The subject before us now is that of holy war and its relation to the First Commandment. In a pluralistic society, faithfulness to the First Commandment is necessarily a declaration of war. And this in turn leads to a certain lack of popularity. “When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither …
Go, Eat Your Bread
In this Supper, all the benefits of Christ’s death are sealed for those who partake in faith. This includes everything He has done for us: forgiveness, justification, reconciliation, and infinitely more. We have our conversions renewed and ratified before God as we partake. We have our covenant relation to God renewed as we partake. This …
The Arbiter
We will come at the conclusion of this service to the Lord’s Supper. Too often this Table has been made the occasion for disputes, but this has happened because one aspect of the Table has been neglected. We need to learn to think of this Table as a central arbiter of all disputes. Too often …
Not That Kind of Fabric
The Christian Church is a commonwealth. One of the great things that we have in common is our access to this Table. It is a tremendous privilege, and we are not worthy of it in one sense. But in another sense, we are commanded to walk in a manner that is worthy of it. This …
Jazz Played Well
When the gospel breaks out, it always brings joy and gladness in its train. Sinful and tidy-minded men do not like the kind of disorder the gospel brings, and so they bustle around trying to pick up after it. After a time, God grants their request and sends leanness to their souls, and their museum …
Homily at EEF Worship Service for Anselm Presbytery
Many political commentators and observers have often commented on what they call American exceptionalism. This is not political exhortation at all—I simply want to use this as a potent illustration. I am aware that we are a presbytery that crosses national borders here—we have churches and men assembled here from Poland, and Russia, and Canada, …
Opening Remarks At Anselm Presbytery 2006
Welcome to this assembly of the Anselm Presbytery. You men are leaders among the churches of God, and you have been selected by your respective churches to gather together like this to consider matters of common concern, and to do so in accordance with the customs we have established. Some of these customs are just …
And More Gratitude
The 2006 meeting of Anselm Presbytery, CREC, concluded yesterday. I am serving as the current moderator, and was extremely grateful for how things are going. The presbytery meeting was covered in grace, even though there were some difficult issues for us to deal with. It is a tremendous privilege to work with men of this …
Close Friends, Not Adversaries
You are accustomed to hear two words paired, and those words are Word and sacrament. The two do go together, and are not in the slightest degree at odds with one another. But in the minds of some, they are at odds, and sides are chosen. Some choose a rationalistic service, where the Word is …
Fathers Leading In Worship
Fathers, the word of exhortation is directed at you this morning. You have gathered your families, and you have brought them here to worship in the presence of the Lord. The exhortation here is that it is not enough to do this physically. The apostle Paul told the Thessalonians that he had behaved toward them …