Category Archives: Theology

Why I Still Hand Out Printed Bibles

Posted on April 27, 2018 by

While as an older child and teenager I was always keen on having the newest technologies available to me—particularly with regard to entertainment—as I’ve gotten older I’ve definitely become a “late adopter.” I resisted exchanging my desktop PC for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Books, Digital Revolution, Evangelism, Practical Christianity, Salvation, Smartphones, Tablet Computers, The Gideons International, Theology

“With Gentleness and Respect”

Posted on March 24, 2018 by

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologetics, Christian Worldview, Digital Revolution, Practical Christianity, Salvation, Society, Theology, Truth

Brief Reflections Following the Passing of Billy Graham

Posted on February 23, 2018 by

As most or all readers of The Reforming Trombonist will be aware, the famed American evangelist Billy Graham (1918-2018) passed away earlier this week, just a few months shy of his 100th birthday. I am normally not one to pontificate … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologetics, Assurance, Billy Graham, Christian Worldview, Doctrine, Evangelism, Politics, Practical Christianity, Preaching, Theology, Truth, Worship

Paul’s Exhortation to the Colossians: An Ordinary Christian Life

Posted on November 21, 2017 by

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christ Presbyterian Church of Oxford, Christ's Person and Work, Christian Worldview, Colossians, Practical Christianity, Salvation, Theology

Scripture, then Creeds, then Confessions, then Self

Posted on October 29, 2017 by

Americans can be a strange people, and this is perhaps especially true of American Christians. Although the percentage of the population claiming a Christian identity has fallen in recent years, the majority of the population still professes adherence to some … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Education, Christian Worldview, Church, Confessionalism, Creeds, Denominations, Doctrine, Practical Christianity, Theology, Truth

It’s Okay to “Go Through the Motions”

Posted on September 30, 2017 by

Several times in the past few weeks when I have asked students how they could have improved their performances of various playing assignments I have heard responses something like “Well, I could have put more emotion into it.” To be … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ Presbyterian Church of Oxford, Christian Worldview, Lord's Day, Music, Music and Theology, Music and Worship, Pedagogy, Performance Anxiety, Performing, Playing Fundamentals, Practical Christianity, Practicing, Teaching Low Brass, Theology, Worship

“Counterfeit Detection Training:” A Short Reflection on Colossians 1:15-20

Posted on September 25, 2017 by

I mentioned in my last post that this year I am sharing responsibility for an adult Sunday school class at Christ Presbyterian Church on the letter to the Colossians. Given that this is the focus of any focused theological study … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christ Presbyterian Church of Oxford, Christ's Person and Work, Christian Worldview, Colossians, Practical Christianity, Reading and Study, Salvation, Theology, Truth