Articles

While explicit membership terms are absent in the Bible, principles of gathering and community are evident. Church membership is deemed essential for supporting discipleship, affirming salvation, and ensuring accountability among believers, fostering a healthy spiritual community.

This article reflects on the history and evolution of Baptist churches, emphasizing their break from the Church of England during the Reformation. It underscores the importance of Scripture in forming churches, advocating for expository preaching, regenerate church membership, and mutual agreement on faith.

The true marks of a church are the pure preaching of God’s Word and the right administration of ordinances. John Spilsbury emphasizes that the church is formed when individuals, changed by the gospel, gather to obey God’s Word collectively. Meaningful church membership arises from mutual agreements to follow God’s commands in a covenant community.

The discussion revolves around the essence of a true New Testament church, which hinges on two key elements: the pure preaching of the gospel and the correct administration of ordinances like baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Historical references, including insights from the Belgic Confession and John Calvin, emphasize these marks as criteria for recognizing a…

This article explores the concept of what constitutes a local church compared to mere Christian gatherings, questioning when a Christian coffee group becomes a church.

The Holy Spirit converts individuals, but the heartfelt tears and earnestness of preachers like Spurgeon and Alleine are vital in winning souls.

The Puritan approach to evangelism emphasized repentance and the awareness of sin before presenting the gospel, contrasting with modern practices that prioritize belief first.

Joseph Alleine’s “Alarm to the Unconverted” warns sinners to recognize their perilous state and seek salvation. Influencing figures like Charles Spurgeon, the book discusses conversion’s necessity and marks of the unconverted.

Joseph Alleine’s “Alarm to the Unconverted” profoundly impacted Charles Spurgeon, influencing his view on the importance of direct appeals in sermons. The work highlights the necessity for preachers to alarm the unconverted about their spiritual state.