The Church
The word deacon is derived from the Greek, diakonos, meaning servant. Deacons are trusted servants, helpers, assistants, and administrators within a well established framework that ministers to many needs within a congregation. The OPC Book of Church Order (BCO), Form of Government (FG), Chapter XI describes the office of the Deacon and his responsibilities as:…
If we go back a few generations, the centrality of the family unit was normal in the cadence of society. Through the industrial revolution the functions of the family unit started to change. With industrialization families moved off from the land and into cities and suburbs. Few today have even faint awareness of the radical…
The work of the deacon was well established in the Old Testament administration. God’s people are unlike those who are outside the household of faith, the Lord God dwells [1] with his people. The Lord God is unlike the gods [2] of the heathen. Their gods are made of the stuff of the earth, their…
Special officers are appointed and charged with various responsibilities that were established by the Lord in the Old Testament administration. The various roles of office were carried forward under the New Testament administration by calling, and appointment of representative offices. This is recognized in Forms of Government (FG) Chapter 1.3 as: “Christ orders his church…
Few Christians step back to carefully consider the nature of the church of Jesus Christ. To be clear, I’m not making reference to a particular organized church by that name but rather to the whole body of which Jesus is the head. In previous articles we have considered the nature of the Session and its…
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” –…
As Christian parents are called to love, train, and discipline their children, and children are called to honor and submit to their parents’ biblical discipline, how such discipline is carried out matters. In my time in counseling families over the years, especially those with young children, I’ve often heard parents wish they had a handbook…
“Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.” – Colossians 3:20 As we continue in our series on the duties and responsibilities children have to their parents, obedience is an essential piece. Children must follow and not forget this, likewise parents must expect and require biblical obedience from…
“My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you.” – Proverbs 6:20-22 Such wise and…
“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” – Psalm 50:14-15 Prayer being an active, daily, even often every day, part of the life and walk of a Christian is very important and of…