The Hate That God Hates
God does not hate all hate. Some hate is actively encouraged by God. Indeed, if hate exists as the opposite of love, it follows that… Read More »The Hate That God Hates
David de Bruyn
David de Bruyn pastors New Covenant Baptist Church in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a graduate of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Minnesota and the University of South Africa (D.Th.). Since 1999, he has presented a weekly radio program that is heard throughout much of central South Africa. He also blogs at Churches Without Chests.
Ten Mangled Words: Hate
Hate has become the only sin the left recognises. To them, it is apparently not possible to sin sexually, and any and every form of… Read More »Ten Mangled Words: Hate
Taste and Preference: A Last Word
Why are there such different “tastes” among people? Is the debate over music in worship simply a “preference issue”? Are matters of music, dress, recreation… Read More »Taste and Preference: A Last Word
Taste Formed and Deformed by Culture
Taste is never shaped in isolation. We learn to love what we love from our family, our church, our school, and our society. In other… Read More »Taste Formed and Deformed by Culture
Taste Spoiled By Sweetness
A discussion of taste is one of the most difficult (and unrewarding) ones to have, for most people are unreflective about their likes. “I know… Read More »Taste Spoiled By Sweetness
Good Taste and Christian Taste
Even atheists used to believe in good taste. The infamous David Hume wrote in his Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals “In many orders of… Read More »Good Taste and Christian Taste
Church Visibility or Church Publicity?
Church leaders find themselves today harangued and prodded to build an “online presence”. This usually means a busy Facebook page, a Youtube channel, a Twitter… Read More »Church Visibility or Church Publicity?
Royal Presents
The off’rings of the Eastern kings of old Unto our lord were incense, myrrh and gold; Incense because a God; gold as a king; And… Read More »Royal Presents
The Magi
Sometimes I wish that Balthasar Had not been gazing when that star Appeared, so many years ago. We were younger then and bold, though Not… Read More »The Magi
A New Children’s Book: The Mirror Who Wanted To Be Someone
I’m pleased to announce the release of a children’s book, The Mirror Who Wanted To Be Someone. Lovingly illustrated by Diane Shearer with hand-drawn illustrations,… Read More »A New Children’s Book: The Mirror Who Wanted To Be Someone
Christian at the Movies (3) – Magic and Fantasy
Many Christians are alarmed at books or movies that involve magic or fantasy. They feel that the one is dabbling in the occult, and the… Read More »Christian at the Movies (3) – Magic and Fantasy
Christian at the Movies (2)
The laziest form of “discernment” about movies or television looks for the easy targets of occultism, sex, nudity, bad language and gratuitous violence. Certainly, Christians… Read More »Christian at the Movies (2)
Christian at the Movies (1)
I was about ten when the first Rock ‘n Roll evangelists came to town. They weren’t proselytizing on behalf of Iron Maiden. They were there… Read More »Christian at the Movies (1)
Preference and Amorality
Adiaphora (indifferent matters) are misunderstood on two grounds. First, evangelicals misunderstand the term indifferent to mean unimportant. Second, evangelicals conflate the moral neutrality of adiaphora… Read More »Preference and Amorality
Preferences and Adiaphora
God reveals His will in Scripture in three ways. The first is by explicit command or prohibition. God simply mandates certain behaviours and forbids others.… Read More »Preferences and Adiaphora
The Protection of Preference
Scripture loves unity among the saints, but does not mandate uniformity. Somewhere Tozer points out that a hundred pianos all tuned with the same tuning… Read More »The Protection of Preference
Ten Mangled Words:”Taste”
De gustibus non est disputandum, said the ancient Romans. There is no disputing over taste, meaning that in matters of personal taste and preference, there… Read More »Ten Mangled Words:”Taste”
Votes From the Democracy of the Dead
The idea of ordinate affection is not welcome today. Narcissism has become a celebrated virtue, and is now even given the monikers transparent, authentic, and real.… Read More »Votes From the Democracy of the Dead
Affect or Effect
The difference between affections and emotions is seen in what art is used in worship. Since worship uses art, worship leaders can use it in… Read More »Affect or Effect
Everything is Uh-Sim
“How’re you guys doin’ today?” “Fine, thanks.” “Uh-sim. Will you be using a rewards card today?” “Uh, no.” “Uh-sim. Cash back?” “No, not today.” Swipes… Read More »Everything is Uh-Sim