The Plodding Preacher

A very popular quotation that regularly makes the rounds in Evangelical circles is "Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if necessary."  It is usually attributed to Francis of Assisi although no historical document related to Francis ever records the quotation.  Aside from the historical inaccuracy, it is one of those statements that at first glance sounds utterly profound, but upon deeper examination is totally foolish.  It is impossible to communicate the Gospel without words.  I can show the results of the Gospel in my life by action, but I can never explain the saving work of the Gospel without words.  Some writers around the internet have been trying to show the ridiculous nature of this statement by making similar statements in other more familiar situations.  Here are a few of the best: Wash regularly, if necessary use water. Help the hungry, if necessary use food. Help the sick, if necessary use medicine. 1 Peter 3:15 15 but in your h...

There has always been a tension for Christians when it comes to the Law of God.  Right back to the earliest days of the church, the question of the Christian's relationship to the Law has been an issue of contention.  As early Acts 15 the apostles had to make a decision concerning how much of the Law Gentiles were obligated to obey.  When I am asked this question, I typically answer "None of it. . . and. . . All of it."  Now in this post I want to focus on the none of it side and in a later post I will address the all of it response. When the question of the Christian and the Law arises, I find I am often faced with two false assumption.  First, people tend to assume that the Law was created by God to allow mankind to gain eternal favour with God.  The thinking goes, "If I keep the Law God is happy with me and if I break the Law God is happy with me."  Therefore, I must obey the Law to make God accept me.  Unfortunately this assumption reduces G...