If you're looking for a Bible study to help you engage the biblical text and challenge you for application, I encourage you to check out Crossway's new Knowing the Bible series. Each volume in this series explores a whole book of the Bible in 12 lessons. Each lesson takes you through the passage at hand and …
Love, Humility, and Unity in Theological Debate
How should we engage in theological debate? When I was fresh out of college, I developed a rapid desire to know the Bible and theology better. I began to read books, listen to lectures, study Greek on my own, and enter into conversations on theological message boards. However, while my knowledge of the Bible and …
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The Third Commandment: “Taking” God’s Name in Vain?
As rendered in the ESV, the third command of the Decalogue reads as follows: "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain" (Exod 20:7). Most people view this command as prohibiting one from speaking God's name …
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CBI Japan Featured at The Gospel Coalition
Check out this post over at The Gospel Coalition, Signs of Spiritual Awakening in Japan, written by CBI founder Michael Oh and director Brett Rayl. May the Spirit so move!
How Time Flies – Make it Count
Last week Lydia began preschool. For several years before we had children, Caroline was a teacher, so she has attended plenty of "Meet the Teacher Nights." But this most recent one was her first time attending as a parent. Afterward she said to me, "This really makes me feel grown up." And I know what …
Toward a Theology of Supporting Missionaries
Since I've been engaged in the work of "raising support," as it is commonly called, I thought it would be appropriate to offer a brief "theology of supporting missionaries." The intent of this post is to encourage those of you who participate in missions through financial support, whether you do so in partnership with us …
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For Those Considering a PhD in Bible or Theology
Should You Do a PhD in Bible? If you google "Should I Do a PhD in Bible?", you will most likely come up with several blog posts warning you about the trials and tribulations of completing a doctorate and lamenting the dire state of the academic job market. The general response is that doing a …
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Five Ways to Support Missionaries When Your Budget is Maxed Out
Missionaries have to raise support (at least most of us do!). As I connect with folks, share about the work that God is doing in Japan, and invite them to participate through prayer and financial support, sometimes the answer comes back, "We believe the work you're doing is great, and we'd love to support you, …
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Radical: A Review
I've just finished reading David Platt's book, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. Platt often speaks at the big evangelical conferences, and I had heard a lot about this book and read some responses, both positive and negative, so I was curious to read it for myself. Here I offer a brief …
The Struggle to Sacrifice
One of the aspects of Christian living that I find hardest to live out is self-sacrifice. Specifically, it's difficult for me - and I'd wager to say for all of us - to be willing to sacrifice things that I love for the sake of the gospel. In my flesh I want to cushion myself …
Newkirks in Japan 