If I had to describe Comer’s theological tribe in a sentence I’d say that he is deeply indebted to the Renovaré tradition of spiritual formation. Founded in 1988 by Richard Foster (b. 1942), Renovaré’s mission is to “imagine a world in which . . . Continue reading →
Piety and Practice
The Real Question is Whether There is An Objective Definition of Reformed
Part of Saturday was spent trading tweets with Matthew Milliner, who teaches Art History at Wheaton College. We had a good, genial conversation from two different confessional traditions. I am not sure, but judging by his arguments, I inferred that Matthew may . . . Continue reading →
Ventilator Blues
Most folk probably associate the Rolling Stones more with “Sympathy for the Devil,” than with historic Christianity, and few of us would expect to learn any theology from them, but I noticed recently that in “Ventilator Blues” Mick and the lads hit . . . Continue reading →
Study While You Pray And Pray While You Study
As an ex-pietist, one of the most vicious laws under which I was placed early on in my Christian life was the “quiet time.” I was taught to carry a “verse pack” and to keep a “quiet time” journal. The younger Christians . . . Continue reading →
Fencing The Table Or The Scandal Of The Church
Perhaps nothing so scandalizes the contemporary (i.e., modern) church as the attempt by the visible church to obey the teaching of Jesus and the teaching of the Apostles concerning the Lord’s Table. I say this for three reasons: 1) recently I have . . . Continue reading →
Presbyterians And Prayer Book Spirituality: From What Book Do We Pray?
As long ago as the dark ages of 2012, elders and laymen have been noticing that traditionally Anglican elements of worship are increasingly appearing in Presbyterian churches, in numerous PCA church plants and in the CREC. Jonathan W. Williams, a layman in . . . Continue reading →
Hodge: The Same Gracious God Who Wills The End Also Wills The Free Offer Of The Gospel
Paul considered it as involved in what he had already said, and especially in the predictions of the ancient prophets, that it was the will of God that all men should call upon him. This being the case, he argues to prove . . . Continue reading →
Hodge Vs. Reader Reception On Confessional Subscription
The candidate has no right to put his own sense upon the words propounded to him. He has no right to select from all possible meanings which the words may bear, that particular sense which suits his purpose, or which, he thinks, . . . Continue reading →
Review: Reformation Worship: Liturgies From the Past For The Present Ed. B Jonathan Gibson and Mark Earngey
Unless you are a member of a congregation of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America (RPCNA, “the Covenanters”) or another similar denomination, in all probability the way your congregation worships today is not much like the way Reformed and Presbyterian congregations . . . Continue reading →
Are Church Members Free Agents?
One of the biggest developments of the modern era of sports is the rise of the “free agent.” Under “free agency” an athlete is bound to a team only for a short period of time, at the end of which he becomes . . . Continue reading →
Reformed Piety And Practice
When Martin Luther (1483–1546) entered the Augustinian convent at Erfurt in 1505, it was a considered decision and the fulfillment of a vow he had made when he cried, “St. Anne, help me! I will become a monk.” So he did. Luther . . . Continue reading →
Saturday Psalm Series: The Psalm I Want Sung At My Graveside
To my friends, no I am not, as far as I know, in imminent danger of death. My enemies shall have to wait a bit longer. My reflections this morning are inspired by a series of posts at TGC including “The Song Scott . . . Continue reading →
Heidelminicast: Clarkson Public Worship Is Before Private
These are some of our favorite Heidelquotes. Something to think about from the Heidelcast. If you are subscribed to the Heidelcast or the Heidelblog (see below) you will receive these episodes automatically. All the Episodes of the Heidelcast How To Subscribe To Heidelmedia . . . Continue reading →
A New Devotional Drawn From The Works Of “The Sweet Dropper”
Many English (and Dutch) speaking Christians have a particular affection for and connection to that varied and complex movement known as Puritanism, usually described in this space as English Reformed theology. One of the English Reformed theologians to whom my friend Paul . . . Continue reading →
New Resource Page: On Holy Communion
Holy communion (the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist) is one of the two sacraments instituted by Christ (Matt 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–23; 1 Cor 11:23–34). In the Reformed tradition whereas Baptism is regarded as the sacrament of initiation into the visible church, . . . Continue reading →
Hodge On Nourishing New Life In Christ
It is natural that those who have experienced the agitations which frequently attend upon conversion, and have felt the peace which flows from a hope of acceptance with God, to imagine that the conflict is over, the victory won, and the work . . . Continue reading →
Heidelcast 221: Our Father (11): “Yours Is The Glory” (Plus Dr Clark Answers A Heideltext)
In this episode Dr Clark answers a Heideltext from Anonymous who writes, “Dr Clark, I have attempted to walk an associate through the PCA’s position paper against the Auburn Avenue heresy, specifically Doug Wilson’s brand thereof. How might I proceed if met . . . Continue reading →
A Surprising But Godly Use Of The Reformed Confessions
As a pastor, I am frequently asked about the best resources available for growth in the Christian faith. We live in a time when there is no shortage of devotional books to help with personal and family piety. Part of the challenge . . . Continue reading →
Heidelcast 216: Our Father (6): “Your Kingdom Come”
In this episode we answer a Heideltext and an email. The first is a question about how it is that the Baptists (from a Reformed perspective) confuse the divine decree with the external administration of the covenant of grace. The second is . . . Continue reading →
A Devotional: The Heart of the Reformation: A 90-Day Devotional In The Five Solas
Since I am doing a Heidelcast series on prayer and have been recommending devotional materials (see the resources below for more) I was delighted to get this volume in my inbox. It is a paperback volume of 157 pages. It first appeared . . . Continue reading →