God’s Sovereign Purposes
We rest in His authority, but also in His goodness.
We will bow because of His greatness but also kneel because of His goodness. We will be stunned by how He has used His power perfectly for the good of all. We will worship His mercy, grace, and kindness and be forever captured by the absolute perfection of His love. We will see and rejoice... Continue Reading
The Love Your Neighbor Principle
What guidelines should be applied to identify my being a good neighbor?
A good neighbor is not required to give aid where injury results from one’s breaking the laws of God or man. Second, a good neighbor is one who comes to the aid of another on the grounds of humanity and not some other grounds such as race or sex. Furthermore, any application of the “love... Continue Reading
3 Things You Should Know about 2 Peter
Peter informs us that the false teachers deny that Jesus will return.
Confusion about our Lord’s return was common in the early church (one can think of the questions and answers about the end times in Paul’s two Thessalonian letters), even as it is in our own day. Bible prophecy pundits have made so many wild and irresponsible predictions about the second coming of Jesus Christ that... Continue Reading
Understanding Paul’s Veil Imagery in 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:3
Why does Paul use the image of a veil in the first place?
What are the four truths that Paul wanted to communicate through his use of veil imagery? We should share the gospel openly and confidently (= referent #1). Jews who don’t believe in Jesus misunderstand the main point of the Law (= referent #2). Believers in Jesus are being transformed by the glory of God (=... Continue Reading
Truly Understanding Doctrine
Is this information written on the walls of our hearts?
As we learn doctrine, we must earnestly pray that the grace of God would not only inundate our minds but that this knowledge would trickle down into our hearts until they are immersed in the truth of God’s word. When we encounter trials in life, for example, we then know in heart and mind that... Continue Reading
Statism, Totalitarianism and the Sovereignty of God
The Church Swallowed up by the State
From the Christian standpoint, there is no absolute power or authority for Parliament congress, civil governments, or monarchs. All authority is delegated, limited, and under God in the various God-ordained spheres of life. In light of this, and because of the legitimate sword power given to the state, Kuyper rightly warns, “we must ever watch against the danger... Continue Reading
The Ruling Elder’s Reasonable Service in the Courts of the Church
Consistent Participation For Denominational Health
Doctrine matters. We live in times when all truth is under attack, especially orthodox Christian teaching. The higher courts of the church are essential to preserve truth and to ensure that the church’s ministers teach and live in accordance with sound doctrine. Ruling elders are part of the firewall that protects the sheep of today... Continue Reading
Evangelism as Faithfulness
God alone grows the seed of faith in the human heart.
God alone is sovereign in the response to our humble presentation of the gospel. No pushing, cajoling, arm-twisting, pressuring, or hard sell is needed. None! This truth should bring great peace and freedom to every believer who has ever invested in another by sharing the gospel of Christ. What God desires of his followers is faithfulness,... Continue Reading
Celebrating the Reformation
The Reformation restored the true meaning of Christmas and Easter in its rediscovery of the biblical gospel.
It is the Reformation rediscovery of the gospel that actually makes Christmas and Easter worth celebrating. Sola fide is what takes the amazement of the incarnation, the wisdom of the cross, and the glory of the resurrection, and applies it all to us. It’s what does justice to the person and work of Christ. If we get the... Continue Reading
Great Gifts but Little Faithfulness
Some make little of much and others make much of little.
It makes me want to say a “well done” to those who have decided that instead of resenting what God has not given them they will embrace what he has given them, and steward it with faithfulness. For these are the ones who please him, who honor him, and who magnify his name. God... Continue Reading
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