As I Imitate Christ
The goal of every Christian is to become like Christ. This is what God has in mind in one of the most beloved promises of the Bible: “And we know … More
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Adoring the Unique Works of the Holy Spirit in History
Devotion From Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire is to showcase Himself as the origin and goal for all comprising His created order, demonstrating how He has worked in many portions and in many ways to accomplish His impeccably good purposes (Isaiah 46:9-11; Hebrews 1:1-2). Tragically, one of the most neglected realms of examining how God […]
If Silence Is Violence, Jesus Is A Sinner
One of the most popular slogans from protestors over the last couple weeks is, “silence is violence, silence is compliance.” The slogan suggests people—especially white people—who are silent about the … More
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Removing Names: Deep Cleansing?
Dwight Mckissic recently presented to the trustees and president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary open letter. Since it was an open letter, I assume he wanted all Southern Baptists, … More
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Eldership in the Local Church Pt.7: Opposing Views to Plural Elder Led Congregationalism–Presbyterianism
Opposing Views to Plural Elder Led Congregationalism The second prominent opposing view to plural elder-led congregationalism worth considering is Presbyterianism. Christians in the Presbyterian tradition hold to a system of church government in which elected elders/presbyters from churches represent churches and oversee them. Hence the name Presbyterianism. This system opposes the independency of a church […]
The Baptism of Disciples Alone with Fred Malone (Pt.2)
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9i9wy-e72707 This episode is brought to you in partnership with Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary. CBTS is a confessional Reformed Baptist Seminary which provides affordable online theological education to help the church in its calling to train faithful men for the Gospel ministry. They are fully accredited by the Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries. You can […]
What is a Biblical Model of the ‘Missionary Call’?
We often overlook and/or misunderstand the New Testament model. From the outset, we must remember that Acts is a transitional book in the history of the church, and the Holy … More
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Seminary Wives: You Are Not Wasting Your Lives
Every year I see a new crop of seminary students, eager to jump into their studies and to prepare for ministry. But, behind the scenes, there is another story that often goes untold. The story of the seminary wives.
Of course, I recognize that there …
For the Love of God and Man
When Paul called the elders of Ephesus to meet him at Miletus for a final opportunity of fellowship and instruction, he warned them of serious problems that would emerge in … More
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Edwards in the Hands of Social Justice
The recent call to say “Farewell” to Jonathan Edwards was replaced with a more manageable observation to take the good and dismiss the bad. This initial call was based on … More
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Revelation, Reason, and Christian Duty To Government
“The judge, and the rule by which he judges, are diverse.” Jonathan Edwards said that, and he was right. He referred to reason and revelation. Edwards lamented that some, in … More
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Sheathe Your Sword: Shepherding Those Who Disagree with You
If you have pastored a single congregation for any length of time, then you know how difficult it can be to shepherd those who disagree with you. The first few months of ministry at a new location are similar to a new happy marriage. But soon after the honeymoon phase has ended, opposition soon arises. […]
Are We All Missionaries?
