#7 – Not linking the Gospel to the text The Gospel—salvation by grace which is made available in Christ—runs like a bloodline through Scripture. As we grasp the main themes of the Gospel, we are equipped to set individual texts within that primary framework. We need to understand how and why God is gracious toward … Continue reading Twelve Failures of Modern Preaching – Part Two
What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Three
The Sword and Trumpet is committed to “defend, proclaim, and promote the whole Gospel of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures.” This is done by “exposing and opposing doctrinal error which compromises the faith and leads to apostasy.” From the beginning, we have sought to not only “proclaim” and … Continue reading What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Three
Twelve Failures of Modern Preaching – Part One
When John Stott was asked what he thought of the current state of preaching, he answered with one word. “Miserable.” I’m afraid his indictment sticks all too well in our day. I cannot visit the average conservative Anabaptist church on a Sunday morning and expect to hear a Bible-based, Gospel-centered, Christ-exalting sermon. More often I … Continue reading Twelve Failures of Modern Preaching – Part One
What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Two
We are continuing our review of the Mission Statement and the Founder’s Statement in order to refocus on the essential emphases of The Sword and Trumpet. In the previous article we briefly talked about what is meant by “the whole Gospel of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ” and about the essence of doctrinal error. … Continue reading What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Two
Sincerity Is Not Enough
We can’t expect to understand biblical doctrines with only a surface knowledge of Scripture and a few well-intentioned prayers. If we want to know God’s truth, we must put in the effort to study His word. Sincerity (though important) is not enough. Read More
What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part One
In 2029, The Sword and Trumpet monthly publication will mark its centenary. George R. Brunk I began the publication in 1929 due to concerns about liberalizing tendencies in the Mennonite church. His concerns have been realized in many cases over the last century. Those concerns were shared by the editors who faithfully continued George’s work—J. … Continue reading What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part One
Non-Resistance and Substitutionary Atonement – Part Two
Substitutionary atonement leads us to understand biblical love as self-sacrificing, doing good to others and blessing them even when they don’t deserve it—and yes, even when they are our enemies. It is inherently illogical to accept substitutionary atonement while also taking up arms and using political and military force. Militance does not aid the gospel of Christ. Militance murders the gospel. Read More
Non-Resistance and Substitutionary Atonement – Part One
When we love our enemies and refuse to return evil for evil, we follow Christ’s example of love. Read More
Does Justification Matter? | Part Two
Every Christian has, at some point, questioned whether or not he is truly saved. We all deal with doubt. How do we navigate the swamps of doubt and fear back to the sure footing of God’s grace? Read More
The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Thirteen
This series is from the From the Editor's Desk column of the Sword and Trumpet. The articles were co-authored by Paul Emerson and myself. Perhaps the main takeaway from this series is our need to keep Scripture central in all things. Christian thought throughout history is fraught with division between men, often caused by too … Continue reading The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Thirteen