The story of Judges, in context, is a part of a much greater story… It is part of our own history… It is a prophetic history… that comes to us and smacks us right between the eyes… calling us to lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

In this 10th week of our presbyterian polity class we look at 19th Century American Presbyterianism.

Wisdom trusts the "who?" when "why?" and "how?" are scarce.

Jonathan Edwards said, “What we call a vice [in God] is actually an inability to recognize what has the greatest value.”

While we may buck against the idea that God has absolute control of chaos and evil in this world. But it is in submitting ourselves to this happy truth that we begin to find peace in the pain.

Fulfill the work of ministry.

In this 9th week of our presbyterian polity class we look at 18th Century American Presbyterianism.

Who’s right hand shall we trust? Atop the ash heap when chaos and evil are breathing down our necks. Who will we trust? Will we trust our own right hand? Or will we trust his strong, righteous right arm to hold our right hand.

Cry out to God, trust in His forgivness because it gives us greater reverence for God, wait on Him with trust and anticipation of His lovingkindness, and hope in Him and His redemption- the anchor of our souls!

In this passage Peter contrasts the joy of our very great salvation against the backdrop of the grief of various trials. This is a kind of Christian obstinance that is characteristic of Peter… do what you will… but you cannot take my hope… you cannot take my joy.