Introduction: In our circles, we have often considered the importance of having our times and seasons defined in relation to Jesus Christ. The only alternative to this is to have them defined in reference to someone or something else, and this is obviously an unacceptable … [Read more...]
Mere Hellfire
Introduction: The doctrine of eternal punishment is one that is widely known, or at least the broad outline of the doctrine is widely known. That is, if you were to ask the average person what “Hell” is, they would be able to reply that it was the purported place of punishment … [Read more...]
Have Yourself a Merry Little Chalcedon Christmas
Introduction: King Ahaz was enough of a good guy to at least have the prophet Isaiah trying to encourage him. Ahaz had refused to join in with an anti-Assyrian alliance, and Syria (also called Aram) and Ephraim (also called Israel) had attacked Judah for not joining with them. … [Read more...]
Logos 8: A Review
So then, I began using Logos Bible Software quite a few years ago—I think the version was Logos 4, so I have been at it for at least a decade. And my memory is murky on the point, meaning that it could be even earlier than that. Anyway you cut it, I am a long time user. I have … [Read more...]
Surplices Are for Sissies
Introduction: So imagine for yourself the sweetest little boy in the church, one whose mind turns naturally to edifying themes—the kind of meditative theme inspired by reflections on a porcelain figurine of the infant Samuel at prayer. Suppose further that this boy has plump … [Read more...]
Psalm 100/Serve the Lord With Gladness
Introduction: True worship comes from true hearts, and true hearts are filled to overflowing with gladness. This gladness can be solemn, as it is at a wedding (solempne), or this gladness can be jubilant, as it is after a victorious battle. But the thing it must never be is … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving 2018, Idolatry, and Deuteronomic Pie
Introduction: One of the more pleasant customs around here is to write something every Thanksgiving about how good God has been to us. But this is really not a “break” from all the culture war stuff—gratitude actually ought to be our central weapon in the culture war. … [Read more...]
Psalm 99/Between the Cherubim
Introduction: As we worship Jehovah for His infinite wisdom, right at the peak of our praises must be the recognition that His mercy to us is altogether holy. How He managed to do that is beyond all finite calculation. But fortunately, it is not beyond our ability to adore and … [Read more...]
Open Communion
Here at Christ Church, our practice with regard to the Lord’s Supper, which we observe weekly, is called open communion. What does this mean, and what does it not mean? How do we fence the Table? Why do we fence the Table? As you have probably noticed, we have a statement … [Read more...]
Psalm 98/Undertake or Overtake
Introduction When we sing the psalms back to God, one of the things we are learning how to do is how to address Him as He would like to be addressed. Instead of cooking up our own idea of pious noises and a liturgical shuffling around, our own ex tempore musical, we can read … [Read more...]