Worship that is “according to the appointment of his word” means that only that which is explicitly commanded in the Bible may be included as an element of worship (the so called regulative principle). The temptation in designing a service of worship is to conform to a degree to the spirit of the age so... Continue Reading

A good song is the melding of beautiful lyrics with an appropriate melody. We can have the most beautiful lyrics, but if they are trapped in an inappropriate melody, they will lose their luster and perhaps even communicate something that the lyrics do not intend. In the same way, the words/content of our sermon, no... Continue Reading

Community provides the proper context for the proclamation of truth. Notice what our author says, “Let us hold fast the confession” (v.23). This is a reference to the content of what we believe.  If we are going to endure the trials and tribulations of this world, we have to be certain that what we believe—about... Continue Reading

“Leading up to this member-initiated congregational meeting, two Q&A sessions were scheduled for members to hear from the Session and for the Session to listen to the members of Saint Andrew’s Chapel. We are trusting that Jesus Christ, as King and Head of the church, will continue to guide, lead, and protect His flock as... Continue Reading

The topic of Christian nationalism has garnered much debate in modern politics, with it often being identified as the merging of Christian belief and American patriotism. Some have argued that the term Christian nationalism is simply a smear against Christians who engage in advocacy for conservative causes.   The Presbyterian Church (USA), the largest Presbyterian... Continue Reading

There’s more to Christ’s authority in the Church than meets the eye. Although church leaders constitute a visible government, they are only a fraction of the authority that Christ has vested in His Body through His Anointing in the Holy Spirit. The invisible anointing in the Holy Spirit, which confers authority on all believers, must... Continue Reading

Elders are not left to figure out where to lead the church and how to get them there.  God makes his wisdom and direction available to us in his word by his Spirit.   In an antiauthoritarian age and with concerns about abuse common, and not without substance, the danger is that we rebel against... Continue Reading

While 1 Timothy 4:12-13 does acknowledge youth as being a problem for some, it does not seem to see it as an obstacle for preachers. Quite the opposite. “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers as an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I... Continue Reading

The data shows male abusers are nearly three times more likely to work in child-focused roles compared to other men. They understand that working with children provides three crucial elements: access, trust, and opportunity. To put it bluntly, the person most likely to harm your child or grandchild isn’t the stranger you’re worried about—it’s the... Continue Reading

If you are a member of a congregation that is faithful to the sound preaching of the Gospel, the right administration of the sacraments, prayer, and the faithful practice of church discipline, you have every reason to be thankful and to give yourself diligently to developing your Christian life. God has appointed the means of... Continue Reading