The essence of Christmas is the gospel. Without the gospel Christmas is just another exercise in superficial sentimentality, American consumerism, and unmet expectations. Understood rightly, however, Christmas is one of the richest and most meaningful seasons of the year; a time of deep reflection upon the seriousness of the sinful human condition, and the glorious wonder ...

A few years ago, while on sabbatical, I attended an Edinburgh Hearts F.C. soccer match at Tynecastle Stadium with my seven year old son, Hans. We were excited to watch a live Scottish First Division fixture, and to cheer on the home side. The game was enjoyable until the Hearts' defense broke down and the visiting team scored three quick goals before halftime. The crowd su...

Dearest Christ Church, Our elders have set Good Friday apart for our church to practice the spiritual disciplines of fasting and prayer. While prayer is familiar to us all, fasting is far less common in Presbyterian churches. Before spending Friday in prayer and fasting we must remind ourselves about the importance of fasting as a spiritual discipline. Fasting and pray...

Dearest Christ Church Family, Warm Friday greetings in the name of our blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the days and weeks of quarantine roll on, it's easy for our hearts sink a bit. It's difficult to be physically separated from those whom we cherish, and to feel the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps, like me, you've found David's words echoing in your he...

He Descended Into Hell Have you ever wondered what is meant by this little four word clause in the Apostles' Creed: "He descended into Hell?" When Christ died on the cross his body went into the grave, his spirit into the hands of the Father, and his suffering was over (Luke 23:43, 46). This raises questions, however, concerning the article "He descended into hell." What ...

When Christians assemble for worship on the Lord's Day they participate in what is by far the most meaningful and consequential activity in the body of Christ. Worship is the highest calling of the believer. It is the center jewel on the crown of Christian discipleship. It is the verdant pasture in which Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd, feeds and nourishes His sheep. Worsh...

Missions, Church Planting the Invisible Hand of God Church planting is full of surprises. Some of them come wrapped in unpleasantness. Indeed, launching a new church plant is not for the fainthearted! But most of the surprises are deeply encouraging. They remind us that while obstacles may be numerous, God is faithful and Christ will build His Church (Mt. 16:18). Indeed,...

Charleston Shootings the Grace of God Our beloved Charleston community is full of tears and profound sadness today after the detestable and violent murders at the historic Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street. Dylann Roof, a twenty-one year old, attended the church's prayer meeting for an hour before opening fire on the congregation. Roof brutally murdered nine people, i...

Foundations of a Welcoming Church We all like to feel welcome, don't we? Whether it's at home, school, work, church, with friends, or on the athletic field, it's an encouragement to be warmly welcomed by others. Alternatively, it is a real discouragement to be overlooked, ignored, or shunned especially at church. Many of us have had the experience of visiting an unwelcom...

Seven Reasons Why We Do Not Delight In God Andrew Gray (1634-56) was a gifted Scottish preacher who died and went to be with Christ at the tender age of 22. He left a deep impression on all those who knew him and heard him proclaim God's truth. James Durham once said that with his preaching "he could make men's hair stand on end." Gray's sermons are published by Reformati...