As She Lay Dying
On Mother’s Day, how do you honor an ornery mom?
For decades she had been hostile to any mention of Christ: She would always ask the same question—“Tell me why you had to become a Christian”—but never really hear the answer. Now, she could listen to the gospel and say, “What an interesting story.” Before, she would criticize Susan. Now, she would take my wife’s... Continue Reading
Why Original Sin (The Biblical Version) is Good News
Three reasons to see the truth that we are all born sinful as good news
Sooner or later, we discover that a beautiful baby has grown into a lovely, but sinful, toddler. How did that happen? If they were not born sinful, then we are responsible. If there is no original, inherited sin, then parents bear the blame for their children deserving God’s judgment. The doctrine of original sin tells... Continue Reading
Does God Lead Us With A Trail of Breadcrumbs?
Does God scatter clues to His will, for us to find?
“As Christians, we fall into this mindset more often than we’d like to admit. Our generation is Biblically illiterate, so signs, feelings, and coincidences fill the void. After all, it’s so much easier to look for clues to God’s plan in our day-to-day lives than engage in study or prayer! And who doesn’t want a... Continue Reading
This is the PCA
The history and mission of the PCA is in the eye of the beholder
As much as I like young pastors evidence indicates they have little avidity in taking a serious look at the context of the PCA’s formation and how that has made us, in so many ways, what we are. I can’t be too harsh on them. I doubt I would have any interest in at their... Continue Reading
PCA Great Lakes Presbytery Overtures GA to Direct the SJC to Hear the Meyers’ Case
The overture asks General Assembly to direct the SJC to hear the case from Missouri Presbytery
The Great Lakes Presbytery hereby overtures the 41st General Assembly to direct the Standing Judicial Commission to find the case (SJC 2012-09) administratively in order, appoint a panel or have the case heard by the whole Standing Judicial Commission, and render a decision in accordance with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America and... Continue Reading
Two Different Church Property Rulings: In Indiana in Favor of a Local PCUSA Church; In California Against Local Episcopal Church
Since the U.S. Supreme Court denied the PCUSA’s petition to hear the case, the Indiana Supreme Court decision is final
The Indiana Supreme Court’s decision in the case established Indiana as a “neutral principles of law” state. “Because the neutral-principles-of-law approach permits greater fairness, consistency and equality of application to all church property disputes regardless of the structure of the denominational church organization, we adopt the neutral-principles-of-law approach for settling property disputes between religious organizations... Continue Reading
A Biblical Basis for the Multi-Ethnic Gospel
God’s plan for redemption always intended a racially and ethnically diverse assembly
Racial and ethnic diversity is not about trendiness. It is not about secular sociology. It is about God’s glorious plan of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. Churches should strive to reflect the ethnic composition of their community as much as possible in their context. In so doing, believers will participate in the majestic expansion of... Continue Reading
Unpacking The Great Commission – Part 1
Our call to ‘go’ is fulfilled under Christ’s authority
Jesus has entrusted his followers with the duty to go. We are not to horde our knowledge of the saving gospel, but share it. Salvation has been revealed to us and we are to take it to others. This solemn and joyous directive is still in effect. It is the duty of every disciple of... Continue Reading
To Him Belongs All the Kingdoms of this World
Our focus must always be on God, not on whoever is ruling at a moment in history
If we believe God is sovereign, that He rules over all the affairs of men in this world then our answer must be God put Mr. Obama in office. As difficult as that may be for some to accept, there is no alternative. God has ordained this president for His own reasons. He sovereignly exerts... Continue Reading
Three PCA Presbyteries Overture GA to Assume Original Jurisdiction Over TE Leithart
Under the provisions of BCO 34-1, at least two Presbyteries can request GA to assume original jurisdiction over a minister
As a result of the SJC’s decision, the three Presbyteries voted to approve the overture asking the PCA General Assembly to, “Assume original jurisdiction and direct the Standing Judicial Commission to hear ‘Pacific Northwest Presbytery vs. Peter Leithart,’ because PNWP has ‘refused to act’ per the provision found in BCO 34-1, by not declaring a... Continue Reading