Category Archives: Index

The Age of Accountability: The Eastern Orthodox View, Part 1

The Eastern Orthodox Churches do not believe in original sin, and yet they baptize infants. The same is true of Methodists, but the Orthodox have the most ancient tradition, and so that’s where we’ll consider this point of view. The … Continue reading

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The Holy Spirit: Romans 12 – 15

(Rom 12:9-21 ESV)  9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.  11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, … Continue reading

Posted in Holy Spirit and Providence, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Church Plants and Missions: A Framework: Mission Sunday; Evaluation; Vision

Mission Sunday The church will approve no congregational fundraisers in the 90 days before Missions Sunday other than in the case of natural disasters and similar emergencies. We’re a big church, and we have requests for very good, very needed … Continue reading

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The Age of Accountability: Original Sin

I guess we have to start with the doctrine of original sin. The term is used in different senses by different people, but regardless of the vocabulary you choose, the idea is that Adam’s sin in inherited, so that even … Continue reading

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Colossians 2:15

(Col 2:15 ESV) 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Recall the context. V. 14 vividly speaks of God nailing our indebtedness to him to the cross. V. 15 continues … Continue reading

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Church Plants and Missions: A Framework: Benefits; Time Off

Benefits We encourage our missionaries to attend continuing education at least once at year, to be paid for out of the work fund. I began this series pointing out the failure of many churches and many missionaries to keep up … Continue reading

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The Holy Spirit: Romans 12:3-8

(Rom 12:3-5 ESV)  3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith … Continue reading

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Church Plants and Missions: A Framework: Termination; Pay

Termination Should the missionary fail to adhere to the moral and spiritual standards that apply to all our ministers, we may, at our discretion, cease all support immediately without severance. It’s a sad truth that sometimes you have to fire … Continue reading

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MDR: How much misery? (Third draft)

I get emails – Jay, I have done some counseling with people in the church. One brother in his 60’s told me recently that he had been very unhappy and even miserable in his married life for over 35 years. … Continue reading

Posted in Divorce and Remarriage, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Church Plants and Missions: A Framework: Finances; Taxes

Our arrangement with the missionary, in general We will assure timely payment of support every month. This is a big deal. If you’re the sponsoring church, it’s your job to get the missionary’s money to him or her on time … Continue reading

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