Few figures in modern evangelicalism have had as profound an impact as Francis A. Schaeffer. A theologian, philosopher, pastor, and cultural critic, Schaeffer was a prophetic voice in the twentieth century, challenging the church to engage the world with both intellectual rigor and compassionate lov
Some of us are familiar with the story of Agnes Beaumont, the Puritan woman who struggled with her father’s opposition to her beliefs and had to face frightening accusations after his death.[1] Less known but equally affecting is the story of Mary Churchman. Born in 1654 of zealous Anglic
In the midst of suffering it’s easy to turn to all the wrong people, places, things, and ideas for answers. Oftentimes, in our desperation we cling to whatever sounds most satisfying or significant in the moment, or what makes us feel most secure. The problem, however, is that people can give damagi
Sometimes, when we are going through suffering, we find ourselves wondering if the Lord has really heard our calls for help, especially when they seem to bring no relief. When a friend betrays us, our singleness seems unbearable, marriage is challenging, parenting is stressful, ministry is difficult
“What are rules or expectations you have or things you look for when it comes to dating or pursuing a relationship?”The phone sat silent for a minute.“So basically, you’re asking me for my list?”Guilty as charged.I tried to frame the interview question in a way that it was not so immediately obvious
by Stephen UnthankOne of the more notable English delegates to the Synod of Dort, John Davenant, makes the observation that the Apostle Paul, when affixing his name to his office as Apostle, does so not only to remind his readers of his office – bestowed upon him by the risen Christ – but also to re
The apologetics of the early church sought to answer the questions of the period in biblical, logical, and clear ways. There were many within the early church who sought to defend the orthodox faith from threats within and without the church. By and large the fathers were debating with heresies usin
Over the years of serving in women’s ministry I have spoken with many mothers who are grieved over a child who is not walking with the Lord. Oftentimes they recount for me how they raised their child to love and serve God, but after he or she left home they walked away from Christ and His church. Th
“Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.” Here referencing the city of Geneva in his opening dedication to his Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Francis Turretin (1623-87) references Psalm 87:3 to describe the wonderful workings of God in the history of this city, his home. Tasked by the
I was recently invited to an engagement party of a woman member and her fiancé. The father of the bride-to-be, the head of the home, whispered in my ears at the start of the gathering, “I was wondering if you could say something, maybe offer some remarks to the new couple. Dip into your vast reservo
