Kevin DeYoung's Blog, page 202

Tormented Souls

[image error]We don't remember Lot as particularly righteous. Instead of settling in Canaan he chose Sodom where the men were wicked, great sinners against the Lord (Gen. 13:13).  Even worse, when it came time to flee the soon-to-be-destroyed city, Lot lingered (Gen. 19:16). And after he escaped the city he got drunk and had sex with his daughters (at their instigating). All in all, not a great track record for Lot.

But Peter still manages to call him "righteous." And if the Lord repeatedly assured...

Monday Morning Humor

More Brian Regan in old school, odd looking cartoon form:

Spartan Stunner

If you're a Michigan State fan you already know all about this play from Saturday night. With the Spartans needing a long field goal to tie the game and send it into a second overtime, Coach Dantonio instead opted for "Little Giants," an audacious fake field goal that calls for the punter to throw down field.

The punter, Aaron Bates, is a senior at MSU and a strong Christian (like his roommate, quarterback Kirk Cousins). Bates has been to our church a few times. I'm happy for him and the rest ...

Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:10-11).

Satan is an accuser and a deceiver. In both cases his weapons are words, which is why we ...

Say it Ain't Seu!

I have long admired the writing of World's Andrée Seu. She is clever, funny, provocative, and a delight to read. She also has a habit of making eminently good sense.

This is why it was so surprising and disappointing to read her latest piece on Glenn Beck. She calls the conservative commentator and professed Mormon "a new creation in Christ." Later she adds, "I can say without hesitation that I have not heard the essentials of the gospel more clearly and boldly in any church than on his...

Does the Bible Really Teach the Perseverance of the Saints?

Herman Bavinck:

Whatever apostasy occurs in Christianity, it may never prompt us to question the unchanging faithfulness of God, the certainty of his counsel, the enduring character of his covenant, or the trustworthiness of his promises. One should sooner abandon all creatures than fail to trust his word. And that word in its totality is one immensely rich promise to the heirs of the kingdom.

It is not just a handful of texts that teach the perseverance of the saints: the entire gospel...

More Advice for Theological Students and Young Pastors

I don't think I am all that wise, but I have made mistakes. I also know some of the ways in which I need to grow. So at the risk of overdoing it, here are twenty-five other things I wish I knew when I started out in ministry (and am still learning now):

21. Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Get in touch with seminary profs.  Try to get a top notch speaker in once in awhile.  Make contact with churches your respect. Build a network and learn from others.

22. Keep reading.  Please keep...

Advice for Theological Students and Young Pastors

Twenty things I wish I knew when I began the ministry (and am still learning now):

1. Take advantage of opportunities to be taught by others. Get the most out of books, lectures, and special speakers in seminary, because soon you'll be be doing all the putting out with few people to put it in to you.

2. Beware of closing your heart to people.

3. Be a pastor for the whole church, not just part of it (don't be just one group's champion).

4. Establish your priorities at the church early and...

Monday Morning Humor

Brian Regan material I hadn't heard before!

A Communion Prayer of Thanksgiving

From the Didache, Chapter 10 (late 1st or early 2nd century):

We give you thanks, Holy Father,

for your holy name, which you have caused to dwell in our hearts,

and for the knowledge and faith and immortality that you have made known to us through Jesus your servant;

to you be the glory forever.

You, almighty Master, created all things for your name's sake,
and gave food and drink to humans to enjoy, so that they might give you thanks;
but to us you have graciously given spiritual food and...