This service is expressed with singular point and remarkable breadth on the foundation document of the Seminary, the “Plan,” which the General Assembly adopted in 1811 as the basis of the new venture it was making in providing for the training of ministers. Briefly, the Assembly desired the Seminary “to provide for the Church an... Continue Reading

Our judicial system does not hand down the same punishments for every infraction. What we know to be true in ordinary life we must not forget in our spiritual lives. As much as it shows admirable humility or apologetic concern, we must not act or teach as if every sin is the same in God’s... Continue Reading

The Word, prayer, and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the ordinary means of grace God has given us. These are the means through which the Holy Spirit works to bring true conversion, true revival, and true reformation. God’s awakening power is not activated by our schemes and tactics, but by His... Continue Reading

Jesus had to pass the test that Adam failed in the garden of Eden (Gen 2:16–17; 3:1–6). He refused to believe the devil’s lies and instead obeyed his Father in all things. Jesus was tempted but did not sin (Heb. 4:15). Satan has power, but Jesus has ultimate power over all creation. When Jesus said,... Continue Reading

According to Dreher, Christian prayer is the primary way to recover a sense of God’s presence and experience enchantment in a secular age. He writes, “It turns out that attention—what we pay attention to, and how we attend—is the most important part of the mindset needed for re-enchantment. And prayer is the most important part... Continue Reading

Another new example of “Christians” hating on real Christians was just reported on yesterday. The opening paragraphs of a piece in the Melbourne Age tells the story: Former union boss Joe de Bruyn has sparked a mass walkout at a Melbourne university graduation ceremony in response to his keynote speech opposing gay marriage and comparing abortion... Continue Reading

Throughout history, pagans have often figured out successful legal systems that reflect biblical values because, since God designed the world to work in a certain way, those kinds of systems just work best for the order and prosperity of a society. That’s the reality of common grace politics. The truth is that in matters of... Continue Reading

In the third book of Aaron’s Rod Blossoming, Gillespie argued that suspension from the Lord’s Supper and excommunication from the church are within the jurisdiction of the church—and specifically, under the authority of the elders. Gillespie asserted that suspension from the Sacrament is a step in the process of church discipline, and that one could be... Continue Reading

Even though, while we grow dull and stupid toward our miseries, he watches and keeps guard on our behalf, and sometimes even helps us unasked, still it is very important for us to call upon him: First, that our hearts may be fired with a zealous and burning desire ever to seek, love, and serve... Continue Reading

Left and right decisions are different. These are the kinds of decisions in which there is no decision that is inherently more moral than the other. These are times when you just have to choose – to choose this home or that one. This town or that one. This job or that one. Neither choice... Continue Reading