Am I A Solider of the Cross?
The Cadence of Psalm 27 from the viewpoint of David, the Soldier
As prayerful reflection on the truths that we find in Psalm 17 brought divine perspective to Isaac Watts, it did so for David and for countless others Soldiers of the Cross. So let it bring optimistic hope to you in Jesus Christ our Lord. For this Psalm is about Him, anticipates Him, and follows the Gospel pattern of seeing that the things that come against us are really the things, like the Cross brought Resurrection, the things that lead us home.
Our Shining City on a Hill?
A review of In Search of the City on a Hill, Richard M. Gamble, (Continuum, 2012)
Do you believe that America is the “city on a hill” that Christ was referring to in his Sermon on the Mount? Are there more than one of these cities? Was Jesus talking about a civil nation at all, or was this a metaphor of the church?
Solus Christus: the Supremacy of Jesus Christ
Theme for the Reformation Society of Indiana Fall Conference
The Reformation Society of Indiana will be hosting their Fall Conference at Second Reformed Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana again this year. Dates are November 16th and 17th.
Episcopal Church Abandons Bishop and Diocese
The Other Side of the Story, from the Diocese of South Carolina
For that reason, we have disassociated ourselves from the Episcopal Church and will meet again in Convention on November 17th to consider further responses to these actions by the denomination we helped found. By God's grace, we look forward to many more generations freely exercising the faith first brought to these shores so many generations before us.
The Most Religious American President?
Which of our presidents was the most religious — anyway, the most observant?
Theodore Roosevelt’s name at the top of the list of religiously observant presidents might surprise some people, yet that surprise would itself bear witness to the nature of his faith: privately held, but permeating countless speeches, writings, and acts … He was of the Dutch Reformed Church. He participated in missions work with his father,... Continue Reading
Ceremonial and the Reformed Churches (Part 2)
In worship, the ceremonial is unavoidable; even the plainest worship may be aided by a well thought out ceremonial
The liturgy is always the starting point for considering a service. Its structure informs not only the real progression from one element of worship to the next, but it produces an atmosphere through its words and its shape. The dramatic layering of elements in the pre-Reformation Mass greatly contrasts with the one-thing-at-a-time approach of Reformed... Continue Reading
Disciplinary Board for Bishops Certifies That South Carolina Bishop Has Abandoned the Church
Bishop Mark Lawrence of the Diocese of South Carolina found to have abandoned the Episcopal Church by a renunciation of the Discipline of the Church
The Presiding Bishop called Bishop Mark Lawrence and, speaking directly with him, informed him of the action of the Disciplinary Board. She also informed him that, effective noon of that day, the exercise of his ministry was restricted. Therefore, under the canon, he is not permitted to perform any acts as an ordained person. ... Continue Reading
I’m Not Busy!
Are you really busy or only perceived to be busy?
This is what disturbs me most, that my busyness, or the perception of busyness, makes me less effective in the areas in which I want to do well. That cost is too high to tolerate. So let me say it again, primarily to reassure myself: I’m not busy. I have all the time I need... Continue Reading
Lawsuit Settled Between Montreat Church and Presbytery
The case was settled one week before the case was scheduled to go on trial
The problem was that the representatives from the presbytery framed the meetings “by the presbytery’s premise that the PWNC owned our building and we simply held it in trust for them. … We stated clearly to the group that we believed we owned our building and in that light we were very willing to discuss... Continue Reading
Hanford, Calif., Presbyterian Church Splits With National Denomination
First Presbyterian Church Hanford, Calif., leaves PCUSA for the EPC
The church voted to make the jump last week, charting a new course for a congregation that has long been divided by personal and theological conflicts. “I think it’s the right move in light of what’s going on in the larger denomination,” said Pastor Tony Winterowd. The possibility has been simmering for years,... Continue Reading