I was just reading 1 Samuel, and got to this passage: Saul and his servant were searching for two donkeys from his father’s herd and could not seem to locate them. Saul thinks they had better head home: But [the servant] said to [Saul], “Behold, there is a man of God in this city, and... Continue Reading →
Myths that We Christians Accept – my new book, many years in the making!
Ebook from KindlePaperback from Amazon Spanish ebook from KindleSpanish paperback from Amazon or from CLIE The 21st century, that digital arena where information and misinformation battle for our attention! To be sure, the internet can render up solid facts, for instance: “Who won Super Bowl XLVII in 2013?” But the very same medium also lures... Continue Reading →
Commencement Address, given at Seminario ESEPA, Costa Rica, January 31, 2025
To my dear ESEPA coworkers, to the graduates, and to their families and friends.As we celebrate this special evening, let me share a few words from the heart. They are based on this amazing promise in 2 Timothy: 2 Timothy 4:8 NIV – “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which... Continue Reading →
9Marks of a Healthy Church. Or is it 8Marks and change?
I agree with so much of the 9Marks paradigm. Sound doctrine? Check! Preach the gospel? Right! Biblical preaching? Oh, yeah! Missions? Amen! Baptism? Discipleship? Right on, right on!!No women in leadership? Hold on... You see, they had me, then they lost me. It's not so much that I disagree with them on the point. (Which... Continue Reading →
My favorite books of 2023
Last year we were in Costa Rica for Seminario ESEPA's anniversary; I gave a talk on "Christian Leaders and LifelongLearning." I suggested that "reading" was one of the best tools for building up brain power. And that reading broadly, including books we disagree with, will help rescue us from our social media echo chambers. Just... Continue Reading →
A brother is given unnecessary grief over Bible translations
I received this heartbreaking note: "I came across your website this morning while conducting research into Bible versions. This issue has become very distressing to me as a simple disciple of Jesus Christ as I don't know the original languages and I am being influenced by the King James Only position. I have read... Continue Reading →
How do we talk with others about Bible versions?
I have written about this topic in the past. For example, Me, a hater of the King James Bible? Who in the world told you that?! I showed that the stricter King James Only people such as Samuel Gipp argue that if you don’t use it exclusively, you are on your way to spiritual disaster. Also... Continue Reading →
Yes, a seminary education helped me!
It is fashionable to criticize seminary training. For example, Peter DeHaan argues that “Seminary delays ministry!” That is, the years you invest in training, are years wasting God’s time. He writes: “If God actually tells you to go to seminary, then go. Otherwise just start serving him and leave the advanced education to the academics.... Continue Reading →
Ambiguous Loss in Missionary Life, by guest poster, Nancy Mauger
This month we have a special treat from a dear friend. We have worked alongside of Nancy and her family since our earliest days on the field. She and her husband Paul provide member care for missionaries who go out from Latin America. It is from that vantage point that Nancy has published an article,... Continue Reading →
My favorite books of 2022
I just visited our seminary in Costa Rica and gave an address on "Christian Leaders and LifelongLearning." I suggested that "reading" was one of the best tools for building up brain power. And that reading broadly, including books we disagree with, will help rescue us from our social media echo chambers. Just on the level... Continue Reading →