In his wonderful book on the Westminster Assembly, Robert Letham says this: “In short, the Assembly, within limits, was inclusive rather than exclusive. It sought to reach the widest measure of agreement possible, within acceptable limits of doctrine and practice” (Letham, The Westminster Assembly, p. 117). In many ways I think this should serve as …
Many Mansions
Introduction Today is Ascension Sunday, the time when we remember the ascension of the Lord Jesus into the heavenly realms, where He was ushered on the clouds of heaven into the presence of the Ancient of Days, where He was given universal power, authority, and dominion. From that place, He rules on earth, but also …
Thanks In, and Thanks For
This is a Eucharistic meal, and that word comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving. This is our weekly thanksgiving meal. Because this meal is offered us by the sovereign Lord over all things, we must not think of it as an oasis of thanksgiving in the midst of a wilderness of grumbles. It is …
Speaking Defiance
The apostle Paul tells Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith.” He tells him in the next breath to “lay hold on eternal life.” In Ephesians, we are told that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. The language of Scripture concerning our pilgrimage here on earth is …
The Preacher’s Tachometer
“If a man has not force of character, a passionate soul, he will never be really eloquent” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 358).
Ascension Gifts
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, and now ascended to the right hand of God the Father, at whose right hand is a torrent of everlasting pleasure. Greetings in the grace and peace that come from the Father, and also from His Son, our Lord, the Lord Jesus …
A Preacher’s Task
“It is not enough for a speaker to say what the hearer may understand if he attends; the point is to arouse him, to put life into him, to make attention easy and pleasant, and inattention difficult” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 357).
Hellfire and Damnation
I want to begin by acknowledging that the metaphors of damnation that we find in Scripture are quite possibly not literal descriptions — where the worm does not die, where the fire is not quenched, where it is an outer darkness, where there is a lake of fire, and so on. But before assuming that …
Never in Shadow
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #154 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and …
The Difference Between Pastors and Teachers
I was talking recently with a friend about the difference between pastors and teachers, and it got my thoughts churning. You know what Wodehouse said about some minds being like the soup in a bad restaurant — better left unstirred. But that’s too bad, too late now, etc. Considered from one angle, this topic might …