The Nature of Confessionalism (Part 1 of 4)
It has become fashionable for many non-mainline Protestant churches to be vague about theology and doctrine. And the traditional mainline protestant churches have jettisoned their historic creeds and confessions. If not on paper, then with function. The reasons for the ambiguity are numerous. However, what is trendy is not historical. For most of church history, denominations and churches had robust creeds and confessions. These creeds and confessions provided clarity, which helped guard against heresy and doctrinal confusion.
Gospel-Centered Churches in Des Moines
God is at work in other churches. God, the Holy Spirit, is meeting the church’s needs down the street and across town. And it takes looking up and past the present circumstances to see the greater gospel mission. There are several great churches in the Des Moines metro, but I want to take a moment to highlight a few that are meaningful to me.
A New Class System is Emerging
People are divided into classes by economics, race, ethnic background, country, and religion. At present, in America, a new class is emerging. A new division is being created. The division is between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.
Selfless-Space: Coming face to face with our human desire to put ourselves first and choosing to seek God in making choices that put Him and His will first…no matter the sacrifice
Philippians 2:3 is a verse that challenges the inclinations of every individual. A person’s tendency is not to be concerned about God and others but with the self. Yet, we admire an athlete or movie character who demonstrates a remarkable level of self-sacrifice.
Pray for Afghanistan
I am old enough to remember 9/11. I remember my exact location as massive planes hijack by Al Qaeda flew innocent people into the New York City trade towers and the Pentagon. The result of 9/11 was a war with Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Since 9/11/2001, there has been an American presence in Afghanistan. But now, the troops are coming home.
Mission and Redemption in the Genealogy of the Gospel of Matthew
Genealogies mattered to Jewish life and culture. I don’t know my great-grandpa’s name on either side of the family, but young Eli living in the 1st century Israel has his entire family line mapped out going back centuries.
The Grace of God
The word grace is commonly used by Christians and in the church. Many church names include the word grace. My youngest daughter’s middle name is Grace. In the New Testament, the favorite salutation of the apostle Paul is grace and peace. One of the most memorized passages in the Bible is about grace (Ephesians 2:8). The term grace is a big deal. It’s a theological term that has massive practical implications.
The Value and Utility of Confessions
But what is the point of a church committing to a confession of faith if she does not use it? In other words, one of the reasons a church commits to a confession of faith is because of its utility. Here are several ways a local church can use a confession of faith to build up the body of Christ.
When Scripture Speaks
The final judge for the examination and judgment of all religious controversies, decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits can be no other than Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit. Our faith must rest when Scripture speaks. – TFC Confession of Faith 1.10
2020: Dumpster Fire or Refining Fire?: The Answer Depends on Your Perspective of God’s Purpose for Your Life
It seems that 2021 couldn’t have arrived soon enough. Many are ready to embrace a new year with the hope and optimism that the turning of the calendar provides. But in order for holistic growth and fruitfulness to be realized in 2021, an alignment of our goals to God’s purposes may be necessary.