Qualifying our Ever-So-Merciful Consciences November 18, 2014 The church is called to be a merciful people. Jesus has called us to extend mercy as we preach the gospel through the nations. Sometimes, it seems, at least here in the U.
The Kingdom of Donkeys and Pachyderms November 07, 2014 This week the United States saw a major shift in the political landscape of the nation. The Democratic blue has faded to Republican red as Republicans celebrate victories in the House, the Senate,
The "Go En" and the Land of the Rising Son October 03, 2014 What if there was a nation in the 10/40 Window that could be easily reached with the gospel? What if that nation had less than 1% of the population profess Christianity? What
Unboxing the Idols of Our Heart September 04, 2014 If I were to ask you what is currently the most popular YouTube channel, would you know? Or, what genre of internet videos could earn one stay-at-home mom between $2 million and $13
Two Cents on Hermeneutics January 04, 2014 Hermeneutics matter. Hermeneutics is the study of the interpretation of a text. As a pastor, I spend many many hours per week practicing hermeneutics as I study the Bible. There are certain rules
A Prayer of Thanksgiving November 27, 2013 Today I was reading my copy of the_ Book of Common Prayer_ from 1662... it's not actually a copy from 1662, but a Cambridge "1662 edition" in burgundy calf-skin
Love Thy Neighbor as Thy Selfie November 21, 2013 [http://gentlereformation.allegrodynamics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo.jpg] I have been a fan of the _Oxford English Dictionary _(OED) for many years. I love the art of language and the skill
The Christian Home: Another Protestant Reformation Blessing October 28, 2013 The Reformation was a time of rediscovery. The church, in a sense, rediscovered justification by faith alone. The reformation also rediscovered biblical worship, and this was seen as the second pillar of the
Mediatorial Kingship Emperor Norton and King Jesus October 09, 2013 [http://gentlereformation.allegrodynamics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/empnort2-gif4.jpeg] Between 1859 and 1880 four presidents served the United States, but as they came and went, one emperor reigned in the United States
Foolish Preaching? September 13, 2013 The preaching of the gospel is a profound aspect of Christian worship. Some see preaching merely as a teaching time. Some see it as a time for outreach. Some see it as a
Q: What's the Bad News? A: Adam died. August 02, 2013 When I was in high school there was a teacher there that would always ask me, “What’s the good news, Eshelman?” He was a football coach, so ending the interrogative with a
Seven Phrases on the Ten Words May 25, 2013 What’s THAT Have to Do With the Ten Commandments? Have you ever had a conversation with a Christian about an ethical question where they said something to the effect of, “That’s
The Not-So Lost Art of Pharisee Making May 20, 2013 This week I followed a discussion that started off something like this: “New Presbyterian here. Anything I should know in your humble opinion?” There were many answers given, some humorous, some ridiculous, some
Here Come the Presbyopians! April 22, 2013 Presbyopia is a “medical condition where the eye exhibits a progressively diminished ability to focus on near objects with age.” That sounds like a horrible condition, of course, but this is not the
Yosemite's Song: In the Theater of God's Glory March 27, 2013 I have been in the “theater of God’s glory” (Calvin’s words, not mine). People have told me for years that I need to get to Yosemite Valley. Who has the time?
Hallowed Memories: Happy New Year! December 31, 2012 One my greatest New Year's Eve/Day highlights is singing the 77th Psalm to the tune Auld Lang Syne. For me, this tradition began in Grand Rapids, MI, in the manse
Thanksgiving: My Kingdom or His Kingdom? November 21, 2012 _Let my whole life _ _be an expression of thankfulness _ _unto thee for thy grace and mercy. _ _And therefore, O Lord, _ _I do here from the the very bottom of my heart, _ _together with
Why the Word of God Will Not Let Me Vote for Mitt Romney: A Gentlemanly Response to Dr.Joel Beeke November 03, 2012 There are few men in this world to whom I owe so much. While many readers may say that Dr. Beeke has been an influence in their lives through his writing, his preaching,
A Reformed Christian Voter's Guide October 26, 2012 There has been a number of election-related posts over the past several months here on Gentle Reformation. Some authors have questioned whether we should vote for a Mormon. One has encouraged us to
How to Keep the Sabbath on a Thursday October 18, 2012 A friend of mine once brought to mind a truth that I have seen played out many times in conversation. Upon meeting someone, people in my generation (good ol' Generation X) will
The Myth of Multiculturalism September 05, 2012 Celebrate diversity! Embrace multiculturalism! These are two of the tag lines in our culture. Americans loves multiculturalism and all things diverse. Have you ever noticed this? At offices across the country Human Resource
Troubles Sleeping? Let Anne Bradstreet Point You to Jesus July 14, 2012 Many people have trouble sleeping today. Medical doctors talk about three stages of insomnia: early, middle, and late onset. For some, sleeplessness is a physiological issue, for others it is a moral issue.
Queen for a Day: Book Review of Lady Jane Grey July 12, 2012 Okay... so this isn't my book review... it belongs to Irene Huizing [https://twitter.com/IreneHuizing]: lover of Christ, elder's wife, editor extraordinare, servant of the church. Sometimes I
Two-Sevenths of a Meditation on the Resurrection July 06, 2012 Meditations on Jesus, his person and his work, are always worth meditating upon. We established that last week as we reflected, in meter, on the connection between his humiliation and exaltation. Sometimes meter
Not All Independence is Created Equal July 03, 2012 Hot dogs and burgers on the grill. Potato salad sitting in the sun all day. A day off work to swim, relax, and enjoy a cold one (Mexican Coke, please). Fireworks bursting in
