Here we consider the introduction of John Cotton's book, "The Keys of the Kingdom". In endorsing this book, Thomas Goodwin and his colleagues advocate for a "middle way" of church government, and their goal is to resolve the long-standing conflicts in church history over who holds power within the church. The central argument is that church power, rather than being held solely by a few individuals (like the Pope or bishops), should be distributed among different groups within the local church, each group in the church is assigned a specific, share of input and authority, based upon the word of Jesus Christ.

What is the purpose of our spiritual growth? How do we get there? And by what power do we grow? Here we see that the purpose of our goal is conformity to Jesus Christ, the path of this growth is through God's promised means of grace, and the power of our growth is our union with Christ, abiding in Him, communion with God.

In the pursuit of spiritual growth, it isn't a mere desire for growth that is sufficient, neither is it concerted effort. Rather, true spiritual growth is intentional alignment with God's methods, as illustrated through Psalm 1 and Romans 1. Here, through a humble posture of heart, a rightly prioritizing and hearing of His word, and the pursuit of communion with our God, the grace of God through Christ brings true spiritual maturity that bears fruit for the glory of His name.

Is idleness a problem within the church? How does the church evaluate and confront this sin? Here we see how idleness or disorderliness contradicts God's grace and undermines brotherly love. Through diligent work, mutual encouragement, and a commitment to upholding church order through, we are to both combat and confront idleness while relying upon Christ's grace offered and given in the gospel.

God's faithfulness is the bedrock of the Christian hope and perseverance amidst trials and persecution. The means of God's faithfulness is prayer, preservation, and perseverance.

The summary and conclusion of our series, 'blessed are the peacemakers', and of the book The Peacemaker. Here we see how God helps us throw off worldly ideas about resolving conflict that we might embody Matthew 5:9 – "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." This study summarizes the practical, biblical tools for resolving personal conflicts in a God-honoring way, all based upon the core conviction that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation for true peacemaking.

Here we see that fathers and fatherhood is to be viewed through the lens of God's own fatherly nature, recognizing that earthly fathers are stewards reflecting divine authority and love rather than absolute rulers. Fathers are called to pity, protect, provide, listen to, show compassion to, instruct and discipline their children in the Lord, as our Heavenly Father does for us.

How do we overcome evil with good? This is not something natural to our fallen nature. But God's people are called to take hold of the spiritual weapons of warfare given in the gospel, as we are immersed in the local church where weekly worship shapes and forms us after the image of God in Christ.

Given the pervasive influence of evil, the prevalence of trials and temptations, as well as the activity of the Antichrist, how do Christians persevere? Here we see our salvation is grounded in the loving election of the Father and the eternal comfort of the Spirit in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christians are thus called to steadfast adherence to the apostolic traditions (the preached Word and sacraments) as the means by which God establishes and guards His people, ultimately leading and preserving us to our heavenly home.

Who is the antichrist, the man of sin, the son of perdition?Why were the Thessalonians in danger of being led astray by such speculation? Here we see a warning about and a description of the man of sin, including why protestants have traditionally understood this as referring to the Roman Catholic Papacy. This is to motivate God's people to steadfastly cling to the gospel, and actively encourage one another in anticipation of His eventual return and triumph over darkness.