I am 75 and been a 18th century Presbyterian Church all my life, which is now PCUSA. I so yearn for a PCA church, but all towns near me are PCUSA. We sing all the great and beautiful hymns, which always inspire, then one of the best choirs one will ever hear, then a 10 minute read every word sermon, then a 3 minuet read every word prayer. And sometimes the Benediction is read. And we are talking Th.d and D of D pastors. Some Sundays I just stay home and listen to "A Mighty Fortress is our God" and watch sermons by Charles Stanley and Billy Graham, and become 100 times more inspired. If I was 10 yrs younger, I would find and drive to a PCA church. I read my NIV every morning and my KJV every night, so I know all what PCUSA never preaches. Love your videos Matthew, and God bless you.
Lots of PCA churches are on zoom. Perhaps you could attend via zoom for now, since there isn't a PCA near you. Wr do have people that drive over 1 1/2 hrs each way to attend. But not everyone can do that.
I’m moving my family to a Presbyterian (probably OPC or PCA) church, probably in the next few months. I’ve wrestled with this for about a year now and I’ve come to the realization that I want to have my 3 young daughters baptized and included in the covenant family. I want to raise and catechize them in the classically reformed tradition. It’s going to be hard leaving our long-time church, but we feel the Lord leading us into a more faithful expression of the faith. Thanks for this great video, pastor!
@@tjblanchard I have good and dear friends (two different families) in an OPC congregation in Greenville, SC. They were previously in the Free Presbyterian Church and they have never been happier. There isn't one in my area or I would go to one. Good move on your part and I pray you and your family are thriving there.
My journey to Presbyterianism was simply sparked by the fact, as a musician, my particular skills were sought after by contemporary Evangelical Bible churches. I eventually came to the end of myself, my ego, idols, and decided that I no longer wanted to produce "entertainment" for carnal Christians, with a tiny sprinkling of true Christians in their midst. Grew up in conservative Plymouth Brethren and Baptist, so I was dialed into Reformed theology. I longed for true believers that put faithfulness to the word of God, an appreciation for historical Christianity, and the PCA has been what I longed for.
I grew up in a Methodist Church with no clue whatsoever as to what true Christianity is all about. Got saved through a para-church university campus ministry and had this desire to study God's Word and serve him. In his providence God led me to a Presbyterian Theological Seminary from where I walked out as a Presbyterian for all those reason that you mentioned in the video! By God's grace now I've been ministering under a Presbyterian Church and teaching in a Presbyterian Bible college.
I love the PCA church I attend for the following reasons: The reminder of who I am in Christ through the faithful preaching of God’s word, the rich theology of the hymns we sing, the corporate reading of the word and confessions, and the partaking of communion. I don’t want to be entertained, I want to be reminded of the truth of the gospel.
Hey hey reformed Baptist here, and I’ll tell you what, I’m more than happy to listen to a PCA Presbyterian anytime. If I’m preparing a sermon, you can bet your bottom dollar that one of you guys is in my ear at some point during that prep. You’re spot on with that 😂
I was wonderfully and dramatically saved about 47 years ago. Went to bed one lost man and woke up a totally changed and converted man. Became a catholic convert but as i continually read my bible and prayed daily I excommunicated myself when I saw the error of this. Have been a Presbyterian ever since because they believe and live what the Bible teaches.
My own church history is pretty varied. Been in the Anglican, Lutheran, and CEC traditions over the years but never had much theology other than "Jesus loves me and died for me". I was never catechized as a child. 3 years ago I moved back to my hometown and by chance started attending a PCA church. I became a congregant member within the first year, became a worship music leader fulltime in the second, and this year I've been delving into the WCF for the first time. I'm incredibly happy to be in the Presbyterian Tradition and I love how rigorous and serious our theology is, and our view/administration of the sacraments. Soli Deo Gloria ✝️
Amen! My wife and I both grew up in, and attended a very Pentecostal/Charismatic church but thanks to the Holy Spirit we now attend a conservative Presbyterian church and we love it! The expository preaching and the depth of the theology in the hymns etc is a wonderful wonderful thing.
Excellent presentation Pastor. I was raised Roman Catholic and started attending Christ Presbyterian Church,a PCA church in Nashua NH in the mid 1990’s. Dr T David Gordon was my pastor and I converted to the Presbyterian faith then. I now attend an OPC church in Merrimack NH. Dr Gordon eventually moved to Grove City PA where I believe he taught at Grove City College. Thank you for your work, I’m enjoying the videos very much!!
