Introduction: Today we are commemorating the Lord’s Ascension into Heaven, the time when He received universal dominion, absolute and unfettered, from the hand of His Father. But we must never forget that His Ascension is built on the bedrock of His Descent. We are told that He … [Read more...]
Coronation Day
Jesus Christ has ascended to the right hand of God the Father. This does not mean that He is now on the other side of the universe. It actually means that His authority is suffused throughout the entire universe. And this is inescapably political. Jesus is a king. Not only is … [Read more...]
The Table Fences Us
Paul tells us that we must not eat and drink from the table of the new testament unworthily. He uses the word several times, but remember the context of his warning. The Corinthians were guilty of divisions in the church, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and greed. Paul tells … [Read more...]
Defining the Categlories
Introduction: As a result of some of my recent “going on” about the nature of nature, I have been in conversation with some friends about miracles. One of them recommended the chapter on miracles in Vern Poythress’s book Symphonic Theology, (chapter 9), which I had read before … [Read more...]
Calvinism 4.0/Chestertonian Calvinism
Introduction: When these precious doctrines of ours—referring to the absolute sovereignty of God over all things—are twisted in such a way as to perpetuate gloom, severity, introspection, accusations, slander, gnat-strangling, and more, the soul is never safe. The doctrines of … [Read more...]
Power Meant to Flow
Scripture records of the Lord’s teaching ministry that He taught with authority, and not like the scribes. Scripture tells us in another place to beware of those who hold to the form of religion, but who lack the power of it. The words we read, every week, are powerful. The … [Read more...]
Fighting With the Supper, Not Over It
As I have noted before, there is another complaint that has been brought against us—in our observance of the Lord’s Supper, we serve alcohol to minors. There are many principles involved in all this, but we need to focus on just one of them right now, and bring this wisdom with … [Read more...]
Calvinism 4.0/Biblical Absolutes and the Spirit of the Age
Introduction: In the second chapter of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar the king promoted Daniel after he had been able to interpret the troubling dream that the king had had. As a result of Daniel’s influence, Daniel’s three friends were established in the rule of Babylon. Sometime … [Read more...]
Jesus Gives Alcohol to Minors
I wanted to remind you of an incident from some years ago. At that time, we held one of our church services in the Kibbie Dome, just before the Trinity Fest. Predictably enough, some of our local adversaries filed an official complaint about that worship service—the complaint … [Read more...]
Calvinism 4.0/The Sin of Sectarianism
Introduction: What I would like to do, Lord permitting, is preach a series of messages through the basic doctrines of the Reformed faith, as we understand the teaching of Scripture. This is particularly important for you if you have been attending here for many years, or if you … [Read more...]