A rediscovery of the ordinary means of grace** is not only a needed correction to many of the excesses of our day, but it is also a key to the health and longevity of normal churches. Contrary to the ascension of parachurch ministries in the 1960s, the church is actually important and the Lord’s own designed vehicle to carry out his mission and the Great Commission.

In Ordinary Means, Extraordinary Ends (Reformed Forum, 2025), a series of essays and sermons on this topic, originally presented at conferences in 2024, are now available.

…R. Carlton Wynne adds a superb chapter on one of the sacraments, baptism, which has been relegated to the bench for most evangelical superstars. As a masterclass in biblical theology, Wynne surveys the Old Testament foundation first, followed by NT applications. Wynne’s summary is that baptism signifies, summons, seals, sanctifies, sets apart, swears, and strengthens.” (88) Read more»

David Hall | “Ordinary Means, Extraordinary Ends” | May 22, 2025

RESOURCES

• Subscribe To The Heidelblog!
• Download the HeidelApp on Apple App Store or Google Play
• Browse the Heidelshop!
• The Heidelblog Resource Page
• Heidelmedia Resources
• The Ecumenical Creeds
• The Reformed Confessions
• The Heidelberg Catechism
• The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological, & Pastoral Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2025)
• Recovering the Reformed Confession (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2008)
• Why I Am A Christian
• What Must A Christian Believe?
• Heidelblog Contributors
• Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to

Heidelberg Reformation Association
1637 E. Valley Parkway #391
Escondido CA 92027
USA
The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Post authored by:

• David Hall

  

  Reverend David W. Hall is married to Ann, and they are parents of three grown children and grandparents of nine grandchildren. He retired as the Senior Pastor of Midway Presbyterian Church (PCA) in 2026 where he served since 2003. Previously, he served as Pastor of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (1984–2003) and as Associate Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Rome, Georgia (1980–1984). He was ordained to pastoral ministry in 1980, educated at Covenant Theological Seminary, and is the editor and author of several volumes, including Irony and the Presbyterian Church in America. You can find him on his Substack “Cheering Folly’s Demise.”

  More by David Hall ›