Richard Baxter (1615–1691), a Puritan pastor in Kidderminster, England, penned the hymn “Lord, It Belongs Not to My Care” 35 years after a severe illness that was expected to end his life. During his isolation, he meditated deeply on eternity, a habit he continued for the remaining 45 years of his life. This eternal perspective shaped not only his hymn but also his view of life, urging believers to resist temptation, steward their time wisely, and live with heaven in view.
Read MoreLast week, Pastor Rob shared his excitement about how a new sanctuary would enhance both the reverence and joy of our worship, but is that the only reason to take on such a major endeavor? Beyond aesthetics, a larger sanctuary would allow our entire congregation to worship together, strengthening our unity and making it easier for our leaders to shepherd the flock. Additionally, it would provide space for growth, ensuring that more people can hear the Gospel, be discipled in the Reformed faith, and take part in Christ’s Kingdom-building mission for generations to come.
Read MoreA sanctuary’s design, though not central to worship, is significant. A sanctuary can reflect both the joy and reverence of worship, as Psalm 96 describes, through thoughtful architecture—an elevated pulpit for the Word’s centrality, high ceilings to lift our gaze to God’s transcendence, and natural light to symbolize the radiance of the Gospel. While God cares most about the heart in worship, the setting in which we gather can enhance our ability to worship Him in spirit and truth. Join us in prayerfully considering whether the Lord is leading us to build a new sanctuary.
Read MoreThere’s something special about the protective love of an older brother, and we see it beautifully in Judah’s self-sacrificing plea for Benjamin in Genesis 44. Judah was willing to give up his own freedom out of love for his father Jacob and for his little brother. In the same way, Jesus—our true and greater Brother—willingly took our place, motivated by His love for the Father and for us, refusing to return home without securing our freedom.
Read MoreOur walk with the Lord is not measured by the depth of our feelings but by the truth of who God is and what He has revealed in His Word. While there are times when God’s presence feels palpable and powerful, the Bible reminds us that God is near regardless of how we feel. Let us neither idolize mountain-top experiences nor dismiss them, but instead trust in the ordinary, steady work of the Spirit, praying for hearts that both worship faithfully and rejoice when God grants us glimpses of His glory.
Read MoreRobert Robinson, born in 1735 in Swaffham, Norfolk, lost his father at a young age and fell into a life of sin during his apprenticeship in London. Despite a troubled youth spent in rebellion, he was converted after hearing George Whitefield preach, eventually becoming a pastor and the author of the well-loved hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Yet questions linger about whether Robinson himself later strayed from the faith, a sobering reminder to guard our own spiritual walks diligently.
Read MoreYou may know the moving story behind the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul,” written by Horatio Spafford, a devout Presbyterian and successful Chicago lawyer of the mid-19th century. After losing his four young daughters in a tragic shipwreck, Spafford penned the hymn’s powerful words while crossing the very waters where they perished. The words of the hymn remind us that even in life’s darkest valleys, we can echo the Apostle Paul: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed… struck down, but not destroyed,” upheld by the hope of the resurrection in Christ.
Read MoreIn the Gospels, we see the raw humanity of Jesus Christ vividly displayed, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He sought the presence of His friends during His darkest hour. This profound moment reminds us of the value of standing by one another in times of need, a calling echoed throughout Scripture with exhortations to love, bear burdens, and show hospitality. As we face a new year filled with challenges, let us commit to standing by one another with practical acts of love, wisdom, and encouragement, reflecting the heart of our Savior.
Read MoreThe time between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve often feels like a peculiar “no man’s land,” yet it offers a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on the Lord’s faithfulness over the past year. It’s also a time to look ahead, setting Christ-centered goals for the year to come. In both reflecting on the past and planning for the future, we should prioritizing the ultimate pursuit: abiding in and treasuring Jesus Christ above all else.
