Ten Reasons Why Church Membership Is Biblical
Membership is countercultural. So be it. Joining a church is a way of saying, “You are the family of God that I want to grow with, in Christ.”
Paul called Christians to bear with one another (Eph. 4:2), sing truth to one another (Eph. 5:19), forgive one another (Col. 3:13), teach and admonish one another (Col. 3:16), care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25), serve one another (Gal. 5:13), show hospitality toward one another (1 Pet. 4:9), and love one another (1 Pet.... Continue Reading
Don’t Counsel or Debate Over E-mail or Social Media
As easy as communication is, avoid any serious communication with members of your church via e-mail, twitter, or the Facebooks. Why is this the case?
Digital communication is convenient, but in counseling and debate situations, it’s best to conduct these face-to-face. Sit down over a cup of coffee and counsel or engage in debate. In some circumstances, digital communication may be the only option, though I would sooner resort to a phone call. Leave logistical matters to e-mail (time, place,... Continue Reading
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: History of a Classic Hymn
The inspiration for “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” came to Walter Smith during a dinner with eleven other New College alumni as they reminisced about the halcyon days immediately following the Disruption.
As the men gathered around the dinner table recalled their happy bygone student days, they particularly recollected the lofty phrasings of their mentor’s prayers. They rehearsed his most striking and memorable catchphrases — many of which now shaped cadences of their own prayer vocabulary. Realizing the riches that their conversation had uncovered, Walter Chalmers Smith... Continue Reading
Samuel Miller, Old Side Pastor and Professor
Miller’s Old Side influences combined with Alexander’s New Side training under William Graham created an educational environment in which applied Westminsterian doctrine brought together head and heart knowledge.
From the beginning of his New York ministry, Miller was not despised for his youth but instead proved an exemplary colleague. The local Reformed ministry included not only Miller’s pastoral colleagues at Collegiate, but also John M. Mason (Associate Reformed) as well as Reformed Dutch pastors John H. Livingston and William Linn. It was really... Continue Reading
The Ultimate Goal of Reformation
Our goal is God’s glory.
Traditional Reformed worship is dialogical, meaning God and the worshippers are in a kind of conversation. But the agenda for the conversation is set by God’s declarations. This is why, traditionally, Reformed worship begins with a call to worship and ends with a benediction. God gets the first word and the last word. Our singing,... Continue Reading
Civil Discourse Doesn’t Happen by Accident
Having rules set out in advance is much better than being told that you cannot speak on a motion, just because someone says so. That’s too personal, understandably upsetting, and Robert’s Rules helps us avoid it.
In disputes, whether in a deliberative assembly or in everyday life, referring back to what was said becomes crucial. Having accurate minutes helps. (If only we had accurate minutes for some of our everyday conversations!) Because Robert’s Rules requires the approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, everyone has an opportunity to reflect on, and endorse,... Continue Reading
Understanding Gender Ideology and Its Consequences: Part 1
The church is needed to defend reason as well as faith in our day.
The World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) was established to advance gender ideology as the scientific and professional viewpoint. Any health professional with a different viewpoint is speaking against the professional associations if they give voice to their dissent. Thus, the professionals that distressed parents will turn to will likely recommend the denial of... Continue Reading
The Powerful and Permanent Tool of Language
The fulfillment of the Great Commission requires God’s people to overcome language barriers for His Name’s sake.
Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit to empower us to accomplish the Great Commission. This enablement includes the discipline of mind and heart to learn language sufficiently well to explain Christ where He leads us to go (Luke 24:49). Once we learn a language, that language and the culture embodied in it become part of... Continue Reading
The Double-Edged Sword of Ministry Stress
I would explain to a younger me that I should expect hard things, see them as providential, and respond in a healthy way.
Don’t be a pastor if you want a low-stress job. Remember the doctrine of providence. In addition to this being par for the pastoral course, they aren’t random sand traps. Nothing is outside of God’s sovereign control. God in his infinite power upholds, directs, disposes, and governs all creatures and things.” (2LCF 5:1) The trials... Continue Reading
Is There a Regulative Principle for How We Should Dress?
Questions and thoughts on worship and how we should dress.
The Regulative Principle of Worship has been a part of the worshiping community of the Lord from the beginning. It defines our worship and regulates it to the glory and pleasure of God. Traditionally, the principle identifies elements of worship that should be included in the Church’s offerings whether of the Old Covenant or the... Continue Reading
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