Is Every Sin the Same in God’s Eyes?
Too many Christians have flattened the moral contours of the Bible such that we no longer distinguish between falling into sin and running headlong into sin.
Our judicial system does not hand down the same punishments for every infraction. What we know to be true in ordinary life we must not forget in our spiritual lives. As much as it shows admirable humility or apologetic concern, we must not act or teach as if every sin is the same in God’s... Continue Reading
True Reformation
When God awakens, He always brings true and lasting reformation—reformation of hearts, lives, homes, and churches.
The Word, prayer, and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the ordinary means of grace God has given us. These are the means through which the Holy Spirit works to bring true conversion, true revival, and true reformation. God’s awakening power is not activated by our schemes and tactics, but by His... Continue Reading
6 Things Jesus Teaches Us About the Devil
We can be confident in the midst of any trial that God is in control and has ultimate power over Satan in all things.
Jesus had to pass the test that Adam failed in the garden of Eden (Gen 2:16–17; 3:1–6). He refused to believe the devil’s lies and instead obeyed his Father in all things. Jesus was tempted but did not sin (Heb. 4:15). Satan has power, but Jesus has ultimate power over all creation. When Jesus said,... Continue Reading
Did the Reformation Alienate Supernaturalism?
Review: "Living in Wonder" by Rod Dreher
According to Dreher, Christian prayer is the primary way to recover a sense of God’s presence and experience enchantment in a secular age. He writes, “It turns out that attention—what we pay attention to, and how we attend—is the most important part of the mindset needed for re-enchantment. And prayer is the most important part... Continue Reading
Just Who Is Hating on Christianity?
When so-called Christians turn on the faithful.
Another new example of “Christians” hating on real Christians was just reported on yesterday. The opening paragraphs of a piece in the Melbourne Age tells the story: Former union boss Joe de Bruyn has sparked a mass walkout at a Melbourne university graduation ceremony in response to his keynote speech opposing gay marriage and comparing abortion... Continue Reading
God’s Servants for Our Good
Governments that help to establish and enforce general morality in society are doing God’s work to preserve peace and order even when those governments do not even acknowledge or recognize that they are doing so.
Throughout history, pagans have often figured out successful legal systems that reflect biblical values because, since God designed the world to work in a certain way, those kinds of systems just work best for the order and prosperity of a society. That’s the reality of common grace politics. The truth is that in matters of... Continue Reading
George Gillespie’s Case for An Ecclesiastical Government
An Analysis of Gillespie’s: Aaron’s Rod Blossoming
In the third book of Aaron’s Rod Blossoming, Gillespie argued that suspension from the Lord’s Supper and excommunication from the church are within the jurisdiction of the church—and specifically, under the authority of the elders. Gillespie asserted that suspension from the Sacrament is a step in the process of church discipline, and that one could be... Continue Reading
John Calvin’s Six Reasons to Pray
Pray and Trust in God’s Providential Purposes
Even though, while we grow dull and stupid toward our miseries, he watches and keeps guard on our behalf, and sometimes even helps us unasked, still it is very important for us to call upon him: First, that our hearts may be fired with a zealous and burning desire ever to seek, love, and serve... Continue Reading
Why We Won’t Spend Eternity in Heaven
It’s far more biblical to state that we will spend eternity on the new earth.
The implications of Scripture’s teaching on this subject are immense. We will not spend eternity floating on clouds. We’ll enjoy something far better: life in the new earth ensconced in God’s glory. We’ll finally see him face to face. On March 19, 2021, my father passed away. He was larger than life. Nobody who... Continue Reading
What Is the Bondage of the Will?
In Luther's classic treatise, he demolishes Erasmus’ man-exalting synergism.
It is hard to sum up The Bondage of the Will succinctly, because it is so rich with Luther’s whole theology….One might consider it the nearest thing Luther wrote to a systematic theology. It has always been admired by Reformation Protestants, both Lutherans and Reformed. Martin Luther looked upon The Bondage of the Will and... Continue Reading
Sons of Charlatanry
On Peter Bell, host of the upcoming "Sons of Patriarchy"
It was our intention to keep this as an ecclesiastical matter beyond those items that were already public. This was in part to spare Bell’s reputation and grant him opportunity for repentance. However, because Bell has re-emerged as a public figure seeking to teach and instruct churches within the Presbyterian and Reformed world (though no... Continue Reading
Subjectivism and Cessationism
What is the practical difference between their continuationism and cessationism?
