Seeing the Italian head of state write such a beautiful tribute to an Italian-American hero is moving in a uniquely American way. Thank you, Giorgia Meloni.
Corey Comperatore aveva appena compiuto 50 anni, era un ex capo dei vigili del fuoco, un italoamericano di origini calabresi. Γ morto da eroe, facendo da scudo alla moglie e alla figlia, frapponendosi tra loro e i proiettili fatti esplodere dall'attentatore che ha sparato durante
I did not personally know Dr. Tim Keller, but I always benefitted from reading Dr. Keller's books, especially where I have had my own convictions refined. May the Lord bless Dr. Keller's family with His comforting presence as now our brother beholds his Savior face to face.
I cannot overstate just how disappointing it is that David French is included in an Assembly-wide panel at
#PCAGA
this year. It would be far better for us to have a commentator who is a) in and committed to the PCA, and b) not so clearly imbalanced in his public statements.
The
#PCAGA
assembly-wide seminar will take place on June 12 at 8 am. The topic will be βHow to Be Supportive of Your Pastor and Church Leaders in a Polarized Political Year.β The panel of speakers will include RE Paul McNulty, TE David Coffin, RE Randy Hicks, and David French.
I held my 9yo daughterβs hand while we were reading books on the back porch around sunset. She sweetly asked to sit with me, completely unaware that a PCA pastor in Nashville was robbed today of the joy of doing so with his daughter. Pray for our brother Chad Scruggs & family.
A man of immeasurable worth and kindness has passed into glory this afternoon. Dr. Harry Reeder, Senior Minister of Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Birmingham, Alabama and father in the Faith to so many of us younger ministers in the PCA (and far beyond the PCA)
1/4
I just got off the phone with
@pcamna
Coordinator Irwyn Ince, who called me a moment ago. He informed me that Kellie Brown has removed her posts, and that MNA leadership is engaged. Please pray for wisdom for MNAβs leadership, including those of us on the Permanent Committee.
If you think that a Christian man in public office or some other magisterial role should not pray in Jesus' Name when functioning in his office, then you may be letting your American identity get in the way of your Christian identity.
I donβt care what anyone else is calling it β doesnβt matter if heβs President of the United States or the Emperor of Rome.
We know what day it is tomorrow: The Lordβs Day.
And Jesus Christ is Lord.
Just finished
@reformedtexan
βs 49-week reading plan through Richard A. Mullerβs 4-volume Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics. I stayed on pace all year. Itβs a good pace (about 10 pages a day, with some fluctuation to follow section breaks). This was a spiritually rewarding exp.
When I reflect soberly and honestly about the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)β¦
March 2024 marked 13 years of my membership in the PCA. In that time, I have finished my undergraduate degree, sired six children, earned a seminary degree from a majority-PCA-affiliated school,
I just learned that a major evangelical seminary is boasting in streamlining its MDiv to 84 credits. Iβm immeasurably thankful for the 122-hour MDiv education I received at
@GPTSeminary
. I donβt know where Iβd be without a thoroughly biblical and Reformed theological education.
If you prefer your βtribeβ and its interests/characteristics over Christβs covenant community, the catholic church, Godβs Kingdom, etc., then youβve got a sin problem James calls βpartiality.β Repent and reject kinism, Side B theology, the Insider Movement, nationalism, etc.!
This is irresponsibly sloppy reporting and patently misleading. The PCAβs Admin Committee course-corrected the Stated Clerkβs plans by WISELY stepping in to cancel the panel due to uproar over the prospective (and ironic) involvement of NYT columnist David French. We have
The Presbyterian Church in America (
@PCAByFaith
) canceled an announced panel on helping pastors deal with polarization β saying the topic was too divisive.
Among invited panelists was longtime religious liberty atty & recently NYT columnist
@DavidAFrench
.
Two men whom I greatly admire have been catching flak this week, and I want to express my appreciation for them.
Shout out to fellow Philly boy D. G. Hart (
@oldlife
) and the esteemed Greenvillian
@LigonDuncan
.
I am thankful for these brothers from whom Iβve learned much.
