On Praying for Leaders, Rulers, and Authorities (Calvin)

In very clear terms Paul tells Timothy that God's people should be praying for all those in authority over us: "I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority...." (1 Tim. 2:1-2a NET). Paul doesn't say we should pray for "some" …

The Holy Spirit Speaking in Scripture (Shaw)

One of the principle aspects of the 16th century Protestant Reformation was the repeated emphasis on the sufficiency and authority of Holy Scripture. The Reformers, using Scripture, constantly referred to God's Word as the highest authority in the Christian life and in the Christian church. The Belgic Confession notes this very clearly in Article VII. …

The Government and the Christian (Luther)

 The Christian faith is not opposed to civil authority.  For example, Scripture calls followers of Jesus to respect authority, pray for leaders in positions of authority, and live peaceful lives for the benefit of society.  In fact, it is a proper interpretation of the fifth commandment to include obedience to those in authority over us. …

Choice, Truth, Authority (Guinness)

 In his 2016 publication Impossible People, Os Guinness shares some very helpful insight on our cultural situation as it relates to the historic Christian faith.  This is a very good book; I'm sure I'll mention it here again.  Right now I want to note the section where Guinness gives three examples of the damage modernity …

The Authority of the Church: What Kind?

I appreciate Robert Shaw’s explanation of Westminster Confession of Faith 1.10, which talks about the authority of Scripture and the authority of the church. “’That Supreme Judge, by which all controversies in religion are to be determined, is no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture,’ is asserted in opposition to the Papists, …