A Bulwark for Troubled Times
The importance of building biblical churches is emphasized, facing contemporary challenges such as hyper-individualism, shallow leadership, and cultural pressures. Seven key issues threaten this mission, reflecting a spirit antagonistic to biblical integrity. To counter these challenges, reliance on historic confessions of faith is vital for strength and unity in the Church’s purpose.
The Importance of Confessionalism Amidst Cultural Decline
After the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage in 2015, the biblical teachings on marriage remain unchanged. Steve Meister notes how the historical consensus of Christian doctrine on marriage contrasts with cultural pressures. Meister argues that advocating for Confessionalism is crucial to resist these pressures, affirming traditional interpretations of Scripture amid societal shifts.
“Crisis of Confidence” by Carl R. Trueman – Some Thoughts
Carl Trueman’s revised edition of “The Creedal Imperative,” titled “Crisis of Confidence,” addresses the growing opposition to creeds in contemporary culture. He examines the impact of consumerism, technology, and individualism on church practices. The book advocates for a return to confessionalism in churches, highlighting its necessity amid a changing cultural landscape.
Are Confessions of Faith Useful to the Church? Here are Five Reasons Why They Are…
Steve Meister, a pastor who adheres to the Second London Confession of Faith (2LCF), outlines five practical applications of confessions in church life. These include guiding biblical interpretation, aiding ministry, training leaders, congregational accountability, and assessing membership candidates. He emphasizes that confessions should complement, not contradict, a deep understanding and love for God’s Word, thus enhancing spiritual life within the congregation.
Born Of God, Born Of A Woman
By Oliver Allmand-Smith The Lord Jesus Christ was born of God and born of a woman; truly divine and truly human. That the Scripture reveals this to us is beyond dispute, but why is it so important that he is both born of God and born of a woman? What does it mean and what […]
Understanding Wickedness
By Oliver Allmand-Smith Can you make sense of the hate-fuelled conflict and destruction of life we are currently witnessing? Do you understand it? The world today has no answer to these evils, no way of understanding them, and no explanation for them. Western cultures insist all humanity is essentially good; but if that is the […]
Confessions as Spiritual Tools Part 1
by Jonathan Woodrow Share Article Written confessions of the faith are tools in the school of the Holy Spirit (the church) for aiding and renewing the church’s task of confessing the truth. Confession and formulation of confessional texts are a product of the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit; in turn, confessional texts aid the […]
The Guides We’ve Been Waiting For
Confessing the Faith: Volumes 1 & 2 by Jonathan Woodrow Share Article Click to View in Bookshop Studying a confession is a fascinating and edifying exercise. It involves a bit of time travel. The document was written at a certain point in history for particular purposes. The Second London Confession comes out of the history […]
Clarity & Unity or Distraction & Tribalism?
Clarity & Unity or Distraction & Tribalism? by Jonathan Woodrow Share Article Do Confessions of Faith distract and undermine gospel unity? Does unity based on an extensive Confession elevate what are often called secondary doctrines and practices to the level of the doctrines of first importance? Do they promote doctrinal distortion or distractions from the core gospel? […]
Preaching: A Reflection
Preaching as the Primary Means of Grace: A Reflection by Jonny Woodrow I have often thought that a book on pastoral ministry along the lines of?The Secret Barrister?? it would need to be written by an anonymous elder – would sell well. I suspect that a collection of stories on what really goes on throughout […]