Exciting times for the Groffs as we embark on a new chapter in advanced theological education. Tomorrow, I formally begin work on a biblical studies PhD through
@HighlandTheol
&
@ThinkUHI
in Dingwall, Scotland. I will study remotely as I pastor
@AntiochPCA
in South Carolina.
Church take incoming...
The future of confessional Presbyterianism and the witness of the Reformed Faith in the United States of America depends on the future of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
The real question is not βhow can we leverage our kids in evangelism?β but rather βto whom (which sphere) has God appointed the education and nurture of children?β The biblical answer is certainly not the godless State, but rather the Christian Home, supported by the Church.
Why, or why not, should a Christian parent send their children to public schools? What are the best arguments for investing in a nonpublic education option?
Watch
@JenniferWilkin
and
@DrJTPennington
debate these questions and more.
#GoodFaithDebates
Where NOT to work out your theology:
- on a βplatformβ
- in a pulpit
Where TO work out your theology:
- in prayer (w/ fasting)
- in Godβs Word
- in the communion of the saints
HOW TO work out your theology:
- w/ fear & trembling
- w/ joy & awe
- w/ eternity set before your face
Tomorrow, I will administer the sacrament of baptism. Three precious covenant children will receive the sign of visible church membership at
@AntiochPca
.
Iβll be using βThe Order of Baptismeβ written by their 13th great-grandfather, Scottish Reformer John Knox.
I am a gospel-centered pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). What does this mean? This means that I am a full subscriptionist to the Westminster Standards. That means that my ministry is characterized by the ordinary means of grace. That means I love Jesus.
Once again, I am immeasurably grateful for the wisdom of the PCAGA to withdraw from the National Association of Evangelicals. I recommend that those who would like the PCA to return to the NAE find a new denominational home.
Kelly Rosati, a National Association Of Evangelicals board member, calls pro-life Christians' opposition to state-run welfare "useless," "un-scriptural," and "madness."
66% of PCA members believe government aid to the poor does more harm than good, the highest among evangelical denominations, according to Pew Research Center.
If you fancy yourself a βChristian Nationalistβ or whatever, and you havenβt read this book, you should acquire it and get an education in what real life looked like for the most theologically robust and politically influential group of establishmentarians in history.
Hey PCA Twitter. Letβs be real for a second. This week has been CRAZY, amiright? Letβs rejoice that tomorrow, our great and gracious God will come to us: calling us to worship, speaking to us through the Word read and (especially) preached, pronouncing pardon & benediction. AMEN.
Historically, sabbatarianism was a matter of biblical justice for working class folks, underprivileged day laborers, slaves, and others who had to work for others. Today, it is mocked and scorned by those who claim to advocate for the downtrodden and impoverished.
Well-heeled Christians (and even churches) making low-income people work for them on the Lord's Day would seem to be an issue of social justiceβa prime example of privilege and paternalism at work.
I cannot describe just how much I absolutely love being the pastor of
@AntiochPca
and serving as a PCA Teaching Elder within the blessed bounds of
@CalvaryPresby
. I enjoy far more blessing than I deserve in this calling.
PCA Reflection of the Dayβ¦
I wish all men would invoke our Directory for Worship like some men do our non-binding ad hoc study committee reports.
#iykyk
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) turned 49 years old today. I am immeasurably thankful to God for this expression of His church. When I was searching for a creed that rightly articulated true biblical doctrine, it was in the PCA that I found the Westminster Standards. /1
Leithart: βIf we donβt observe a liturgical calendar, we leave the twisted times of the nations in place... [I]f liturgical time doesnβt redeem time, time is unredeemed. If we let the world make the calendar, weβre denying that Jesus matters. Weβre denying that Heβs Lord of timeβ
The Groffs love Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (GPTS -
@GPTSeminary
), and we will miss being around as often as we have been these past six years. Thankful for the faculty, staff, trustees, students, and alumni of this institution as I go full-time at
@antiochpca
.
I am so glad that the Lord brought me to a congregation of the PCA, introduced me to the Westminster Standards, and put me under sound, simple, yet profound gospel proclamation. God bless the PCA. King Jesus, protect your bride from those who assault her from within and without.
