfort the Word of God offers to those who are in Christ.

 

Show Notes

The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is member supported and operates only by your faithful support. Thank you.

Religious Freedom: No Piece of Cake

Posted On Wednesday, August 01, 2018
Section: 
Mortification

What does the Supreme Court ruling on the Masterpiece Cakeshop signify for religious freedom from the conservative perspective? Should the decision be celebrated or not quite yet?

The crew welcomes Dr. Matthew Franck to shed some insight on this case and to answer a few other questions. He’s Director of the William E. and Carol G. Simon Center on Religion and the Constitution and author of a vast number of publications.

As a scholar of constitutional law, Matt attaches himself to the text and its original meaning and reminds us that the free exercise of religion is in the first amendment and, therefore, superior to other societal notions of “freedom”. He also offers helpful advice to Christian individuals and small institutions. Grab a piece of cake and join us!

What does the Supreme Court ruling on the Masterpiece Cakeshop signify for religious freedom from the conservative perspective? Should the decision be celebrated or not quite yet?

The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is member supported and operates only by your faithful support. Thank you.