Over the past several weeks I’ve taken up a research topic that I haven’t worked on directly in several years, namely, theological interpretation of Scripture. My specific focus has been the place of the “rule of faith” in biblical interpretation. Since at least the second century, the rule of faith has functioned, among other things, […]
Oliver O’Donovan on good biblical interpretation
I’ve been re-reading Oliver O’Donovan’s trilogy on moral theology over the past few weeks (see here, here, and here). These volumes are an example of Christian theology at its best: deeply informed by scriptural exegesis, conversant with a wide-range of classical and contemporary theological and philosophical resources, profound in theological judgment, elegant in architectonic structure. […]
The high and humble God (Psalm 113): a homily for Holy Week
This semester our chapel theme at RTS Orlando is the incomparability of God. This week I was to preach on this theme from Psalm 113, but present circumstances have precluded that possibility. Below instead is a homily on Psalm 113, adapted to our present circumstances. Introduction I have encouraged you over the past several weeks […]
Should we live stream the Lord’s Supper?
Over the past week, I’ve been involved in a number of conversations about whether churches should live stream the Lord’s Supper. In most cases, the conversations have not been about whether live streaming the Lord’s Supper is valid under normal circumstances (for an argument that it should be considered so, see here). Most of the […]
Prayers for a time of pandemic: Philippians 4:6-7
Today is another opportunity for #UnitedExtraordinaryPrayer. Yesterday Rev. Chris Hutchinson quoted a passage that has been on my mind as well, Philippians 4:6-7: 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses […]
“Perfectly sufficient for himself and for us”: Petrus van Mastricht on the doctrine of God
Petrus van Mastricht begins his treatment of the doctrine of God by means of brief exegetical comments on Hebrews 11:6: “for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” According to Mastricht, this verse reveals three truths about God that are essential to saving […]
