“No Little People, No Little Places”: Francis Schaeffer’s Vision of Faithfulness
May God be pleased that we serve faithfully wherever He has us.
The church (regenerate persons) is, in the new covenant, the people of God. One biblical image or metaphor for the church, or the people of God, is that we are the “temple”—the “temple of the holy spirit” (1 Cor. 6:19). Would not then pastoral ministry—whether in Toone, Tennessee, or in Willow, Alaska, or in Manhattan,... Continue Reading
Machen on the Church
The house of God and the gate of heaven.
Is there no refuge from strife? Is there no place of refreshing where a man can prepare for the battle of life? Is there no place where two or three can gather in Jesus’ name, to forget for the moment all those things that divide nation from nation and race from race, to forget human... Continue Reading
The Complicated Legacy of a Bishop Who Was Sincerely Wrong
The opinion of men is not what matters the most.
Some celebrated preachers dare to say that Jesus was wrong when he declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). You don’t have to believe this divine claim. However, you cannot claim to follow Jesus and call him a liar. It... Continue Reading
A Biblical Eldership Is a Male Only Eldership
The New Testament intends these restrictions to be permanent and universally binding on all believers and all churches.
Paul’s restriction on women certainly elicited criticism then, just as it does today. So, as in nearly all other references to distinct male-female roles, Paul immediately supports his instruction with Scripture: “For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor” (1 Tim. 2:13–14).... Continue Reading
Celebrating Christmas B. B. Warfield
Christmas can be remembered conservatively and carefully.
It is increasingly difficult to think of Christmas as remembrance of Jesus’ birth amidst the gifts and other aspects. The day involves fusing the sacred and secular and such efforts immediately or eventually simply do not work out well because Scripture comes in conflict with the world. I think the world has turned Christians from... Continue Reading
Lamenting the Church Plant Fad
Don’t expect to double down on church planting to do what only a rigorous application of the Gospel can do in your life, church or organizations health.
Take it from a church-planting veteran who has wept more and laughed with joy more through this journey than in almost any calling (parenting seven kids occupies the top spot). Church planting is not some ministry hack to rid yourself of the baggage that established churches often carry. Nor should you hope to use it... Continue Reading
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
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