Freedom in Christ
The Gospel proclaims we are set free from sin in Christ—free from its guilt, its reign, and its power
In the Reformed community there has been quite an emphasis of late on the freedom we have in Christ from the guilt of sin. Thank God! That is essential in our Gospel preaching and teaching.
A Dad Like Jack: The Influence of Ronald Reagan’s Father
Not a great dad but one who had an impact, sometimes in unorthodox ways.
Moving took a toll on the young Ronald; it created a void in him—a hole that religion came to fill. In need of a rock of reliability, he looked to where his mom, his heart, and his desolation pointed him: upward. There, he found what he perceived as a permanent friend—God, who was always in His place, accessible at any moment, who never moved on him.
A New or Renewed Church in Scotland
Some thoughts on St. George's Tron, Glasgow leaving the Church of Scotland
I am writing this on the train home from the Servants of the Word conference. It was a joy to hear Alastair Begg, Tim Keller, Dick Lucas, and others and to share in great Gospel fellowship.
Running The Numbers — Dismissals From Tropical Florida And Mississippi
Largest Numbers of Lost Presbytery Members: Tropical Florida, 28%; Mississippi, 32%;
One possible explanation is that conservative churches tend to be more vibrant and viable and therefore be in a better position to attract and retain members. Another possible explanation is that larger churches simply by virtue of their size are in a better position to strike out on their own, or join a fledgling group like the ECO, while smaller churches are dependent on some of the resources of the larger denominational structure, including monies paid into the pension plan.
PCUSA Elders raise concerns about GA vice moderator’s presentation
Open Letter objects to presentation to Presbytery on 'Open Source Theology'
“God’s covenant with the body of Christ, while sufficient for an open source Christian, does not deny the truth and benefit found in other religious and wisdom traditions. We trust that the God who has given us freedom in Christ has acted to ensure the freedom of all creation. There is no need to say that our understanding of God’s actions (revealed to us in the work and person of Jesus Christ) in any way limits or affects the truths of other religions.”
United Reformed Churches of North America – 2012 Synod
Report of Actions, Wednesday, June 13, at Synod Nyack
As the night hours passed, Synod turned its attention to two overtures addressing the proposed Psalter Hymnal. As a result, Synod directed the Psalter Hymnal committee to pay attention to “unrest and concern” in connection to gender-neutral language, the use of the name ‘Jehovah’ and various word changes in traditional hymns. Tuesday’s evening hours... Continue Reading
United Reformed Churches of North America – 2012 Synod
Report of Actions, Thursday, June 14, at Synod Nyack
By discussion, the delegates aired various difficulties experienced in home and foreign missions whereas others expressed some hesitation with the establishment of a federation level functionary for the purpose of mission coordination. After Synod engaged in fraternal and thorough deliberation, it organized a Missions Committee and created the position of a Missions Coordinator.
Study Challenges Rosy Assumptions About Homosexual Parenting
Respondents in homosexual settings reported less stable upbringings
Parents involved with homosexuality were more apt to report "being unemployed, less healthy, more depressed, more likely to have cheated on a spouse or partner, smoke more pot, had trouble with the law, report more male and female sex partners, more sexual victimization, and were more likely to reflect negatively on their childhood family life, among other things."
The Separation of Church and Business
There are key, fundamental differences between the two
Relationships are the heartbeat of the church. Community makes the church healthy. It functions like an organism in which all the parts must relate and connect well for there to be health. A business, though, is more mechanical—even a Christian one. The relationships between co-workers must be, first and foremost, professional.
At the Christian Reformed Synod: Belhar adopted but not as a confession
The most contentious part of the evening was recommendation 6, to appoint a study committee to “explore and define ‘confession,’” and recommendation 7 to “reconsider the status of the Belhar Confession for adoption” in 2015.