In the Weeds of Justification by Faith Alone: Some Background and Suggested Resources
Historically, in the Western Christian tradition, the good news of the saving message of Jesus Christ has been linked closely to the doctrine of justification by faith alone.[1] In short, according to the Reformed tradition, upon the exercise of faith, a person is united to Christ by the powerful working of the Spirit. Having been…
Church, Walk in Right Fear and True Comfort
By Dave Zuleger So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. —Acts 9:31 The book of Acts is always an encouragement to me. As we’ve walked through 1…
Emotional and spiritual abuse from a pastor? Nah, that never happens.
In walks Mr. or Mrs./Ms. Narcissism. I’m wise. You’re not. I’m in charge. You’re not. Shut your mouth while I’m talking. Don’t ever talk to me that way? Do you know who I am? You don’t have the right or freedom to ask me questions or question my authority. Intimidation. Threats. Long stares. Biting sarcasm.…
Before We Forget: Introducing Our Soon-to-Release Book
Over the course of a few years, Nathan Millican and I worked on a book with several other friends. The book is aimed at pastors and releases in June. Below is an excerpt from the introduction I wrote to the book. Links to pre-order the book, if you’re inclined, are at the end of this…
How Are You Walking?
One of my favorite pictures is an image of my son when he was just two years old, standing at his Little Tikes grill, flipping plastic burgers as he stood in the shadow of my husband cooking on the grill. As I looked on, I watched my son as he glanced at his daddy to…
Theological Triage, Yes. How about Emotional Triage, Too?
There are these moments. These situations where your conversation enters into the realm of debate. The disagreement is clear. Debate ensues. You hold one position, your friend another. On the inside, you are convinced of your position. You have studied the issue, read your Bible, formulated careful conclusions, and are ready to stand your ground.…
Fulfilling the Royal Law
*By Dave Zuleger, lead pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church (south campus). A Day of Divide We’re living in an age of divide. An age where the cultural and political winds seek to convince us that our differences are not ordained to highlight the brilliance of a wonderful Creator, but instead ought to be weaponized to…
Reasonable Reasoning Together from the Scriptures
*By Dave Zuleger. Dave is the lead pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, south campus and a graduate of Bethlehem College & Seminary. A Lie About Our Joy We live in a culture where one of the chief values woven into our reality is personal autonomy and preference. Ours is an age where we are called…
The Mutual Knowledge of Shepherding
*This post is by Dave Zuleger, lead pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church (south campus). Our Chief Shepherd Jesus is referred to as the Chief Shepherd (cf. 1 Peter 5:4) of the sheep. Why use this analogy for the way that Jesus cares for the church? Because Jesus is with us (Matthew 28:20) and intimately knows…
Theology Along the Way 