The debate between real cessationism and real continuationism is an important one. But, as in politics, it’s important for the party supporters to know what their party truly believes, and what the opposing party believes. If that’s done, some might find they’re members of the same party. Christians often talk past each other. That... Continue Reading
Another Adult Victim Speaks Out
Children aren’t the only ones vulnerable to the lies of transgender ideology.
In stormy times, we have an opportunity to offer a lifeline when the left pushes anyone who fails their latest doctrinal purity test out of the boat. We provide good news to refugees of the sexual revolution while not allowing them to remain perfectly comfortable where they are now. All we have to do now... Continue Reading
Marie Durand—Part 2: Daughter of the French Reformation
Calvin’s Reformed teaching of the Scripture underpinned her theology and her decision to endure decades of imprisonment rather than abjure her Protestant faith.
Marie Durand…was born into a church whose beliefs and practices were deeply rooted in the sixteenth-century Reformation and the labours of John Calvin, one of France’s greatest sons and exiles. We must come to His Word and be ordered by it. —John Calvin, 1536 An intelligent and educated nineteen-year old woman like Marie Durand... Continue Reading
Would It Be Better to Take a Pay Cut than a Church Cut?
Many people are “accidental deconstructionists” who abandon the faith through sloppiness or poor planning.
If you do choose to move…put more attention into your church than your job, neighborhood, home, or school….be absolutely certain, that wherever you go, you and your family will be able to be members of a church that honors the Word, preaches truth, and faithfully worships the King. For nothing less than spiritual life and... Continue Reading
Hedged by Thorns, Held by Grace
We can bless the Lord for the very thing that lays us low.
Thorns—an expression of God’s faithfulness to us. Therefore I will hedge up her way with thorns, and I will build a wall against her, so that she cannot find her paths (Hosea 2:6). Jason lay in bed, weakened and restless, unaware that the thorns piercing his life were the very tools God was using... Continue Reading
Christians Should Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
We have reason to celebrate.
Let us slaughter the fattened calf. Light the fires. Fill the glasses. Let us propose toasts and heartily enjoy the fellowship of the faithful. Even if it is around the simplest of meals. Let us eat, drink and be merry. Not because we die tomorrow. But rather because we live forever. The saying “eat,... Continue Reading
Hiding Behind Hedonism and Cynicism
The Christian doctrine of joy is the antidote for the hedonist and the cynic.
Hedonism and cynicism are unbiblical and ineffective ways of dealing with our natural desire for joy. If you pursue joy with reckless abandon, you will end up striving for more and more while never attaining lasting joy. If you give up the pursuit of joy, adopting a morbid expectation about the future and people, you... Continue Reading
Why Do Democrats Have a Masculinity Problem?
Progressivism’s rejection of the Bible’s creation order has led to troubles with male voters.
The typical male is repelled by the notion that homosexuality is a matter of mere moral indifference, as if sodomy were no different than being left-handed. The question is whether they have the freedom to admit that out loud. Under progressive rule, they do not. Will Democrats learn anything from this? No. Because it would... Continue Reading
Resurrecting the Bible of Jesus
The Bible of Jesus is God’s gift to those he loves.
Consider setting aside the wrongful attitudes moderns bring against the Bible of Jesus. A place to start is taking on the attitude of Jesus toward his Bible. We should own it. Study it. Be humbled by it. Teach it. Tell others what it says about Yahweh’s mercy. I invite you to read it for yourself.... Continue Reading
It’s Showtime!
The 21st century church needs to be into show-business. But the question is: what are we really showing?
