Blog articles

Cannon Received

Canon Received

In the Sunday morning sermon, I made mention of the Pseudo Gospels. These were largely 2-5th century Gnostic works that added to what is recorded in the 4 Gospels about the life and ministry of Christ. They provide fictional tales about Jesus, which do not comport with what is recorded in Scripture. However, over the last decade, these ‘Apocryphal Gospels’ have become popular in our wider culture. That is largely due to various movies and books, which claim the church intentionally left out these ‘Lost Gospels,’ because it was trying to spin a message.

Baptism

Baptism

This coming Sunday we had a wonderful opportunity to see the baptism of little Brooks Marshall Weaver. When we witness a baptism, it is always good to spend time reflecting on the personal benefit of this sacrament. To do so, let’s ask a few questions. First, does the act of baptism itself does not save anyone? What did Jesus tell the thief on the Cross, “Today you will be with me in Paradise,” and he wasn’t baptized (Luke 23:43). The penitent criminal simply looked to the Savior of sinners, and he was redeemed.

New Year, Same God, Same Commitments

New Year, Same God, Same Commitments

As we enter a new year, there is always anticipation. What will 2025 hold? For some of us there may be new life, with the birth of children or grandchildren. Others might find new love and the desire for a spouse that has gone unmet. Still more, could get a new job or promotion, build new friendships, buy a new house, or start a new chapter in life, with high school or college graduation. 2025 has exciting prospects. However, with the turning of the calendar, anxiety can also come. Will I lose a loved one? Will my health deteriorate? Will my bills increase? Will my job continue? Will I make it through another year? Because we live in a fallen world, the uncertain nature of the future can distress us.

Schedule Change- Sunday, January 12th

Due to icy conditions on Johnson Brady Rd. the Session has decided to have one afternoon service tomorrow (January 12th). It will begin at 3pm and follow the evening liturgy. Please be careful as you travel on the roads.

Christmas’s Setting

Christmas’s Setting

Where does Christmas begin? There are a lot of answers to that question, depending on how you take it. One could look at it through the lens of history. Last week’s pastoral letter referenced an article from Kevin DeYoung that addressed this topic. Nonetheless, in a real sense, it can be said, Christmas begins in Genesis 3. In it, the serpent, Satan, slithered up to Eve, tempted her to doubt God’s goodness, to distrust his word, and to eat the ‘forbidden fruit.’ After which, “she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate” (Gen. 3:6).

The Reformation Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Doctrine and Christlikeness

The Reformation Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Doctrine and Christlikeness

Over the last several weeks, we have sought to answer the question, what is the significance of the Reformation for yesterday, today, and tomorrow? One way to respond is by considering the Reformation in light of doctrine. And the Reformation teaches us that doctrine is not for stuffy theologians in ivory towers. It’s for the average person in everyday life. As we receive Bible truth through public worship in the Means of Grace, doctrine helps us face suffering, and it brings comfort to the soul. What other kind of impact does doctrine have? It shapes us in Christlikeness.

The Reformation Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: The Ordinary Means of Grace

The Reformation Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: The Ordinary Means of Grace

Thanksgiving 2024

Dear CPC Flock,

Thanksgiving is an essential mark of a Christian. 1 Chronicles 16:34 David calls us to (1 Chronicles 16:34) “give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” The Psalmist exhorts us (Ps. 95:1-3), “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!For the Lord is a great God …” Paul exhorts us to (1 Thess. 5:18) “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

The Reformation Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Comfort & Worship

The Reformation Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Comfort & Worship

Two weeks ago, the question was asked, what is the significance of the Reformation for yesterday, today, and tomorrow? One way to answer is by considering the Reformation in light of doctrine. In many respects, the Reformation was a fight for right doctrine. Martin Luther and others stressed the need for orthodoxy. Without it, condemnation, not salvation for the sinner would be the result. In addition, heterodoxy would not help the Christian face suffering. We live in a hard world. Heresy gives no comfort to the soul.

Reformation Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow- Suffering

The Reformation Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Last week the question was asked, what is the significance of the Reformation for yesterday, today, and tomorrow? One way to approach the answer is through the lens of doctrine. At the core, the Reformation was a struggle for right doctrine. Luther understood that. Everything in his early ministry, from the posting of the Ninety-five Theses to the Diet of Worms, stressed the need for orthodoxy. What kind of impact might doctrine have? Luther knew correct theology was the difference between salvation and condemnation. The road to Hell is paved with heterodoxy. But Luther also grasped that doctrine had significance for this life, especially in suffering.