“What’s Happening to the PCA?”
Is the PCA on a similar path as the PCUSA?
And consider also the continuing discussion over women deacons. And what after that? The example of so many churches that have “gone liberal” charts a clear path. Women elders, then women teaching elders, then non-practicing homosexuals, then practicing homosexuals, then John Shelby Spong. I remember when I joined the PCA, my pastor told me... Continue Reading
Reflections on the 2013 ARP Synod: The ARP in the Present and Future
An assessment of the 2013 ARP Synod
The ARP has a rich and storied heritage in the faith. This blessed heritage is a direct result of the faithfulness of God, which he has demonstrated time and time again to us over the past 200+ years. He was present with our Scottish forefathers as they sought the reformation of the church in Scotland.... Continue Reading
Why Does the Universe Look So Old?
Creation days, inerrancy of Scripture, the Fall, and the age of the Earth
If I’m asked why does the universe look so old, I have to say it looks old because it bears testimony to the affects of sin. And testimony of the judgment of God. It bears the effects of the catastrophe of the flood and catastrophes innumerable thereafter. I would suggest to you that the world... Continue Reading
Syrian Christians Caught in Crossfire
Proportionally more Christian refugees are leaving Syria than any other religious or ethnic group
Christians are not always targeted deliberately, he says, but this “does not mean they are not a vulnerable group… and implies they are in varying degrees liable to suffer specific threats”. More than two years have passed since the beginning of the civil war between President Bashar al-Assad’s government forces and the Free Syrian Army... Continue Reading
Ten Basic Facts about the NT Canon that Every Christian Should Memorize: #9
Christians Did Disagree about the Canonicity of Some NT Books
Put differently, there is an assumption that we can only believe that we have the writings God intended if there are very few (if any) dissenters and if there is virtually immediate and universal agreement on all 27 books. But, where does this assumption come from? And why should we think it is true? When it... Continue Reading
Debate Squashing at General Assembly– a PCUS Déjà Vu?
It looks more and more like our polity has devolved into nothing more than crass politics.
Wasn’t one of the reasons for leaving the PCUS (UPC, PCUSA for some of us) because the other side had secured all the political (committee) power – and then used that to squash the ability of “our” side to even debate matters!? I can’t help but wonder, how was the behavior at this GA from... Continue Reading
The Synod of the RPCNA Report of Day Two
Report of Day 2 of the RPCNA Synod meeting in Marion, Ind.
The Home Missions Board reported and John Edgar spoke of the many encouraging opportunities for church planting in the RPCNA. The Lord is providing church planting opportunities in many parts of the country by way of planting historic confessional reformed churches. The need for more funding is a need, as the vision and planting efforts... Continue Reading
Do You Have a Napoleonic Complex (aka Small Man Syndrome)?
Are you, like Napoleon, driven to establish your worth by your performance?
If you invest your sense of meaning and worth in anything other than Jesus Christ, you will suffer from this kind of “Napoleonic complex:” perpetual insecurity and a need to prove yourself in a never-ending cycle. If the thing you look to for value is being a caring, merciful person (a good thing in itself!),... Continue Reading
Why passive-aggressive Christian leadership must go away
Passive-aggressive behavior runs counter to the ethics of the Kingdom
It is contrary to New Testament fellowship. Paul apparently understood this as he tended to call people by name. He did this both for commendation and correction. See about any of his epistles for examples of this. When I was a young pastor I had a scattergun approach to preaching. Like many I tended... Continue Reading
The Invisible Line
Who determines where the line should be drawn? What constitutes good and evil, sin and charity?
You may think you are the most progressive, nonjudgmental, hip, non-legalistic cool Christian out there, but you have a line somewhere. The question is, where do you draw it and on what basis? If I say that I take my code of right and wrong from the Bible, that may sound a bit archaic or... Continue Reading