A Time for Heroism
To protect the unborn, promote sexual integrity, preserve the truth about marriage, and defend the freedom of religious conscience, we cannot simply live good lives—we must live heroic ones.
We must be prepared to risk popularity, reputation, professional success, economic well-being, and—it may yet come to this—perhaps even our lives, in order to defend the dignity of human life in all its stages, the value of sexual integrity, the truth about marriage and family, and the right to live in accordance with one’s beliefs... Continue Reading
In Church Attics, Clues to the Private Life of Early America
Taking measures to preserve records from the church’s past
In Dudley, Mass., where a congregation was established in 1732, Thompson Boyd, a history teacher who volunteers as the church’s historian, showed Dr. Cooper a page from a Bible translated into Algonquian by John Eliot, who was seeking to convert the local Nipmuc Indians. There were also notes for an 1822 sermon (opening line: “The... Continue Reading
Union with Christ and Sanctification
One of the chief benefits of the recent debates regarding sanctification is a renewed emphasis on the believer's union with Christ through faith
In addition to emphasizing the distinction between justification and sanctification, we must emphasize that they are, furthermore, “necessary, inseparable and simultaneous.” Sanctification is not some add-on that may come after justification, but is integral to Christian salvation from the moment of our conversion and regeneration. Sanctification is as necessary to salvation as is justification, since... Continue Reading
Reflections on Substance
Hobby Lobby and the 42nd PCA General Assembly
The CMC reported that it is empowered “to focus on the overall ministry and mission of the PCA,” and had identified five key issues facing the denomination it would study and report on next year: The role of women in the PCA; Homosexuality and related issues; The rising generation of leaders in the PCA; Making... Continue Reading
Be Still, Behold, Be Bold
There are many opportunities and temptations to fear
What is our refuge and strength? If it is a political party, a particular person, or a pocket full of plenty, we should find ourselves fearing, for we will be failed by these “gods.” However if our refuge and strength is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, then we are in great shape. ... Continue Reading
Truck Slams Into PCA Church, Dubbed ‘Holiest Church’ In Spring, Texas
Spring Cypress is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America
The driver went 100 yards through a field before slamming into Spring Cypress Presbyterian. The driver was treated and released, but it was unclear how or why he lost control. The church was boarded up hours later, and the pastor changed the sign to say it’s the “holiest church” in Spring. SPRING, Texas – A... Continue Reading
Prayer Service Held Friday For Kent Hinkson, Still Missing
“The Lord is just holding us together, but we want him back."
Hinkson’s family said he was currently serving as a priest of pastoral care at All Saints Church in Durham. Before moving to the Triangle nine years ago, Hinkson had served for 40 years as a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) and then the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). He served churches in Los... Continue Reading
In Christ Our Suffering Is Not in Vain
Because we suffer with Him, we also shall be raised with Him
“The church participates in Christ’s suffering. But this participation adds nothing to Christ’s merit. The sufferings of Christians may benefit other people, but they always fall short of atonement. I cannot atone for anyone’s sins, not even for my own. Yet my suffering may be of great benefit to other people. It may also serve... Continue Reading
A Fine Line
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore looking like an idiot
“Sure, to those who are not called, those without faith, we may look like a bunch of idiots rolling out of bed on Sunday morning to sit in a pew and listen to some guy preach. But there is something happening that they do not understand. We are receiving grace. We are being nourished by... Continue Reading
Should You Wait to Have Kids Until You Can Afford Them?
When it comes to planning for kids, here are four things to consider beyond your account balance
“It’s a simple truth really, but one many of us miss. Children are a blessing. Yes, they are expensive. Yes, diapers, and school shoes, and college educations cost a lot, but none of that changes the fact that God sees children as a blessing. Does the Bible call a fat savings account or total financial... Continue Reading