Samuel Davies, Champion of Liberty, Part Two

The Revolutionary War (1776-1783) There were two other events that happened after the death of Samuel Davies (February 4, 1761) in which he played an indirect, but very close part. The first of those events was the Revolutionary War. That war has been called the ‘Presbyterian Rebellion’ because most of the leading voices in itContinue reading “Samuel Davies, Champion of Liberty, Part Two”

Samuel Davies, Champion of Liberty

With this week’s article, I am sending out the gist of a message I gave In Richmond, Virginia last Friday evening on the 300th anniversary of the birth of Samuel Davies. Half of the message is in this week’s email and the other half will be next week. There were about 120 people who gathered last FridayContinue reading “Samuel Davies, Champion of Liberty”

The Curse of Cowardice

On May 8, 1758, Samuel Davies preached to the militia being mustered in Hanover county, Virginia as a result of the French and Indian War (1755-163). He had three years earlier preached a similar recruiting sermon at the raising of an independent militia for CPT Overton, the first such militia raised in response to theContinue reading “The Curse of Cowardice”

Aquinas’ Views of the Sacraments and Scripture

Last week, I wrote a few words about the theological system of Thomas Aquinas. I received a number of very good responses from both ministers and laymen. One respondent, in particular, Dr. Henry Krabbendam, sent a paper he wrote on Aquinas that was very enlightening. I have not yet had a chance to read itContinue reading “Aquinas’ Views of the Sacraments and Scripture”

Aquinas Is No Safe Guide For Protestants

            From time to time, I come across articles by Reformed authors wherein they encourage the reading of the Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas. Their rationale is that Aquinas is an excellent guide for making fine distinctions on theological points. Au contraire. As one who spent several weeks at a nearby university library reading through the unabridged threeContinue reading “Aquinas Is No Safe Guide For Protestants”

He Has Lost His Senses”

Following the calling of His twelve disciples, Jesus returned to His home—Capernaum—where “the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal” (Mark 3:20). They were at the door and probably even in the house (Cf. also Mark 1:33; 2:2). The kinsmen of Jesus heard these reports of allContinue reading “He Has Lost His Senses””

The Missionary Nature of the Church

Several years ago, I stumbled into a world missions’ luncheon by mistake at General Assembly. I had intended to attend a meeting of alma mater seminary. By the time I discovered my mistake, it was too late to leave. After sitting through the whole presentation, I wish I had left anyway. Following the meal, thereContinue reading “The Missionary Nature of the Church”

The Problem with Presbyterianism is… Presbytery

Dear friends,             This week’s article is a rerun on an article I wrote a couple of years ago since I am supposed to be on “vacation” this week. In the past week, I have been contacted by three ministers in two different denominations (one in the PCUSA and theContinue reading “The Problem with Presbyterianism is… Presbytery”