New Horizons: Mormonism and the Gospel

The latest issue of New Horizons (an OPC publication) highlights the disparity between Mormonism and the gospel.  This personal testimony of conversion from Mormonism by Jody O. Morris is worth your time to read!

New Horizons

Current Issue: Mormonism and the Gospel

June, 2010 Contents Mormonism and the Gospel by Jody O. Morris The Book of Mormon: Fact or Fiction? by Norman De Jong

New Horizons: Mormonism and the Gospel

Pastoral Counseling Begins in the Pulpit

The January edition of New Horizons (published by the Orthodox Presbyterian Church) includes an excellent article titled "The Therapy of the Word" by Carl Trueman.  Years ago, I was taught that pastoral counseling begins in the pulpit.  I've recognized this to be true and do my best to keep this in mind whenever I preach.  Trueman asks a question I believe needs to be considered by the modern church:

...95 percent of the problems addressed by counseling should actually be addressed and solved by simply proclaiming the perennial Word of God.  Is it perhaps the case that fewer people would need counseling if more people actually listened prayerfully to what their pastors were telling them from the pulpit every Sunday morning? (emphasis mine)

Keep in mind, the emphasis here is not on the pastor but on the Word of God!  However, this does imply that Christian counseling is a pastoral function, right?

I agree with Trueman that there is a definite place for counseling outside of the pulpit.  That said, we need to remember that pastoral counseling begins in the pulpit, and that all out-of-pulpit counseling ought to direct the counselee(s) back to the ministry of the Word from the pulpit.

Pastoral Counseling Begins in the Pulpit

October Issue of New Horizons Dedicated to Herman Bavinck

New Horizons is a monthly publication of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The current issue presents the life, theology, and legacy of the Dutch Reformed theologian, Herman Bavinck. You can access the articles online (see below).

October, 2008 Contents Herman Bavinck: His Life and Theology by Cornelis P. Venema The Legacy of Herman Bavinck by Nelson D. Kloosterman The Witness of Scripture to Itself by Lane G. Tipton Getting Serious about Worship by "Uncle Glen" Helps for Worship #33: What to Do after Worship by William Shishko Write a Letter to the Editor

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Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Dogmatics. 4 Volumes. Edited by John Bolt and translated by John Vriend. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008. Hardcover, 3,008 pages. [Baker Academic List Price: $ 179.99 | WTS ($98.99) | CBD ($129.99) | Amazon ($113.39)]

October Issue of New Horizons Dedicated to Herman Bavinck