Earlier this month, pastor and bestselling author John Mark Comer posted that a new book was a “knockout blow” to Penal Substitutionary Atonement or, as theology nerds would say it, “PSA.”
I asked Thaddeus Williams, assistant professor of Systematic Theology at Biola University to weigh in on this historic Christian doctrine that is proclaimed throughout Scripture and was championed by several Church fathers, writes John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Centre for Christian Worldview.
One of President Trump’s flaws is that he too often gets things the wrong way round. To put it simply, he seems to want the cake but doesn’t like baking. In fact, he doesn’t really do baking at all, but still expects a perfect cake! And that flaw is all too obvious in this week’s frantic round out activity regarding Ukraine and Russia.
So we’ve had the first meeting between the presidents of the USA and Russia in over four years – but it was arranged at the drop of a hat. Normally months of preparation would precede such an important meeting. First, diplomatic envoys from both sides would thrash out all the details, leaving the two presidents merely to dot the "I"s and cross the "T"s and do the flashy PR bit with the handshakes and the press conference. But before the Alaska summit last Friday, there was no time for preparation.
"Nothing is stronger than the will of the human heart"... Words famously spoken by Indian novelist Nalini Singh.
It might not surprise you to learn that Singh is a romance writer and a "paranormal" one at that. Cue the gags about "Men being from Mars and Women from Venus". (Sometimes these jokes just write themselves.)
I often think about a scene in The Simpsons Movie (2007): a terrifying dome comes down on Springfield, and its citizens are thrown into disarray.
In the panic, we see the church and Moe’s Bar emptying out, the congregants and the drinkers standing outside the respective buildings, looking up in horror.
Prior to his election to a second presidency in November 2024, Donald Trump repeatedly claimed that he would easily and swiftly bring the conflict to an end.
“It’s a very easy negotiation to take place. I will have it solved within one day, a peace between them”, he said as early as March 2023, in a Fox News Interview with Sean Hannity.
My journey as a Christian woman began in Pakistan, where my husband and I dedicated our lives to empowering the downtrodden Christian community through education and skill-building initiatives.
Our mission was driven by the conclusion that education is a powerful tool for transformation and Christian women deserve better chances, rather than being limited to menial-jobs and facing abuse because of their faith.
It's a nerve-wracking time for those collecting exam results in the UK.
This summer, my son will return to school to collect his GCSE results. The outcome will shape the next few years of my son's life. Will he pursue A levels? College? An apprenticeship? The decision is now beyond his control.
For over fifteen years, I’ve been a prolific contributor to online theological and church-related discussions and debates. However, the robust nature of such debates is not for the faint-hearted.
For example, there is little room for the widespread modern tendency for reducing disputes to nothing more than a difference of opinion; especially when that tendency results in the well-known "peace at any price" mantra: “Let’s agree to disagree!”
As a pastor, when I feel that someone is a bit stuck, I often refer people to a friend who has worked as a professional counsellor for several decades.
Where I have been ineffective by listening or offering some Biblical advice, my friend is often able to help them get un-stuck by asking the right questions and guiding them as they navigate the difficult landscape of their life.
It may be a few weeks since The Open Championship, but one thing struck me during Scottie Scheffler’s victory procession, as one of the crown jewels of the British sporting summer came to an end.
Scheffler, who is well known for being a devoted Christian, stormed to victory at Royal Portrush, shooting 17 under par to finish four shots clear in what was a fairly uncompetitive affair by the final day, as every would-be challenger failed to keep up with his supreme consistency and deadly putting on the greens.
When Leanne first shared her story in our women's group, the room fell silent. Years of abuse had left scars far deeper than the physical ones. Though she'd found freedom from her abuser, she hadn't escaped the shame that followed her like a shadow.
If having song lyrics stuck in your head drives you up the wall, and if U2 doesn’t quite float your boat, then sincerest apologies, but we need to start with a line from the band's 1987 hit: "I still haven't found what I'm looking for."
If you’re about to scroll on, stay with me, as I promise you some thoughts pairing U2 and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer - an unlikely duo I’ll warrant you - but one that may help us consider why we still haven’t found what we’re looking for!
My wife, Linda, and I are still basking in the warm glow of the Keswick Convention, which we attended last week. And as one for whom Israel and the Jewish people are always close to my heart, I couldn’t help comparing it to Yeshua’s teaching around the Sea of Galilee.