Being self taught…meaning I was raised in an atheistic family and being an avid reader from the age of three, became acquainted with the KJV and was captivated Since then, I’ve surrounded myself with all manner of books in order to get a deeper understanding of God I never felt comfortable in a church..just felt like I didn’t belong Is it any wonder why I feel at home with your channel?…Who knew…I’m a Presbyterian!!! …It all makes sense to me now!😊❤️🙏
My husband and I needed to leave out the first church we belonged to post-conversion, which was considered to be "reformed Baptist". It was not part of a denomination, but an independent local church that was congregationally- lead with one single elder. We left due to a serious issue with sin being tolerated and not disciplined. We did everything we could to stay first and all attempts failed. We were the first of several others to leave. God lead us and our fellow brethren to a local PCA church. We are so thankful and rejoice for so many reasons, which Pastor Everhard explains so well here. If you are a Christian desiring to grow in grace and knowledge of Scripture, and to experience true fellowship with the family of God, go to a PCA church. Do whatever it takes. Make the drive. You won't be dissapointed. 🖤
I recently listened to an interview with Alistair Begg. I don’t listen to him very much, mostly only when he collaborates with Ligonier, so I don’t know a ton about him or what he believes. He said at one point he’s between a Baptist and a Presbyterian, preferring the oversight of Presbyterian and views on baptism of the Baptist, and I think that’s what I’ll always be, as well.
Thank you Pastor Everhard for verbalizing exactly what my wife and I long for in a church! Unfortunately and sadly, we haven't anything remotely like this in the Enid, Oklahoma area. I was raised in the Presbyterian church (USA)in the sixties before it was totally apostate, and still sing the Doxology and Gloria Patri to myself and study the Scripture using the Westminster Confession and catechisms as supplemental guides. Thank you for your channel which is a blessing to me TC
Look for a Reformed (or Particular) Baptist church. That’s what I am but there are none in MY area. Therefore I am a member of an OPC Presbyterian Church. That might be even a better fit for your family. Try either one of the above. Charlie
We’ve visited a church in Enid that keeps many of the good parts pastor Everhard mentions. The worship singing was so good, and the preaching was expository. Hope this helps. Sovereign Grace Baptist Church 2120 Pine Ave
I’ve always been Non-denominational/ Baptist. I’m very intrigued by Presbyterian theology and Lutheran theology. This video was very helpful for me. Also PCA has the nicest churches in San Antonio, so that’s very interesting too.
I am a member of the Church Of Scotland. It has been great finding out about the videos that you put up. Online especially all I see are videos about Roman Catholics or Orthodox Christians. I believe they are my brothers in Christ but have lost their way so I won’t bad mouth them. Anyway, keep fighting the good fight for the Presbyterians.
Hey Matthew! Excellent video!! In addition to the Presbyterian church being the most Biblical in terms of the governmental structure, once I really began to understand Covenantal Theology, and really started to see just how Biblical it truly is and how more beautifully it connects all of history (from Adam and Eve to the Second Coming of Christ) than dispensational theology ever could, I finally understood why infant baptism is actually not at all against Scripture and just how loving it is. And this is why I could never be a Particular Baptist, as I could not walk away from allowing infants to be protected by the Covenant until they show whether they are truly Elect or not. Saddly, the church I attend, though PCA, admits that it is only PCA in name and governing structure. We do topical sermons almost exclusively, my pastor allows the music leaders (some of whom are female) to pick their own music and do small amounts of teaching (some of the music selected is picked, and they admit this, because it is popular on the radio), sermons are typically shorter than 35 minutes, our pastor quotes Tim Keller during almost every sermon, there is about 5 min worth of focus on Christ Himself, the beautiful and powerful hymns are probably less than 50% of what we sing, and our sermons often have 5-15 min stories and/or short clips that seem to have little value other than to cause laughter or entertainment. We rarely recite the Creeds and almost never say the Lord's Prayer. Truly sadly, we did an entire sermon series on the Lord's Prayer probably a year ago, and the only time we recited the Lord's Prayer as a congrigation during that series, was the one week where someone gave a sermon in the middle of the series on a different topic while our pastor was away. When I first started attending, the church was actually really strong in its preaching of very teaching-related sermons that were still topical ,but were really deep in terms of context, history, and Gospel. Now they are just almost empty of any topics such as Law, Gospel, sin, redemption, the wrath/Holiness/Sovereignty... of God, TULIP... Very recently we had one sermon that actually was quite close to what I would call a PCA sermon that was focused pretty nicely on depravity, sin, and redemption. I realized when re-hearing it later, that I had missed a comment my pastor made at the very start, where he said that this was a sermon he had given I believe 7 years ago. Thus, our church has clearly changed since COVID began and it is utterly breaking my heart. I think the reason that we are changing so much and have lost the beauty of focusing on God in such a deep way that Glorifies His Triune, Thrice Holy Sovereignty, is that our pastor has acknowledged that he is a major "people pleaser" and has relied on surveys to find out what people do and don't like about church services and uses those to drive the direction of the church (ex., changing from mostly hymns and related songs to more modern popular songs including some Hillsong and Elevation). I honestly very frequently leave services feeling spiritually malnourished. Given that my only options where I live are a PCUSA church ,a "Reformed" Baptist church (which as I said, I would really struggle with attending), our church, and a EPC church. Given that I strongly believe that the Bible directly speaks against female pastors (and as a female myself, I strongly stand behind male-only pastoring) and I am a cessationist so would not feel comfortable in the EPC. If anyone has recommendations for options I would be seriously open to them!! Thank you again Matthew for providing such wonderful teachings!!
