CHESTERFIELD – Being able to wrestle with intellectual issues and yet have the ability to aptly relate such issues to the common man is a rare and desirable trait. Eric Metaxas, New York Times bestselling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and recent speaker at the American Renewal Project conference here, perfectly possesses this trait. Both charming and charismatic, Metaxas bridges the gap between the intellectual and the simple. Seeking to help Americans contemplate the … [Read more...]
Pulpits and politics: Second American Renewal Project event to be held March 22-23
KANSAS CITY – “What role should pastors have in the political spectrum?” This question formed the basis for the Missouri Renewal Project Conference held in Kansas City on December 7-8. The event included special guest speakers such as Missouri Attorney General (AG) Josh Hawley, social critic Os Guinness, and numerous other pastors, political pundits, and historians. Training was also offered for Christian leaders considering running for public office. The conference was geared to encourage … [Read more...]
‘Nothing new under the sun’: Unborn life, biblical sexuality addressed by the Reformers
JEFFERSON CITY – The author of Ecclesiastes once wisely wrote, “there is nothing new under the sun”. This truism is perhaps best exhibited in society’s current moral failings. For many Christians, it seems as though issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender dysphoria are new problems facing the church. However, a closer examination of church history shows that Christians have argued against these very same moral issues throughout previous generations. As we celebrate the … [Read more...]
Evangelical leaders’ affirmation of biblical sexuality necessary
NASHVILLE – The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) released, on Aug. 29, the Nashville Statement, a 14 Article affirmation of biblical sexuality. The statement addressed issues such as the definition of marriage, gender distinctions, various sexual sins, and God’s all-sufficient saving grace. It was initially signed by more than 150 evangelical leaders across denominational lines, and is currently available for both reading and signing on the CBMW’s website. Perhaps the most … [Read more...]
Did an eclipse darken the land on Good Friday?
JEFFERSON CITY – As August quickly approaches, many people throughout the Midwest are gearing up for perhaps the most hyped up event of the year, dubbed solely as the “Great American Eclipse.” As hotel rooms are booked, vacation days are requested, and travel plans are made, some Christians may have wondered if the Bible contains any examples of a similar phenomenon. When thinking of midday darkness, one biblical event specifically comes to mind – Christ’s crucifixion. Just before Christ … [Read more...]
Theology shapes view of culture, God
There was a time when the term “theology” related solely to issues within the church. Theology was viewed only as a tool to differentiate between denominations or to resolve internal church struggles. However, limiting theology merely to the realm of church-related or scholarly concerns demonstrates forgetfulness regarding the numerous areas of life affected by biblical theology. Since sound theology helps Christians rightly understand the Word of God, theology should practically … [Read more...]
Why does theology matter?
I can remember having weekly vocabulary tests in Elementary school. Nothing was scarier than coming across a word that was long and complicated. As I became older, I realized that one word was misunderstood and feared throughout many of our evangelical churches – the term “theology”. Many Christians today have preconceived notions about what “theology” means, as well as its suitability for use in church. In apparent defiance, many well intentioned Christians claim that the Bible alone is … [Read more...]