The Decree of God

A.W. Pink plainly describes God’s decree as “His purpose or determination with respect to future things.” The Westminster Shorter Catechism is slightly more expansive saying; “The decrees of God are His eternal purpose according to the counsel of His will, whereby, for His own glory, He hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.”  The most incredible [...]

By |2020-03-18T13:43:43-04:00March 18th, 2020|Articles|Comments Off on The Decree of God

Spiritual Growth

One of the Scripture references that my spiritual father Carl Vargo used to regularly sign off his letters to me with was the following. "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18 [...]

By |2017-09-30T17:23:48-04:00September 30th, 2017|Articles|Comments Off on Spiritual Growth

The Lord’s Table

As we come to the Lord's table, who should partake in communion? The Bible gives 2 stipulations. The answer...wait for it...only those who are first reconciled to God(believers) and also reconciled to others. But we need to answer from the Bible "Why?" As NoCo listeners and readers I am sure this question had already crossed [...]

By |2017-08-28T23:39:18-04:00August 28th, 2017|Articles|Comments Off on The Lord’s Table

Pastor’s Handbook: Weddings and Funerals

Though it's been 25 years since I graduated seminary(No I'm not that old I'm just that much wiser), I can remember like it was yesterday Prof(Howie Hendricks) telling us that at weddings and funerals to always preach the Gospel. Since then it's been forever etched in my mind. To me it's part of being in [...]

By |2017-08-27T23:28:02-04:00August 27th, 2017|Articles|Comments Off on Pastor’s Handbook: Weddings and Funerals

If Only…

If only I had studied more for this test, I would not be failing this class. If only I had just apologised and asked for forgiveness, I would not be in this strained relationship. If only I had thought more before I spoke, I would not have turned so many people away. If only I [...]

By |2017-08-05T09:26:50-04:00August 5th, 2017|Articles|Comments Off on If Only…

A Mighty Fortress Is Our Faith

You are out of town and for Sunday you visit one of the local churches with your family. After all, whether at home or away, you want to be with God's people for corporate worship. As you and your family enter the church building, you are greeted in the foyer by a friendly family. They [...]

By |2017-07-10T01:06:43-04:00July 10th, 2017|Articles|Comments Off on A Mighty Fortress Is Our Faith

The Father’s Love For the Son

"God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." That statement is bad evangelism, but good Trinitarianism. It is bad evangelism because the Gospel does not begin with the love of God but with the wrath of God (Romans 1:16-18). Furthermore it is bad evangelism because the Gospel is not about a wonderful [...]

By |2017-05-31T08:54:58-04:00May 31st, 2017|Articles|Comments Off on The Father’s Love For the Son

Confessional Christianity

"No creed but the Bible!" "Deeds not creeds!" Catchy sayings. Biblical? Partially. The revelation of Holy Writ reveals the inspiration, the inerrancy and therefore the sufficiency of Scripture. The Bible also reveals that we're not saved by deeds or good works(Ephesians 2:8-9) but nonetheless saved unto good works(Ephesians 2:10). James actually says that the proof [...]

By |2017-04-24T21:40:48-04:00April 24th, 2017|Articles|Comments Off on Confessional Christianity

The Bare Necessities of Life

A little boy floating down the river while sitting on top of a bear in the middle of the jungle. You guessed it. The little boy is Mowgli and the bear is Baloo from the Disney classic Jungle Book. This was one of my daughters' favorite scenes as they sang The Bare Necessities of Life. [...]

By |2017-04-26T09:57:23-04:00April 24th, 2017|Articles|Comments Off on The Bare Necessities of Life

Why the Church Gathers

Why does the church gather? What is the purpose of our meeting Sunday? Is it just to get a spiritual shot  in the arm to get me through the week? Is it to have a social outlet that is at least spiritual? Is it to hear a biblical sermon? After all, isn't that what we [...]

By |2017-04-03T20:34:40-04:00January 7th, 2017|Articles|Comments Off on Why the Church Gathers

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