In the Arms of an Other
‘Adultery wants to sneak up on you. It might already be sliding into your life. With so much internet immorality bombarding us, I could write endless warnings against dating apps, pornography, and the rising tide of filth normalized on Reels and Shorts. Stay vigilant there. But along with online vigilance, I want you to watch your life carefully in another way.’
When Doug Wilson says he lies, believe him
‘Dishonesty isn’t just one of Doug Wilson’s annoying quirks. It is deliberate strategy. Wilson, you see, teaches the practice of “lawful deception.” That’s right, the Bible might say “Do not bear false witness against your neighbour,” aka don’t lie, but Wilson can even wiggle out of the ninth commandment. God said don’t lie to your neighbour. God didn’t say don’t lie to your enemy. If the person you’re lying to is outside the covenant, or “assaulting” or “betraying” the covenant, lie away! If they’re outside the fold, which presumably means someone who has not properly submitted themselves to God’s order, which Doug will interpret for you, lying is completely permissible.’
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out
‘I wonder how often we sin and cover our sins. It may be something small. Nobody knows. Nobody will ever find out. It may be something big. Hiding the evidence might take significant effort. Some people may hint at knowing our secret, but a few white lies are enough to satiate their curiosity. No one will ever know.’
Could Your Devotional Material Be Hindering Your Spiritual Growth?
‘There is a quiet irony in much of modern Christian publishing. We have more devotional material available to us than almost any generation in church history, and yet many Christians know their Bibles less well than previous generations did.’
Might God Be Calling You to Set a Financial Finish Line, and Give the Rest away?
‘John Wesley preached that Christians should not merely tithe but give away all extra income once the family and creditors are taken care of. He believed that with increasing income, a Christian’s giving, not his lifestyle, should increase. He began this practice at Oxford and continued it throughout his life. Even when his income rose to thousands of pounds, he lived simply and quickly gave away his surplus. He was afraid of laying up treasures on Earth, so the money went out to charity as quickly as it came in.’
Handling Ungodly Criticism
‘Matt Emadi offers pastors four suggestions for handling ungodly criticism from members in a way that honors Christ and builds up his church. Drawing from Scripture and pastoral experience, Emadi reminds us that pastors should desire the good of those who criticize them, know their people well, learn from criticism, and stay near the cross.’
From the archive: Do we need to walk to church?
‘I think being part of your community is great. I think there are various whys and wherefores and ways that might work out. But in essence, being some sort of presence in your community, seems to me, an essentially good thing… Again, I can see lots of good reasons you may want to live nearby, even within walking distance, I am just not sold on it being essential.’