Hi. I'd recommend the Baptist church. God is serious about His worship. In a choice between right worship and a correct understanding and practice of baptism, I'd go with right worship.
I agree with this whole video, but as I hold to Semper Reformanda, I must be Reformed Baptist, which is FROM the Presbyterian Reformed tradition but with a more biblically accurate CREDO understanding of baptism (we follow the 1689 LBC).
We’re in a non-denom “reformed” Baptist church that was planted 2.5 years ago. Our origin story is a bit crazy however we are looking towards joining the CREC. My husband and I have embraced the paedobaptist position and our pastor is studying it thoroughly now as well and may end up there. I very much appreciate Presbyterianism and love the biblical church order. #semperreformanda
Good morning, Matthew! My mother was Lutheran; I was converted in WV as a Teenager in a Nazarene Church after reading Pilgrim's Progress; I grew in the faith under the influence of the Jesus People movement in SoCal; I made the rounds of churches and went to Bible School; I was a studier and struggled to make everything fit. I had a bad first exposure to Calvinism, but God in His providence gave me multiple lines to find my way home. In Presbyterianism and her beliefs, all the lines converged; I had some unlearning and relearning to do, but it was all a joy. Sadly, this church wasn't perfect and there wasn't a clear alternative for a time. By God's grace, I did find a splendid conservative Reformed Church in a nearby town that has been my faith-home (3 Forms of Unity), but I do miss my Westminster Standards! If/When I move again, I will be looking hard for a good Presbyterian home!
Couldn’t agree more but in many parts of the UK the only reformed churches are Baptist. The trouble is even these are often Calvinistic but not really reformed in the fullest sense.
each has the wonderful gift from GOD a life by which we can pursue whatever we chose how Gloriously HE rewards those who chose to pursue HIM those who seek HIM -wholeheartedly extensively relentlessly do exist their walk and life is an inspiration to many while the common man disrespects them and calls them names smh to walk with GOD is extraordinary
Thank you for sharing. I cannot say what denomination I am other than I side with the reformed. I grew up in a Pentecostal church, started going to my wife’s Presbyterian church, and listen daily to sermons from a Bible church pastor. I have found that sermons preached straight from scripture, in the exegetical format, really touch my heart. The scripture comes alive that way. I also have found a love for apologetics as well. So I guess you can say I lean to Presbyterian teachings.
