Pastors were never called to pastor all the people in all the churches in all the places. Nor were we called to be abreast of every theological tiff and methodological squabble happening in Christendom. The apostle Peter gives pastors a word of exhortation in 1 Peter 5:2 that is so freeing. “Shepherd the flock of... Continue Reading

Lordship of Christ is not about redeeming culture or bringing culture under the authority of Christ, but it is about serving Christ in that sector of society. This means conducting oneself as if what they do, they do for Christ for He is the true sovereign (I Cor 10:31). This means the Christian will most... Continue Reading

Many confuse unity with uniformity – that superficial sameness that only runs skin deep. Unity isn’t manufactured through external conformity. It emerges organically when believers focus together on something greater than themselves – the Lord Jesus Christ. A tragic lesson about focus emerges from the story of Eastern Airlines Flight 401. Flight 401 was scheduled... Continue Reading

But what about the Lord’s Supper? How does this sacrament relate to the visible church? It is presupposed that those who take part at the table have been admitted as members to the visible church.   In an earlier article I wrote about the useful theological distinction of the visible and invisible church (WCF 25)... Continue Reading

Other ears might hear “above reproach” as a really low bar, meaning that I don’t need to have some taint on my public reputation. For many people, that’s not very difficult, and they think this is a really low bar and attainable.   Exemplary Christians For many Christians—and pastors included—when you take a first look... Continue Reading

Don’t forget who is the most important audience you have. If you share online, share in person. If you have an encouraging word, send it to a friend. Write a letter. Send a text or a voice memo. Find someone on Sunday and share how God has encouraged your soul. Be attentive and aware of... Continue Reading

All members of the congregation may be expected to have good understanding of various portions of Scripture. Young and old, men and women alike, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, may have their hearts and minds illuminated through their personal study of the Scriptures. But in a distinctive way, it is the ordained teaching... Continue Reading

Christ has given the church the great commission, and Christ has gifted ministers to preach the word and administer the sacraments. No school is ever a replacement for the church and the means of grace. Why would you send your child off into the wilderness without food to sustain him or her?   Chances are... Continue Reading

You have probably heard that many times. Love of God and others. Mission to the world. The fact is, however, that while those in themselves are simple, we have done a good job in many church cultures of busying up people, adding a whole lot of seemingly necessary bells and whistles onto your racing cars... Continue Reading

Baby Christians are vulnerable to false teaching…It is critical to help them as best we can in this critical time in their lives. There is no substitute for a church with good preaching and teaching. Smaller groups with Christians of all maturity levels will definitely help as well. But let me put forward another possibility:... Continue Reading