According to Paul in 2 Corinthians 10, systems which threaten the gospel must be pulled down (“tear down” in NET, “destroy” in ESV). As he goes on to explain in 2 Corinthians 10, these strongholds are destroyed by (1) tearing down arguments, (2) tearing down arrogance, and (3) subjecting every thought to Christ. Tearing Down … Continue reading What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Six
What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Five
Having discussed our obligation to defend the gospel and expose error, we want to look at what it means to oppose doctrinal error. The Sword and Trumpet aims to expose and to oppose doctrinal error. It is vital that we clearly define current errors, compare them to Scripture, and warn others by publicly identifying the … Continue reading What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Five
A Response to The Gift of Redemption – Part One
The editors of The Sword and Trumpet recently received two copies of a new booklet on the doctrine of Christ’s atonement, entitled “The Gift of Redemption: Price or Penalty?” by Lester Troyer. Since the atonement is an issue of perennial significance, and one which has received a fair amount of attention recently, I was interested … Continue reading A Response to The Gift of Redemption – Part One
What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Four
Exposing Error When dealing with error, we need to define the problem first. This means understanding the questionable doctrine on its own terms. Any respectable critique must avoid caricatures, straw man fallacies, and other misrepresentation. We should aim to define the view as well as its proponents can. We need to understand the main arguments … Continue reading What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Four
Twelve Failures of Modern Preaching – Part Two
#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