Satan’s “pastor’s heart”

‘Satan’s decisive destruction will occur not in circles huddled around a pentagram chanting “Hail Satan” but in Christian counseling groups where participants look one another in the eye and tell each other that God is fine with their sin. Indeed, this was Jezebel’s activity, who professed to be a prophetess yet taught people to commit sexual immorality (Rev 2:20). In the end, Satan can do much more damage manifesting himself through a “pastor’s heart” than he can wielding weapons of power.’

Can I pray to the Holy Spirit?

Fred Sanders offers an answer.

Helpful hacks for preaching from a manuscript

This is so helpful. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to whether or not to use a manuscript. There are advantages and disadvantages to doing so. But if you use one (or think you would like to) these things will certainly help you.

Themelios 49.3

If you’re into it, the latest edition of the Themelios theological journal is now available.

Why Was Jesus Flogged? – A Confirmation of Propitiatory Atonement

John Stevens: ‘The flogging of Jesus is strong evidence that the cross is a propitiation of the Father’s wrath. No other “model of the atonement” can explain the reference.’

What is the earliest complete list of the canon of the New Testament?

‘In the study of the New Testament canon, scholars like to highlight the first time we see a complete list of 27 books. Inevitably, the list contained in Athanasius’ famous Festal Letter (c.367) is mentioned as the first time this happened. As a result, it is often claimed that the New Testament was a late phenomenon. We didn’t have a New Testament, according to Athanasius, until the end of the fourth century. But, this sort of reasoning is problematic on a number of levels.’

From the archive: Is there always sin on every side?

‘It is my view that if you are criticised and, as part of that criticism, you have done something wrong, then yes, you should apologise for that and seek to change. It is certainly the case that if the criticism or accusation is almost entirely accurate, swift acknowledgement of the truth and a clear desire to change are vital. Some of the time, criticism will not land square on, but the essential point will be true. We could preoccupy ourselves pointing out the minor matters of fact that are incorrect, but if the substance of the criticism is true, again we should simply acknowledge it and (where necessary) repent. That is entirely right and proper. But in cases where the criticism is simply untrue, it is not the case that you should be looking for the 10 or 20 per cent to apologise for. If there is no basis in fact for the criticism, it may have the appearance of humility to apologise for it, but it strikes me as an entirely dishonest response.’