Come Down, Lord!

  [The following was originally posted on our church blog on March 3, 2016] Although generally familiar with Wretched Radio, I don't follow Todd Friel.  I picked up this book after it was recommended to me by another pastor; and after his commendation I was looking forward to reading it.  I came away, however, seriously disappointed. I have taken the time to review this book because I believe it represents a troubling trend in conservative Christianity. First, the pros . A. Todd Friel is courageous.  He loves the truth as he puts it because "Loving truth is the same as loving God because He is the truth...  If we love God, we will pursue truth tenaciously and defend it at all costs."  Todd doesn't hesitate to name names believing that "refusal to confront error is" [as Spurgeon put it] 'treason to Christ'...".  I believe this is helpful, and I am grateful for his courage.  I have always had a particular love for those courageous for truth.  We n

Not very long ago we were told by Christian leaders that it would be wrong to gather for worship even while wearing masks because the civil authorities had forbidden us from gathering in groups of more than 5.  It was - we were told - a matter of Christian obedience pure and simple.  Since then we have seen some interesting (and worrying) developments.   The government has allowed us to gather in larger groups and many (though certainly not most) churches have begun to do so.  However, the authorities have told us that while we may gather we may not sing, and more recently they have told us we must wear masks.   So, how have churches responded to these developments?  Many churches have decided to play it safe.  I will call them ‘group A’.  Worried about the virus they have decided to resume worship in the fall or even later.  Eventually they will begin meeting again, but they are in no rush to do so.  They have told their congregations they are waiting until it is safe to do so .  Lik