After briefly summarizing six points that are generally agreed upon, Dr. Thomas offered three points of clarity concerning the doctrine of sanctification. Each of those points are appropriately pastoral. That is, a proper doctrine of sanctification never finally remains theoretical but speaks to how we actually live.    On Wednesday of General Assembly, the Gospel Reformation... Continue Reading

Bryan Chapell, 59, is Senior Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL.  Since 1981, he was at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis where he served as a professor, President and Chancellor. He continues as President Emeritus at Covenant. Before going to the seminary, Chapell pastored two churches, Woodburn Presbyterian Church and Bethel Reformed... Continue Reading

A number of important topics are before the Assembly this year probably led by Overture 6, “Child Protection in the PCA.” There are an additional 23 overtures with concurrences, commendations and affirmations of it bringing the total number of overtures this year to an unusually high 52. Earlier today this overture in slightly amended form,... Continue Reading

So the practical question is this: do we walk with these new believers, repeatedly drawing them back to the Scriptures, showing them the absolute claims of Christ on their lives, and yet expecting that not all of the “incongruities” in their lives will be worked out immediately?   As I’ve reflected on the majority and... Continue Reading

The four issues (Standing Judicial Commission, the Role of Women, Views on Creation, and the Insider Movements Study Report) were chosen because of the level of discussion and number of overtures these topics have generated. We are not advocating for or against any particular overture.   Dear PCA Brothers of Good Will, Whatever Stripe or... Continue Reading

The second thing I want to say about this (a thing which isn’t entirely clear in the Aquila Report) is that this evening of confessional concern and prayer is a wake-up call of the PCA. This is not merely a discussion of the major issues facing the denomination at the General Assembly. This is a group... Continue Reading

Despite the clear statements in Scripture (special revelation) and the unequivocal teaching of the Westminster Standards (the interpretation of special revelation), there is a growing movement in our day to synthesize the theory of evolution (the interpretation of general revelation) with biblical hermeneutics (the interpretation of special revelation). Overture 32 states, “there are attempts to... Continue Reading

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

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

Clarity concerning the Triune God of Scripture as the Christian foundation would not automatically clear up all of these issues.  However, lack of clarity on the Trinity necessarily leads to lack of clarity in any number of other areas, including those related to the mission of the Church among Muslims.  The Minority Report 2014 is... Continue Reading