I’ve thought a good bit about blogging these past two weeks.  Whereas I’ve left blogging here at the RV as a chapter in my blogging past, I’ve decided to start a new chapter in a different direction.  Through blogging, I’ve found a love for writing.  What I want to do next is to give myself to writing longer pieces, with more content, less often.  It is my hope that these longer pieces will follow along the lines of Bible study, Christian biography, book reviews, summaries of theology, and thoughts on engaging culture with the gospel.  Of course, that will mean ... [read more]

add to discussion

or create a new discussion:

With much forethought and prayer, I’ve decided to discontinue blogging at The Reformed Virginian for awhile. Six months since its inception the RV has logged close to 10,000 visits. I still don’t know quite why you all come. This site started out mainly for family and friends. It’s grown to be something a bit more. Don’t worry, nothing horrible has happened to me, in fact it is quite the opposite. Two great things have happened to me recently. One, the birth of my fourth son.  Charlie is wonderful.  I took some time off from blogging to better enjoy husbandin... [read more]

add to discussion

or create a new discussion:

My fourth son, Charlie, was born last night (7 lbs 3 ozs, 19 inches).  I’m well on my way to the basketball team I’ve always wanted. Obviously, blogging will be sporadic here for awhile.  For the time being, rejoice with me over the birth of another son of the covenant.

add to discussion

or create a new discussion:

This is part 3 of my look at the Gospel Coalition Foundational Documents. Having finished up my look at the Confessional Statement in part 2, I’m now going to piece my way through the five parts of the Theological Vision for Ministry. I’ll be honest, I think philosophies of ministry are fascinating. Theology is not worth studying if it doesn’t make a difference in your life and ministry. This post will just look at section 1 entitled, “How should we respond to the cultural crisis of truth?” or The Epistemological Issue. I’ll admit upfront that I haven... [read more]

add to discussion

or create a new discussion:

Driving down the road the other day I came to a stoplight. I glanced over my left shoulder at the truck beside me. It was an old, light blue, chevy pickup. The man driving looked to be in his late 50’s to early 60’s. He wore a white undershirt, red suspenders, and a tell-tale green hat with a yellow patch on the front. His truck, clothing, and sun-leathered face gave him away as a farmer. Seeing this man, I began thinking to myself, “How do I reach this man with the gospel of Jesus Christ?” This of course was simply for the sake of thought, since I had no idea ... [read more]

add to discussion

or create a new discussion:

After offering some thoughts on some changes that had occurred in the development of the Gospel Coalition Documents, I want to take a post for reflection on the Confessional Statement. (You can find copies of the document here and here. You can find multiple posting on it over at Justin Taylor’s blog beginning here.) [Bias Alert - I love The Westminster Confession of Faith. It is the confession of my faith and what I believe to be the most accurate, confessional document on Biblical theology. Although I’ve done some study on the 39 Articles and the early creeds of the Church... [read more]

add to discussion

or create a new discussion:

With all the talk about tuberculosis, my thoughts have been drawn to the life of David Brainerd.  What is the connection between the disease and this preeminent American missionary?  Well, Brainerd died of tuberculosis.  Not only did he die of that disease but he spent the last 19 months of his life in the home of Jonathan Edwards.  Brainerd was nursed by Edwards own 17 year old daughter, Jerusha.  No doubt, the time spent with Brainerd left a deep impression on Edwards.  Edwards said of Brainerd’s stay with his family, I would not conclude my observations on the merciful circum... [read more]

add to discussion

or create a new discussion:

I’ve come to the end of my month long abstinence from caffeine. No, I don’t think I’ll continue caffeine-less. To tell you the truth, this past week I’ve been counting down the days until Friday and my first early morning cup of java. Plus, my wife is due with our fourth child in about a week. Approaching that sweet time of sleep deprivation, I know I’ll need some healthy jolts of coffee. What are my parting thoughts on caffeine free living? I found that I didn’t need any less or more sleep without caffeine. I had first expected to need to sleep m... [read more]

add to discussion

or create a new discussion:

We just finished a short chapter on Creation and now move into a chapter on Providence.  Remembering what we talked about when we discussed God’s decree, we consider the outworking of that decree in terms of two categories: creation and providence.  The rest of the Confession is really just an explanation of different facets of God’s providence.  This week we come to a general definition of providence. WCF 5.1  God the great Creator of all things doth uphold,(1) direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things,(2) from the greatest even to the least,(3) by His ... [read more]

add to discussion

or create a new discussion:

Well, I’ve taken a look at The Gospel Coalition Foundational Documents. I wanted to offer a few of my thoughts on the documents. This is by no means intended to be an exhaustive critique. These are just a few of the things that I noticed upon my first and second read of the documents. In this post, I only intend to comment on the changes between the previous and final form of the documents. I’ll comment on the content of the documents in subsequent posts. This morning I read Justin Taylor’s blog which informed me that the version I read on Friday may not have been the... [read more]

add to discussion

or create a new discussion: