Prophet, Priest, and King: Take Two

New hymns are like fruit, I think: it’s tempting to pick them before they’re ripe, but not prudent. Thus, my hymn texts usually improve with time and critiques, and I think that’s the case with “Prophet, Priest, and King,” as well. Thanks, then, to all who provided feedback on the first draft. I’ve completed a [...]

Piper: “No, Mr. President.”

This is something out of the pages of a William Wilberforce biography: (HT: MissioMishmash, here and here.)

Be edified (for free) by mincymedia.

I’ve admired my friend Dave Mincy’s musical gifts ever since we were in the BJU Symphonic Band together when I was a freshman in college. (Precious memories. He was a musician and trombonist. I was a trombonist. Kind of.) Fast forward almost 20 years, and both of us are trying to contribute to the Christ-honoring, [...]

“I’m of Doran.”

This is really helpful. It’s essentially a call to humility and discernment, both of which need to be bolstered in fundamentalist churches, homes, and schools.Though we tend to think in binary terms (e.g. fundamentalists are obedient and evangelicals are disobedient), it’s not that simple, especially because we’re all disobedient. To be sure, we need to [...]

Tomorrow’s Sermon in 140 Characters

Twitter requires people to communicate in 140 characters or less—no easy task for verbose preachers like me. Nevertheless, here’s tomorrow’s sermon in 140 characters per my latest tweet: Mat 8-9: Leper. Soldier. Demoniacs. Cripple. Publicans. Sinners. Dead. Sick. Blind. Mute. All had man’s contempt. All had Jesus’ compassion. What a Savior we have! Praise Him [...]

Borrowing Brains: Beautiful Secular Music

I’m a music freak. While the majority of my time is spent listening to Gospel-centered sacred music, I really enjoy secular instrumental music, as well. Think common grace. (Alas, I know that some of my friends will see my favorites below as more “common” than “grace.” Probably true.) Anyway, I’m looking for tips on knock-your-socks-off-gorgeous [...]

Depression and Meds: “It’s Complicated”

My good friend Dan Phillips hosts a provocative conversation at his place on depression, the legitimacy of diagnoses like bi-polar, manic depressive, and the like, and whether treating such issues with medications is wise. It’s a response to Mike Adams’ even more provocative post at Townhall.com, “You Aren’t Bi-Polar, You’re Just a Jerk.” (How’s that [...]

Pastor, Get Out of the Way

I love preaching. Love it. In my ministerial duties there’s probably only one thing I find more invigorating than preaching: sitting under the preaching of men I’ve been privileged to pastor. Of course, that requires that I get out of the way, which I’m glad to do. There’s a reason for that. More than one, [...]

New Hymn Text: Prophet, Priest, and King

I had some unexpected free time tonight, so I did some hymn writing. It’s been a while! I was encouraged today by Eric J. Alexander’s discussion (in John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, & Doxology) of Jesus’ threefold ministry as God’s anointed Prophet, Priest, and King—a grand topic! The result of my meditation is [...]

Edwards: Christ’s Death Was Active Righteousness as Well as Passive

Thanks in large to the influence of Dr. Michael Barrett, I have come to a great appreciation of the role Christ’s active righteousness plays in our salvation. In fact, it was at Dr. Barrett’s suggestion that I added verse two to His Robes for Mine (explained here), focusing on Christ’s fulfilling God’s Law on my [...]