Honoring God with Our Bodies: A Case Against Tattoos

This article seeks to challenge the prevalent Evangelical assumption that tattoos are morally indifferent and that there is nothing alarming about the current fashionable trend of tattooing. We will examine three reasons Christians should not tattoo themselves, and then we will respond to justifications for tattooing the body. But first we need to consider what the Bible teaches about the image of God and the sanctity of the human body.… Read More Honoring God with Our Bodies: A Case Against Tattoos

Paul J. Barth2 Comments

John Calvin on the Shroud of Turin

John Calvin criticizes the proliferation of relics associated with Jesus, highlighting inconsistencies and contradictions. He questions the validity of multiple alleged face cloths and the absence of scriptural support for the Veil of Veronica and the Shroud of Turin. Calvin denounces the superstition and idolatry surrounding relics, emphasizing the need to seek and honor Christ in spirit and truth, rather than through material objects and idols.… Read More John Calvin on the Shroud of Turin

Paul J. Barth1 Comment

Avoiding Spiritual Pride: A Guide to Balanced Perception

Richard Baxter emphasizes the importance of not overvaluing one’s initial spiritual knowledge or holiness, but instead recognizing the need for growth and maturity in faith. He cautions against the dangers of pride, presumption, and neglecting further learning and humility. These errors can lead to rebellion, contentiousness, hypocrisy, and a distorted understanding of true Christianity.… Read More Avoiding Spiritual Pride: A Guide to Balanced Perception

Paul J. Barth2 Comments

Caution About Religious Controversies

Richard Baxter cautions against excessive involvement in religious controversies, advising to prioritize essential, biblical truths over divisive debates and unprofitable questions. He warns that premature engagement in controversies can divert one’s attention from greater spiritual needs, corrupt the mind, and lead to pride and erroneous beliefs. Baxter stresses the continual focus on fundamental religious truths as the foundation for spiritual growth.… Read More Caution About Religious Controversies

Paul J. BarthLeave a comment

Angels Can No Longer Fall Into Sin

We discuss Michael Heiser’s claim that angels can fall into sin at any time and that they have fallen at various times in history. We refute this claim by demonstrating that the elect angels, after a time of trial, are confirmed in holiness by God and cannot ever fall away. We also argue for the traditional and biblical belief of a pre-Fall angelic rebellion and explain the current status of fallen angels in contrast to Heiser’s views.… Read More Angels Can No Longer Fall Into Sin

Paul J. BarthLeave a comment

The Hierarchy of Angels is Unknown

A brief survey of the Reformed tradition on the hierarchy of angels. We acknowledge a certain order among them, but the nature of this order cannot be fully determined due to the silence of Scripture on the matter. We caution against delving too deeply into the specifics of angelic hierarchy, emphasizing the need for humility and adherence to biblical revelation from God. “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility, and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind” (Colossians 2:18).… Read More The Hierarchy of Angels is Unknown

Paul J. BarthLeave a comment

Seven Motivations for Family Religion

Thomas Boston exhorts heads of families to propagate religion to their children and families giving, seven motives and ten practical ways to implement Christianity in the home. Motivations include accountability for their souls, the natural bent to sin, and the need for guidance in a world full of snares. Children are urged to make a choice between Christ and the devil, because eternity is at stake.… Read More Seven Motivations for Family Religion

Paul J. BarthLeave a comment

Christ Is The Only True Rest For The Soul

Let a man but deal plainly with his own heart, and he shall find, that, notwithstanding he hath many things, yet there is ever one thing wanting. For indeed man’s soul cannot be satisfied with any creature, no, not with a world of creatures. And the reason is because the desires of man’s soul are infinite, according to that infinite goodness which it once lost in losing God. Yea, and man’s soul is a spirit, and therefore cannot communicate with any corporal thing. So that all creatures, not being that infinite and spiritual fullness which our hearts have lost, and towards the which they do still re-aspire, they cannot give it full contentment. We shall never find a heart’s happiness, and true soul’s rest, until we find it here in the gospel of Jesus Christ alone.… Read More Christ Is The Only True Rest For The Soul

Paul J. BarthLeave a comment

No Rest For The Soul Apart From Christ

The minister discusses the soul’s search for rest and happiness, emphasizing that true rest can only be found in God through Christ. It highlights how both sensual and rational pursuits can hinder the soul’s rest in God. The minister urges a deep communion with God, surpassing mere rational knowledge and sensual delights. And warns against complacency in religious duties alone, advocating for a deep inner communion with God, beyond mere outward exercises of religion or theological intellectualism. … Read More No Rest For The Soul Apart From Christ

Paul J. BarthLeave a comment