Two Exams, and Two Questions
I present my children with two written tests. They open the envelope of the first, and see the heading, “Dad Orthodoxy”. A series of questions… Read More »Two Exams, and Two Questions
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.
Culture, Not Race
Scripture does not define the word culture, but it certainly describes the phenomenon of culture-making. Humans are meaning-making creatures, who fashion their world after their… Read More »Culture, Not Race
Culture – More Than Creation
If the word culture is to be useful, it must define something. It must name and describe a discrete phenomenon in the world. A useful… Read More »Culture – More Than Creation
Ten Mangled Words – “Culture”
Jackhammers are not the ideal tool for mixing cake batter. Some mess will almost certainly result. Evangelical Christians using the word ‘culture’ often remind one… Read More »Ten Mangled Words – “Culture”
Relevance in the Eye of the Beholder
A book on chastity may not seem relevant to teenagers necking in a parked car. First-aid kits don’t seem relevant to two boys beginning a… Read More »Relevance in the Eye of the Beholder
On Baby Grands and Expensive Hymnals
“Why this waste?”, said the greediest member of the Twelve. Judas’ supposed concern with helping the poor and for efficient use of ministry finances was… Read More »On Baby Grands and Expensive Hymnals
Relevance and Notoriety
One of the powerful spells cast over the modern world is the charm of celebrity. One quipped that a celebrity is someone who is famous… Read More »Relevance and Notoriety
Relevance and Intelligibility
Modern Christian champions of relevance mean many things by the term. One use is the concept of intelligibility. When calling for the church to be… Read More »Relevance and Intelligibility
Relevance and Importance
When some people speak of “making Christianity relevant”, they are referring to demonstrating Christianity’s importance and applicability. They fret over the fact that unbelievers and… Read More »Relevance and Importance
Relevant or Current?
When some people speak of the importance of relevance, they don’t mean relevance at all. After all, relevant, strictly speaking, merely means ‘pertinent to the… Read More »Relevant or Current?
“Relevance”
Perhaps one of the great put-downs today is to be told that your church is not relevant, or that your preaching is not relevant to… Read More »“Relevance”
Without Wax
To recover the word sincerity from its current mangled form, we might remember some etymology. The etymology of sincerity is a favorite among preachers, and… Read More »Without Wax
As Real As I Feel
An assumption of a generation intoxicated with authenticity is the notion that feelings don’t lie. Given their spontaneous and often uncontrollable nature, emotions are seen… Read More »As Real As I Feel
Sincerity and Profanity
Many pastors and Christian leaders believe they are purifying Christianity and worship when they remove any kind of formality from corporate worship. Formal dress, an… Read More »Sincerity and Profanity
The Colloquial, the Casual, and the Crafted
Those who call for ‘authenticity’, ‘realness’, and ‘sincerity’, are not always sure what they mean, if you press them for a definition. Some mean honesty,… Read More »The Colloquial, the Casual, and the Crafted
What Titus Found in the Most Holy
When Titus attacked Jerusalem in 66-70 A.D., before ordering its destruction, Titus entered the Most Holy Place to see for himself what was really hidden… Read More »What Titus Found in the Most Holy
Sincerely Amused
It’s a supreme irony, or perhaps a sad blindness, that the present generation is supposedly in love with ‘authenticity’, ‘sincerity’, and ‘keeping it real’. After… Read More »Sincerely Amused
Ten Mangled Words – “Authentic”
Few words roll off the modern tongue as readily or as frequently as the family of words associated with authentic. Authenticity, real, sincere and intentional are like newly-minted gold for… Read More »Ten Mangled Words – “Authentic”
Christians and Critical Judgments
Most Christians are happy to accept the authority of expert opinion. What is instructive to note is which domains of knowledge they are comfortable to… Read More »Christians and Critical Judgments
Authority, Soul Competence and Vocation
Soul competence and the priesthood of the believer are two sides of one doctrine that Baptists cherish. Indeed, they make up part of the matrix… Read More »Authority, Soul Competence and Vocation