One year anniversary today of my ordination to gospel ministry as a PCA pastor serving Antioch Presbyterian Church (
@antiochpca
). Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
The doctrinal and ecclesiastical standards of the PCA (and other confessionally Presbyterian churches) allow us to recognize immersion baptisms as legitimate when administered properly otherwise. But our standards donβt allow us to practice them. We baptize by sprinkling/pouring.
Canβt wait to see many, many, many MORE Ruling Elders and rural southern Teaching Elders at
#PCAGA
49 in Birmingham this year. A source tells me itβs gonna be overwhelming.
.
@VoddieBaucham
said on The
@BabylonBeePod
he will not watch The Chosen because he considers it a Second Commandment violation (2CV) among others thingsβ¦.
The PCA Millennial Forum (not to be confused with the Millennium Falcon), hosted by TE Harrison Ford (not to be confused with actor Harrison Ford) has begun.
#PCAGA
I was pleasantly surprised to find a birthday card from
@prpbooks
in my mailbox today. Now is as good a time as any to share that this coming SpringβLord willingβmy first two P&R titles (Bible studies on 1 & 2 Kings coauthored with Philip Graham Ryken) will be released! :-)
Dr. O Palmer Robertson with a message on the dangers of denominational apostasy (from Paulβs letters to the Corinthians). Also, heβs wearing a tie given to him by this church (Sovereign Grace PCA), and he noted that it matches everything every suit heβs ever worn.
@gospelrefnet
If you consider Dr. J. Gresham Machen to be a generally good and helpful historical model for Presbyterian churchmanship in an embattled age, youβre in good company. Donβt be an Erdman.
#presbyterian
#presby4life
My dear Reformed and Presby friends, it is okay - good, even - to have a sense of humor and personality. Do all things without malice or contempt, and be slow to take offense.
Check this out.
@ZacharyGarris
and I were doing some clean-up after
#pcaga
, and in walks O. Palmer and Joanna Robertson. OPR was the PCAGA MVP, and the Robertsons were so gracious to get a picture with us! As Dr. Robertson said, Mrs. R was βa rose among thornsβ in this picture.
We should replace this David French panel with a REALLY spicey thing like a moderated panel discussion (incl.
@SEdburg
,
@brothernelson
,
@DPCassidyTKC
, and
@mikekhandjian
) on making the Directory for Public Worship fully constitutional in the PCA.
Update - Iβm with her now, and she is doing well in recovery. I am very glad that I didnβt go away from her this week. Praise God for His mercies. Thankful for Momma and the medical professionals at
@theprismahealth
hospitals who took good care of her.
βFor His grace and power are such, none can ever ask too much.β π
Through pain and distress, my daughter is meditating on βCome, My Soul, with Evβry Careβ by John Newton (we sing this to the KEESEE tune - 103C in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal). :-)
Last year the PCA approved an effort to formally exhort our civil magistrates to oppose so-called sex-change procedures for children.
This year the PCA will have David French, who thinks drag queens are a blessing of liberty, speak at General Assembly about politics.
@scottsauls
This is a tired slogan, and Iβve had to work hard at eliminating it from my repertoire. Whatβs more, my Christian commitments are intolerably βconservativeβ even for most political Conservatives anymore.
What a privilege to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the PCA with this acoustic version of "God Bless the PCA," performed live by yours truly at the historic Charlie Vergos Rendezvous (
@Rendezvous_Ribs
) in Memphis.
There ain't no doubt, I love this Church.
God bless the PCA!
Ian Hamilton emphatically taught (and teaches) his students at
@gptseminary
and
@WPTS_Seminary
that theological controversy and church politics, while at times necessary, can deaden a pastor's spiritual life. Where do we go for refreshment? Look away to Christ. Be gospel men.
Today is the 100th birthday of Dr. Morton Howison Smith, who passed into glory in Nov. 2017. He was the first Stated Clerk of the PCA (
@pcabyfaith
), founding prof of
@RTSJackson
and
@GPTSeminary
.
@logcollegepress
published a good post today. I visited w/ him in August β17.
A few days ago, I spoke with a fellow PCA pastor and dear friend. One of the many wise things he said was that we need more gospel men, spiritually minded men, on
@Twitter
. That is right.
Brothers, let us contend for Christ, and let us do so with grace, without needless offense.
