My friend Derek Anderson died unexpectedly last week. His family gave me the honor of delivering a message at his funeral. The manuscript is below. (See the end of this post for a way to honor Derek by supporting the Benton High School baseball program.) Larry and Dena, Chris and Christina, Jay and Kristie —…
Tag: Gospel
Ministerial Sexual Abuse: High Treason in the Kingdom of God
This week, another story broke about a pastor who sexually abused a church member. That sentence seems accurate almost every week. Ministerial sexual abuse in an unfortunate constant in 2019’s headlines. As each story that breaks, the same responses multiply. Some, understandably, see such abuse as permanently disqualifying. A man who has used the office…
The Gospel-Centered Abuser
My dear Foolsgold, I read your last report with great interest and not a little pride. Your great-uncle Screwtape will be delighted to hear of your success. (He will, no doubt, claim responsibility for your accomplishments—though these, we know, should be credited to my account.) A decade ago, when your patient entered “the ministry,” I…
I Repent ≠ I Won’t Help You
This post is the third (and final) post in a series examining how we respond when we’ve wronged our neighbor. The first post (I’m Sorry ≠ I Sinned) focused on the difference between expressing remorse and confessing guilt. The second post (I Sinned ≠ I Repent) examined our obligation beyond grieving and confession, our desire to…
I Believe Some Wrong Theology
I believe the Gospel. Some of my theology is wrong. Some of my theology will be wrong at death. The Bible doesn’t indicate that God is in a constant state of annoyance with, anxiety over, or suspicion of me. He patiently loves and teaches me. How ought we to love one another?