Jennings and Garner Final Responses on the PCA Insider Movements Report
The final installment of a three-part debate series on the PCA Insider Movements Report
Jennings: I believe that the overriding question we actually face before God and others is whether we will unwittingly remain in our Euro-American-tribal gated communities, e.g., Greco-Latin theological instincts, or exhibit an ever-reforming growth through humbly engaging with other parts of the omnilingual Creator-Redeemer’s worldwide Church. Garner: The IMP is the cutting edge, emergent church paradigm... Continue Reading
ARP Synod Approves Removing Two Chapters and a Note from Its Version of the Confession
The ARP Synod votes to amend its version of the Westminster Confession by removing Chapters 34, Chapter 35, and the appended note “(b)”to Chapter 3
At its June 11, 2014 meeting, the Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) unanimously approved the recommendations of its study committee to amend their version of the Westminster Confession of Faith by removing Chapters 34, Of the Holy Spirit, and Chapter 35, Of the Gospel, along with the appended note “(b)”to Chapter 3,... Continue Reading
Geerhardus Vos’ 5-Volume Reformed Dogmatics May Surprise You
Geerhardus Vos wrote his Reformed Dogmatics in Dutch, by hand, in 1896
The greatest delight I had from reading Reformed Dogmatics was in the undeniable clarity of the writing and argumentation that Vos employs. It is common to think of Vos as primarily a biblical theologian. His most important works that have been published so far have been in this vein. But the simple clarity of Reformed Dogmatics causes me to... Continue Reading
Evangelicals See 8-Point Drop in Support for Immigration Reform
Majorities of every religious group except for white evangelical Protestants support a path toward citizenship for undocumented immigrants
Among white mainline Protestants, 58 percent are supportive, a proportion topped by minority Protestants at 62 percent, Catholics at 63 percent and religiously unaffiliated Americans at 68 percent. The drop in white evangelical support comes as Americans’ overall views about immigrants have grown more positive, the poll shows. It also counters the “fairly steady public drumbeat... Continue Reading
How Are Women Saved Through Childbearing?
What did Paul mean when he said in I Timothy 2:15, “Yet she [the woman] will be saved through childbearing?
I believe it is a legitimate application of this text to say: God’s word to all those burdens and frustrations and miseries is No! This is not my last word to you! My word is salvation! My word, in and through every fiery trial, is to save you, rescue you, preserve you, and give you a future... Continue Reading
Synods Meet Jointly For First Time In 150 Years
The CRC and RCA Synods separated over 150 years ago
The synods will host an official session June 14 to discuss the “Resolution of Relationship Between the Reformed Church in America and the Christian Reformed Church in North America.” Delegates from the two synods will vote together on the resolution. The resolution asks churches to “reflect on the costs of the lack of faithfulness that... Continue Reading
The Danger of Hypo-Calvinism
The dangers of both hyper-Calvinism and hypo-Calvinism
In medical terminology, hypo is the opposite of hyper (too much), so hypo-Calvinism is the problem of not enough of Calvin. This is the diagnosis often over looked in the PCA today. If we would read more Calvin and follow his teachings, as he reflected on the Scriptures, we would be more catholic, more... Continue Reading
Is Pulpit Plagiarism On The Rise? Some Blame the Internet
Lifting others’ material are raising questions about whether pulpit plagiarism is on the rise
As more instances of plagiarism are being alleged, it’s unclear whether plagiarism is more common, or if it’s being reported more often. Plagiarism has been a long-standing issue among pastors, who are expected to churn out fresh content each week for sermons while in some cases also penning best-selling books. (RNS) Thou shalt not steal another... Continue Reading
The PCA Was More ‘Reformed’ at Its Founding Than Some Have Argued
The PCA was committed from 1973 to being a strongly Reformed and confessional church
Mr. Ball and Mr. Smith may be correct in asserting that the knowledge and commitment of the ministers and elders at the outset were less than ideal; however, I would assert that the second ordination vow and the enrollment record obligated the future members and courts of the PCA to a Thoroughly Reformed position. ... Continue Reading
Men Who Achieve A Degree Of Greatness Are Often Polarizing Figures
Personal reflections of Pastor Al Martin’s discipling a young pastor
Much has been written about the public ministry of Pastor Martin. There are sermons that resonate with me nearly thirty years after hearing them. There are the dozens of Pastoral Theology classes that form the bedrock of my life and ministry. But there are three anecdotes that I want to share that have left the... Continue Reading