Why Cursing Matters
Controlling the tongue is among the most difficult—and among the most important—expressions of true Christian faith
While cursing is an unholy way to deal with extreme frustration or anger, the frustration is often real and does need to be expressed. Psalm singing is one way that Scripture trains our hearts to express our angst in holiness, and to rest in Christ’s just condemnations on wickedness. With faith in Christ’s coming judgment... Continue Reading
The Gospel and Traditional Marriage
The point of marriage vows is to introduce security in the relationship through commitment in the image of God, who is eternally committed to His covenant with His people.
Many who put away orthodox views of traditional marriage do so because it is hard. If, because of your personal inclinations you feel attracted physically or emotionally to the same sex, then enduring in such close relationship with someone of the opposite sex seems too hard to try. But for those who do feel attraction... Continue Reading
How Do I Encourage My Pastor?
Never underestimate how meaningful and well-timed it can be when God would so lead you to do so.
Your pastor of all people should know the significance of prayer. The most meaningful things I hear isn’t, “I prayed for you” but, “I prayed that your sermon would be powerfully preached and eagerly received, or I prayed God would protect you and your family from the enemy through this important week.” Write your pastor a... Continue Reading
The State of Theology: Suspicious Of Authority
The results of this study might give the Reformers a little consternation
“One of the most crucial conversations during the Reformation concerned the marks of the true church. This is understandable. Prior to the Reformation the only church was the Roman Catholic Church. (In the West, of course, as the Orthodox Church dominated the East.) Then along came the Reformers, who raised the question: What is the... Continue Reading
Fencing The Table (Part 2)
Biblical principles and directives regarding the careful fencing and partaking of the Lord’s Table.
As we engage the questions before us we should recognize that the sacraments must be set in the larger context of ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church). Our fencing inquiry is not a simple question that can consider the sacrament in the abstract. Rather it is a complex matter involving several issues of wider biblical,... Continue Reading
Is a Belief in Hell Incompatible with the Truth That God Is Love?
If we start selectively believing Scripture, we dismantle the authority of Scripture
“Whenever we take one biblical truth, then conclude that another teaching of Scripture is incompatible with it, we presume to act as judges of Scripture, rather than submitting to what it says. Hence we become our own authority, defining God’s love on our own terms in a way that is incompatible with Hell, whereas Scripture... Continue Reading
When Sin Keeps You From Prayer
Sin puts a stress on our relationship with God. It is a breach.
“It is ironic that prayer is actually the rescue chopper from the captivity of sin. It’s the only way out. Like making contact with a Search and Rescue Team, prayer discloses our location and position. The way out of the spiraling pattern of sin is to confess it.” The other day I preached on... Continue Reading
Semper Reformanda
Semper reformanda is not about constant fluctuations, but about about firm foundations.
When the church changes its mind–or a professor or pastor or professional blogger demands that the church changes its mind–on, say, the definition of marriage or the nature of sexual sin, we can rest assured that, however much some traditionalists may object to the change, the church is courageously embodying the legacy of the Reformers... Continue Reading
What Good Are Confessions And Catechisms If They Are Not Inerrant?
The Reformed confessions are not inerrant but we have no need for inerrant confessions.
So, what use are confessions? They are official, ecclesiastical summaries of the faith on certain key points. What good is the United States constitution? Much in every way, if we will follow it. They provide guidance to ministers, elders, deacons, and members. The confessions provide us with agreed language on the key points of the... Continue Reading
The Interface of Medieval Mysticism and Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation
Contemplative techniques are designed to subdue the body and mind into passive openness to mystical experiences that impart the convincing impression of tapping into a higher plane of reality
The terrifying effects that sometimes result from meditation should come as no surprise, since the interface of science and mysticism has given scientific and academic credibility to the forbidden realm of the occult. Mysticism has long been understood as the science of consciousness, by which human consciousness is transformed into Divine Consciousness through meditative techniques.... Continue Reading