Church as Blueprint
In the Old Testament, the Temple was a microcosm, a miniature copy of reality.
Getting worship right really matters. Of course I’m fully aware that plenty will agree with me but their vision of “right” will not cohere with mine. It’s a challenge we have to work through. But, even so, it does mean that if we want to reform our communities we start by reforming the worship of... Continue Reading
About “Close” Confessional Communion
Why "credible profession of faith" of penitent, baptized church members is not the biblically sufficient criterion for admission to the Lord's Supper.
Those convinced of the confessional Presbyterian & Reformed view of close/confessional communion might find themselves conscience-bound by the Word of God to abstain from participation in an improperly administered sacrament. The usual standard for admission to the Lord’s Supper in Orthodox Presbyterian Church congregations (and in congregations of other NAPARC denominations) is that the... Continue Reading
The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
Inerrancy reminds us that when the Bible speaks, God speaks and He does not fail to utter the truth.
The Bible is no longer accepted or believed as fully trustworthy by many. As one seminary professor described it, “What we are experiencing is an existential mood in the country. Many of our students come to us with a relative view of the Bible.” If the evangelical Church does not awaken to this situation, it... Continue Reading
What Does It Mean to Wait on the Lord?
For the Christian, waiting is the application of faith in time.
How should those united with Christ face the reality of waiting on the Lord? We should wait with acceptance (forbearance). We should wait with confidence (steadfastness). We should wait without anger (patience), because the God of abundant life will not fail us. We should wait with the knowledge that the wait is worth it (hope).... Continue Reading
The Power of the Resurrection Worldview
The Father is glorified by the quality of the spiritual fruit—Christ-like attitudes produced through our union with Christ.
God has already begun to fix everything in this world broken by sin. What a privilege to be called to the mission to spread surrender to Christ’s rule over our own heart loyalties, heart attitudes and every sphere life where we have influence. “The kingdom of God is the renewal of the whole world through... Continue Reading
Oh How I Love Your Law!
You’ve got to love it—it is a command. But at the same time, “you’ve got to love it” because it is so good.
Moses ascended the earthly mountain of God and came down with the law written on tablets of stone. But later, he expressed a longing that all the Lord’s people might have the Spirit (Num. 11:29). The law of Moses could command but it could not empower. By contrast, Jesus ascended the heavenly mountain of God... Continue Reading
The Preaching of Jesus Was Powerful and Relevant
Jesus was a preacher, not just a talker. He proclaimed the truth.
As you listen to a preacher for any length of time, you will hear a constant theme or a reoccurring emphasis that continues to resurface over time. This common focus of a preacher spotlights an ongoing goal in his ministry. For instance, if you listen to any health, wealth, and prosperity preacher it’s very likely... Continue Reading
Why Cancel Culture Needs the Breathtaking Mercy of God’s Kingdom
Thankfully, cancel culture will not have the last word in God’s kingdom.
During my years as a pastor, I’ve witnessed a range of situations in which people confess they cannot forgive: the man who was abused as a child, the wife of an alcoholic husband. They’re undoubtedly right, apart from Jesus. Because God alone can fully heal our wounds and revive the dead, we need him to move... Continue Reading
Why Church Matters
The church is God’s family.
The church is the embassy of heaven. The Lord’s sovereign rule and reign over the world are put on display through the church. It is the embassy of heaven on earth. The love, holiness, and glory of God should be declared to the world through the church. God wills that “through the church the manifold wisdom... Continue Reading
Finding Strength in Hard Times
When our vulnerability is not apparent, a false sense of our competency begins to blind us.
For Christians, hard times might not be the blight on our existence we think them to be. If we believe God’s word, which reminds us that God is working in our favor as much in the hard times as in the good, we have no reason to panic during the difficult days, as we are... Continue Reading
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