Using A 'Popish Festival' As An Opportunity To Preach Christ    Link

"We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas. First, because we do not believe in the mass at all, but abhor it, whether it be sung in Latin or in English; and secondly, because we find no Scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Savior; and consequently, its observance is a superstition, because not of divine authority. Superstition has fixed most positively the day of our Savior's birth, although there is no possibility of discovering when it occurred." In this article, Tom Ascol explores how Spurgeon's 19th century church regarded Christmas, in terms of doctrine and evangelism.... [Read Link]

The First Thanksgiving: Who Were The Pilgrims?

On this day we remember the hardship, faith, and accomplishment of that group of historic Christians known as "The Pilgrims". Who were they, and what were their beliefs?... [Read More!]

Reformation Remembered: Do We Need Another?

Yesterday's CrossTalk radio program is now available in the audio archives, and it's one download that you don't want to miss. For Reformation Day 2005, Pastor Rick Phillips discussed Rick Warren's plan and proposal for a new (purpose driven?) Reformation based on "deeds" rather than "creeds". Pastor Phillips reminds us of what was important about the 16th century Reformation, and how it's beliefs differ from the "therapeutic gospel" that's popular today.... [Read More!]

Why We Need The Puritans Today - Part 1

Puritanism was at heart a spiritual movement, passionately concerned with God and godliness. Why do we need the Puritans today? The answer, in one word, is maturity. Maturity is a compound of wisdom, goodwill, resilience, and creativity. The Puritans exemplified maturity; we don't. We are spiritual dwarfs. ... [Read More!]

Still Relevant: John Owen's Pursuit of Holiness

1683 marked the end of the earthly life of an English pastor named of John Owen. He was buried in London where five years later, his friend John Bunyan would be buried near him. John Owen was a pastor, but many also regard him as England's greatest theologian. J.I. Packer called him "the tallest of the redwoods". So what's the most important thing that we should learn from the life of John Owen today? ... [Read More!]

A Missionary And The Faith of His Father

John Piper gives this account of one father's impact on the son who later became one of the great missionaries in church history. The life of these men, and the way in which they parted, is a story that I wont soon forget. Fathers, this will inspire you to seek the Lord on your children's behalf.
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No 'Desperate Housewives' Among The Puritans

I've never seen the top-rated show in America, but I learned all that I needed to know in just a couple of minutes on Google. Watched by 20 million Americans weekly, Desperate Housewives even has secular reviewers using terminology like "trashy" and "demeaning to women". The Parents Television Council says: "episodes have included nudity and sexual situations between [a character] and her teenage gardener, as well as discussions of [anatomy] and sexual function". One plotline involved a woman who works from home as a prostitute without her husband's knowledge. You're probably not shocked that such a show exists, but you might be surprised to find out how many modern churches are using this specific TV show to help "market" their church. Here's a look at why they're doing it, as well as some contrasting thought from Christians in past centuries. ... [Read More!]

"Love God? Sometimes I Hate Him!"

Those are surprising words to hear from the leader of the 16th century Reformation. They are more understandable however, when you consider that Martin Luther spoke them while he was still an unregenerate Monk living in a German monastery. One has to wonder how much trouble one Augustinian Monk could get into, while living in such a place, but Luther would sometimes spend long periods of time confessing his daily sins, and punishing himself for them. He saw himself as a great sinner, and He had an accurate understanding of The Law of God, as revealed in the bible. As is the case with The Law, for all of us, no matter how hard you try to follow it, there's always one more thing you could have done better. And so it is that nobody is justified (made righteous - so as to enter heaven) by following the Law. Because of this, Luther the Monk saw God as demanding and harsh. Fortunately for Luther, he was on the verge of an epiphany of grace, that would change his view of God forever. ... [Read More!]