Biblical Complementarianism: A Brief Introduction
“It’s hard to be a woman.” Such a simple statement is probably as controversial as it is ambiguous. Does it mean that it is hard to be a woman because men marginalize and oppress women? Does it mean that it is hard to be a woman because of the constant possibility of sexual assault? Does it mean that, in order to have a fulfilling life, women have to be successful career women, perfect mothers, and ideal wives all at the same time?...
Maximizing the Midsize Church: An Interview with David Peter
How big is your church? This question has been asked of all pastors by fellow pastors, neighbors, family members, and often on denominational reporting forms (just to name a few instances). I’ve often thought the question itself is consequential and meaningful but not for the reasons people often think. Church size is not just about a pastor or a congregation’s past or present faithfulness. It is also intimately connected to our...
Phillis Wheatley: A Culturally Confident Believer (Part II/II)
by Frank Thornsbury Phillis Wheatley was a culturally confident believer[1] who wielded considerable influence as a poetess in early America. In a previous installment of this brief biographical sketch, we considered the spirited war poetry that won her the admiration of George Washington, as well as that of his officers and of the American public. From there we asked, “What brought Phillis Wheatley to the point of becoming the...
The Practice of Christian Hospitality
by Emily Vickery The Biblical command to be hospitable often makes us feel the need to buy better decorations for the living room or find the perfect recipe for teacakes. It conjures up images of lace doilies and fine china and often leaves us feeling quite unable to measure up to the Mary Berrys and Joanna Gaineses of the world. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In her latest book, Rosaria Butterfield advocates for what she refers...
Who Is Jesus? William Whiston and Athanasius Convicted of Forgery
Introduction Who is Jesus Christ? It’s hard to imagine a more foundational question for the Christian faith. In fact, after Jesus’ own disciples rattled off other peoples’ opinion of Him, He directly asked them: “But who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29, ESV) In some ways, the answer may be simple, but, in other ways, it is more complex than we might expect. Some have argued that Jesus is a created being, even the greatest of all...
Free Will Baptists and Communion: Open but Cautious
by Cory Thompson When the church observes the Lord’s Supper, who is invited? All believers? Only properly baptized believers? Only members of that particular Baptist church? Baptists have debated the question of who may come to the Lord’s Table since their beginning. Defining Open and Closed Communion Baptists have answered this question in two ways: closed communion and open communion. Closed communion is the position that only...
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