Jesus Denounces Moralism (The Most Respectable False Gospel)

Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the publican is one of the clearest denunciations of moralism in all of Scripture. The shocking point is that the religious moralist went home unjustified, while the repentant sinner went home justified. The issue was not that God approves of sin. The issue was that God rejects self-righteousness and gives mercy to sinners who humble themselves before Him.

Moralism is one of the most dangerous religious errors because it often looks clean, disciplined, respectable, and biblical. It talks about good behavior, strong families, clean living, moral standards, religious Continue ReadingJesus Denounces Moralism (The Most Respectable False Gospel)

Divorce and Remarriage (The Biblical Question of Abandonment)

Marriage is a holy covenant that should not be broken. But the sin of abandonment can separate what God has joined.

Few subjects require more biblical care, pastoral tenderness, and spiritual honesty than divorce and remarriage. Marriage is holy because God designed it. Divorce is grievous because it tears apart what Continue ReadingDivorce and Remarriage (The Biblical Question of Abandonment)

The Problem with Apologetics (Why I Stopped Being Jealous of Their Snappy Answers)

Our job is to bear witness to Christ, speak the truth in love, and call people to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.Our job is not to win the argument.So, use apologetics, but do not worship it. Answer questions, but do not machine-gun people with facts. Correct error, but do not forget compassion. Defend the faith, but do not confuse debate victory with gospel fruit.

There was a time when I was jealous of Christians with a talent for apologetics who always seemed to have the perfect answer. You know the kind. Someone raises an Continue ReadingThe Problem with Apologetics (Why I Stopped Being Jealous of Their Snappy Answers)

Don’t Overemphasize the Wrong Word in Romans 12:1-2

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2 is one of the clearest and most searching calls to Christian discipleship in the New Testament, but we must consider the whole verse and not overemphasize one word Continue ReadingDon’t Overemphasize the Wrong Word in Romans 12:1-2