Establishing multiple congregations

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The authors of Mission-shaped church have some interesting practical thoughts on how churches can enhance the sense of identity within their different congregations by considering some of the following dynamices. The more these are in place, the stronger and healthier will be the sense that each congregation is a “church” in itself:
  1. Establish a planned and consistent divergence of worship style…
  2. Grow a dedicated and recognised leadership for each.
  3. Establish a particular mission focus for the differing congregations.
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Islam and the Cross

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John Stott has written about the Muslim attitude towards the cross of Christ:-

‘One of the saddest features of Islam is that it rejects the cross, declaring it inappropriate that a major prophet of God should come to such an ignominious end.  The Koran sees no need for the sin-bearing of a Saviour.  At least five times it declares categorically that “no soul shall bear another’s burden’.  Indeed, “if a laden soul cries out for help, not even a near relation shall share its burden”. …

The Cross in the Book of Acts

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‘It is often asserted,’ writes John Stott, ‘that in the book of Acts the apostles’ emphasis was on the resurrection rather than the death of Jesus, and that in any case they gave no doctrinal explanation of his death.’

I have heard this assertion myself, and so was interested in reading what Stott has to say about it (in The Cross of Christ, 32-35).

Not only is the death of Christ often mentioned in Acts, but the seeds of the doctrine later developed in the epistles are there too.…

Dig Those Plausibility Structures

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D.A Carson has a helpful comment on ‘plausibility structures’ – patterns of thought that are taken for granted within a given culture – and how these change over time:-

As western culture progressively drifts from its Judeo-Christian heritage, new challenges to accurate and forceful communication are erected. It is sometimes helpful to think in terms of ‘plausibility structures’. A plausibility structure is a social structure of ideas that is widely taken for granted without argument, and dissent from which is regarded as heresy.

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What should we pray for?

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This piece by John Piper answers this question by directing us to the prayers of the New Testament.  Do our prayers have anything like the same breadth and depth?

They called on God to exalt his name in the world.  Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9).

They called on God to extend his kingdom in the world.  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10 ).…

The sufficiency of Scripture

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Three lines of argument converge to persuade us of the sufficiency of Scripture:-

(a) Jesus Christ. As Heb 1:1-2 asserts, the previous, and partial revelation of God is completed by the final and perfect revelation in Jesus Christ. And the Bible is the divinely-inspired testimony to the person and work of Christ.

(b) Salvation history. All that God has to do, and say, in connection with the bringing of salvation to the world, has been done and said.…

Calvin on ‘common grace’

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Calvinist theology is beset by some unfortunate terminology, which turns many would-be visitors away at the door.

One of those bits of unfortunate terminology is the expression ‘total depravity’.  It is too readily taken to mean that humankind is completely and utterly wicked, and that no good at all can be found in an unregenerate heart, mind or behaviour.

In order to correct this misunderstanding, we can turn to Calvin himself, and his teaching on ‘common grace’. …

Why boast in the Cross of Christ?

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Because it is:-

1. The measure of man’s guilt, Acts 3:13-15.
2. The manifestation of God’s love, Rom 5:6-8.
3. The means of salvation, Jn 3:14-15.
4. The mark of separation, Gal 6:14.
5. The motive of service, 2 Cor 5:14f.
6. The melody of heaven, Rev 5:8-10.

(Source unknown)…

Lordship salvation

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For centuries, the watchword of Christians within the reformed and evangelical tradition has been justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  However, those same Christians have taught and practiced definite standards of moral behaviour.  Believing faith must and will be accompanied by true repentance.

What, then, is the relationship between salvation by grace and obedience to God’s moral law?  Can a person be a believer without being a disciple?  What must I do to be saved? …

Tactfulness

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Tactfulness is a notable virture. Although worldly people can show it to a remarkable degree, Lk 16:8, in its highest form it is a Christian grace. It is the offspring of love and wisdom. It is the ability to be honest without being rude.

God himself is the model for tactfulness, as shown in his dealings with our first parents, Gen 2:18-24; 3:9-19; with Cain, Gen 4:7, 15; with Abraham, Gen 12:1-3; and Jonah, Jon 4:10,11.…