At the heart of God’s show is the cross of Christ (1:23-25). God’s show glorifies what the world is most ashamed of – the crucifixion of the Lord of glory. And, that event obliterates human boasting (1:29), and gives all the glory back to God (1:31). So, this is God’s show! It is show-time at... Continue Reading
Volunteer Mums
Be diligent to share the word, but think much less of yourself and much more of Him.
I’m not about to write a book on the proper technique for keeping mums alive. It was just a seed planted in good soil. Honestly, there’s just not much to say about the sower. And so it is with evangelism. We throw the seed, and God grows the seed. Paul shifts the credit off of... Continue Reading
Nationalism, Globalism, and American Nationality
Let us aspire to be good citizens of heaven, in order that we will be good citizens of the United States.
Coming to grips with American nationality is hard work, but it is the work of the American citizen. Christian American citizens have a special responsibility in this work, because we believe that the tension between dignity and fallenness in human nature has been resolved through the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus, and his substitutionary work... Continue Reading
Voting For Less Evil
Though Christians are well-represented in America, two problems reduce our influence: (1) we do not represent a majority of the population, and (2) we are not in agreement among ourselves regarding political matters.
As I have been pointing out, we are in a socio-political struggle for the long run. Therefore, I have been urging that we act accordingly. Like it or not, in politics we cannot expect overnight success through one particular election or by means of a “perfect” candidate. To continually vote for the “perfect” candidate when... Continue Reading
Why We Need Zephaniah
To grow in Christlikeness, we must continually meditate on God’s greatness and unmerited love in Christ.
When Zephaniah describes how God supernaturally transforms human hearts and turns their desires to him, the prophet consistently integrates the relational, behavioral, and internal dimensions of this change. Those who holistically embrace his will pursue righteousness (v. 3), unity (3:9), proper worship (vv. 9–10), and humility (2:3; 3:11). In the end, God’s saving work will... Continue Reading
Transgenderism and Homosexuality: Hindu Monism’s Philosophical Triumph
Education will undermine the fear of God (the true source of wisdom), individualism will weaken the family, and state education will make students immoral.
Mann, a Unitarian, said that the Church should not educate because it teaches “divisive doctrines” such as the Trinity. According to Mann, children do not need to learn Truths (doctrines) such as Trinity. They need to learn Virtue (ethics): to honor parents, elders, and teachers; to not covet or steal someone’s pencil or pear. The... Continue Reading
The 95 Theses: A Reformation Spark
Intending to engage in academic debate, Luther’s 95 theses became a rallying point for Reformation in the Western Church.
Luther’s 95 Theses decried the sale of indulgences by developing a number of themes: First, the Christian life is to be one of repentance and daily turning from sin rather than doing things (penance) to obtain pardon and removal of penalty. Here he was critiquing the Roman Catholic sacrament of penance. Second, the Church, and... Continue Reading
Unduly Influenced By Celebrity Culture?
A person I know expressed his personal devastation about a popular preacher, whom he had never met, falling into sin; he acted as though he was his personal pastor.
Christian people should be careful not to be too influenced by the celebrity culture of our age when being guided in some way by spiritual leaders who are not their local pastors or elders. Podcast preachers and YouTube teachers are not your pastors. Christians should commit to membership in a local congregation and eagerly sit... Continue Reading
Cru Ends Controversial Sexuality and Gender Training
Change comes months after Christian campus ministry faced claims it had drifted from Biblical orthodoxy.
During the meeting and in a follow-up email to WORLD, Johnson referred to the Compassionate and Faithful materials as a “learning experience,” not a curriculum. Since most staff had completed the training, Johnson told me it made sense to incorporate future training on sexuality and gender issues into Cru’s Institute of Biblical Studies for incoming... Continue Reading
Cyrus H. McCormick, Bringing In the Sheaves
The outstanding leader in the Chicago Old School presbytery, corresponding in a measure to R.W. Patterson of the New School, was not a minister, but a layman, Cyrus H, McCormick.
One of the greatest gifts by McCormick was endowing four chairs in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of the Northwest in Chicago. The seminary had struggled to exist for several years in different locations but finally found a permanent site in Chicago in 1859 thanks to a gift of land from some city philanthropists and a... Continue Reading