“Therefore, there is no religious use . . . in a sermon that merely discloses the minister’s opinion, but does not disclose the opinion of God. And there surely can be no use in a sermon that does not even disclose the minister’s opinion clearly” (T. David Gordon, Why Johnny Can’t Preach, p. 19).
An Interview At the Pearlies
Scott Clark has a long post here, in which he urges Reformed congregations to hold the line on strict subscriptions to their confessions, applying that standard of subscription with regard to the members of their congregations. In contrast to that form of Reformed sectarianism, here is a dose of Reformed catholicity. “In all Churches a …
Turning Over Flat Rocks
“We live at a time when the world does not hesitate to teach on sexual behavior. Broad evenagelical churches usually mimic the world’s teaching with a thin Christian gloss, and the more conservative churches hesitate to teach on this subject at all. The result is that such things are done among us, but in a …
Cool and Hot
“It is a worthy gift of God to be able to speak mildly and moderately so that our speech falls like dew upon the grass; but it is the fiery tongue that beats down sin and works sound grace in the heart” (Perkins, The Art of Prophesying, p. 169).
True Balance
“When men finally pick up the mantle of full responsiblity in ministry, they will then discover what a tremendous help their women are — but not until then” (Why Ministers Must Be Men, p. 60).
God Uses Strange Things
“This should teach us not to despise the sacraments, although the outward elements of bread, wine and water are weak and common and completely lifeless in themselves. Nor should we despise the ministry of the Word, although it is exercised by a weak man, as mortal and sinful as others. Since God can season the …
Carving Up a Bowl of Soup
When societies fall apart, they do not do so in an orderly manner. When God strikes a people with a judicial stupor, the result is not a feast of reason and flow of soul. “For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and …
True Scandal
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #9 “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness” (1 Cor. 1:22-23). Paul has asked the rhetorical questions—where is the …
Letham and Hamilton
I know a number of friends in the UK follow this blog, and here is a special announcement just for you all — along with anyone over here who has enough frequent flyer miles. I speak of this conference, and commend it to you heartily. Wish I could go to it.
What Is Our Crown? Is It Not You?
“When the Lord dispenses rewards, or crowns, we will see that it will not be a mercenary affair at all. No one in heaven will be rewarded with a chest full of doubloons” (Why Ministers Must Be Men, p. 57).