Conforming to Non-Conformity

This one is excellent on the phenomena of conformist non-conformity: ‘[Grunge] was initially a countercultural movement, an angsty expression of non-conformity to the status quo. But, of course, as it grew in popularity, it morphed into the norm. The object of non-conformity turned into its very opposite to the degree that people young enough to be Kurt Cobain’s grandkids wear the shirts as fashion. Conformity is an important word for Christians. As redeemed worshipers, we are called to reject conformity to the world as we pursue transformation through the renewal of our minds in Christ (Rom 12:1-2). However, in striking parallel to the Nirvana shirt phenomenon, some efforts at non-conformity are disguised versions of conformity.’

7 Tips for Getting More out of Sunday Sermons

There are lots of posts out there about how preachers can best help their congregations get most out of their sermons. There are fewer articles about how listeners can get the most out of the sermon. This one offers 7 suggestions for how hearers can benefit most from preaching.

What Is Christian Fellowship? 

I was recently asked this very question. This one gives a helpful answer: ‘The language of fellowship is popular in Christian circles because it is biblical language. The Greek word behind it, koinōnia, involves more than small talk or friendship. It refers to a close association with others that involves active participation in something larger than the individuals who share in it. Scripture uses this language to describe something unique about the relationship Christians have with one another. While much more could be said, allow me to highlight three characteristics of Christian fellowship.’

The Dying Thief’s Theology

‘The thief who was saved on the cross has been the occasion of far too many unnecessary debates over whether one can be saved apart from baptism or without performing any good works or whether death-bed conversions are reliable. Such discussions distract from the truly remarkable theology this man possessed—a theology that leads me to regard him as one of the great theologians of the New Testament.’

One Tool to Rule Them All

I’ll be honest, I don’t like Lord of the Rings and I am pretty sick of the endless analogies Christians make to it. However, despite doing just that in this one, I think the wider point made and the specific comparison drawn is spot on.

Church Branding Isn’t Church Planting

‘When we started church planting, we were taught to differentiate ourselves from other churches. Every church has the Great Commandment and the Great Commission—why does your church need to exist? We were taught to craft a vision statement to highlight the uniqueness of the church we were planting. I’m going to challenge this.’

From the archive: In defence of acquaintances and casual friendship for community

‘I want to avoid calling them superficial because in these less intense relationships I have still had some incredibly deep and helpful conversations with my friends. But the friendship itself isn’t the kind of fulsome and (potentially) more intense friendship I might have with somebody else. It doesn’t make it less deep or less valuable, just different. And I think that’s okay. In fact, not only okay, but actively good and beneficial for us in altogether different ways.’