This is one reason why confessionalism runs counter to the evangelical passion for Top Men and for making parachurch organisations functionally more significant for identity than local churches and ecclesiastical denominations. Not that all parachurches do this: seminaries, groups like the Alliance with very limited briefs, and charities focused on particular issues are unlikely ever... Continue Reading

For obvious reasons, the church would value apostolic books over and above other type of books. And this is exactly what happened. The books that the church regarded as apostolic were the books that were read, copied, and used most often in early Christian worship. These are the books that eventually became the New Testament... Continue Reading

Every wise and seasoned Christian leader I have ever heard has told me the same thing: You need the daily discipline of getting up early and reading the Bible and praying for an hour. I do not deny the wisdom of this advice, but I have often thought that we seek out a “one-size-fits-all” solution... Continue Reading

We should be dumbfounded at how doable the remaining task of world missions is. Before I show this, let’s clarify some definitions. Missions is not the same as evangelism. Evangelism is sharing the gospel with any unbelievers, and that work will never be done till Jesus comes. Missions, on the other hand, relates to people... Continue Reading

Our approach to church planting, therefore, will focus not upon gimmicks, strategies and programs, but upon a winsome and warmhearted proclamation of Christ through Word and sacrament, and an utter dependence upon God in prayer.  And of course, from reverent and biblical worship will flow all manner of kingdom work such as discipleship, evangelism and... Continue Reading

Empower biblically qualified people to do the work with you.  Share the responsibility, authority, and equipping of your people and the ministry you do.  I am confident that you will not only see God work in more fruitful healthy ways, but you will be more “appreciated” by your people for it.   Isn’t it amazing... Continue Reading

“In South Carolina, where the South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a separating congregation…might be more sympathetic to the claim of the separating diocese of South Carolina” than judges in other states might be, Tuttle said. Both the Texas and South Carolina cases are being watched closely, in part because of their... Continue Reading

China Aid cites Shouwang Church as an example of closures by authorities. “Landlords were pressured to terminate lease agreements with church members, church members who had purchased real estate were unable to take possession of them, church leaders were placed under house arrest and church members were evicted – all of which was done to... Continue Reading

Just as we had no control over our physical birth, we do not control our spiritual birth. It is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. Those who say that we are only spiritually wounded will say that we can be regenerated, born again, by placing our faith in Christ. This, however, puts everything precisely... Continue Reading

Immediately begin to include a question to all candidates and transfers asking if they are in accord with BCO 58-5 in that it requires separate distribution of the elements.  Anyone who disagrees with that (i.e. believes in the practice of intinction) should make it clear that they hold a difference with the PCA standards….  ... Continue Reading