Keswick has been held annually for 150 years in the heart of the town, set amidst the magnificent English Lake District. It is surrounded by lofty mountains and overlooks the serene Derwent Water, just three miles long and a mile at its widest point. One of the lakeside views was regarded by noted writer and art critic, John Ruskin, as among the three most beautiful sights in all Europe. The lake is even dotted with a few islands which have been the focus of ancient pilgrimages.
Ask other people the kinds of questions you wish they were asking you. It’s not a silver bullet, but it is the golden rule.
Many of us have friends who we’d love to share our faith with, but who seem completely apathetic. They are just not interested in Christianity. They may not be interested in religion or spirituality at all, or even be particularly bothered about big issues like purpose or morality. So what do we do? How do we love and witness to them?
On this International Day of Friendship, I find myself reflecting not on friendships formed in ease, but on those forged in fire, the friendships present amidst the refugees in Egypt. I want the world to know about the kindness I’ve witnessed when filming with these forced migrants and asylum seekers.
It’s not the effort of governments, churches, mosques or international organisations that makes people survive. It’s the kindness of people towards each other, small acts of friendship that sustain lives and restore dignity.
In March 2024, I spoke at a summit in Kyiv that launched an effort among Ukrainian Baptists to plant 1,000 new churches by 2036. Surveying the lay of the land there, I believe that this is an achievable vision, and that now is most certainly the right time.
Laying the matter of a full-scale invasion and war to one side, planting a church is – at the best of times - fraught with difficulties, never mind cooperatively planting 1,000. Wisdom is needed.
Comment
Is penal substitutionary atonement 'knocked out'?
Earlier this month, pastor and bestselling author John Mark Comer posted that a new book was a “knockout blow” to Penal Substitutionary Atonement or, as theology nerds would say it, “PSA.”
I asked Thaddeus Williams, assistant professor of Systematic Theology at Biola University to weigh in on this historic Christian doctrine that is proclaimed throughout Scripture and was championed by several Church fathers, writes John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Centre for Christian Worldview.
Why does Trump get things back to front?
One of President Trump’s flaws is that he too often gets things the wrong way round. To put it simply, he seems to want the cake but doesn’t like baking. In fact, he doesn’t really do baking at all, but still expects a perfect cake! And that flaw is all too obvious in this week’s frantic round out activity regarding Ukraine and Russia.
So we’ve had the first meeting between the presidents of the USA and Russia in over four years – but it was arranged at the drop of a hat. Normally months of preparation would precede such an important meeting. First, diplomatic envoys from both sides would thrash out all the details, leaving the two presidents merely to dot the "I"s and cross the "T"s and do the flashy PR bit with the handshakes and the press conference. But before the Alaska summit last Friday, there was no time for preparation.
Spurgeon's: 'Not tragedy, but consequence'
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10v12).
Spurgeon’s College has announced its closure - and though the building may be sold or left to crumble, the foundation was long abandoned.
Is your church 'toxic' to a child's faith?
Is church "toxic" to a child's faith?
In answer to my own question, I believe "the church" can sometimes be toxic to a child's faith.
Our hearts, pornography, and a love story
"Nothing is stronger than the will of the human heart"... Words famously spoken by Indian novelist Nalini Singh.
It might not surprise you to learn that Singh is a romance writer and a "paranormal" one at that. Cue the gags about "Men being from Mars and Women from Venus". (Sometimes these jokes just write themselves.)
The Simpsons, Sally Rooney and spirituality
I often think about a scene in The Simpsons Movie (2007): a terrifying dome comes down on Springfield, and its citizens are thrown into disarray.
In the panic, we see the church and Moe’s Bar emptying out, the congregants and the drinkers standing outside the respective buildings, looking up in horror.
Ukraine: There is no safety in appeasement
Prior to his election to a second presidency in November 2024, Donald Trump repeatedly claimed that he would easily and swiftly bring the conflict to an end.
“It’s a very easy negotiation to take place. I will have it solved within one day, a peace between them”, he said as early as March 2023, in a Fox News Interview with Sean Hannity.
Experiencing God's love through God's people
My journey as a Christian woman began in Pakistan, where my husband and I dedicated our lives to empowering the downtrodden Christian community through education and skill-building initiatives.
Our mission was driven by the conclusion that education is a powerful tool for transformation and Christian women deserve better chances, rather than being limited to menial-jobs and facing abuse because of their faith.
Results day: Resting in the God who holds tomorrow
It's a nerve-wracking time for those collecting exam results in the UK.
