“The Westminster Directory for the Publick Worship of God supplies some very practical direction at just this point.  It says that if any are hindered from being present from the beginning of worship they ought to come in and compose themselves to join with the assembly in that ordinance of God which is then in... Continue Reading

“Jesus fell asleep right in the middle of a scary trial for His disciples. At first reading, this feels callous on His part. Or oblivious. Or passive-aggressive. I’ve experienced people who have mocked others for not understanding a future outcome or used their ignorance against them to humiliate them. But we know that is not... Continue Reading

“The Christian life is one that was similar in so many ways to the mores of Greco-Roman society, but in certain key areas—notably with regard to the treatment of children and sexual expression—it bore witness to a completely different ethic.”   It was during the last quarter of the second century in the eastern Mediterranean, possibly... Continue Reading

Our first thought about God tends to dominate our lives and living more than any other. I would guess that very few Christians first think of God as “Father” when the word “God” is uttered. How rarely are we astonished by the fact that, in Jesus Christ, we are able to call God our Father.... Continue Reading

We might express the issue this way.  A church’s creed, what she actually believes, is embodied in the range of beliefs which she allows to be expressed from her pulpits and  a church’s ethics are embodied in the range of behaviours in which she allows her members to engage.  Failure to make the official paper... Continue Reading

When conservative Christians are asked to describe the qualities of a godly woman, most describe her using traditionally feminine traits. We say a godly women would be humble, submissive, trusting, vulnerable, compassionate, and a helper. These are important and wonderful biblical qualities, but they don’t make a complete or mature person nor are they only... Continue Reading

As we are filled with the Spirit, i.e. submitting to his influence in our lives, he brings to our mind Scripture we have studied, he grants us illumination or understanding on how to apply biblical wisdom to our situation (see John 16 for Jesus’ take on the advantage of indwelling). He also lines our desires up... Continue Reading

It is such a blessing to meet and talk with so many Christian women who desire to grow in God’s Word. However, it is also disheartening to see women, across the board, caught up in poor theology. And it often causes discord in the church. Many of these women are under good preaching, and they... Continue Reading

Christmas is an opportune time for Christian parents to “pass these God-focused activities to the next generation.” It’s an opportune time to teach our children about who Jesus is and what he has done. It’s an opportune time to center our hearts on our Savior with our family. One way to focus on Christ during... Continue Reading

There is a reason that the qualifications for elders and deacons highlight and center on various aspects of holiness. Yes, the Lord’s servant must be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:2, 24). The doctrinal component must not be diminished or neglected. But, for the rest, the requirements include such notions as one... Continue Reading