Too often, I believe, the issue of standing on principle is used to validate sticking to preference. Yes, we all must be prepared to stand on our principles. But what makes one particular principle rise above others? What makes this the time to make a stand? What makes this the hill to die on?  ... Continue Reading

The Canons of Dort are an astounding feat of composition: they are so comprehensive yet so concise; so comprehensive and concise yet so comprehensible. Also, the method of development is brilliant. The explanation of each of the Heads of Doctrine consists of two sections. The first section is a careful explanation of what we are... Continue Reading

Thinking rightly about ourselves can be uncomfortable work. However, as we know and use our gifts according to the Lord’s design, we will know more of the greatness of our God as we together with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 15:6).   Just as most of us... Continue Reading

In the state of innocency, man “had freedom, and power to will and to do that which was good and well pleasing to God.” It is important to note that “innocency” does not refer to someone who has simply not been found guilty of wrongdoing, as the common understanding of the word “innocent” today may... Continue Reading

Jesus lived the life of focussed attention. The world around him (“Everyone is looking for you Jesus!” says Peter) would drag him into frantic distraction. But, by the power of the Spirit, Jesus knew that his greatest asset was the focussed attention that would take him all the way to the cross in Jerusalem.  ... Continue Reading

Seniors can be a challenge. They can be grumpy, they can complain, they can fuss and fume over very insignificant things. But you know what? So can younger people. A younger pastor engages the older people in his congregation because they are part of his flock—and, more importantly, they belong to the Chief Shepherd.  ... Continue Reading

Since the church is found where the word is preached and the sacraments are administered, and since the Spirit is promised to us alongside the means of grace, we rest assured that wherever the church is, there too is the Spirit.   What exactly does it mean for a church to have the Spirit? Ephesians... Continue Reading

My hope is that our quest for knowledge, accuracy, and orthodoxy will not deprive us of a welcoming, affectionate, inclusive, and mentoring kind of credentialing environment. I pray that every man who sits or stands for exam will know that even though we expect great things from them we are for them, we want them... Continue Reading

The Devil is quite real, and there is a spiritual war going on every minute of every day (Rev. 12:17). It was foretold by God when He cursed the Serpent and said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring” (Gen. 3:15). This war is not a... Continue Reading

We worship on the first day of the week, moving from rest to work on the following six days. Such is the great privilege of living in the resurrection power of Christ. This affects every moment of our lives and should move us to prepare to meet the Lord and experience the peculiar joy that... Continue Reading