It is clear that both sets of sacraments share the same already/not yet realization: the OT sacraments were signs of what was and what would be; the NT sacraments are signs of what is and what will be. Moreover, in both sets of sacraments, promises and warnings of the age to come attend their external... Continue Reading

The Apostle Paul instructs Christians in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Test all things, hold fast what is good.” We all need to develop that ability—and it takes time and effort.   A reader recently forwarded to us an email from a fine Christian ministry that bemoaned the proliferation of “fake news” and other bad thinking on... Continue Reading

The office of the Christian ministry, rightly understood, is the most honourable and important, that any man in the whole world can ever sustain; and it will be one of the wonders and employments of eternity, to consider the reasons, why the wisdom and goodness of God assigned this office to imperfect and guilty man!... Continue Reading

At what point are the losses from the shutdown greater than the losses from COVID-19 itself? Considering this question comes not from a cold heart, but a warm one. We need to remember the invisible victims and consider their needs, too, as we decide the best course of action.   I do not hate my... Continue Reading

Trials test us and reveal where we are both week in faith and the implementation of His prescriptions (James 1:2-4). We must change our thinking to have lasting change of behavior. Instead of focusing outward behavior, transforming the mind through disciplining it by meditation on God’s Word is essential.   Our Reality A friend told... Continue Reading

We can be confident that if it is not expressed in God’s Word then it is not something by which we can, or should, be bound. We do well whenever somebody says ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’ to examine the Scriptures like the Bereans to see if what they say is... Continue Reading

Arguing for limited government—especially related to matters of faith—isn’t just a right we enjoy as American citizens; it’s a right we enjoy as heavenly citizens. While Christians should be reminded of their duties to be subject to governing authorities, civil magistrates should be reminded of their duties as well.   During this unusual season of... Continue Reading

It appears we still prefer to stick our mammon-fattened fingers into our cloth ears, denying even the possibility that God might be saying something to us. We prefer to be told there is no explanation and no hope (outwith ourselves), rather than admit we are helpless and cry out to the God who offers both... Continue Reading

It’s one thing to know about Jesus, even to understand how all the pieces of Scripture fit together. The evidence is important, but it’s never enough. At some point, you need that moment in which not only do you see, but you really see and you believe.   Big Idea: Move beyond not understanding to... Continue Reading

In the situation in which we all currently find ourselves, crushed spirits may indeed be a dominant personality trait. It was fun for awhile being able to sleep in on a weekday morning, or not have to get dressed to impress. But for many the second mortgage payment has been missed, the business has had... Continue Reading