“Technology Giveth & Technology Taketh Away” by Dr Mark Ward Jr
Is modern technology a help or a hindrance to ministry? Dr Mark Ward Jr attempts to answer that question in a two-part video series entitled “Technology Giveth & Technology Taketh Away,” which I’ve posted below. In part one, he focuses on how technology can aid our Bible study, sermon preparation, scheduling, etc. Then, in part two, Dr Ward highlights several ways in which the use of technology can distract us and negatively impact our ministry. Read more 
Viewing Sin as a Rejection of Our Highest Good
The Shorter Catechism’s first question reads, “What is the chief end of man?” “Man’s chief end,” answers the Catechism, “is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The first part of the answer goes along with what we have previously said. Man was created as God’s image to reflect God glory. But notice that there is another part to the answer: “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” These are not two unrelated human responsibilities. The Catechism does not use the plural “ends” but the singular “end.” Glorifying God and enjoying God are inseparable. Read more
Viewing Sin as a Misrepresentation of God’s Character
As most theologians have noted, God’s moral law is not merely some arbitrary standard He imposes upon mankind. The moral law of God is a reflection of God’s own moral character. This fact is underscored in Leviticus 19. Before God reviews the Israelites’ obligation to conform their attitudes and behavior to His law, He declares to them in verse 2: “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” In other words, God is not just telling men to “do as I say.” He is telling them, “Be like me.” Jesus would tell His disciples after expounding the moral law, “Therefore, you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (v. 48). Read more
Viewing Sin as a Violation of God’s Law
Throughout history, Christian theologians have offered various definitions of sin. I am not convinced there’s one exclusive and exhaustive definition for the concept of sin. The concept of sin, like the concept of godliness, is multifaceted. Sin can be and often is viewed in the Scriptures from different perspectives. I’d like to highlight three ways, which I believe are helpful in defining or describing sin. The first of these three views sin in relationship to God’s moral law. Read more
Contemplating Corruption: Why Study the Biblical Doctrine of Sin?
Perhaps the most universally acknowledged reality apart from death is the presence of moral evil in the world. Virtually every religion, philosophy, and society acknowledges some defect in the nature of man. This defect is often discussed in literature, on the 6:00 news, and in the coffee shop. It’s not only found in prisons, but it’s also found on elementary school playgrounds. It’s committed by young and old, by male and female, by rich and poor, by atheist and religious. I’m speaking of the universal reality of what the Bible calls “sin.” According to Scripture, “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). Read more
Stairway to Heaven? A Fresh Look at the Tower of Babel Narrative
Pride is the root of human sin. It first sprouted in the Garden of Eden. From there its vines spread throughout the antediluvian world. Nor was it uprooted by a worldwide flood-judgment. It persisted in the line of Noah until it found monumental expression in the empire-building exploits on the plains of Shinar. The infamous “Tower of Babel” episode (Gen 11:1-9) provides a concise yet poignant display of human pride on a societal scale. As such it serves as a timeless reminder that mankind can never be “the measure of all things.” Only God can give meaning and restore access to heaven. Read more
The Enjoyment of God as Man’s Chief End: God-Centered or Man-Centered?
To suggest, as does the Shorter Catechism, that man’s chief end is “to enjoy God forever” is, in the minds of some, to promote a man-centered rather than a God-centered motivation for living. It seems to encourage Christians to serve God for what they can get from him rather than for what they can give to him. This has prompted some to interpret the Catechism’s formulation as follows: Glorifying God is man’s chief end or purpose for existence. Enjoying God is not in any sense coordinate with glorifying God but simply a by-product or consequence of glorifying God. Read more
A Mother’s Day Tonic
Meet Diana. By age 24, this slender, bright, and beautiful young woman was a newlywed with a BA in Speech Communication and a BS in Education. She loved her husband and the prospects of wifehood and motherhood. At the age of 25, Diana gave birth to a son. About two years later, she birthed a second son. At first the novelties of motherhood and homemaking were quite exhilarating. She felt blessed of the Lord to be living her fondest dreams. Read more
Toward a Catholic Christianity: More Practical Guidelines
In our previous post (Part 4) we looked at two guidelines that should facilitate to some degree the cultivation and realization of the visible Christian unity for which Christ prayed in John 17. In this final post, I’ll offer two more guidelines that should promote this goal in a way that does not compromise our commitment to the truth of God’s word. Read more
Toward a Catholic Christianity: Some Practical Guidelines
We should strive to walk on the same road with other Christians and churches as far as prudence and conscience will permit. We may not be able to travel far with some. I believe we can go quite a distance on the same road with others. I’d like to suggest four basic guidelines that should help us express a healthy and God-honoring biblical catholicity that will to some degree advance the realization of Christ’s high-priestly prayer (John 17). We’ll look at the first two below and the final two in the next post (Part 5). Read more
