In the late nineteenth century two powerful forces sweeping across America changed the Protestant church forever. First, the industrial revolution unleashed the forces of urbanization and industrialization. More and more people, including women and children, began to work in factories with long working hours and intolerable conditions. Poverty rose dramatically. Second, modernism seized hold of... Continue Reading

Commentary by Anthony B. Bradley, Assistant Professor, Covenant Seminary Initially published in Faith and Policy, Detroit News, November 3, 2009 Do at-risk black males need to be emancipated from America’s public school complex? A new study released about high school dropout and incarceration rates among blacks raises the question. Nearly 23 percent of all American... Continue Reading

Two summers ago, while passing through an airport, I caught a TV news story: double homicide in Ohio. The victims were a young woman and the nine-month-old fetus she was carrying. The murderer was her lover, the unborn baby’s father. I was stunned, bewildered, grieved. Who could do such a thing? Apparently, this particular crime... Continue Reading

By EVAN R. GOLDSTEIN This much is known: In the mid-eighth century, the ruling elite of the Khazars, a Turkic tribe in Eurasia, converted to Judaism. Their impetus was political, not spiritual. By embracing Judaism, the Khazars were able to maintain their independence from rival monotheistic states, the Muslim caliphate and the Christian Byzantine empire.... Continue Reading

COMMENTARY–Africa has received more foreign aid than any continent in history. Yet, by almost any reasonable measure, Africa remains badly broken. Its people live lives that are brutish and short when compared to the rest of the world. And as one who is a practicing Christian, who has been involved in Christian ministry in Africa,... Continue Reading

“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame” (Prov. 18:13). In any form of human relationships this proverb holds true. If you have watched some of the news clips of our nation debating the health care issue, you have observed this proverb in action. Or perhaps you observed a... Continue Reading

1. Why is fervent delivery of expositionally-sound sermons important? How can men grow in developing fervent delivery? Akin: Fervent delivery is important because though what we say is more important than how we say it, how we say it has never been more important. We live in an age where effective communication skills are essential.... Continue Reading

Serving as pastor of a multi-national church on an island in the Mediterranean was never something I felt led to do. Yet in God’s grace and plan my wife (Cindy) and I are now residents of the island nation of Cyprus. Most people think Cyprus is a Greek island. Although Greek is the language, the... Continue Reading

In his inaugural address, President Barack Obama reached out to the world’s rogue leaders, telling them, “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” No doubt, this sentiment and the worldview that underlies it have endeared President Obama to some, including the Nobel Committee. But it has also exposed his... Continue Reading

Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-2) The Theme of Philippians In 1992, the Calvin scholar, T.H.L. Parker, wrote this about Calvin’s method... Continue Reading