I grew up in an Evangelical Free church. Dad was Baptist. Mom was Methodist. They got caught up with The Purpose Driven Life and tried to grow the church at all costs. Dad stopped attending when they wouldn’t send a pastor to visit after Mom’s miscarriage. Mom stopped attending after the pastor announced who put what in the offering plate and fired people who argued with him. I left after the high school pastor said homosexuality and miscegenation were unforgivable sins and I argued with him and was ostracized for dating interracially. My boyfriend and I could only find 1 interracial church. It was Assemblies Of God, but became very Charismatic. We started attending after I had an abortion. He was Catholic and a Free Mason and felt guilty for pressuring me to have an abortion and getting me pregnant. We broke up. He said God told him he wasn’t going to marry me. He was an abusive alcoholic who kept sleeping with other people including my friends. I stayed at that church and dated someone else and enjoyed having friends there. I was taken at knifepoint to a lake and assaulted by a security guard from the church and found out my boyfriend was with another woman at the time. My boyfriend got me into yoga and women at the church tried to give me an exorcism claiming I had demons up my butt from yoga after one of them told me I had my gallbladder removed because I had unresolved sin issues because I didn’t put enough money in the offering plate and I asked her how much she put in the offering to cover her unresolved sin issues that caused her grandson’s brain tumor. I felt like I didn’t want to be there when Jesus came back. I was listening to BOT Radio Network and came across John MacArthur’s Grace To You and he was discussing his book, Strange Fire. I ordered the book and watched the conference on CZcams. I read the Bible with fresh eyes and renewed understanding as though scales fell from my eyes. I visited a Calvinist church and a Reformed church. I settled on the Reformed church. I listened to their sermons barely attending. I listened to John MacArthur, RC Sproul, and Voddie Baucham and decided I was a Reformed Baptist. I visited Independent Baptist churches and that Reformed church. The Independent Baptist church near me is nice, but it’s not Reformed. It seems a little too small. The Reformed church went from 1 pastor preaching his way through the Bible to 10 different pastors preaching 10 different things and they currently have a scandal because a bunch of women have been getting beat by their husbands and a woman’s husband pulled a gun on her, but the pastors refuse to talk with the women saying their husbands need to be their intermediary and the women got a man to speak on their behalf and he told them the pastors said one of the women’s husbands who had been beating her and she was being disciplined by the pastors for not coming to them instead of leaving her husband volunteered to be there while the woman whose husband pulled a gun on her was taking some items from her home to temporarily leave. There’s a lot of hurt and a sense of betrayal. I’m not finding a Reformed Baptist church. I might try Presbyterian.
This sounds like Big Eva church to me, “Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” (Psalms 150:1-6) Still plenty of areas I would also disagree with them though too.
@@thomasglass9491Infant baptism is Biblical. Have you seen Dr. Jordan B. Cooper's videos on Baptism? He builds a strong Biblical case for infant baptism. Take a look.
Great presentation. Going to a Presby congregation next week. Thank you for sharing this. I’m excited to go back to church. A reformed/calvinist underpin is important to me. So here goes
I myself am a 5 fold Bapti-Costal Christian. I believe in the FULL gospel and sound doctrine. The gifts , Miracles, signs, and wonders are 100% for today. The power of the Holy Ghost within us can conquer any battle. The devil is a liar and everyone needs some type of deliverance in their lives to truly walk victorious inside of Christ. Amen
It would be interesting to know your thoughts on Redeemed Zoomer’s “Reconquista” project, which is basically meant to “retake” the mainline church institutions like the PCUSA by joining particular churches in these denominations that haven’t gone too far in liberalism.
Raised in a Congressional church that was wonderful. Went to IFB. Found reformed theology and became a Reformed Baptist. I think Prebys and Reformed Baptists are as good as you can get at this point.
Thanks for the post. I am in Ontario with my family. We are looking for a church to continue growing in faith. We've been from one church to another. Because we study the Bible as a family, we know if a church is not up to Biblical standards. We have two Presbyterian Churches not too far from us so we'll definitely check both. Thanks again and may the Lord give you more wisdom in battling the elements and leading the faithful. Amen
Thanks for your invitation at the end to share our own denomination. I am Baptist (SBC) for the very reason you are Presbyterian: I find it to be the most biblical expression and practice of Christianity.
Appreciate you Pastor Everhard, for taking the time to give us the heart of Presbyterianism from your neck of the woods. As an SBC Baptist, I’ve found myself enjoying the Reformed camp vs the Dispensationalism I was raised in. Not to mention the Psalters for musical worship… love it, what better way to honor Him than sing His truth back to Him. My Presbyterian brothers in Christ, I commend your fervor for biblical obedience to glorify the Father. I just can’t get on board with dunking those babies.😂
The SBC left its reformed Baptist roots long ago and has suffered ever since. Look at its original founding document, the 1689 confession. It’s almost identical with the WCF except in the baptism of infants and church government.
I live a town about 30,000 in northeast Arkansas. I attend a Bible church (non-denominational) that is a part of an organization called Soma Family of Churches. We don't have a PCA church, but we have a small PCUSA church.
I love my Presbyterian brothers, and to me its very close to pure Biblical Christianity. Issues like paedobaptism keep me from moving from a Reformed Baptist foundation. Keep up the great work, Matthew!
We are not saved eternally by the Gospel, the Gospel is the revelation that God chose a people before the foundation of the world to justify, sanctify and glorify through the finished work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel brings life and immortality to light, the Father, the Son and the Spirit saves us eternally, the Gospel saves us from ignorance of God's purposes and the wiles of the devil if we obey it.
