In response to the post on what to do with the offering, Ruben asks, “I’m still curious — are you saying that if the Lord’s Supper is absent (more generally, if no sacraments are administered), it’s not (proper) worship?
Sacraments
The Killer B's: Idols of the Minister's Heart
New on the Faculty Reflections page at WSC
PCA GA News
Here is Lig Duncan’s pre-GA address on the historic Reformed view of the efficacy of the sacraments (PDF). (HT: Michael at 21st Century Tabletalk). Pastor (in PCA terms, “Teaching Elder”) Paul Kooistra was elected moderator of GA this year.
The Piety of John Knox
At C or C.
FV Circa 115-150 AD?
The Epistle of “Mathetes” (Disciple) to Diognetus, 4.4: “And is it not also ridiculous to take pride in the mutilation of the flesh [circumcision -rsc] as a sign of election, as though they were especially beloved by God because of this?”
Volume 4: People And Place
The bibliopalooza continues. People and Place, the final volume of Mike Horton’s very important, four-volume systematic theology is out and available at the Bookstore at WSC for $27.46. One of the great failings of contemporary evangelical theology, piety, and practice is that . . . Continue reading →
Christ's Real Absence
Shane introduces the final volume in Mike Horton’s brilliant introductory series in systematic theology.
Horton: Quitting Church
At WSC
Audio: Baptism as New Creation
One of the things I missed when I was laid up recently was an excellent convocation lecture by Dr John Fesko during his visit to WSC.
Fed By Christ or the Person Next to Me?
One of the recurring questions I get is about the meaning of “body” in 1 Corinthians 11:28. The question is whether “discerning the body” in Paul’s narrative refers to “being cognizant of the congregation” or to Christ’s physical, actual body and blood, . . . Continue reading →
Paedocommunion Answered
By Cornel Venema. He has a book forthcoming at RHB. To whet your appetite here’s an interview with the Christ the Center guys.
For What It's Worth: This Paedo is Not Offended
My friend Mark Dever says that baptizing infants is sin. Mike Bird and others are offended and Mark has replied. I’ve received a few emails about this. Frankly, I don’t understand why folk are in high dudgeon.
Do Presbyterians Confess That Refusing to Baptize Infants is Sin?
That’s the question I received in my inbox yesterday. The writer asks, …Whereas I know that a consistent Baptist (e.g. Mark Dever) would consider a Christian refusing to be baptized subsequent to conversion as sinning and subject to church discipline, is that . . . Continue reading →
Don’t Like Labels…or Commitment?
In a recent news article about people attending a political rally, one of the participants was asked whether she identified with the group she was attending. She replied by saying, “I don’t like labels.” Indeed. The move toward political independency has been . . . Continue reading →
Video: Why Baptize Infants?
How To Fence the Lord’s Table (2)
How to Fence the Lord’s Table (Part 1) There is irony in fencing the Lord’s Table. What should be a joyous celebration, after due preparation of course, and a communion of believers with their risen Lord and with one another, is for . . . Continue reading →
The Sacraments Of The Covenant Of Works
I. God made a double covenant with man, the one of works and the other of grace; the former before, the latter after the fall. II. The covenant of works was confirmed by a double sacrament, to wit, the Tree of Life, . . . Continue reading →
Wearing Crosses or Bearing Them?
In my past life, battling through the highway throng on the ‘5’ out of Escondido, I used to stare in amazement at the gas guzzling Christian four by fours thundering past my little Volkswagen. As I tried to prevent myself from being . . . Continue reading →
Calvin On The Danger Of Abusing The Lord’s Table
29. He who shall eat unworthily, eateth judgment to himself. He had previously pointed out in express terms the heinousness of the crime, when he said that those who should eat unworthily would be guilty of the body and blood of the . . . Continue reading →
R. C. Sproul On Infant Baptism, Sin, And Patience
I believe that people who reject infant baptism, for example,—I think they’re wrong—but I believe they’re zealous about it because they want to practice the sacraments the way they believe God intended them to be practiced. And they believe it would be . . . Continue reading →