The Westminster Assembly began the debate with Matthew 16:19 and the power of the keys, but they “quickly realized that there was no settled reformed position regarding to whom church power passed after Peter—whether it was visible saints, elders, presbyteries, synods, national assemblies etc.” (242–243).   A review of The Crisis of British Protestantism: Church... Continue Reading

[Brauns] argues that repentance is not only the way into the Christian life but the ongoing way of the Christian life. Progressive sanctification requires daily, specific repentance, not merely general confession. He introduces the ordinary means of grace as the God-ordained channels through which repentance is worked out. He teaches us how to evaluate repentance,... Continue Reading

Humanity’s capacity to desire is not necessarily sinful. If we succeed in eliminating the wrong desire without giving the heart a better desire, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Pointing out the vanity of alcohol, pornography, gambling, etc., is not enough.    I began a book study on Thomas Chalmers’ excellent sermon, “The Expulsive... Continue Reading

In the United States, many pastors never speak of God’s discipline or God’s judgment. God expects pastors to care for people’s souls. We must do so in a Biblical way. Sin is rebellion against the King of the universe. It is disrespect for his person. Despite such disrespect, God still loves people. He does forgive... Continue Reading

Jesus, in saving us, reveals God to us. He makes known the unknowable God as the image of the invisible (Col. 1:15). He is the light of God (Heb. 1:1–3), who reveals him who dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16). Jesus can do these things because—and only because—he, as the Word, is preexistent Being:... Continue Reading

Reeves and Chester have distilled the Reformation into its most basic distinctives and presented vital biblical doctrines within their historical context in a way that is informative and interesting, accurate and accessible, educational and edifying. The final product is a book, a little over 200 pages, that will feed the soul of Christians who are... Continue Reading

Over the years, my wife and I have often encountered ministry couples who had no one else to confide in. Hearing from them highlighted just how much we all need care. No matter what type of ministry you’re in, you’ve probably experienced some of the stressors and pressures that come with this work. You may... Continue Reading

The great future hope we have for the next life is life. Not an ethereal, floaty, disembodied intangible existence. New bodies, experiencing a new life forever, never again to be corrupted through sin or under the curse.   25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the... Continue Reading

Love Thy Body is an extended consideration of what a Christian ethic of the body is. Pearcey contrasts the Christian and the dualistic contemporary Western understanding of the body. She then navigates how these distinctive views of the body play themselves out in everything from abortion to euthanasia to understanding gender and sexuality.   Who... Continue Reading

Ultimately, the authors invite the reader to do what they themselves have done—to test the claims of Christianity and to enjoy the wonders of this world through the lens of one who sees the existence and attributes of God displayed in the things He has made.   Whatever else young people know today, they know... Continue Reading