The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is the largest conservative, evangelical Presbyterian denomination in North America. For a Continuing Church is the first full scholarly account of the theological and social forces that brought about its creation. In the 1920s and 1930s, emerging progressive leadership in the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) led to rising dissent from conservatives. This fascinating story of conviction and struggle resonates today more than ever.
Dubbed at his death "Doctor Fundamentalis," J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937) was one of the most significant defenders of evangelical Christianity in the early twentieth century. Raised in American Presbyterianism, he wrestled deeply with the challenge of Protestant Modernism and provided some of the most significant responses to it, particularly his classic book Christianity and Liberalism. He pointed the way forward toward a Christianity that was both intellectually rigorous and spiritually satisfying, one that was rooted in a trustworthy Bible and in a confessional tradition which in turn produced a genuine faith in Christ. As a result, Machen continues to provide lessons today for those who desire to be valiant for truth in the midst of a...
Three hundred years after Edwards' birth, experts on Edwards examine the vision, theology, and legacy of this theological giant. Scholars contributing essays include Harry S. Stout, George M. Marsden, Gerald McDermott, and Douglas Sweeney. The first part of the book focuses on the vision of Jonathan Edwards, discussing how Edwards understood Native American mission, preaching, and Christian spirituality. A second section looks at Edwards' theology and its relevance for contemporary church issues, including the crisis of character and open theism. The third section examines how Edwards' legacy was carried on by later church leaders. And the final section offers personal reflections by long-time Edwards scholar George S. Claghorn and a...
What brings you to the book of Daniel? Is it the moral example of Daniel and his robust faith? Or is it because you want to dig further into the prophetic material that speaks of the end times? Primarily the book tells you about Daniel’s God. Lucas suggests rather than daring to be a Daniel, we should dare to trust in Daniel’s God. This book will help you as you learn more about Daniel’s God and why you too can trust him in every circumstance. Daniel was called to be a blessing even in exile and to avoid defilement in a pagan world. Such is God’s call to you today so that you may honor God and put him first in your heart and life.
Jonathan Edwards produced a comprehensive theology of the Christian life that started with God’s glory and ended with all creation returning to that glory. It was a vision that remains quite simply magnificent. And yet it is a theological vision that has not been adequately explored until now. Professor and pastor Sean Michael Lucas has converted his years of teaching into this valuable overview of Edwards’s theology, exploring both redemption history and the application of God’s redemptive work in the individual. As Lucas unpacks Edwards’s vision in this accessible, two-part framework, the resulting revelation of God’s glorious work will strengthen our understanding of Edwards and of our own Christian life.
Grace is at the heart of the Reformed faith, in its hymns, exposition, and theology, but many people—even Christians—fail to grasp what it means. Lucas illuminates grace, relying on the authority of Scripture.
Many people are Presbyterian without having thought through what stands at the heart of Presbyterianism: church polity. This booklet serves as a basic introduction to Presbyterian church government, useful for new members or officers training classes as well as those investigating Presbyterianism for the first time.
50 years ago a small, brand new Christian College relocated to a field in west St. Louis County, Missouri. It was moved there from Pasadena, California under the guidance of Robert G. Rayburn. Rayburn's burning passion was that everything taught should be to Jesus' glory. He also knew that his fledgling denomination, Bible Presbyterian Church, Columbus Synod, would need ministers. So, alongside Covenant College was founded Covenant Theological Seminary. The seminary hymn, sung every year since 1956, is 'All for Jesus'. It is a fitting reminder of the Seminary's aims. A lot has changed since then. Covenant College has since moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it has become a leading Liberal Arts college with a respected academic...
