Should We Stop Using the Expression “Reformed Faith”?
We should speak of a Christian faith, theology, and confession, from a Reformed, Orthodox, or Lutheran perspective
There is a “Reformed faith” insofar as that shorthand expression refers to a particular theology, piety, and practice. Insofar as, however, that theology, piety, and practice is catholic (universal) it is not particular to the Reformed churches. So the question is really how to signal the one, i.e., that which unites us with the church... Continue Reading
Counting the Cost
Local connections + U.S. action = freed Afghanistan aid workers
…he counted on the local elders—and they came through: “We did not know the levels the local people would go to to protect us or advocate for us. It was nothing short of revolutionary the way these people stood up and took off, moving from their own safety into the territory of bad guys to... Continue Reading
The Queen James ‘Gay’ Bible
The Queen James Bible – edits out all references to homosexuality in order to provide a Bible translation "edited to prevent homophobic misinterpretation of God's Word."
The unnamed editors of the revision say they chose to use and retitle the King James Version to the Queen James Version because of the “obvious gay link to King James, known amongst friends and courtiers as ‘Queen James’ because of his many gay lovers.” The Story: A new revision of the King James Bible—dubbed... Continue Reading
What will American Christianity look like in 50 years?
One man’s predictions on American Christianity 50 years out (2062)
Reformed Christians: Continuing personality issues, but overall the hardcore Reformed will still look and act a lot like they do today, because (almost uniquely among Protestants) Reformed folks know and value their tradition. The edgy/emergey segment will contribute a few cultural differences. I was asked this in an online forum, and my answer got... Continue Reading
Ana Grace, Killed at Sandy Hook School, Sings Unto the Lord
Ana Grace Márquez-Greene, one of the children killed in Sandy Hook Elementary School, sings
Ana Grace Márquez-Greene was one of the children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., on December 14, 2012. Ana and her family had recently moved to the US. Her mother, Nelba, asked that this video, of Ana singing “Come, Thou Almighty King” accompanied on the piano by her brother, “Be shared... Continue Reading
A Tribute to Tom Patete
Tom was an example of what it means to be a Christian gentleman, a good and faithful servant of his Lord
Thomas R. Patete, 71, longtime Executive Director of Great Commission Publications (GCP), went to be with the Lord on December 14, 2012. Patete, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church of America, served Christ’s church in a number of pastorates and through his position at GCP for 34 years. Tom Patete was six... Continue Reading
Hurricane Sandy Relief Update from Mission to North America
Super Storm Sandy left major damage throughout many areas, primarily in New York and New Jersey, relief efforts continue
“Many folks have asked if this is Katrina-like. In many ways it is far worse since the population density is far greater, and the weather and temperatures are terrible. People are really hurting up here: keep praying for resources to sustain recovery operations that allow us to reach others in their time of need” —... Continue Reading
Two Prayers for Solace and Wisdom in the Face of the Sandy Hook Tragedy
It is Christmas in Connecticut, and that may never sound the same again to us
A Prayer for Sandy Hook and for Us All Kevin DeYoung With so many in our nation thinking now of weighty things, give us ears to hear what is true and what leads to eternal life. May this evil be a reminder of our own depravity. May these deaths remind us of our own mortality.... Continue Reading
West Point “Weddings” Renew Fear of Chaplain Discrimination
Need of a law to protect military chaplains from accusations of discrimination
The West Point chaplains asked to officiate the same-sex “marriage” ceremony on campus earlier this month refused…Whether or not the chaplains will face retribution remains to be determined, but their religious freedom is something for which all Americans should fight. Religious liberty advocates are renewing calls for the Senate to pass a law... Continue Reading
Intinction: An Historical, Exegetical, and Systematic Theological Examination
Intinction affects one of the three marks of the church: the correct administration of the sacraments
If the PCA standards are so crystal clear, why are we having this intinction debate? Why are some churches practicing intinction? The proposed amendment to the PCA Book of Church Order would serve to clarify the theological symbolism of the sacrificial character of Christ’s death, which is what our distinct sacramental actions of eating and... Continue Reading