The following articles, essays, and statements provide much needed clarity and biblical wisdom as they address various issues relating to Scripture, culture, ethics, politics, and church life.

In addition to our church’s own statements regarding various biblical, theological, and cultural issues, this is a list of articles and essays written by other pastors, churches, and biblical scholars. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but simply addresses specific issues pertinent to our cultural environment and local ministry context.

Life in the Local Church

How to Build Up Your Church: A Guidebook for Members. This edition of the 9Marks Journal is filled with articles explaining how Christians can do their “job” of building up their local church.

The Therapeutic Gospel. A profound article written by the late David Powlison on the latest false gospel to infiltrate the church. It’s the latest aberration of the gospels promising health, wealth, and miracles.

What The Bible Says about Marriage and Divorce. We hold to the historic Protestant view which states that, 1) adultery and desertion are the only legitimately biblical grounds where divorce is permissible, and 2) that restoration and reconciliation is always the primary goal. However, there has compelling biblical evidence put forward to see abuse as a legitimate ground for divorce in addition to—or rather as a subset of—adultery and desertion. This is based on a more thorough understanding of 1 Corinthians 7:15 and what Paul means by the phrase “in such cases.” For more information, check out the following resources:

Ethics and Culture

Four Approaches to Race, Politics, and Gender. Four approaches to race, politics, and gender to help you think through the issues clearly, charitably, and carefully.

Thinking Theologically About Racial Tensions: Life Together in the Church. 15 suggestions that serve as reminders for our polarized, politicized, and digitized world.

A Biblical Critique of Secular Justice and Critical Theory. A helpful biblical critique of differing versions of secular justice and critical theory while also proving a biblical view of justice (don’t forget to read the footnotes at the end)

Ethnic Harmony Affirmations and Denials. A statement on ethnic harmony written by the elders at Bethlehem Baptist Church

Manhood & Womanhood Affirmations and Denials. A statement on manhood and womanhood written by the elders at Bethlehem Baptist Church

Recommended Resources on Transgender. Solid resources tackling an incredibly complicated and pressing cultural issue.

What Is a Woman? A helpful answer to a question about womanhood for a confused, lying, and outraged culture.