Check-Ins: Sowing Seeds of Consistency to Build Trust
There can be hope in the aftermath of betrayal.
Couples are wise to ask how to build trust after betrayal. Doing check-ins allows them to invite each other and God into vulnerable places, trusting him to repair, rebuild, and reform a broken union into a marriage that glorifies God. A redeemed and renewed marriage is a work that no man or woman can do... Continue Reading
Should Lay People Administer the Sacraments?
The New Testament knows nothing of the modern model of democratic, egalitarian, every-member ministry.
Christ brought with him the Kingdom of God and not the Democracy of God. A king is an office. Jesus is, in distinct ways, King over the church and the world. As King over the church, where he exercises his special, saving providence, he has instituted offices and sacraments. He has not empowered all the... Continue Reading
Render to Caesar—Mark 12:13-17
We indeed give taxes to whom taxes are owed and honor to whom honor is owed, but we give our lives, our souls, our all to Christ Jesus our Lord.
While we honor earthly authorities, we give our unconditional obedience to God alone. If this means a king issuing a decree for all subjects to pray to him alone, then like Daniel we continue to pray to the one, true God. For the early church, the example of Daniel was not relegated to the fanciful halls... Continue Reading
Vocation and the Christian
The doctrine of vocation—as developed by Reformation theologians—amounts to a theology of how to live in the world.
God desires us to love Him and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:34–40). Therefore, the purpose of every vocation—in marriage, parenthood, the workplace, the nation, and the church—is that we love and serve our neighbors (see Gal. 5:13–15). Scripture makes clear that Christians are to be the salt and light of the world. Exactly how,... Continue Reading
Efficiency Is Not Our Highest Goal
The church doesn’t exist merely as a vehicle to get stuff done, it is a group of people bounded together in Christ who serve together in the cause of the gospel.
Our process, in the church, typically protect us as leaders. Multiple leaders let us share the burden of responsibility. Proper discussions amongst the elders, and real consultation with the membership, mean that more people can be brought onboard with whatever it is we hope to do. If you are all about efficiency, the fastest... Continue Reading
The Religion of Man
Everything that has happened or will happen in the future is in the hands of Almighty God. He controls the weather – man does not.
On one side is the religion of man. Man is the current pinnacle of evolution and can control the planet, even its weather. No God need apply. It seems almost like a modern-day replay of the tower of Babel, only this time the planet is the tower, which they have all intentions of “building back... Continue Reading
Does the Bible Trump the BCO?
That is the wrong question.
In the PCA, our standards and our vows are clear. We must abide by the Book of Church Order; we have sworn oaths together saying we believe it conforms to Biblical polity, so let us live together practicing what we have pledged and hold one another accountable for the honor of Christ, the purity of... Continue Reading
All Things to All Men: What Does It Really Mean?
We need to understand these words in their context, not just repeat them as a slogan.
1 Corinthians 9:22 is speaking about pursuing the spiritual edification of others, within and outside the Church. It is highly challenging on a personal level. Are we dedicated to seeking the maximum edification of all others? Are there aspects of our behaviour and speech that are hindering edification? What is not actually edifying stumbles others.... Continue Reading
Arendt, Totalitarianism, & the Gospel
Our temptation is to fight the world with the world's weapons and in the world's way.
The shadow of totalitarianism hangs over our country today. But how should Christians respond? In a way that is hopefully predictable. We should respond with the gospel. We should take our resolute stand upon it. Hannah Arendt was a political philosopher. She was the author of several books and was professor at New School... Continue Reading
God Is Sovereign
He does what He pleases, and it pleases Him to accomplish His greatest glory and our greatest good.
Our God is not like those despots or tyrannical madmen we know from history. Our God is more powerful than them and, thankfully, far better, for He is good and without sin. We can find confidence, hope, and trust in His sovereignty. History is replete with the stories of despots and tyrants who wielded... Continue Reading
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