A New Book on Orthodoxy and Heresy in Early Christianity
1934 was a big year for Germany. It was the year that Adolf Hitler became the Führer and complete head of the German nation and the Nazi party. And, as we all know, it wasn’t long after that time, that Germany invaded Poland and began World War II.
But 1934 was a significant year for another reason. Very quietly, behind the scenes, a book was published that would change the landscape of early Christian studies for years to come. Walter Bauer published his now famous monograph, Orthodoxy and Heresy in Earliest Christianity. Compared to Hitler’s rise, this was not very newsworthy. And Bauer’s book did not have much of … Continue reading...
How Do You Know the Scriptures are from God? One Testimony in the Early Church
It probably comes as no surprise that the most common question I receive from both Christians and non-Christians is “How do I know the Bible is the Word of God?” And the reason this question is at the top of the list is not hard to determine. The authority of the Bible is the foundation for everything that we believe as Christians. It is the source of our doctrine and our ethics. Thus, we need to be able to answer this question when asked.
Let me say from the outset that there is not just one answer to this question. I think there are many ways that Christians can come … Continue reading...
Where Are They Now? RTS Charlotte Alumnus J.R. Foster
One of the most exciting programs over the last few years at RTS Charlotte is the Institute for Reformed Campus Ministry (IRCM). The IRCM is designed to equip our students for the challenges that are unique to campus ministry–and there are many. The college campus is one of the most critical battle grounds in our world today, and we are please to play a role in sending well-trained men and women to labor there.
The IRCM involves a specialized degree emphasis in campus ministry, as well as the IRCM Fellowship (a community of folks headed to campus ministry), IRCM events and lunches, and more. You can read more about it … Continue reading...
A Classic Example of an Incoherent Worldview
As one considers the values of Hollywood and American pop culture, it would be easy to conclude that no one is concerned all that much about morality. The dominant message is that people should live whatever life-style suits their personal preferences. What is right for one person is not necessarily what is right for another.
Or so it would seem.
Just about the time you are convinced that Hollywood thinks morality is relative, a major entertainment figure steps forward and speaks out vigorously about a moral cause. Maybe it’s the environment. Or perhaps its racism. Or maybe the moral cause is caring for the poor. Regardless, it turns out that, … Continue reading...
My Interview with Ed Welch of CCEF
This past fall, RTS Charlotte launched its new degree program in biblical counseling. We are very excited about how God will use this new program to bless the church with men and woman who have been trained to apply God’s word more effectively in a one-on-one context. You read more about the program here.
Last week (Jan 19-22), Dr. Ed Welch from the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF) came and taught a week-long course for RTS Charlotte entitled, “Ethos and Essentials of Biblical Counseling.” The course was so full (87 students) that we had to move it to our chapel.
During the lunch break on that Tuesday, I … Continue reading...