We do not often speak of meekness. We might be hard pressed even to define it. Meekness is not weakness; it’s a measured strength, a control over wrath. It is related to humility. Sinclair Ferguson writes, “It is the humble…
New Archaeological Finding from Jerusalem’s First-Temple Period
Archaeologists working in Israel’s Western Wall Plaza have unearthed a “docket,” or clay impression of a seal from לשר העיר (“[belonging] to the governor of the city”). The identity of this governor could be Joshua, the governor of Jerusalem in the…
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
Matthew 5:1–16 are known as the Beatitudes, which stems from the Latin term used in the translation of these verses. A beatitude is a declaration of blessing and a statement about why that type of person will be blessed. Blessing…
Meeting R. C. Sproul
In 2006, I had been attending a non-denominational evangelical church largely influenced by John MacArthur and the Master’s Seminary. The church placed a heavy emphasis on the inerrancy of the Scriptures through expository preaching and taught a Calvinistic soteriology. Yet…
Living as Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven
Matthew 5:1–3 begins the Sermon on the Mount. The Bible does not use that title. Augustine (354–430 ad) seems to have given Matthew 5–7 this name. Jesus went up on the mountain and taught his disciples these things. The message…
The Ordo Salutis and the Westminster Standards
Each presbytery meeting, we usually have the opportunity to examine candidates for licensure and ordination.As you’d expect, these exams cover important topics pertaining to the doctrine of Scripture, theology proper, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, and ecclesiology. I enjoy these exams. It’s…
Navigating the Christian Sabbath Day
As a pastor of a church that confesses a Reformed and Presbyterian view of the fourth commandment, I often encounter questions as to how to observe it. The fourth commandment—to remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy—is particularly challenging…
Reformation Day Sale: Save 15.17% on Everything!
In celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, we’re running a store-wide sale. Our special 1517 Wittenberg stickers are 50% off, while you will save 15.17% on everything else. This includes our merchandise, new books, and used books—even…
Enjoying the New Creation
Introduction Isaiah 65:17ff is a wonderful picture of the future restoration of God’s people. It’s a passage that demonstrates the greatness of the blessings that come to God’s people from his bountiful hand. It’s an even greater picture once we…
Ecclesiastes and the Triumph over Futility
My wife recently told me that one of her friends will have to sell her house and move at the end of the summer. This particular friend has a large and vibrant garden into which she has poured many hours…
