Good Faith Subscription
What the PCA actually confesses.
In many contexts, “system subscription” has functioned as a kind of theological minimalism. It has been an appeal to broad doctrinal agreement while allowing quiet divergence on particulars. It can, at times, shift the point of authority from the church to the individual. But the PCA’s approach resists that move. The “system” is not self-defined... Continue Reading
Diminishing the Diaconate
We must remain faithful to the biblical and constitutional principles that govern the diaconate.
Each ordained officer has vowed, “Do you approve of the form of government and discipline of the Presbyterian Church in America, in conformity with the general principles of biblical polity?”…We must not strike at Christ’s structure or remove the officers He has appointed. As I continue to unpack my arguments for why I believe my... Continue Reading
Lady Pastors and the Loss of Biblical Symbolism
You were made for this. Your wife wasn’t.
We may recognize saints in churches that have lady pastors. We may recognize real pastors in churches that have lady pastors. But we may not recognize the ordination of those lady pastors. We may recognize the ordination of the colleagues of those lady pastors. But it introduces disunity into the church to sit under the... Continue Reading
Review, Selected Writings of Benjamin Morgan Palmer, Willborn and Cangelosi
"[Palmer] offers such inspiration to those of us who minister the gospel in the chaotic times that we face today.”
The ‘Selected Writings of Benjamin Morgan Palmer’ recounts the experiences of a dedicated pastor who served his denomination faithfully. Even though twenty-first century ministers might think they are beyond learning from an old book containing wisdom from an experienced nineteenth-century pastor, the articles show that the work of shepherding is essentially the same today as... Continue Reading
The Everyday Bride of Jesus
How Christology shapes a local church.
What’s most important in church life is not getting all our ecclesiological ducks in a row. It’s the glad worship of Jesus, the thrill of the soul in Jesus. Knowing and enjoying him is the surpassing value, not being a healthy church. Brothers, you can get your ecclesiology almost right, and get Christianity just about... Continue Reading
Conviction and Confession
One of the things that the church ought to do is provide a bulwark of long-tested truth in a world of ever-changing standards.
There is a deep need, especially among young men, for confidence that the things they are being taught are not fads, not just therapeutic self-help. There has grown up a strong desire to be part of a church that is rooted in an historic Christian tradition. And while there should be some warning that tradition... Continue Reading
In Public Prayer, Labor to Pray the Word!
Desiring to hear more Scripture used in the main prayer of the worship service.
When we treat sin lightly, we treat grace lightly. But when our sins are confessed in public worship with the help of the Scripture and the grace of our Redeemer is rehearsed using God’s own words, it seems obvious to me that true worshipers must be the more likely to gain a deeper sense of... Continue Reading
Roman Catholicism vs. Protestantism: 7 Key Differences
Catholicism inserts a human mediator; Scripture points directly to Christ.
The distinctions between Roman Catholicism and Protestant Christianity are not secondary differences between two Christian denominations. They are two different religions divided who stand at odds regarding the very gospel itself. Is salvation finished or ongoing? Is righteousness imputed or earned? Is Christ enough or supplemented? These are the essential questions that must answered by... Continue Reading
Chair of Ministerial Committee Resigns Over Homosexuality Report
If this pastoral letter is approved, the ministerial committee will be able to ordain a SSA candidate.
“The report is making its conclusion based on humanism and human logic, not on Scripture. I heard exactly the same misuse of Scripture being quoted at our last presbytery meeting when we were leaving the PC(USA). It was the Scripture about the woman caught in adultery. The AIC presenter quoted Jesus as saying, “Neither do... Continue Reading
Have You Eliminated Submission from Your Life?
The wisdom of living under authority.
I often wonder if the fallen pastors I read about genuinely had authority in their lives. Sure, many of them presided within a “plurality of elders.” But authority on paper isn’t the same thing as authority in practice. Did these fallen pastors submit their lives to anyone? Would they have listened if someone told them,... Continue Reading