It is helpful to make distinctions between full-time missionaries and lay-leaders. We must distinguish between a general practice in a church and a unique, specific gift that God gives to … More
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Federal Vision Pt. VI: A Particular Baptist Critique and An Apologetic for 1689 Federalism
My life as a Christian was forever changed on an ordinary day off from work in early December (2019). As my wife left for her job at a local preschool, I trudged from our bedroom to the living room table to embark upon another lengthy day of homework. The Fall semester was nearing its conclusion, […]
Why Reformed Christians Are Vulnerable To Social Justice
Many young Christians didn’t learn how to understand justice from Scripture. So in college, they learned how to understand justice from culture. And now, they think injustice is justice. And … More
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The Baptism of Disciples Alone with Fred Malone (Pt.1)
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-c8yqv-e726aa This episode is brought to you in partnership with Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary. CBTS is a confessional Reformed Baptist Seminary which provides affordable online theological education to help the church in its calling to train faithful men for the Gospel ministry. They are fully accredited by the Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries. You can […]
There is One Lawgiver: Reflections on the Cancel Culture
The suggestion has been made that we should say farewell to Jonathan Edwards in light of his having purchased a slave named Venus. A serious call also has been issued … More
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Self-Control and the Fruit of the Spirit
Devotion We live in a world dominated by hedonism: the ideology insisting that pleasure and/or happiness is the chief good in life. To be sure, hedonism “sells” to sinners navigating through a fallen world (James 1:14). In a created order full of turmoil, adversity, and hardships, it undoubtedly appeals to the human senses to prescribe […]
The Virus of Viruses
The last major epidemic of the bubonic plague to occur in Europe happened in England from 1665 to 1666. It was later called the Great Plague of London because it … More
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The Unstoppable Unfolding of God’s Promises
God reminds us again and again that His promises are unfolding and nothing can stop them. Things are moving in the right direction. As Hannah said, “the Lord brings low, … More
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Something New is Coming: Jeremiah 31:31-37 (Part 2)
Part 1 can be found here. The Promise of the New Covenant 31:31. “Behold the days are coming” (ESV). This phrase, as I showed above, is used frequently by Jeremiah. It precedes a promise with certain results grounded in Yahweh’s sovereign rule over everything. Sometimes it precedes a promise of the judgment upon Yahweh’s people. […]
The Federalist Papers, No. 27 – The Same Subject Continued (The Idea of Restraining the Legislative Authority in Regard to the Common Defense Considered)
The Same Subject Continued (The Idea of Restraining the Legislative Authority in Regard to the Common Defense Considered) From the New York Packet Tuesday, December 25, 1787 By Alexander Hamilton The Anti-Federalists, it would appear, were decrying the Constitution because they thought that it would require military force in order to execute the laws. Hamilton …
What Is Christian Persecution?
Jesus told His disciples: “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John … More
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What Exactly is Legalism? It’s More Complicated Than You Think
Legalism. Pretty much everyone agrees that it’s bad. And in a world where Christians seem to disagree over basically everything, that’s saying something.
Even so, if you asked the average Christian to define legalism, the answers may not c…
Book Review: The Mystery of Christ, His Covenant, and His Kingdom by Samuel Renihan
Renihan, Samuel. The Mystery of Christ: His Covenant and His Kingdom. Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, 2019. Introduction Samuel Renihan wrote The Mystery of Christ: His Covenant and His Kingdom. He holds a Master of Divinity from Westminster Seminary California and a Doctor of Philosophy from the Free University of Amsterdam. He serves as pastor […]
Eldership in the Local Church Pt. 6: Opposing Views to Plural Elder Led Congregationalism–Episcopalianism
Opposing Views to Plural Elder Led Congregationalism The first major opposing view to plural elder-led congregationalism that we will consider is Episcopalianism. There are different groups that hold to different theological convictions that use this form of church governance. The Episcopalian governance structure teaches that bishops are a distinct office, above deacons and presbyters.[1] Some […]
“I Disagree with Spurgeon!”
‘I disagree with Spurgeon!’ I blurted out in a voice that started out confidently, yet my brief assertion diminished with hesitancy and reservation. Who in their right mind would have … More
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Faithfulness and the Fruit of the Spirit
Devotion You and I are liars by nature (Psalm 116:11; Romans 3:4). How’s that for an introductory statement? Although it may not be a “politically correct” or popular accusation to make, there are few characterizations that are more accurate in describing sinful humanity. Lying and deceit have been fundamental traits of Satan and his legion […]
A Letter to America’s Pastors & Churches
America needs your leadership now more than ever. But there are a few things you must know and a few more you must expect. A generation ago, pastor and theologian … More
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Eldership in the Local Church Pt. 5: Plural Elder Led Congregationalism
Plural Elder Led Congregationalism We have given consideration to who an elder is and what an elder does. But now we must consider how an elder cooperates with a congregation. The Bible’s discussion of church leadership always assumes a congregational context.[1] Sam Waldron writes the following about the congregational nature of the church: Congregationalism may […]