Always Reforming

    The recesses of Reformed Presbyterianism are filled with debates that make little sense to "normal" people.  If the common man were to overhear two Presbyterians theologically duking it out in a Pub (or typing it out in the Pub ), he/she would probably be surprised that a) anyone cares that much, and/or b) that anyone has thought that much about whatever the given issue might be.  That being said, one such perpetual debate occurs over what has been labeled Exclusive Psalmody, known to frequenters of internet forums simply as EP.  EP is the view that only the Psalms are to be sung in public worship.  The underlying principle--that we should only sing inspired words from God--allows for other portions of Scripture to be sung in worship, though, in my experience, that is rarely practiced, even if EP proponents allow for it.  As with every view, EP has many shades and renditions.  I hope I have fairly represented their view.     As the...

    Ask most evangelical Christians in America about Easter and they will recount some tale of bunnies, eggs, nice clothes, and/or church attendance.  They will all know that it's supposed to be about Jesus, but they'll be hard-pressed to remember actually talking about Jesus after the obligatory Easter-lunch prayer.  Even non-christians and nominal Christians (the "let's-go-to-church-on-Christmas-and-Easter" type) have been known to celebrate Easter, which is either the cause or the effect of the its dramatic over-commercialization.  After all, Hershey's needs to sell candy!  Easter has become so ubiquitous as to become almost nonspiritual and pointless.      In the background of this American landscape you'll find a few curmudgeons called Presbyterians. While many Presbyterians (most, really) celebrate Easter joyfully, there are some conservative ones who choose not to do so.  There are some who would probably even go so far as to s...

    Being raised as a paedocommunionist (that means our kids get to eat Jesus, too), I have always been amazed by how passionately credocommunionists (that means their kids don't get to eat Jesus until they articulate a "credible" profession of faith) dislike the practice.  I would think that they could look at paedocommunion and at least respect it as an attempt to live out Covenant Theology in a consistent way.  Instead, paedocommunionists have been widely viewed as being on the fringe of the fringe (yes, that far) of Reformed Theology.  I like to think that I have been able to agree-to-disagree in an amicable way with my credocommunionist friends.  However, I will admit that being discounted as "unconfessional" (trust me, I've been called worse) has made many paedocommunionists (you'd have to ask my friends whether or not that applies to me) act in a manner that lacks Christian grace.     So, the question remains, is paedocommunion a view hel...

"The Secret to Contentment" Philippians 4:10-19 (focus on 10-14) " 10 .  I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11.  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12.   I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13.   I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14.   Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15.   And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.  16.   Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.  17.   Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases ...

“Boasting in the Lord” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 2/28/16 I.                    Sermon Introduction a.      Have you ever heard a kid brag about his dad?  His older brother? b.     He is bragging/boasting, but it’s about something outside of himself c.      Here in 1 Corinthians 1 we are going to see that we as Christians should boast, but not in ourselves d.     Scripture introduction                                                              i.       Here in 1 Corinthians 1 Paul is talking ...