This summer, my son will return to school to collect his GCSE results. The outcome will shape the next few years of my son's life. Will he pursue A levels? College? An apprenticeship? The decision is now beyond his control.
'Agree to disagree' isn’t how Jesus handled false teaching
For over fifteen years, I’ve been a prolific contributor to online theological and church-related discussions and debates. However, the robust nature of such debates is not for the faint-hearted.
For example, there is little room for the widespread modern tendency for reducing disputes to nothing more than a difference of opinion; especially when that tendency results in the well-known "peace at any price" mantra: “Let’s agree to disagree!”
Is your house built upon the Rock?
The Sunday School classic "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock" is unlikely to lead to crying.
Written in 1948, generations of children enjoyed it primarily due to its exaggerated actions and the finale of a big crash at the end.
Finding a counsellor: Do they have to be a Christian?
As a pastor, when I feel that someone is a bit stuck, I often refer people to a friend who has worked as a professional counsellor for several decades.
Where I have been ineffective by listening or offering some Biblical advice, my friend is often able to help them get un-stuck by asking the right questions and guiding them as they navigate the difficult landscape of their life.
Scheffler’s 'inevitable' domination and Christ's inevitable return
It may be a few weeks since The Open Championship, but one thing struck me during Scottie Scheffler’s victory procession, as one of the crown jewels of the British sporting summer came to an end.
Scheffler, who is well known for being a devoted Christian, stormed to victory at Royal Portrush, shooting 17 under par to finish four shots clear in what was a fairly uncompetitive affair by the final day, as every would-be challenger failed to keep up with his supreme consistency and deadly putting on the greens.
We must watch how our leaders respond to failure
I think we might have a problem with how we measure Christian leadership.
Our contemporary frameworks feel inadequate when we turn to Scripture's most celebrated figures.
Guilt & shame: The gospel is big enough to address both
Note: this article contains references to abuse.
When Leanne first shared her story in our women's group, the room fell silent. Years of abuse had left scars far deeper than the physical ones. Though she'd found freedom from her abuser, she hadn't escaped the shame that followed her like a shadow.
Bono's seeking soul versus Bonhoeffer's future hope
If having song lyrics stuck in your head drives you up the wall, and if U2 doesn’t quite float your boat, then sincerest apologies, but we need to start with a line from the band's 1987 hit: "I still haven't found what I'm looking for."
If you’re about to scroll on, stay with me, as I promise you some thoughts pairing U2 and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer - an unlikely duo I’ll warrant you - but one that may help us consider why we still haven’t found what we’re looking for!
Keswick: England's Galilee
My wife, Linda, and I are still basking in the warm glow of the Keswick Convention, which we attended last week. And as one for whom Israel and the Jewish people are always close to my heart, I couldn’t help comparing it to Yeshua’s teaching around the Sea of Galilee.
Keswick has been held annually for 150 years in the heart of the town, set amidst the magnificent English Lake District. It is surrounded by lofty mountains and overlooks the serene Derwent Water, just three miles long and a mile at its widest point. One of the lakeside views was regarded by noted writer and art critic, John Ruskin, as among the three most beautiful sights in all Europe. The lake is even dotted with a few islands which have been the focus of ancient pilgrimages.
Evangelism's golden rule: Ask good questions
Ask other people the kinds of questions you wish they were asking you. It’s not a silver bullet, but it is the golden rule.
Many of us have friends who we’d love to share our faith with, but who seem completely apathetic. They are just not interested in Christianity. They may not be interested in religion or spirituality at all, or even be particularly bothered about big issues like purpose or morality. So what do we do? How do we love and witness to them?
Friendships forged in Egyptian fire
On this International Day of Friendship, I find myself reflecting not on friendships formed in ease, but on those forged in fire, the friendships present amidst the refugees in Egypt. I want the world to know about the kindness I’ve witnessed when filming with these forced migrants and asylum seekers.
It’s not the effort of governments, churches, mosques or international organisations that makes people survive. It’s the kindness of people towards each other, small acts of friendship that sustain lives and restore dignity.
Wise church planting needed in Ukraine
In March 2024, I spoke at a summit in Kyiv that launched an effort among Ukrainian Baptists to plant 1,000 new churches by 2036. Surveying the lay of the land there, I believe that this is an achievable vision, and that now is most certainly the right time.
Laying the matter of a full-scale invasion and war to one side, planting a church is – at the best of times - fraught with difficulties, never mind cooperatively planting 1,000. Wisdom is needed.