As the denouement of the
#PCAGA
48 βOvertures 23 & 37β (Items 2 & 4) story becomes clear, I want to express heartfelt gratitude to
@SEdburg
for maintaining the freely accessible public tracker. He has been non-partisan, gentlemanly, and amicable to all!
#integrity
I do not frequently post pictures of my family on social media, but this one makes me smile really big. I figured that it might brighten someone else's day as well. I love these boys (and their baby brother and sisters, of course).
We WILL be meeting at
@AntiochPca
tomorrow morning, Lord willing! Thankful for these men clearing debris to free up parking and prep our location as best as we can. I'll be preaching a brief message on Psalm 29, The Thunderous Voice of God Our King. Seems only fitting!
UPDATE: Power (and water) is restored at the church property, so we will have worship tomorrow morning, Sept. 29th at 9:30 AM. Our service will be based around a brief message on Psalm 29, "The Thunderous Voice of God Our King." More details here:
"Yes, the PCA requires a churchβs Session βto ensure that the Word of God is preached only by such men as are sufficiently qualifiedβ (BCO 12-5(e)). But no, the PCA does not have a blanket prohibition against women preaching. In fact, there have been instances of women preaching
Zach Garris (
@ZacharyGarris
) lays out the rationale for and answers some objections to this year's Overture 29, being sent up from Bryce Avenue PCA in White Rock, NM in "Why an Overture against Women Preaching?"
Ridge Haven (
@ridgehavenpca
) is such a beautiful place. Thank God for Ken Keyes and the many people who have invested in this wondrous trust for our PCA posterity and Christian families of all denominational backgrounds.
The Lordβs Day - 17 April AD 2022
βThe Oldβ Antioch Presbyterian Church (PCA) of Cashville/Woodruff/Greer, SC; est. 1843, reorg. 1904, 2020
@AntiochPca
And no, I did not preach in a blue shirt. Gonna don the white shirt before I preach this PM. ;-)
A day in four images:
- one will win awards (and maybe an election)
- one captured the intensity of the moment
- one is just wow
- one should silence all the jokes
The 50th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) was so encouraging for Bible-believing evangelicals in the denomination, notwithstanding the screeds of certain discernment tweeters/bloggers.
#pcaga
#presby4life
Want to plant a church? Word and Prayer
Want to revitalize a church? Word and Prayer
Want to pastor a church? Word and Prayer
Want to be engaged as a member in a church? Word and Prayer
Want to see biblical reformation in a church? Word and Prayer
"If the Reformers were committed to anything, it was prayer and the Word. If we would see a needed reformation of the church in our day, we must be committed to prayer and the Word." ~ GRN Exec. Council Member Jason
@Helopoulos
Before 2016, I never thought that Iβd live in the South. I never thought that Iβd love the South. I never thought that I would love living in the South. And yet here am I, joyously loving living in the South, yβall.
For Fatherβs Day this year, I visited Hampden-Sydney College with my brother
@ZacharyGarris
after spending a day and a half in Union Seminaryβs historical archives. It was an honor to visit the gravesites of some of the fathers of American Presbyterianism: John Holt Rice, Thomas
In all seriousness, Derek Radney is to be applauded for taking heat from those prejudiced (even bigoted) against biblical Christianity.
#JusticeforDerek
Today would have been my dadβs 70th birthday. He always took a week off from work for his birthday, and weβd go down the shore or to Dorney Park or something like that. His 60th was the last birthday we celebrated together, and Iβm really missing his voice and laugh today. He had
In response to a question a few days ago about America's history of slavery, I gave a brief answer that I hoped would express my biblical anti-slavery position, but I recognize that I was insufficiently clear in how I addressed the matter. I sincerely regret and apologize for not
Some bitter and sweet this Monday morning as my 12yo awaits an emergency appendectomy and I cancel my trip to Twin Lakes. But my wife texted this sweet message to me this AM from my daughterβs side in the ER:
She said sheβs been thinking this whole time, 1/2
I taught a membership class on worship today, and I extensively used the Directory for Public Worship, as found in the Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). I canβt wait for this to be constitutionally binding.
@bsharbaugh
@pcamna
In short, due to the public nature of the offense and the publicity it was getting from the high-profile Twitter account that shared it. As a PCA TE, I felt compelled to voice public disapproval.