The Senior Adult Dilemma, Part 2
If we want to reduce the amount of stress and heartache experienced both by church leaders and seniors a modified approach to discipleship is needed
Far from “callous disregard” for seniors’ concerns, those entrusted with spiritual leadership should help seniors see their true needs, learn to trust God instead of routines, and continue to press on toward the goal of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. In my last post I explored a few issues involved with... Continue Reading
A Tempted Savior Is A Helpful Savior
Because Jesus suffered and was tempted, He is perfectly suited to help us in our temptations.
Jesus suffered like no one else. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He felt the loneliness of being abandoned by his family and the utter grief of being abandoned by the Father. He had a real human body that was racked with pain and sickness. He had a real back that... Continue Reading
A Tiny Lending Library With A Very Big Heart
Holly Pelton, one of the founders, is wife of TE Corey Pelton, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Travelers Rest
Last spring, a neighbor brought over a USA TODAY article about Little Free Library and said, “You look like people who would want to do this,” Pelton recalled the neighbor saying. They used material from their home renovation, including cabinet doors for the sides and tin for the roof. Pelton makes wind chimes out of... Continue Reading
What Are “Dead Works”?
Unless we have been washed in the blood of Christ, all our good deeds are worthless, useless, vain, and dead
These works are lethal because the thing that most keeps people from Christ is the belief that they can be good without Him. Their lives may be filled with good deeds in the eyes of men, but such works are not necessarily good in the eyes of God. Unfortunately, many have been led astray by... Continue Reading
The World Hates You!
We have become members of the Kingdom of Heaven, and that means we are automatically at odds with the world.
Because the world first hated Christ. If we just look at the number of times that John talks about how Jesus was not received, or rejected or hated or threatened with death, we see that the world absolutely despises our Savior. The rejection is complete. I know that there are those who like to say... Continue Reading
Sinclair Ferguson to Retire as Pastor of First Presbyterian (ARP), Columbia, SC
Date to be set after March 18th
In the note in ‘First Things’, Ferguson shared these thoughts with the congregation: I do not really need to remind you of the first thing. Christ alone is our anchor. Our church is first and, foremost Jesus Christ’s Church. He has built us together here over the centuries; his servants have come and gone. But... Continue Reading
Update: Samuel Patton Beachy, 4, Son of PCA Pastor, Dies of Rare Genetic Disorder
CHARGE Syndrome claims life of Samuel Beachy
Samuel Patton Beachy, 4, son of Rev. and Mrs. Grant Beachy, died on Tuesday morning, February 19, 2013. Samuel’s father is the pastor of Harvest Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Jacksonville, N.C. He died of CHARGE Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that effects one in every 9,000-10,000 births worldwide. Samuel would have been five next week.... Continue Reading
Texas Teen Wins Right to Have Baby after Suing Parents
A pregnant Texas teen has won the right to have her baby after claiming her parents were forcing her to abort the child
The teen was represented by the Texas Center for Defense of Life, who say they see the agreement as a victory in the fight against abortion. “Right now it’s a victory for life. And we’re glad that they stood up for the right to life and that they recognized, our client recognized that her child... Continue Reading
Study: To Use or Not Use the Denomination’s Name in the Local Church Name?
New study looks at the impact of denominational references in church names
The study asked both the unchurched and people who regularly attend a denominational Protestant church about the impact of a church including a denominational reference in its name….The research reveals that the decision to include or exclude a denominational reference in the name is a two-edged sword, with advantages and disadvantages to both choices. ... Continue Reading
Suffering and African American Theology – Part 2
Like its southern counterpart, the theology of empowerment addressed personal and social core concerns as well as salvation by grace through faith in Christ
In order to follow in their tradition and that of our African American forebears in the North and South, we must do comparable theology, addressing today’s issues. Reformed African Americans are in a prime position to play a significant role in contemporary church history. The theology of empowerment has given us valuable insights needed to... Continue Reading