God’s Servants for Our Good
Governments that help to establish and enforce general morality in society are doing God’s work to preserve peace and order even when those governments do not even acknowledge or recognize that they are doing so.
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
George Gillespie’s Case for An Ecclesiastical Government
An Analysis of Gillespie’s: Aaron’s Rod Blossoming
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
John Calvin’s Six Reasons to Pray
Pray and Trust in God’s Providential Purposes
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
Why We Won’t Spend Eternity in Heaven
It’s far more biblical to state that we will spend eternity on the new earth.
The implications of Scripture’s teaching on this subject are immense. We will not spend eternity floating on clouds. We’ll enjoy something far better: life in the new earth ensconced in God’s glory. We’ll finally see him face to face. On March 19, 2021, my father passed away. He was larger than life. Nobody who... Continue Reading
What Is the Bondage of the Will?
In Luther's classic treatise, he demolishes Erasmus’ man-exalting synergism.
It is hard to sum up The Bondage of the Will succinctly, because it is so rich with Luther’s whole theology….One might consider it the nearest thing Luther wrote to a systematic theology. It has always been admired by Reformation Protestants, both Lutherans and Reformed. Martin Luther looked upon The Bondage of the Will and... Continue Reading
Subjectivism and Cessationism
What is the practical difference between their continuationism and cessationism?
The debate between real cessationism and real continuationism is an important one. But, as in politics, it’s important for the party supporters to know what their party truly believes, and what the opposing party believes. If that’s done, some might find they’re members of the same party. Christians often talk past each other. That... Continue Reading
Would It Be Better to Take a Pay Cut than a Church Cut?
Many people are “accidental deconstructionists” who abandon the faith through sloppiness or poor planning.
If you do choose to move…put more attention into your church than your job, neighborhood, home, or school….be absolutely certain, that wherever you go, you and your family will be able to be members of a church that honors the Word, preaches truth, and faithfully worships the King. For nothing less than spiritual life and... Continue Reading
Hedged by Thorns, Held by Grace
We can bless the Lord for the very thing that lays us low.
Thorns—an expression of God’s faithfulness to us. Therefore I will hedge up her way with thorns, and I will build a wall against her, so that she cannot find her paths (Hosea 2:6). Jason lay in bed, weakened and restless, unaware that the thorns piercing his life were the very tools God was using... Continue Reading
Christians Should Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
We have reason to celebrate.
Let us slaughter the fattened calf. Light the fires. Fill the glasses. Let us propose toasts and heartily enjoy the fellowship of the faithful. Even if it is around the simplest of meals. Let us eat, drink and be merry. Not because we die tomorrow. But rather because we live forever. The saying “eat,... Continue Reading
Hiding Behind Hedonism and Cynicism
The Christian doctrine of joy is the antidote for the hedonist and the cynic.
Hedonism and cynicism are unbiblical and ineffective ways of dealing with our natural desire for joy. If you pursue joy with reckless abandon, you will end up striving for more and more while never attaining lasting joy. If you give up the pursuit of joy, adopting a morbid expectation about the future and people, you... Continue Reading
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