It is worth remembering that Calvin’s view of government was aristocratic.  The king’s power was not to be absolute, but he is to govern together with his nobles. Calvin’s treatment of civil government is in Book IV of the Institutes, the last chapter (20). At the beginning of Book IV Calvin explicitly links to his earlier... Continue Reading

The gathering of Christians for public worship is declared to be an imminent threat to the health of the nation. They continue: “The virus has infiltrated Sunday sermons, meetings of ministers and Christian youth camps in Colorado and Missouri. It has struck churches that reopened cautiously with face masks and social distancing in the pews,... Continue Reading

To understand what it is, we can look to the opening chapter of Nancy Pearcey’s excellent book Love Thy Body, where she explains the “radically fragmented, fractured, dualistic view of the human being” that has developed in Western culture. She calls it personhood theory. Personhood theory says the true “you” – the actual person – is not the body you... Continue Reading

The first question which naturally arises is regarding the meaning which ought to be attached to the word “Church.” Different societies or associations of Christians are found claiming to themselves, and denying to others, the character and privileges of a Church of Christ; and opinions widely differing from each other are held as to the... Continue Reading

Since his Father worked creatively for six days and rested on the seventh, Adam, like a son, was to copy Him. Together, on the seventh day, they were to walk in the garden. That day was a time to listen to all the Father had to show and tell about the wonders of His creating... Continue Reading

As Christians, we need to look forward to the prospect of the new creation, when true paradise will be restored. The Bible provides us with a ‘holiday brochure’ vision of the glory to come in the book of Revelation, which makes us long to be there, and enables us to endure life in the fallen... Continue Reading

It is OK if you aren’t aware of the latest scandal or the most recent issue causing cultural indignation. Christians should stand for Christ and his gospel and should stand against injustice wherever it is found. But, standing for Christ and standing against injustice does not require you to scour the internet daily for reasons... Continue Reading

Like the Puritans, live in terms of the settled judgment that the joy of heaven will make amends of any losses and crosses, strains and pains that we must endure on earth if we are going to follow Christ faithfully. Regard preparedness to die as the first step in learning to live. View this earth... Continue Reading

Though the writer of Ecclesiastes condemns flippancy (7:4-6), he clearly has no time for the super-spirituality which is too proud or pious ever to laugh and have fun. Seek grace to work hard at whatever life calls you to do (9:10), and enjoy your work, as you do it (2:24). Leave to God the issues... Continue Reading

The preacher recognizes that apart from Christ he can do nothing (John 15:5), and so he is a man of prayer, both as a part of his daily walk with the Lord (1 Thess. 5:17) and in particular as he prepares his soul and mind to preach. He prays as he studies (Ps. 119:18), he... Continue Reading