What Conversion Looks Like in Messy People (Like Me)
Mez McConnell shares how conversion looks different in different people: ‘If you’ve been a pastor for a while, it’s likely that you’ve seen some people convert from difficult backgrounds. The Lord saved me from a very difficult past and has given me a ministry to many who come from a similar place. In this piece, I am going to share two conversion stories: one “clean” story and one messy. In God’s kindness to me, I have seen people like John and Jane (who you’re soon to meet) come to saving faith through the witness of my local church. In considering the similarities and differences in John and Jane’s conversions, I pray you grow in boldness, discernment, and patience as you faithfully proclaim the gospel and help people live it out in their own lives.’
Aslan and the Christians Who Can’t Be Enchanted
I absolutely agree with this one. But then, of course, I would because it largely agrees with what I have previously written (see here). But I think the points it makes are absolutely spot on.
Without Exception: How to Handle Exceptions to the Statement of Faith
‘A statement of faith not only summarizes those doctrines necessary for a biblical understanding of the gospel, it also summarizes what a church believes about itself, its organization, and its mutual relations between members. These matters aren’t essential to the gospel and salvation, but they are essential to a visible church’s life together. And that’s no small thing, because we understand the visible church is the display of the gospel on earth (Eph. 3:10).’
Evangelism in the Presbyterian Church
David Robertson reflects on presbyterianism and evangelism more broadly in this one. I think this is set up to be an interesting series.
The Fifteen Foot Skeleton Key
‘One lawn in my neighborhood features cardboard gravestones with epitaphs hand-drawn by a six-year-old; another displays a full-sized Mr. Bones year-round (sporting green, gold, and purple beads for Mardi Gras), who is now joined by dozens of other skeletons around the neighborhood. Some of these streets now have more décor for Halloween than they do for Christmas. What does this signify, if anything? I have a theory about how the Goliath-sized skeletons and witches reveal the season our society is in, and which approach of Christian witness this can invite.’
Stinginess and the Generosity of God
This is an excellent article from Randy Alcorn. I think, particularly in the UK church, this is an epidemic: ‘A friend once asked me, “Do you know any generous person who’s unhappy?” I gave it a lot of thought. I know many generous people. Some have been through great tragedies or dealt with seasons of depression. But would I, overall, describe any of them as unhappy? No. Their generosity, which reflects the Lord they love, infuses joy into their lives. I asked myself another question: “Do I know any stingy person who’s happy?” The answer came quickly: “Not a single one.”’
From the archive: Is there anything that can be done in an independent church when there is a toxic eldership?
‘I cannot see how an abusive pastor – if the relevant mechanisms are actually in force and the members of a church have been told (and can see) the sinful behaviour – how such a person can stay in post. If people vote to remove him from office, then he is removed from office. The only things standing in the way of that happening are either a failure to implement the necessary mechanisms or the considered position of the majority of the congregation.’