Thoughts in the Light

Flags are an important glimpse into what a people want to be known for or are perhaps already known for. They usually carry a great deal of pride in being associated with such imagery, from the flags of a nation to banners of war. The history of mankind has always been linked to the colors and imagery assigned to people and places. In light of our 250th anniversary as a nation, the founding of…

We will be stepping back for the month of June to slow down some in this busy season of summer. However we will return in the month of July strong as ever, with multiple weekly posts. We hope this short term break will bring many more fruits to come in the future. Thanks for bearing with us, may God bless you and keep you all the days of your life. In the mean time feel free to check out our…

Anxiety and Worry ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.’ Reading: Matthew 6:25–34; Philippians 4:6–9; 1 Peter 5:6–7 1. How does anxiety disrupt the peace that is promised to those who trust in the Lord? (Isaiah 26:3) What are some examples of things that produce anxiety in our…

‘And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.’ – Hebrews 10:24-25 With time comes change; this includes what our churches look like in both functional and aesthetic manners. Whether it be the change of building designs or the programs…

The Heavenly Doctor’s Remedy for the Distressed Soul Richard Sibbes, a prominent 17th-century Puritan known as “the heavenly Doctor Sibbes,” published The Bruised Reed in 1630. The book, rooted in Matthew 12:20 (“A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory”), has served for centuries as a foundational text for spiritual…

“Let the morning and evening see God worshiped in thy house.” – Cotton Mather I am writing this as a record to look back on and see the faithfulness of God in the midst of our attempt to make much of Him in our family. Hopefully, this can also serve as an example and encouragement for those who are considering such things. May our families be centered around the sole purpose of glorifying God…

John Flavel (c. 1627–1691) stands as one of the most prominent and practical of the English Puritan divines. Often referred to as the “Preacher of Providence,” his life and ministry were characterized by deep personal suffering, a relentless commitment to his flock during periods of intense persecution, and a literary legacy that continues to provide spiritual comfort to millions. Early Life and…

Forgiveness ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.’ Reading: Colossians 3:12–14; Matthew 18:21–35; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:12-14 1. For the believer, Paul makes it clear that forgiveness isn’t optional, for what reason does he give us for why God calls us to forgive others?…

How would you answer the question, “What does it mean to be Reformed?” Perhaps you would say it is to believe in predestination, where we are chosen by God alone, apart from anything we have done. Maybe you would say it is holding the emphasis on God’s sovereignty. You might even say it is to believe in Calvinism, the very thing John Calvin taught. What we will come to find out to be true is that…

It is no surprise for those who know me and/or follow the site that I am a fan of the Puritans. I love their views on God’s sovereignty, man’s depravity, the power of Christ’s atonement, and family worship (which is the application of teaching these things and applying them to our closest neighbors). Another aspect is their high reverence, is for the Sabbath, otherwise known as the Lord’s Day. I…

Christian contentment is defined as that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and takes satisfaction in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition. This “rare jewel” is not merely a natural patience or a stoic indifference but a spiritual mystery that must be learned in the school of Christ. To understand this grace, one must look at it as a heart-work…

“The soul is framed according to what it most esteems.” – Jeremiah Burroughs What is it that you believe shapes how you view the world, and what is it that drives how you interact with the world? Does being a Democrat or Republican shape your view of politics, influencing your stance on key issues and your responses to current events? Does being a former athlete influence your view of sports,…

Emotions are part of reality, society, sin, righteousness, and foolishness. How well do we see this in Judges 11? Jephthah shows a pagan shortsightedness and not covenant wisdom with a systematic thought process, as we all do almost daily. If we truly read what was done, we should weep for Jephthah, his daughter, and ourselves, for we tend to lean on our own wisdom and not on the Lord.1 Have you…

“Catechisms serve as a rule of instruction, whereby the fundamentals of faith are clearly delivered and firmly held.” - William Ames

A Catechism is a summary of religious doctrine, traditionally in a question-and-answer format, used for religious instruction, particularly in Christianity to teach foundational beliefs like the Creed, Sacraments, moral life, and prayer. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "to teach orally".

The Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647)

The Westminster Shorter Catechism was produced by the Westminster Assembly in England during a time of intense ecclesiastical and political reform. Intended especially for instructing children and new believers, it presents Reformed theology in concise questions and answers. The catechism famously opens with the declaration that humanity’s chief end is “to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever,” setting a God-centered framework for all doctrine. It clearly teaches the doctrines of Scripture, God’s sovereignty, sin, redemption through Christ alone, and the moral law as a guide for the Christian life. It became a standard teaching tool in Presbyterian and Reformed churches.