Tag Archives: application

Convictions and Preferences

Convictions and Preferences

The evangelical world has come to make much of the distinction between convictions and preferences. For example, evangelical preacher Andy Stanley recently preached a sermon in which he stated that preferences arise from emotion, while convictions are based on principle; preferences are oriented toward here and now, but convictions are oriented toward the future; preferences… Continue Reading

Philosophy vs. Application

Philosophy vs. Application

I have strong convictions about church ministry and worship philosophy. I also have strong opinions about certain applications of that philosophy. But these are not the same thing. Neither are they equally important. Philosophical convictions are judgments based on clear, biblical principles. Notice that I did not say that the convictions themselves are necessarily clear,… Continue Reading

What kinds of differences affect cooperation?

What kinds of differences affect cooperation?

Last week I suggested that differences of worship and music philosophy will sometimes necessitate withholding cooperation, but that depends upon (1) the particular difference and (2) the particular situation. I also pointed out that when we do express those differences, we should be sure to accurately portray our opponent. Today I would like to address… Continue Reading

Culture doesn’t just change

Culture doesn’t just change

I received an email a few days ago asking what I thought about a few particular contemporary Christian songs. The individual mentioned that he thought that hymns have always been simply reflections of whatever music existed in the current culture, and that these songs were no different. I’ve copied my reply to him below in… Continue Reading

The road from interpretation to application

The road from interpretation to application

Last week at the Annual Evangelical Theological Society meeting, the theme of the meeting was “Creation Care.” This is not a subject that I find particularly interesting, but in the final plenary session, Doug Moo made a point that was quite helpful and that applies to areas that I am certainly interested in. In the… Continue Reading

Discernment and worship (Part 2)

Discernment and worship (Part 2)

This entry is part 2 of 8 in the series Discernment for the Glory of God You can read more posts from the series by using the Contents in the right sidebar.

Last week I argued from Philippians 1:9-11 that discernment is of great importance to the believer as an important part of living for the glory of God. This week my thesis is that as believers give themselves as a sacrifice to God in an act of sacred worship, discernment is an important act that flows… Continue Reading

Why I don’t preach specific applications in church meetings

Why I don’t preach specific applications in church meetings

I have strong convictions about worship philosophy. I also have strong opinions about certain applications of that philosophy. But these are not the same thing. Neither are they equally important. Philosophical convictions are judgments based on clear, biblical principles. Notice that I did not say that the convictions themselves are necessarily clear, but they are… Continue Reading