Read MoreThe New Testament offers profound responses to Christ’s birth: angels proclaim “good tidings of great joy,” shepherds glorify God, Magi worship, and Simeon declares his peace in seeing the Messiah. Why such rejoicing? Isaiah 9 foretells the significance of this child: He will rule with wisdom as our Wonderful Counselor, with power as our Mighty God, with eternal care as our Everlasting Father, and bring true peace as our Prince of Peace. This Christmas, may we echo the joy of Isaiah’s proclamation, declaring, “To us a child is born, to us a Son is given.”
Read MoreIn 1785 Rabbie Burns, one of Scotland’s most celebrated poets, wrote “To a Mouse,” inspired by his accidental destruction of a mouse’s nest. In this poem, Burns reflects on the frailty of human plans and the sorrow of life without hope, poignantly contrasting the mouse's present-focused existence with his own grief and fear of the past and future. For the Christian, however, the message of Christmas replaces grief and fear with the everlasting hope, joy, and peace found in Jesus Christ, who came to redeem and dwell with us forever.
Read MorePastor Rob reflects on Pastor Kyle’s godly character. Like Paul in 2 Corinthians, Pastor Kyle’s humility and grace are evidence of God’s sanctifying work, often through the very weaknesses and afflictions that reveal Christ’s power. Let us be encouraged to embrace our own thorns, trusting in the Lord’s sufficient strength made perfect in our frailty and trials.
Read MoreMartin Rinkart (1586–1649) was a German Lutheran pastor whose entire ministry took place in his hometown of Eilenburg during one of the most devastating periods in European history—the Thirty Years’ War. For 30 of his 31 years as pastor, he served amidst war, famine, and plague. Despite these overwhelming hardships, in 1636 Rinkart wrote a prayer of thanksgiving for his children that became the hymn Now Thank We All Our God—a timeless reminder of gratitude even in the darkest of times.
Read MoreGeorge Matheson, a Scotsman born in Glasgow in 1842, faced profound trials early in life, including total blindness by age 20 and the heartbreak of a broken engagement. Despite these hardships, Matheson pursued pastoral ministry and wrote the cherished hymn O Love That Will Not Let Me Go, inspired by the enduring love of God amid his personal struggles. This hymn, a testament to God's immutable and everlasting love, continues to remind believers of the faithfulness and sacrificial love of Christ.
Read MoreIt’s easy to take the Lord’s gifts for granted, particularly the gift of elders who care for our spiritual well-being. In His kindness, God has appointed qualified men to shepherd us, guarding, guiding, and feeding our souls with wisdom and understanding. In the ARP, both ruling elders and teaching elders serve as spiritual overseers, not merely to conduct church business but to nurture our faith—what a gift to thank Him for!
Read MoreGod’s authority surpasses all political landscapes, and His kingdom endures while nations rise and fall. Regardless of who holds office, every leader is established by God, and we are called to honor them and pray for them as Scripture instructs. While we may engage with the political realm, our ultimate allegiance lies in God's eternal kingdom, as we are set apart to proclaim His excellencies.
Read MoreThough the nations rage and strive against the Lord and His Anointed, Jesus stands immovable, unwavering like a lighthouse amidst stormy seas. As His people, we too face resistance from those who rebel against God, yet we find refuge in the strong tower of Christ. With countless trials around us—whether personal struggles, societal upheavals, or global unrest—our confidence remains firm, for God is our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble.
Read MoreSome have questioned whether Christ Covenant is under satanic attack or even cursed, given the many hardships experienced by the church lately. While we acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare, we can rest assured that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and Satan can only do what God permits. Though trials may come, we can confidently say that we are not cursed but blessed, and all things are being worked for our good, even in seasons of hardship.
Read MoreIn Philippians 4:6, Paul encourages us not to be anxious about anything, but this can feel overwhelming since it often only takes one thing to unsettle us. Along with bringing our worries to God in prayer, Jesus also reminds us to take life one day at a time. Instead of focusing on the days and years to come, we can trust God to give us the grace we need for today, handling each day’s troubles as they come.
Read MoreJob's declaration, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him," is a profound statement of faith, even in the midst of suffering. While his wife urged him to "Curse God and die," Job's trust in God remained unshaken, even when it seemed God Himself was against him. His example challenges us to place our hope in the Lord, not only in moments of blessing but even in the darkest trials.
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