Will Christ’s Church Prevail?
Christians sometimes wonder, “Will the church of Jesus Christ be able to survive the relentless onslaught of those who oppose it during this current age?” Here is a confidence-building quote from John Calvin (1509-1564) which takes into account the promises of God that are found in the Bible. Based on the eternal kingship of Jesus Christ, Calvin forcefully argues, Therefore, whenever we hear of Christ as armed with eternal power, let us remember that the perpetuity of the church is secure in this protection. Hence, amid the violent agitation with which it is continually troubled, amid the...
Read MoreRallying Cries of the Reformation
It is appropriate for Christians to remember the heroes of the past. This is especially the case for Protestants, since there have been some truly great champions from the Reformation era (1517-1650) who have made a major impact upon the present day church—men such as: John Wycliffe, John Hus, Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Martin Bucer, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, John Knox, William Tyndale, Hugh Latimer, Thomas Cranmer, Nicolas Ridley, and Ulrich Zwingli. Each of these Reformers greatly influenced the church in theology and practice. That is why remembering their life, faith, and death...
Read MoreThe Bible
What does the Bible say about itself? To me, this is an extremely important question because the texts that can be produced demonstrate the very strong foundation that our faith rests upon. In short, we believe that the Bible is authoritative, infallible, inerrant, inspired, and sufficient to answer all of life’s fundamental questions. Moreover, it is good for us to recall that these texts are God’s very own words and, therefore, they demonstrate the self-authenticating nature of the Bible. Here are a few examples of what the Bible says about itself. – Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret...
Read MoreA Firm Foundation
What does the Bible say about itself? To me, this is a fascinating subject because it shows the strong foundation that our faith rests upon. Moreover, it is good for us to recall that these are God’s very own words about his book and they demonstrate the self-authenticating nature of the Bible. For example, — Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” — Psalm 119:105 “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Isaiah...
Read MoreA Preview of the Ten Commandments
“A Preview of the Ten Commandments” (Part 1) Deut. 5:1-6; Matt. 5:17-20 November 15, 2009 Pastor Marcus J. Serven Covenant Family Church (RPCGA) The Decalogue, or the Ten Commandments, has always been a very controversial document. The Israelites welcomed these moral standards, but then went right out and violated them! In Jesus’ time they were mistakenly seen as a means of salvation and right-standing before our holy God (works-righteousness). In our own day the Ten Commandments are rejected by some as being antiquated (antinomianism) and are emphasized by others with a legalistic zeal...
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