“Did I give my grandmother cancer?” One of my students asked this as tears began to well up in her eyes. My heart broke as I realized she thought God was punishing her for sin and lack of faith by making her . . . Continue reading →
2024 Archive
Heidelcast For March 10, 2024: “Feathers And All:” The Scriptures Are Enough (5)
In this episode Dr Clark discusses Calvin’s response to the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements of his day. Continue reading →
Kline: The First Resurrection In Revelation 20:6
One of the critical points in the exegesis of Revelation 20 is the interpretation of prōtos in the phrase, “the first resurrection” (v. 5). Premillennarians understand it in the purely sequential sense of first in a series of items of the same kind. They . . . Continue reading →
Audio: Paul Defends His Ministry | 1 Thessalonians 2:1–6
A devotion by R. Scott Clark on 1 Thessalonians 2:1–6. Editor’s Note: This audio was originally published by Westminster Seminary California in 2005. RESOURCES Subscribe To The Heidelblog! The Heidelblog Resource Page Heidelmedia Resources The Ecumenical Creeds The Reformed Confessions The Heidelberg . . . Continue reading →
Psalm 3: Despite Appearances Part 1—Context In The Psalter
We can probably imagine how different the perspective might be between a photograph taken by an ant and a photograph taken from space. Imagine an ant who happened to have an ant-sized camera and happened to be riding on the back of . . . Continue reading →
Luther On The Chief Point Of Scripture
Moreover, the chief point of all Scripture is that we should not doubt but hope, trust, and believe for a certainty that God is merciful, kind, and patient, that He does not lie and deceive but is faithful and true. He keeps . . . Continue reading →
Dr Dan Borvan On The Marks Of The Church
Chris Gordon and Daniel Borvan discuss the three marks of a true church. Continue reading →
The Secret of Knowing God’s Will (Part 3)
In 1381, Archbishop William Courtenay (c. 1342–96) held a synod at the Blackfriars in London for the purpose of condemning the Oxford theologian John Wycliffe (c. 1328–84). After the condemnations had been adopted, as Synod was breaking up, there was an earthquake. . . . Continue reading →
Heidelminicast: May We Use Images Of Christ As Books For The People?
Dr Clark answers the question, may we use images of Christ as books for the people? Continue reading →
Perkins: The End Of The Law Is Conviction
Mark further, the end of the law is conviction. And the end of our conviction is that the promise of mercy may be given to them that believe. Here is notable comfort, with encouragement to all good duties. Does the law as . . . Continue reading →
Review: Thoughts on Preaching: Classic Contributions to Homiletic By James W. Alexander
James Waddel Alexander (1804–59) was a Presbyterian pastor and professor who served churches in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York, and labored for a time as a professor at the College of New Jersey. Like his father Archibald, James also served as . . . Continue reading →
Heidelminicast: Is The Distinction Between Law And Gospel Something To Use Only Sometimes?
Dr Clark answers the question: Is the distinction between law and gospel something to use only sometimes? Continue reading →
The Gospel According To John (MacArthur)—Part 23
Chapter 21 of MacArthur’s The Gospel According to Jesus is typical of this work. There is much that is true and helpful, there is not a little irony, and there are one or two significant mistakes. Again, as I have said many . . . Continue reading →
Calvin Contra Biblicism
Nearly half a century after R. T. Kendall published “Calvin and English Calvinism to 1649,” the debate of “Calvin versus the Calvinists” rages on. Kendall’s was not the first attempt at pointing out supposed discontinuity between Calvin and his successors, of course. . . . Continue reading →
A Patristic Root In Reformed Theology Part 2: The Division Of The Creed
For Christians like me who grew up outside of liturgical and Reformed traditions, the first year of saying the Apostles’ Creed in worship can raise many questions and spur the need for study. One of those instances is the descent clause: “He . . . Continue reading →
Heidelminicast: A Call, A Letter, And Q&A On Exclusive Psalmody
Dr Clark takes a call, reads a letter, and answers a question about exclusive psalmody. Continue reading →
Vermont Accused Of Discriminating Against Christian School
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing Mid Vermont Christian School and two families filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday [November, 21, 2023] against Vermont officials for denying the Christian school and its students from participating in the state’s tuition program and sports league because of . . . Continue reading →
Top Five Posts For the Week of February 26–March 3, 2024
These were the top five posts for the week beginning February 26–March 3, 2024. Continue reading →
Letter and Spirit: Law and Gospel in Reformed Preaching
Preaching begins with Bible reading and interpretation. Before a minister can preach a given text, he must decide what it says. To interpret a passage, the preacher necessarily brings to bear his broader reading of Scripture, a system of doctrine, and the history of interpretation. Continue reading →
Riddlebarger On The Analogy Of Faith
A third critical factor [for the historic Protestant hermeneutic] is the analogia fidei or the “analogy of faith.” This refers to the importance of interpreting an unclear biblical text in light of clear passages that speak to the same subject rather than . . . Continue reading →