Declare or Receive Scripture? (BC 5; 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

Paul commends the Thessalonians church because they "received the word of God." This is a very important point that Paul is making. The church did not declare the scriptures and Paul did not declare the scriptures. He is an apostle, but even an apostle has to submit to the scripture. So we see what the Belgic Confession is teaching us that scripture testifies to its own authority, and the Holy Spirit also continually bears witness to the word of God.

Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Benediction (Revelation 22:17-21)

The book of Revelation concludes with a blessing, but there is a warning in the midst of the benediction.  Why would John give us a warning in the midst of the blessing?  Does this imply that we cannot freely draw near to the Lord?

Honor Authority (Colossians 3:17-4:1; LD 39)

It is tempting to think that maybe Paul is clueless about contemporary struggles or maybe he just does not understand our current struggle in this advanced age.  How does Paul exhort us in such a way that what Paul says to the first century church is just a relevant to the 21st century church?

Approaching the King (Ecclesiastes 8:1-9)

Rulers and superiors are people who have authority.  This is an authority that can make things rather stressful for us if we try to enter into their presence because they have power to hire, fire, and even sentence.  How will they receive us?  How will they receive criticism if we have to give some? What will be the potential consequence for appearing to challenge their authority?  These are the sorts of things that the preacher in Ecclesiastes teaches us about in his sermon.  So, how do we approach the leaders of our day?