The church needs reformation today to recover key doctrines of the faith, including God's sovereignty, scripture alone, faith alone, and personal piety, and to cultivate spiritual worship that comes from the heart, as exemplified by the 16th-century Reformation. [... more]

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the assurance of faith, working alongside God's promises and inward evidences to bring believers to a deeper understanding of their salvation. A direct testimony of the Spirit can be a powerful experience, but it must be grounded in Scripture and accompanied by the fruits of the Spirit to avoid false mysticism. [... more]

The Bible teaches that true assurance of salvation comes from both the promises of God and the inward evidences of grace. The Puritans developed a method of examining oneself for signs of saving faith, using the 'practical syllogism' and 'mystical syllogism' to discern the presence of Christ within. This process involves prayerfully examining oneself in light of Scripture, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, and recognizing the fruits of sanctification and good works. By clinging to the promises of God and examining oneself for inward evidences of grace, believers can strengthen their assurance and deepen their relationship with Christ. [... more]

God's promises in Jesus Christ are the foundation of Christian assurance, providing a solid rock upon which believers can ground their faith and trust in their salvation. The promises of God are a mine of rich treasures, a garden full of the choicest and sweetest flowers, and they are wrapped up all celestial contentments and delights. [... more]

As the baby boomer generation ages, they'll leave a tidal wave of wealth to their heirs, but research shows they're not preparing the next generation to manage that inheritance. Experts say it's more important than ever for families to discuss wealth transfer and seek professional guidance when necessary. [... more]

The 1650s were a golden age for Puritan activity in England, but the execution of King Charles I led to a period of unprecedented opportunity for the Puritans, which was followed by a reaction against Puritanism under Charles II's reign, resulting in the persecution of Puritan ministers and the outlawing of their assemblies. [... more]

Thomas Goodwin, a renowned Puritan theologian, emphasizes the love and compassion of Christ in heaven towards sinners on earth. He argues that Christ's heart is not aloof, but rather beats with tender compassion towards his people, even in glory. Goodwin's teachings highlight the importance of looking to Christ, rather than one's own feelings or performance, for assurance of salvation. [... more]

Richard Sibbes, a renowned Puritan preacher, emphasized the importance of Christ-focused gospel preaching in transforming hearts and bringing people to a deeper understanding of God's love. His sermons, such as 'The Bruised Reed,' showcased his ability to connect with struggling believers and lead them to a place of peace and joy in their spirits. [... more]

The founding of Harvard University in 1636 marked a significant milestone in American education. Established by the Puritans, the university was built on the principles of Christian education, with a focus on training ministerial students and promoting literacy. The institution's early days were shaped by the contributions of John Harvard, a young clergyman who bequeathed his library and property to the college, which was later named in his honor. Harvard's founding reflects the enduring influence of Christianity on American education, with many colleges and universities established by Christian denominations during the colonial era. [... more]

Revival is not primarily evangelizing non-believers, but rather God enlivening believers to greater holiness and obedience, which often leads to greater proclamation of the gospel and non-believers coming to saving faith. The ordinary means of grace, such as prayer, reading and meditating on the Word of God, preaching of His Word, and fellowship with other believers, are the regular practices that God has ordained for believers in the community of a local church that God then works extraordinarily through. [... more]

The Puritans were born-again Christians who applied Scripture to every area of life, emphasizing the pursuit of personal holiness and sanctification. They believed that life was short and serious, and that one eye should always be on eternity. The Puritans' legacy is often misunderstood, but their convictions and lives offer valuable lessons for present-day Christians. [... more]

The Puritans were a group of devout Christians who sought to live a godly life, applying reformation truths to every area of life, and feared heresy more than martyrdom, believing that heresy would damn men and women to a lost eternity. They believed in the importance of an accurate view of the Trinity, the Church, and the necessity of the new birth, and their preaching was characterized by its seriousness, depth, and application of scripture to everyday life. [... more]

The decline of Puritanism in America is marked by the Salem Witch Trials, the halfway covenant, and the influence of materialism, leading to a decline in devotion to God and a lack of commitment to the church. This sets the stage for the Great Awakening, which begins with the preaching of Jonathan Edwards and other evangelicals. [... more]

Believing in God's sovereignty and proper understanding of one's role and gifts can bring freedom and contentment. Recognizing the limitations of one's gifts and being joyful in the process of God's work can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and one's place in the world. Dying to oneself means letting go of self-focused living and embracing a life of faithfulness and obedience to God. [... more]

Growing up in our relationship with Christ is a bit different from simply growing up in the world. We should grow up spiritually, submitting ourselves to the Lord in humility and meekness. However, God's own children can sometimes disagree and compete with each other, but it's essential to have a high view of God's sovereignty and recognize that any success or blessings come from Him. [... more]

The Puritans' confidence in the church's future success and influence was rooted in their post-millennial eschatology, which emphasized Christ's promise to build his church in history. However, the Great Awakening marked a shift from a clergy-dominated to a laity-focused approach to religion, contributing to the decline of Calvinism's influence in America. As the country transitioned from imperial Christianity to a more individualized and democratized society, the church's connection to the people became essential for its survival. [... more]

Parents are called to raise sons and daughters who are warriors for Christ in the kingdom, and it's on them to teach their children about God's character and love, even from a young age, using worship songs and Bible stories to help them understand and respond to God's presence. [... more]

Paul's life and death are summed up in his motto, 'For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.' He believes that his life should magnify and glorify Jesus Christ, and that death is a sweet release into heaven, where he will be with Christ. [... more]

Living in between the worlds of heaven and earth requires a balance between being a citizen of heaven and being responsible as a citizen of this earth. Paul's struggles with his own mortality and the desire to depart and be with Christ serve as a reminder of the importance of being ready to die and live until we die, and the hope of eternal life with Christ. [... more]

In 1 Peter 2, Peter reminds us that some things are black and white, and we're called to crave what is holy. He lists five attitudes to give up: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, and encourages us to long for the pure milk of God's word, which brings spiritual growth and maturity. [... more]

John MacArthur examines the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, highlighting the contrast between the ignorance and pride of his disciples and the majesty and humility of Christ. He draws parallels with the life and teachings of John Knox, a key figure in the Reformation, and explores the importance of faithfulness in the face of government opposition. [... more]

Richard Sibbes, a 17th-century Puritan pastor, emphasized the importance of Christ's love and the free grace of God in his sermons, which inspired his parishioners to follow Christ out of love and devotion, not despair. [... more]

Alistair Begg explores the concept of faith, explaining that it's not simply a subjective feeling, but rather a trust in the objective truth of God's word. He discusses how faith is not based on feelings, but on the trustworthiness and reliability of God, and how it creates certainty and assurance in the believer's heart. [... more]