The Sunday Reader: Vol. 1 | #20

What is a Sacrament?

A concise explanation of what these important elements of worship are and do. "It is easy to think of the sacraments as things we do as a pledge of obedience to God or a sign that we’re giving our life to him. But this is to fundamentally misunderstand the nature of a sacrament. Sacraments are not things we do for God but are ordinary ways the Holy Spirit applies the benefits of salvation. In addition, it is only by faith that a person receives these benefits."

Calvin's Doctrine of Common Grace (.pdf)

A classic essay by the theologian Herman Bavink. This one might involve two cups of coffee but it's worthwhile.

Is the PCA Becoming More Unified?

Following up on their recent General Assembly, Pastor Richard. D. Phillips contemplates the state of our sister denomination. What happens there is significant not only because of the PCA's outsized influence (they are over ten times larger than the URC) but because similar fault lines exist to lesser or greater extents in nearly all NAPARC churches.

Faithful are the Wounds of a Friend

Christina Fox meditates on the value of honest admonition. A real friend points out the spiritual "spinach" struck in your teeth.

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader: 2018 | #19

When Flesh and Heart Fail: Why Believers Should Consider Advance Directives

If you're over eighteen, I strongly commend this article to you. It lays out the practical landscape of end-of-life issues to help  you determine what course is best for you and your loved ones.

URCNA Affirmations Regarding Marriage

One fruits of Synod Wheaton was the affirmation of an official statement on marriage in relation to sexual preferences and gender perceptions. I suggest all adults as well as high school seniors read it carefully. Should God ever permit a lawsuit against a URCNA church for not lending its services or facilities to those seeking homosexual unions, this document will be an important demonstration of our biblical rationale and solidarity.

Watching Our Words in the Age of Outrage

"When James wrote “no human being can tame the tongue,” I doubt he knew what the media landscape would look like 2018, but his Spirit-inspired words accurately describe the age in which we find ourselves."

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader: 2018 | #18

For those who asked, the commentary on James recommended in this past Sunday's sermon was Dan Doriani's volume in the Reformed Expository Commentary series.

Sculpted Head of Biblical King Found in Israel

The title says it all.

When Sin Looks Delicious

A good, practical exhortation to flee sin.

Deacons in the URCNA

A somewhat technical but thorough statement of our Federation's view of this important but often overlooked office.

Christian Baker Wins Supreme Court’s Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

Just in case you missed coverage of this influential ruling.

 

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader, VOL. '18, ISSUE #17

Chronology of Ezra-Nehemiah (.pdf chart)

Here's a handy chart for understanding the play-by-play of the books of Ezra, Haggai, Zechariah, and Nehemiah. Save it for future study.

Fences & Fellowship

A Particular Baptist reflects on the importance and practicalities of ecumenical relationships without compromising our confessional identities.

James in Miniscule 319 (photo)

View the first page of a 12th century handwritten copy of the book of James. Zoom in to be amazed at the skill and beauty of the ornamentation.

The Bible Project: Brilliant But Flawed

TPJ is an online bible study used by hundreds of thousands of people. In this review, Richard Sweatman praises its strengths but warns viewers to be aware of its problematic approach to Christ's atonement (as well as other issues). 

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader, VOL. '18, ISSUE #16

A Really Short Case for Infant Baptism

In view of the upcoming evening sermon, here's a very concise and strong argument for including children in the signs and seals of the Covenant of Grace.

Why I Don't Sit With My Husband at Church

"Family is more than immediate family." The author makes a case for sitting with single visitors and unrelated members in order to show hospitality and community in the service.

Reading the Bible for the First Time

Some helpful tips for people just getting into (or back into) God's Word.

Older Couples Are Increasingly Living Apart. Here's Why.

Here's an informative look into a strange trend among American seniors who prefer not to cohabitate with their partners. Unsurprisingly, their reasons largely reflect selfish and unbiblical views of marriage.

ABOUT THE SUNDAY READER — While not always representing the views of the Pastors, the Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. These selections offer a mix of Christian and secular viewpoints to broaden and frame our understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader, VOL. '18, ISSUE #15

Biblical Texts to Show God Does All Things for His Glory

Enough said.

Self Control and the Battle for Our Minds

Randy Alcorn meditates on the Biblical mandate to govern our minds and actions.

Justification in the Early Fathers

Ever wondered if there are passages from the ancient Christian church clearly expressing justification by faith alone? There are.

Bonus: Photos of Dutch Tulips from the Ground and Sky

 

ABOUT THE SUNDAY READER — While not always representing the views of the Pastors, the Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. These selections offer a mix of Christian and secular viewpoints to broaden and frame our understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader, VOL. '18, ISSUE #14

Resources on the Well-Meant Offer of the Gospel

As a follow-up to the sermon from last Sunday evening, here is a list of useful Reformed articles and confessional statements from Dr. Clark at WSCAL.

Why We Cringe at "Submit" 

Reflections on why many believers feel uncomfortable with biblical references to submission and one author's take on how we should respond. If you'd like to go deeper, the well-regarded Greek linguist, Dr. Bill Mounce, weighs in on "submission" texts here.

The Busy Critic and the Simple Church

Every church should aim for vital community and service among its members. What is not so simple is determining how best to achieve these goals, whether by facilitating more church programs or by fostering organic relationships and events. This article deals with the difficulty of striking a healthy balance.

 

ABOUT THE SUNDAY READER — While not always representing the views of the Pastors, the Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. These selections offer a mix of Christian and secular viewpoints to broaden and frame our understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader, VOL. '18, ISSUE #13

This week's insightful and interesting links.

God's Metrics

It's easy to get caught up in comparisons with other churches. Here's some encouragement for congregations and individuals to press on in spite of slow outward growth.

Rediscovering the Lost Art of Lament

Stephen Un presents a strong case for the importance of embracing lament and how it differs from hopelessness.

The Secret Things Belong to the Lord (Evil, the Will of God, and the Cross)

Some deep thinking on God's will to go along with our Canons of Dort series.