The Protestant Reformation: Looking Back and Ahead

What Was the Protestant Reformation?

It is somewhat of a paradox that the name “Protestant Reformation” (more commonly known just as the “Reformation”) is made up of two words which are kind of ironic. “Protestant”—meaning someone who is protesting—no longer carries the same meaning that it did 500 years ago. Now “Protestant” is used to generally refer to any Christian church or denomination that is not Roman Catholic. And the word “Reformation” is ironic because it never happened. That’s right, the Reformation never happened.

Sep 27, 2024

Staying Centered in the Storm: Your Personal Journey Through Psalm 25

Introduction: Psalm 25 is an acrostic or alphabetic Psalm, beginning with each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 25 is unusual in that three letters are left out and three repeated by the poetic license inspired by the Holy Spirit. Reasons for an acrostic include the giving of struct...

Sep 23, 2024

Theopneustos: The Nature of Scripture Commands the Ministry of the Word

Years ago, I had the opportunity to preach in several small churches in England. Being unfamiliar with many cultural differences, I learned something new from congregants after I preached. Many of them would say, “Thank you for the ministry.” Not, “thanks for preaching.” Thank you for the ministry. Now, to me, “ministry” embodies all that the shepherd is to do, from preaching, counseling, leading, prayer, to committee meetings. But for them, “ministry” was exemplified fully in the sermon.

Sep 20, 2024

Song of Songs Background

Who King Solomon to the nation of Israel (perhaps also to the world, but not as likely). Where & When Solomon probably composed this “song” or “poem” perhaps in the middle of his life or closer to the end of his life (i.e. the book seems to attest to the fact that he has between 60 queens and...