Category: Theology
Have You Received the Greatest Gift?
Posted on December 24, 2013 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18
Tough Truth: Christians Give Only 2-3 Percent of Their Income
Posted on December 22, 2013 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
The interview posted below is an excellent reminder of the need for Christians to be characterized by giving. It seems Christians have almost bought into the idea that government should take care of people, rather than the church. This is used to justify tithing and giving less. I commend this interview and the principles taught as a great place to start a discussion on stewardship.
The Scary Truth About Christian Giving
Interview by Rob Moll
The Bible gives a two-sided portrayal of wealth: It is good, but it can seduce us into sin. The solution, according to New Testament scholar Craig L. Blomberg, is to freely share it. In Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship (Zondervan), Blomberg, who teaches at Denver Seminary, argues that sacrificial giving is an essential part of good stewardship. He spoke with CT editor at large Rob Moll about our spending patterns and whether Christians are required to tithe.
If, as you argue, Christians are no longer bound by the Old Testament principle of tithing, what’s so bad about low rates of giving?
Over the past 40 years, self-identified evangelicals have given between 2 and 3 percent of their incomes to churches and Christian organizations. Stewardship is a crucial part of the Christian life, and according to these figures, it is sadly lacking.
Millennials Complain About Politics and Sex in the Church. Should We Care?
Posted on December 16, 2013 in Marriage, Theology by Nathan Cherry
Much has been said and written in the last decade concerning the troubling trend of Millennials leaving the church. Those that were born between 1980 and 2000 have been the subject of much speculation as they walk out of the church doors and appear to abandon their faith. The alarm has been sounded so loudly that it has reshaped the landscape of the American church as young pastors and seasoned veterans of ministry seek to retain the Millennials they have and reach the ones down the street.
A recent article titled “5 Possible Reasons Young Americans are Leaving Church and Christianity Behind” explores this topic with analysis gained from the vast resources of groups like Focus on the Family and the Barna Resource Group. It’s an interesting read.
While several of these reasons are suspect, to me, at least two of the stated reasons were easy to guess; and I would have been surprised if they were not on the list. The two are: Politics in the Pulpit and Sex.
Don’t You Want to be in Good Hands?
Posted on December 15, 2013 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
Isn’t it comforting when you know you’re in good hands? There’s a calming peace to any circumstances when you realize the person in charge is more than capable of taking care of things. Immediately we breathe a sigh of relief and feel a massive weight lifted from our shoulders. We’re in good hands.
Have you ever considered what it means to be “in good hands” when it comes to Christ? As a born again believer, a Christ follower, the idea of every detail of our lives being in the hands of Christ means we are in the “best hands” at all times. There’s never any need to worry or be concerned because the “best hands” have everything under control. And oh what hands they are.
Those are the hands that threw stars and planets into orbit and caused the universe to spin (Psa. 147:4). Those are the hands that took common, ordinary dirt and sculpted the human body in all its wonder and beauty (Gen. 1-2). These are the hands that carved out the Ten Commandments in stone (ex. 24:12) and closed the door of the ark (Gen. 7:15-16). These are the hands that held the water of the Red Sea so Israel could walk on dry land (ex. 14:21).