Theology / The Church

  • The Mystery of the Faith

    1 Timothy 3:9

    John Calvin also says, “It would be exceedingly absurd to hold a public office in the Church, while they were ill-informed in the Christian faith, more especially since they must frequently be laid under the necessity of administering advice and ...Read More

  • The Nature of the Church

    John 1:35-43

    The New Testament shows that it is in the local assembly of the faithful that the great issues of life are fought out. Do not be one of those believers who has abandoned the church because she has “problems.” Realize ...Read More

  • The Pastor’s Priorities

    1 Timothy 4:13

    Without even knowing it, our expectations can be part of the problem in the church’s lack of focus on teaching in our day. When we choose churches based simply on the extent of their youth activities or the style ...Read More

  • The People of God

    1 Peter 2:9–10

    That the church is the Israel of God does not mean that every church member has authentic faith. Throughout history, the visible church has always included those who are not true believers because of their inauthentic faith (Rom. 9:6 ...Read More

  • The Revelation of Character

    1 Timothy 5:24-25

    A man cannot hide his character from God, but it can remain unknown to others. This practical observation should always be kept in mind as men are considered for church office. But even if we are not candidates for leadership ...Read More

  • The Sword and the Keys

    Romans 13:3–7

    Chapter 23 of the Westminster Confession of Faith is an excellent summary of the biblical teaching on the relationship between the church and the state. According to the confession, Christians may lawfully engage the government and serve in its various ...Read More

  • The Testing of Deacons

    1 Timothy 3:10

    John Calvin also explains that “those men are to be chosen who are approved by their past life in such a manner that, after what may be called full inquiry, they are ascertained to be well qualified.” The concern is ...Read More

  • Timothy’s High Calling

    1 Timothy 4:11-12

    Besides the many difficulties of ministry that young pastors must learn to deal with, they have the extra hurdle of youth, which can unfairly render them suspect in the eyes of many congregants. We should treat young leaders with understanding ...Read More

  • True and Counterfeit Glory

    James 2:1–13

    “Clothes make the man,” the saying goes. We behave better and feel more serious when we dress up. Do we dress up to go to banquets with mere men but not to attend the Lord’s Supper? Do we dress ...Read More

  • Twisting the Truth

    Acts 20:7–35

    Paul in Romans 14 urged the toleration of those who in error felt it was wrong to eat what they thought was unclean. If this is so, should we not also tolerate those who disagree with us over issues such ...Read More

  • Understanding Relationships

    Reflect on how God has used the church to birth you, nurture you, and mature your faith. Thank God for this divine process that is at work in you.Read More

  • Unity of the Church

    Acts 10:9–11:18

    Jesus assailed the notion that there is an oral tradition next to the written Bible, having equal authority. The Reformers took up the same fight against the oral tradition espoused by Roman Catholicism. Consider whether you or your church have ...Read More

  • Unlimited Forgiveness

    Matthew 18:21–35

    It is not as if unforgiving people lose their salvation, Matthew Henry says, for “those who do not forgive their brother’s trespasses, did never truly repent of their own, and therefore that which is taken away is only what ...Read More

  • Upholding the Truth

    1 Timothy 3:14-15

    John Calvin comments on the supporting function of the church of God: “Is not the Church the mother of all believers? Does she not regenerate them by the word of God, educate and nourish them through their whole life, strengthen ...Read More

  • Watching the Teaching

    1 Timothy 4:16

    Take some time today to look over 1 Timothy as a conclusion to our study of this epistle. Thank God for the gift of His Word and for its transforming message. Make sure that you are in a church that ...Read More