The hope of resurrection, of a new heavens and new earth, of the return of Jesus—these are all out of our reach and beyond our ken. Very little in the modern world reinforces such expectation. And yet, like Abram, we hope against hope (c.f. Romans 4:18). We profess together that there is nothing firmer and... Continue Reading

God’s righteousness means that He will and must act in accordance with His own will, His own moral perfections, and His own truthful faithfulness. His character and conduct is always right and must do what is right. The Scripture says: “You are righteous and your judgments are right (Psalm 119.137).   God is righteous and... Continue Reading

Are you under siege? Do you feel there is no hope? Read Psalm 18 over and over again. Study God’s ways in the life of David and then call out to God for help. He delights in those who delight in Him, and He has always been faithful to those who turn upward and not... Continue Reading

A Gospel without wrath is not the Gospel. If people don’t believe they’re under judgment, they won’t see the need for a Savior. The absence of hell in our preaching leads to apathy in our pews.   A young man pulled me aside after a recent sermon. “I’ve been in church my whole life,” he... Continue Reading

Teachers and volunteers don’t need to feel overwhelmed by all the possible diversity of needs in the classroom. They can simply get to know each student and do their best to meet their needs.   “We’re a small church but are blessed to have four boys with autism regularly attending. We want to make sure... Continue Reading

Pelagius truly exemplifies a strikingly modern spirit in ancient times, and if he were born in modernity, he probably would have been regarded as a leading theologian and philosopher. His confidence in human ability, emphasis on free will, and strongly contrarian spirit would make him fit perfectly with many during the Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment periods.... Continue Reading

The Assembly completed the amendment process to clarify how presbyteries deal with transitional pastors ordained in other denominations, entered into a fraternal partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, amended its Rules of Assembly to clarify how business is to be received by the General Assembly, and instructed the Permanent Committee on Theology to review... Continue Reading

By the end of this third Chattanooga Assembly, many of the PCA founding cultural interests and efforts to avoid centralization were distant memories. With strong efforts, the conservatives who sought to bring the high-level officers more in line with certain notions had some success. Moreover, the progressive wing seemed more determined and efficient than ever... Continue Reading

Like the saints of Revelation 6, Christians today are free to desire and invite the vengeance of God. Contrary to popular opinion, Romans 12:19 does not prohibit Christians from desiring vengeance—it commands them to leave it to the wrath of God.   Imagine: You are the leader of a small Iranian house church. The police... Continue Reading

When church membership is implemented in a way that applies the Bible’s inside/outside lines, so that there are clear qualifications and a clear process in (and out), then membership is open to so many more kinds of people. All of the differences that naturally sort humans into little cliques at work or school…are put aside... Continue Reading