PRACTICING POSTMILLENNIALISM (1)

Evangelism, Great Commission May 19, 2017 Leave a comment

PMT 2017-040 by Jeffery J. Ventrella, J.D.

In this study series, I will addresses a vital, yet often overlooked topic: the ethics of eschatology. Stated simply the pertinent question posed is: If theonomic postmillennialism is true—and it certainly is—then what differences here and now should this conviction make in the lives of Christians and their churches? What should be the character, and what should be the conduct of a professing postmillennialist?

The answer to this question is multi-faceted. At least five ethical implications flow from postmillennial convictions. Theonomic postmillennialism—rightly conceived and practiced—demands our: Continue reading →

CONSERVATIVE CHURCHES ARE GROWING

Church May 16, 2017 1 Comment

PMT 2017-039 by Kate Shellnutt (Christianity Today)

Amid the decades-long decline in mainline Protestantism in North America, researchers in Canada recently found an “elusive sample” of congregations whose growth has bucked the trend.

The key characteristic these exceptional Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and United churches had in common? Evangelical theology.

With fewer evangelicals and more secular surroundings than their brethren in the United States, Canada’s mainline denominations collectively lost half of their members over the past 50 years. Continue reading →

CHRISTIAN LIBERTY AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Ethics May 12, 2017 Leave a comment

PMT 2017-038 By Mischelle Sandowich (Reformed Health)

Note from Ken Gentry:
When I have posted articles on the Christian and alcoholic beverages (as an aspect of the Christian worldview), I have received a good number of email inquiries. Apparently there is an interest in the question, so once again I will post an article on the topic by my friend Mischelle Sandowich.

As Christians with liberty, we are free to drink alcohol under three conditions:

• Abstain from drunkenness
• Avoid alcohol addiction
• Do not harm a weaker brother

We’ve addressed Christian Liberty and Drunkenness here and now we will consider Christian Liberty and Alcohol Addiction. Continue reading →

HOW CARL SAGAN RUINED SCIENCE

Creation, Culture, Science May 9, 2017 Leave a comment

PMT 2017- 037 by Robert Tracinski (The Federalist)

The organizers of the ‘March for Science’ follow the legacy of substituting a political narrative for the distinctive language and methods of science.

Robert Tracinski writes: I am a Carl Sagan fan from way back. His 1980 TV miniseries “Cosmos” hit me at just the right age and inflamed a lifelong love of science. But we’ve had nearly 40 years to assess the long-term effects and see how Sagan unwittingly contributed to a trend that muddled public understanding of science. This weekend’s so-called “March for Science” is a perfect example of what went wrong. Continue reading →

5 REASONS I’M A CALVINIST

Theology May 5, 2017 Comments: 11

PMT 2017-036 by Stephen Altrogge (The Blazing Center)

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “Calvinist”? A grumpy, cold-hearted person who only wants a select few people to get into heaven? An annoying guy who won’t stop rambling on about Romans 9? That awful, sterile, passionless church you used to go to?

I get it.

Calvinism doesn’t have a fantastic reputation, at least in some circles. Some people feel like it focuses more on theology than on loving people. Others have had really bad experiences with Calvinists. And some people think it runs counter to the beautiful free offer of grace found in the Bible. Continue reading →

DEYOUNG, PERSECUTION, POSTMILLENNIALISM

persecution May 2, 2017 Leave a comment

PMT 2017-035 by Larry E. Ball (author, Blessed Is He Who Reads)

Pastor Kevin DeYoung represents the standard view of the modern church with regard to the present and future expectation of Christian persecution (Four Thoughts on Persecution in America). However, I have been silent too long. It’s time to post a contra-view. Consider the following.

1. As Pastor DeYoung rightly suggests, the examples of “persecution” in the Bible refer to acts of violence toward Christians such as arrest, imprisonment, and even death. I would include a loss of employment and being ostracized by a particular community. Certainly, it can refer to pure hatred. Continue reading →

EUROPEAN MUSLIM CONVERTS TO CHRISTIANITY

missions April 28, 2017 Leave a comment

PMT 2017-034 by Fox News

Christianity is making a comeback in Europe – and it’s mostly thanks to Muslims, say experts in Islam and faith leaders.

A soaring number of Muslims, many of them refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, are converting to Christianity, breathing new life into Europe’s once floundering Christian churches. The Muslims are flocking to various Christian denominations, experts said, including becoming Protestants, evangelical or Catholic.

As many parts of Europe are becoming more secular and houses of worship are seeing congregants leave in droves, it is Muslim converts who are reviving struggling Christian churches. Continue reading →