On Christian Freedom, Two Kingdoms, and the Right Use of Scripture

I’m grateful that you’re reading Recovering the Reformed Confession and that you took the time to write. I don’t know that I will be able to satisfy your concerns. It may be that we disagree on some basic issues. Let me try . . . Continue reading →

Hart: It’s Not About Style

Darryl writes: “…pipe organs are no more beautiful than guitars, and upper-, middle-, and lower-class aesthetics have no standing in “traditional” Reformed worship. The reason has everything to do with the theology of the Lord’s Day, when Christians assemble with all the . . . Continue reading →

More on Theocracy (Updated)

A brief response to Micah Burke. He’s unhappy that I want to exclude theocrats and Baptists from the definition of the adjective “Reformed” and he argues, in effect, that I’m being selective. I’ve explained at great length here why those who deny . . . Continue reading →

Religious Freedom Watch: Feds to Force Schools to Monitor Facebook?

Neil Munro writes at the Daily Caller: “Education Department officials are threatening school principals with lawsuits if they fail to monitor and curb students’ lunchtime chat and evening Facebook time for expressing ideas and words that are deemed by Washington special-interest groups . . . Continue reading →

Office Hours: What the Bible Actually Says About the End Times

In this episode Office Hours talks with Dr Kim Riddlebarger, author of The Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth About the Antichrist and about how to read Scripture the way God intends for it to be read. Kim is pastor of Christ . . . Continue reading →

Ursinus on What Is the Sum and Substance of Scripture

In the prolegomena (prefatory remarks) to his published lectures on the Heidelberg Catechism, Zacharias Ursinus (1534–83), the primary author of the catechism and the one authorized by Frederick III to explain the catechism wrote: “The doctrine of the church consists of two . . . Continue reading →

Mark Galli Reviews Bell on Hell

Galli writes, “but in raising such momentous issues, he has raised crucial questions that also must be asked. If universal salvation is true, why does Jesus not showcase it? Why is Jesus’ teaching characterized instead by a relentless focus on the last . . . Continue reading →

Dare to Be on the Daniel Plan?

‘Dare to Be a Daniel” is one reason to adopt Mr Murray’s view that, in public worship, we should sing only God’s Word (I reached the same conclusion in RRC). Not only is the song itself tacky but its way of interpreting . . . Continue reading →

Something for the "Missional" Movement to Consider

Wes Bredenhof has a provocative post regarding the influence of Harry Boer (a theologian in the CRC who attacked aspects of the doctrine of predestination as unbiblical) on some contemporary ideas of “mission.” He writes, “In Boer’s view, mission is not so . . . Continue reading →

Is "Desiring God" A New Law?

Darryl Hart writes, I have nothing personal against John Piper. I believe him to be basically sound theologically, though I wish he were a confessional Reformed Protestant. And his earnestness is truly impressive. I do not sense that he is faking what . . . Continue reading →

Office Hours: Dennis Johnson on Preaching Christ From All of Scripture

In this episode Office Hours talks with Dr Dennis Johnson, author of Him We Proclaim, about what it means (and doesn’t mean) to to preach Christ from all of Scripture. Don’t forget: We need you to call 760-480-8477 with your question for . . . Continue reading →

William Godfrey Ordained to Ministry of Word and Sacrament

Every Christian Sabbath is a day of joy. After all, by God’s grace we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Yesterday, however, was a particularly joyful Lord’s Day at Grace URC in Torrance, CA since WSC graduate William Godfrey was ordained to the Ministry of . . . Continue reading →

What Happens When You Don’t Have a Category for Wisdom or Nature

Introduction: Losing Our Religion When Andy Kaufman wrestled women in the late 70s and early 80s it was a gag, it was outrageous because, until he did it, it was unthinkable. Why? Because there is such a thing as nature (i.e.., the . . . Continue reading →

Pastor Dave is Looking for Courageous Calvinism in the PCA

He writes: “I’m not sure that there are many in the PCA with this conviction. We are going with the flow, paddling with the current of broad evangelicalism seeking relevance, influence, and recognition. And sadly, to the extent we pursue those things . . . Continue reading →