The Pure in Heart (Matthew 5:8)

Jesus rewards his people with the blessing of a pure heart, which so delights in the Lord that it desires nothing but God and is rewarded on the Last Day with the fulness of his presence.

The Merciful (Matthew 5:7)

As former enemies of Christ who have received mercy, the church is called to treat the hostile world with mercy.

Those Who Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness (Matthew 5:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12)

To hunger and thirst after righteousness is to long for the day of God's righteous judgment when the evil will be punished and the righteous will receive the fullness of the kingdom.

The Meek (Matthew 5:5; Psalm 37)

Meekness is the willingness to be patient for the inheritance and possession of the New Heavens and the New Earth, knowing that what is promised is far greater than what this world can offer.

Those Who Mourn (Matthew 5:4)

Mourning is the natural response to being an exile and is a blessing because it betrays your heavenly identity.

The Poor in Spirit (Matthew 5:3)

Those who possess the kingdom are necessarily poor in the world’s eyes.

Introduction to Beatitudes, Part 2 (Matthew 5:2; Proverbs 31:1-9)

Jesus, having received the kingdom through his obedience opens his mouth to proclaim words of righteousness and comfort to his kingdom people.

Introduction to Beatitudes, Part 1 (Matthew 5:1)

The Beatitudes are a series of blessings that belong to all believers because of their union with the exalted Christ.

Creation (WCF 4.1)

The first creation necessarily anticipates a new creation, which is the kingdom of God, but cannot be made visible while the present age remains.

Reprobation (WCF 3.4, 6-7)

God not only decrees the number of those who will be shown mercy, but actively appoints some for destruction, that is, predestines them to hell.

Predestination (WCF 3.1, 3-5)

God is in charge and has irrevocably decreed all that will come to pass, even down to the exact number and identities of those who will be saved.

The Trinity, Part 2 (WCF 2.3)

There are two valid but distinct ways of talking about the Trinity, which, if confused, will seriously harm the biblical doctrine.

The Trinity, Part 1 (WCF 2.3)

God is one in substance though eternally existing as three persons.

Canon and Covenant, Part 2 (WCF 1.2-4)

The canon ought to be understood in terms of constitutional rule over a particular body, resulting from the authoritative proclamation of the Divine Sovereign.

Philemon, Part 1

Pastor Matt Barker is the Associate Pastor at Emmanuel OPC in Kent, WA.

The Canon, Part 1 (WCF 1.2-4)

The canon ought to be understood in terms of constitutional rule over a particular body, resulting from the authoritative proclamation of the Divine Sovereign.

How Do You Know What You Know You Know? Part 3 (WCF 1.4)

There are ultimately two competing theories of knowledge in the world today, one that seeks knowledge regardless of the consequences and one that says “I will believe only what serves me.” (The epistemology of rebellion)

How Do You Know What You Know You Know? Part 2 (WCF 1.4)

There are ultimately two competing theories of knowledge in the world today, one that seeks knowledge regardless of the consequences and one that says “I will believe only what serves me.” (The inadequacy of Rationalism and Empiricism)

Introduction to the Gospel of Mark

Austin Britton serves as the year-long intern at Grace Presbyterian in Mt. Vernon, WA under Pastor David Klein.

How Do You Know What You Know You Know? Part 1 (WCF 1.4)

There are ultimately two competing theories of knowledge in the world today, one that seeks knowledge regardless of the consequences and one that says “I will believe only what serves me.” (Modern conversations and logical absurdities)