The nature of global missions has changed radically in the latter part of the twentieth century. As Edward L. Smither says in Christian Mission: A Concise Global History, “though the United States continued to be the leading mission-sending nation at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the Global South church now sends the majority of
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The Consequences of Unbelief
To renounce immutable truth does not convert falsehood into truth. To deny God is not to destroy Him. And to deny human depravity is not to achieve human perfection. Once faith in the living God has declined, it is natural that unbelief will soon prevail over the dead fragments of doctrine so carefully embalmed in
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Abraham Kuyper on Christian Conduct in the World
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). We can now see clearly the distinction between the twofold process a sinner undergoes when he or she returns to life. The Divine Act On
Read moreWho Were the First Christian Missionaries?
According to the author of the Didache, Origen, and Eusebius of Caesarea, the early church communities sent unnamed, itinerant evangelists to travel and cross cultures to proclaim the gospel. Origen notes: “Some of them, accordingly, have made it their business to itinerate not only through cities, but even villages and country houses, that they might
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Pure Theology Is Purifying Theology
For William Gouge and other Puritans, practical divinity encouraged rigorous reflection, introspection, and a disciplined life in order to help believers discern even the tiniest degree of faith that testifies that they are elect, thereby bringing consolation to the anxious soul. They were concerned that if one overemphasized justification and assurance at the neglect of
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How KJV-Only Christians Responded to Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible
The primary audience of Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible was not actually KJV-Onlyism, per se; I aimed instead at those Bible readers who use the KJV out of habit, or perhaps because they are simply unaware of the existence of more contemporary options. But, of course, numerous KJV-Only Christians—especially pastors—have
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The Apostles’ Creed for a New Generation
Today’s guest post was written by James A. De Jong, retired president of Calvin Theological Seminary. He is widely published in the history of Reformed theology and history of missions. He has taught on the undergraduate and graduate levels and has lectured globally. Ben Myers’ new book The Apostles’ Creed: A Guide to the Ancient Catechism is
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What Paul’s Prayers Teach Us About Early Christian Worship
The Apostle Paul begins all of his letters with a greeting, often calling on God and Jesus together as the joint source of blessing. These greetings may seem rather commonplace but they reveal an important development in early Christian prayer. In Honoring the Son, Larry W. Hurtado investigates the devotional practices of the early church and
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The Most Significant Step in Early Christian Worship
Larry W. Hurtado has been one of the leading scholars on early Christology for decades. Hist new book, Honoring the Son, provides an entry point for students who are just beginning their study of Christology and a succinct summary of his research set within the current academic debate. In this excerpt, Hurtado summarizes ancient Jewish
Read moreWords of Power: The Ancient Catechism
You recite it. But do you understand it? The Apostles’ Creed has united Christians from different times, places, and traditions. In his new book, Ben Myers reintroduces the creed, showing us it’s power and meaning for us today. In this excerpt from the introduction, Myers traces the origin and purpose of the creed, giving Christians
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