Joy and Hardship are Not Opposites
Too often our joy is situational or circumstantial.
We can so easily find ourselves rejoicing in certain events or happenings rather than in Jesus. We can even find ourselves thinking joy is what will come when everything in ministry is sorted. When we’ve got our eldership team, assistant pastor, and women’s worker all in place and everything’s functioning as it should in the... Continue Reading
Jerusalem the “New”
While the old Jerusalem was a historic city, this new Jerusalem is known as the "Holy City".
We should not expect to live perfectly without sin on our way to eternity in “New” Jerusalem. We should expect to see growth, maturity, and progress as the work of Christ in us claims victory of sin. It is only when we are in the presence of the Lord that we will fully realize that... Continue Reading
The Roots of Reformed Moral Theology
Reformed moral theology developed around a set of widely shared principles and themes. Among them are the use of Scripture as the primary source of moral instruction.
Reformed moral theology is distinct from other strands of moral theology in its ecclesial context. That context is bounded by confessional standards and corresponding practices. At the same time, Reformed moral theology is a catholic tradition that is deeply rooted in the prior tradition, a tradition it shares with other branches of the church today.... Continue Reading
Researching the Rationales of PCAGA49’s Proposed BCO Amendments
To help recall some of the original arguments in support of these amendments, here is a list of links to the original overtures as submitted by their respective Presbyteries.
We submit this resource with two important caveats. First, many of these proposals from the Presbyteries were amended — and a few almost entirely rewritten — in the Overtures Committee. While the “whereas” statements in the initial forms may help presbyters to remember the original reasons for the amendments, they do not speak to the... Continue Reading
Why Does the Sovereignty of God Matter?
A.W. Pink, The Sovereignty Of God
“Sovereignty characterizes the whole Being of God. He is sovereign in all His attributes. He is sovereign in the exercise of His power. His power is exercised as He wills, when He wills, where He wills. This fact is evidenced on every page of Scripture. For a long season that power appears to be dormant,... Continue Reading
Exegetical Inquiry: The Question is More Important than the Answer
We don’t learn anything unless we investigate the text and use the text to investigate ourselves.
One way to kill any investigation is to assume you already know all there is to know. This is true when it comes to Scripture as well. You may have extensive theological knowledge, decades of practical and pastoral wisdom, and a wealth of exegetical insights, but don’t assume from the outset that you understand. This... Continue Reading
What is the Greatest of All Protestant “Heresies”?
If final justification is dependent on something we have to complete it is not possible to enjoy assurance of salvation.
If Christ has done everything, if justification is by grace, without contributory works; it is received by faith’s empty hands — then assurance, even “full assurance” is possible for every believer. No wonder Bellarmine thought full, free, unfettered grace was dangerous! No wonder the Reformers loved the letter to the Hebrews! Let us begin... Continue Reading
Uprooting Bitterness, Part 3 of 3
The Biblical Remedy
While putting away bitterness and all its sinful relatives, we must also put on Christlike virtues like kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. Forgiveness is the golden key to uprooting bitterness in your relationships. Forgiveness is letting go. “Let go” or “put away” is what the word forgive means. Therefore, to forgive someone is to actively let... Continue Reading
The Left Isn’t Afraid of Christian Nationalism. They’re Afraid of Christians.
Apparently, Gavin Newsom believes that if you love people, you will help them get abortions.
Newsom makes a similarly flimsy theological argument with his suggestion that the duty to love our neighbor obligates us to facilitate their abortions. The #LoveIsLove crowd would have you believe that loving someone means doing what they want you to do, but God has a different definition of love. Love does not rejoice in iniquity... Continue Reading
So You Think You’re Facing Persecution, Do You?
Persecution is the normal course of the Christian faith. It’s not strange and should not be unexpected.
People who suffer for righteousness’ sake are poor in spirit—they are living with a humble awareness of their spiritual bankruptcy; they are mournful—they are repenting quickly and forgiving freely; they are meek—they are living before God and man with a gentle and quiet spirit; they are, righteous—they long to obey God’s every word and are... Continue Reading
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