What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Seven

Though we have often needed to oppose doctrinal error, our primary motive is not to eradicate falsehood but rather to make much of the truth. Error is concerning because it threatens the truth. It obscures the gospel and distorts our perception of Christ. Though it can seem like we’re being crotchety and critical, we oppose … Continue reading What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Seven →

A Response to The Gift of Redemption – Part Three

First Roadblock, Continued Troyer argues that Christ did not appease the wrath of God by experiencing it in our place. He says, “The concept of wrath upon the Son is utterly foreign to the Scriptures.” But his view disagrees with those very Scriptures, as a quick overview will show. We need first to realize that … Continue reading A Response to The Gift of Redemption – Part Three →

What is The Sword and Trumpet? – Part Six

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 →

A Response to The Gift of Redemption – Part Two

We are continuing our examination of the booklet The Gift of Redemption by Lester Troyer. Last month I wrote an introductory article wherein I laid out my approach and summarized my concerns. Readers who have not read that article are strongly encouraged to start there. Misunderstandings One of my concerns about this booklet is that … Continue reading A Response to The Gift of Redemption – Part Two →

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 →