Those convinced of the confessional Presbyterian & Reformed view of close/confessional communion might find themselves conscience-bound by the Word of God to abstain from participation in an improperly administered sacrament.    The usual standard for admission to the Lord’s Supper in Orthodox Presbyterian Church congregations (and in congregations of other NAPARC denominations) is that the... Continue Reading

We can expect new life to spring up in a new garden. And we can anticipate the coming restoration of all things someday in that Garden City, New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22 ESV). Isn’t it ironic? The death of death emerged in the life-giving environment of a garden! The ultimate new human, the last Adam (1... Continue Reading

Accurate self-knowledge is essential but not sufficient for deep and lasting change in ourselves and our counselees. As Calvin taught in the 16th century, “Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.”    Every counseling model seeks increased and... Continue Reading

Above the passing sands and unsettling storms of time—God stands true. Cultural moments come and go, but only a life founded in the words and work of Jesus Christ can truly stand—not just the storm of opposition but the final storm of divine judgement.    Brother in Christ, sister in Christ, I implore you: don’t... Continue Reading

We find the understanding of Christian contentment in a well-known passage from Philippians 4 where Paul states, “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty….I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”... Continue Reading

True love is, ultimately, rooted in Christ, who loved us too much to affirm our sin, rebellion, and brokenness. His love is both the example and the source of the love the world needs most right now, the kind which “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”     Perhaps no... Continue Reading

Regardless of where you are on your journey, it’s never too late to help them. No parent has ever looked back and wished their child spent more time in the virtual world. Your children need the gift of your leadership now so they can be leaders tomorrow. Stand up for them to help them stand out from... Continue Reading

Rise up, you men of the cross, sisters of the crown, soldiers of Christ endowed with his very Spirit. Come and speak. Come and die. Come and serve. Come and overcome. Come and stand firm.   What assassin better cloaks himself than Satan? He is a rumor whispered, a rustling of the bush, a cutthroat... Continue Reading

We may lack the power to control every aspect of every emotional reaction that other people’s words or actions ignite in us. But we are responsible for rightly responding to those reactions and repenting whenever they prove sinful.   Preparing for Hurt in the Church We live in a fallen world. As glorious and wonderful... Continue Reading

Having a Philippians 1:21 heart doesn’t mean you despise the God-given joys and giggles of life on earth—it means you realize that another life’s coming, another world, one that’s better than this one, even at its best. And not better by a little, but better by far.    A few weeks ago, my seven-year-old informed me... Continue Reading