We live in an area of Hawaii where there's only Episcopalian/Catholic/Nondenominational. The closest Baptist church is an hour plus away from us, and I haven't seen a Presbyterian church here on our island. We are planning to move soon, hopefully we can attend a Presbyterian service!
Brother although I'm not PCA, I wholeheartedly agree with you about we can correct the blindspots of previous generations in love. Just as the early Church responded to the neglected widows in their time.
I attend a Methodist church because it is the located halfway between my house and my grandchildren's house. I was raised Presbyterian and I raised my children Presbyterian. The only PCA or OPC church is far from my grandchildren in another town. I had to make a compromise that would give them a faith community in their town with kids they go to school with and so close that travel would never be an excuse not to attend. They are 5 year old twins and I take them to Sunday School every Sunday. It was paramount to me to provide them with a place that they could connect with and build a long term relation with. My top priority was to facilitate a personal relationship with God that would be unbreakable. Every weekend they sleep over my house, we go to Sunday School and if there are no activities after church we go to a playground, swim at my house or play in the huge toy room I had built for them. This Sunday, one did not want to go so we left her home and I only took one. No one is forced to go. Sleeping over and going to Sunday School is a treat to look forward to. I want church to be a place they want to go. I want sleeping over Pop-pops house and going to Sunday School to be a pleasant memory of their childhood that bonds them to their faith. The kids can sort out denominations when they are adults and I'll go back to the Presbyterian church.
@Faithful247 This particular church has remained traditional and not embraced the recent changes. Despite that, I am a Calvinist and will lead the kids away from any nonsense there. If it goes too far astray we will move.
I am a Reformed Baptist. I follow pretty much everything you said in the video with the exception of paedobaptism. Also, we believe in a plurality of elders as well, but we are autonomous. We hold to the 1689 London Baptist Confession. Lord bless 🙂
I could see myself leaving a Baptist church for Presbyterian. I’m not sure about covenant theology or communion and baptism as more than a symbol. I can understand paedobaptism and pouring. Sadly, all the Presbyterian churches around me have rainbow flags out front, and there’s no PCA. In my (admittedly limited) experience with 2 nondenom and 2 Baptist churches… your criticisms are spot-on. The nondenom churches don’t present the gospel clearly and they try to be seeker friendly. The IFB Baptist churches I call “Russian roulette” churches because I would never bring a visitor there due to pastors commonly spouting their strange opinions from the pulpit and sometimes straight up heresy.
Tim Keller seemed to go off the rails embracing social justice. I didn’t know he was a long time democrat. I kind of grew up on R.C. Sproul. I was almost a Sproul groupie without idolizing him. I did have the pleasure of visiting St. Andrew’s and shaking pastor Sproul’s hand before he went onto glory. I believe R.C. was a postmillennialist
How can i communicate with you..to inquire a lot of things. specially about presbyterianism...i learned a few about presbyterianism.and i believe your one of the authority. thanks God bless
What about Conservative Mennonites? I’m no theologian but when I read the Word-that is who I think of (peaceful, apart from world, loyal to Christ first instead of government etc)
I have grown up in the non-denom church and have been heavily involved with non-denom churches once I got saved at 15. I've served in kids ministry for a few years and have attended various groups and what not. I am attending Bible college and am entering my senior year and have done a lot of thinking about my own tradition. I think I have been entertained my own whole life and discipleship has been extremely disappointing in the churches I've attended. There is also this complete disconnect from our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the centuries and non-denom churches tend to be pretty ahistorical. I think you are on the money when you mention entertainment and the fads and trends gaining more traction in these types of churches. It just doesn't feel robust to me and it feels like the structure of many non-denom churches are wobbly and shaky. I'm not Presbyterian but am certainly leaning in that direction because I love the structure and worship and how carefully the word of God is exegeted in the services. Family was also something I wanted to mention as well because that is something I've noticed in the Presbyterian church I've attended on and off for the past couple of months or so. It's refreshing and my soul is at ease in the Presbyterian church. I easily get overwhelmed at my non-denom church and feel really uncomfortable with how loud everything is and just have grown weary with many contemporary worship songs. I find most aren't heretical or off theologically but just paper thin in terms of substance. It's not that it's wrong but just far too vague for me to sing with conviction and passion for the Lord Jesus. Anyways, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Matt. I appreciate how down to earth you are and you are great at explaining things. You demonstrate Christlike character and carry yourself as a man above reproach. God bless you brother!
