On Precisionism and Latitudinarianism (Again)

In 1520 Martin Luther published one of his most influential treatises, On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church. in it he attempted to set the church free from bondage to human opinion by unleashing again, as it were, God’s Word as the . . . Continue reading →

2011 Westminster Seminary Conference: Christianity and Liberalism Revisited

Few figures have been as important to Reformed Christianity in North America as J. Gresham Machen. He faced many of the same challenges that we face now and he did so in a way that advanced the faith, he did so winsomely, . . . Continue reading →

URCNA Church Planting Conference Mar 28-30 2011 (UPDATED)

Info here (HT: Jared Beaird). It’s great to see confessional Reformed folk getting together to talk, pray, and plan church planting. We have a great mission, a great message,  great opportunity, and the great God above all God’s. Pray for God’s blessing . . . Continue reading →

Why Do We Confess "He Descended Into Hell"?

The Apostles’ Creed (which was not actually written by the Apostles) began to develop as part of the catechesis (basic Christian instruction) in the Roman church late in the 2nd century (c. 150-80). One of the clauses of the creed that has . . . Continue reading →

Resources for Those Thinking About Seminary

Prospective seminary students frequently ask whether it’s advisable to try to save money by getting a degree by distance or by attending a non-accredited school. Here’s a resource page: Why Pastors Need A Seminary Education And Now for the Rest of the . . . Continue reading →

The Social Crisis is Too Great to Be Arguing About… (Updated)

The various social crises facing the West are great but the Roman empire was already in crisis when God the Holy Spirit empowered Christ’s apostles to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Rome fell. The gospel and Christ’s church continued. Another empire, Christendom, replaced the old Roman Empire but it fell too. The kingdom of God, as manifested chiefly in this world in the visible, institutional church, continued. Social crises are important but they aren’t more important than the gospel. Seeing that is a key difference between actually being Reformed and being just another social conservative with a passing interest in the Reformation (as it suits whatever social agenda is in view). Continue reading →

The Scandal of Pagans Leading Worship

Collin Hansen has a fascinating series of interviews on the Gospel Coalition today asking a variety of pastors whether they allow those who make no Christian profession, who regard themselves as non-Christians, non-believers, those we used to call “heathen” or “pagans” to . . . Continue reading →