Theology – Trinity Reformed Church

Creativity and the Church: Or, How to Develop Creativity?

Introduction Creative people are needed because God demands a richer vocabulary than words can give. New eloquence is needed to move the borders of intelligibility. Yet, God didn’t make everyone to be a creative person. Some are hands and some are feet. Others are the intuition.[1] The intuition sees how things tend, which means theyContinue reading “Creativity and the Church: Or, How to Develop Creativity?”

Belial and the Covenant

Introduction I’m about to tell you about a fellow named Belial. Well, he’s not a fellow as much as he is a repeating series of worthless sons. But we’ll get to that. Then I will tell you what Belial teaches us about the covenant. Belial and his Sons The word “belial” is derived from theContinue reading “Belial and the Covenant”

Waiting for a King

This article originally appeared at the North American Anglican It’s interesting how many Western legends include the tale of a sleeping hero: one who died – or perhaps only sleeps – and will return when he is needed the most. From Holger Dansk in Denmark, King Charlemagne in France and Germany, and of course Albion’sContinue reading “Waiting for a King”

Faith, Conversion, and the Mysteries of God

“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 One of the most common questions pastors hear is, “How do I know that I (or my children) belong toContinue reading “Faith, Conversion, and the Mysteries of God”

Baptists and Baptism: What Will it Take to Achieve Catholicity?

Joe Rigney should be commended for his recent article about baptism. It took courage for Rigney to write this article and he is already taking criticism from his fellow Baptists who are intent on maintaining the illegitimacy of infant baptism.

Covenant Renewal Worship: The Benediction

There is much confusion in the Church today about the nature and purpose of the benediction. Indeed, we are often tempted to think about it merely as a glorified goodbye, a pious “peace out.” What, then, is the benediction, and why do we do it with outstretched hands?

Why Do Christians Worship on Sundays?

It’s not a matter of Bible trivia or historical oddities. It’s a matter of redemption. The conundrum can be stated simply. God commanded Israel to “remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8). This meant the seventh day of the week—Saturday. But Christians worship on Sunday, the first day of the week. Why do Christians do this? Are we disobeying the fourth commandment?

Why Do We Pray So Much During Covenant Renewal Worship?

Introduction The biblical commands to pray are many (Mt. 5:44, 6: 5-9; Luke 22:40; Col. 4:3; 1 Thess. 5:17, 25; 2 Thess. 3:1; Heb. 13:18; James 5:13-18; Jude 20). The examples of prayer in Scripture are also many. In 1 Kings 8:23 – 53, Solomon prayed for the dedication of the Temple as a houseContinue reading “Why Do We Pray So Much During Covenant Renewal Worship?”

Covenant Renewal Worship and The Lord’s Supper

Introduction The Lord’s Supper belongs at every Lord’s Day service because in Christianity the gospel is a way of life. By eating the bread and drinking the wine, God’s people dine upon the fullness of Christ’s sacrifice. In this way, the Lord’s Supper brings together objectivity and subjectivity for God’s people. Through union with Christ,Continue reading “Covenant Renewal Worship and The Lord’s Supper”

The Complicated Topic of Self-Love

Introduction Americans have been confused about self-love since the nation began. The founding generation operated with the misguided Enlightenment notion that benevolence was natural to mankind. Benevolence, they thought, was grounded ultimately in self-love. John Adams argued that self-love emanated outward in widening concentric circles. Self-love was thought to be the source of benevolence. NotContinue reading “The Complicated Topic of Self-Love”