The Reformed movement began by stripping the altars of icons. But by removing icons from the sanctuary, we did not leave the worshipper with nothing but bare walls. Rather, in rejecting the visual stimulus of the icon, we returned to the God-ordained power of the Word. As Paul writes to the Galatians, “It was before... Continue Reading

Protestantism, rightly understood, brings the Christian to the great riches hidden in the Word of God. Souls are reborn, families are restored, and cities are rebuilt as the Spirit uses the Word of God to regenerate humans. We must not forget that our Protestant forefathers fought and bled for those blessings.     On April... Continue Reading

Think for a moment about Paul’s experiences facing hardened, slanderous religious leaders, demonic forces, and an entire city in a mindless mob ready to destroy him. But in the midst of it all we read these words: The Word of the Lord spread and prevailed (Acts 19:20).   If you are a genuine follower of... Continue Reading

We cannot always explain why we suffer. To do so, to take control by explaining it away, would be to follow Job’s friends in their retributive principle or to follow Elihu in his claim to speak on behalf of God. Instead, we have to cast ourselves wholly into the God who is beyond our comprehension.... Continue Reading

Let us not forget that submitting to Christ’s Lordship includes making Him Lord over our clothing. Therefore, the simple act of getting dressed should be an act of worship that seeks to elevate and obey Him rather than exalting and pleasing self.   Let me guess what is going through your head right now. Women:... Continue Reading

We care for the flock as the Lord’s treasured possession, redeemed at the cost of the blood of his Son. Matthew Henry comments: “they are God’s people, and should be treated with love, meekness, and tenderness, for the sake of Him to whom they belong.”   There is a serious shortage of pastors and elders.... Continue Reading

When the situation is dire, the world tells us to look into our hearts. To screw up our courage. To banish our fears. But Christian hope is different. It comes from outside ourselves. It’s a joy that pushes fear into its proper place and keeps it from becoming all-consuming.   Peter Kreeft has a new... Continue Reading

Without the concept of providence, we would miss the comfort, consolation, and joy of knowing that God stands above and beyond all things. He is not an isolated spectator who roots for us.…His purposes cannot be thwarted.   People tend to feel uncomfortable when reading that God from all eternity, immutably and freely, ordains whatsoever... Continue Reading

We are to be subject to such people how? To be subject to their needs and supply them with practical aid? Or to obey their rule and follow their teaching? As Paul distinguishes between the proper functions of men and women, it is reasonable to conclude that subjection to a male co-worker that exercises teaching... Continue Reading

The Holy Spirit applying the word is ultimately necessary for convincing the person of their sin and only Christ can sanctify the sinner. When pastors forget this truth, that Christ alone saves, they can quickly fall into the messiah complex.   One of the great dangers in the pastorate is that a minister might develop... Continue Reading