I could be wrong but I believe Presbyterian infant baptism represents the covenant; meaning we like every generation before us are born into a sinful world therefore are sinners. So, the church body commits to that child’s biblical education and there is a unison commitment/prayer spoken over the child in those terms corporately as part of the ceremony. And everything else you said perfectly:)
Hi Matthew, loved this, I'm so grateful for you and for your example. It's sad to hear you denigrating those of us who disagree with paedo-baptism as those who "haven't really even thought through the issue." I think that's goes against your commitment to being above reproach. We ought to make sure that we still honour our brothers and sisters in the faith with whom we disagree. Other than that, I thought it was a great video and I hope you keep on doing more of these. Grace and Peace, Adsum
I've been attending a PCA church here in Canada recently and it is by far the most biblically solid church I have attended. I come from a Baptist background, so I still am not sure about infant baptism, but the other biblically solid Baptist/non-denom church in my area has gotten too political.
I'm non-denominational because I see denominationalism as being profoundly unbiblical. We're not to divide up and say, I'm of paul, I'm of apollo's, I'm of this pca, I'm of the SBC. But my church doesn't have smoke and mirrors And light shows. We just try to fulfill the Great Commission and fulfill our purpose as a local body edifying one another
You haven’t left the spectrum of denominations by calling yourself non denominational, you have just created another denomination that has separated itself from all the others. Laughable tbh
We attend a Macarthur type church. What I mean is our church is closely related to GTY and we have elders who have gone to The Masters Seminary. It is a "leaky dispensationalist" church...I think this is how Macarthur describes himself. I'm really interested in the Presbyterian denomination and am starting to see the why behind infant baptism. I love the depth of theology, the heritage and history behind it as well. I attended a PCA church though I believe it may be one of the more liberal ones. I'm looking to attend an OPC one about 20 min away. Any thoughts on what to watch out for in PCA churches (liberal,etc) and what your thoughts are on OPC? Thank you
Dear pastor Matthew, Thank you so much for this, and other, videos on your channel. I have been enjoying them a lot. ( Sorry for the long post, but I do have a question...at the end...) I come from a very (VERY) Hyper-Calvinistic Dutch church background. At the age of 23 ...I litterally 'fled' Holland to go to the UK... to find out if I also could be a real Christian. God led me to a very godly, lovely and very prayerful Reformed Baptist church. I was saved and became a very convinced baptist. However a few years later, at Bible college, finally understood the Reformed position on Baptism and I am very much a convinced Presbyterian. The Baptist church was very dissapointed that they felt they could no longer be my 'sending church' so I returned to Holland. Fast forward 20 years till today and I have been married since 11 years to a Reformed Baptist ( I would have never thought I would ;-) Togolese pastor ... We live in Togo, West Africa, where we serve his church. Whilst not convinced personally, with my husbands consent and him being present, both our children were baptised in the Netherlands. But now my question, as I missed you mentioning this in the video. Does your church has a set time of coorporate prayer?? What are your thoughts on coorporate prayer? You might be aware ... Dutch Reformed churches DO NOT have prayermeetings.
You just came across my CZcams feed brother, "Praise God," and I'm thanking God for your content. The only thing I would like you to emphasize is PCA Presbyterian when encouraging people to visit a Presbyterian church. Peace be upon you my brother. Colossians 3:15
Having spent a decade plus as a PCA member and 'baptizing' two of my kids as infants, I am very happy as a member of a reformed Baptist church that, aside from the baptism issue, ticks all your boxes. Expository preaching, confessional, led by seminary trained elders, catechizing, God honoring worship, part of a broader network, etc. Still admire the PCA, but I believe a reformed Baptist church more closely aligns with the biblical model
Hello, I was raised Baptist/non-Denom/ charismatic. I agree with every point of this video. However, my studies lead me to a different conclusion. My family is going to be confirmed Confessional Lutheran (LCMS) on the 31st. I must say that I prefer longer, indepth sermons but our church leaves that to the Bible study class. I did seriously consider the Presbyterian Church but I disagree with the LIP of TULIP😊 I also looked into Anglican Churches (ACNA) but would be uncomfortable in a denomination that has female pastors, even if my local church didn't. That being said, although I am convinced of Lutheranism, I have great respect for the "other" reformed churches. As a side note, A video explaining different forms of Church government would be very interesting, at least to me. Perhaps you could examine the idea that Titus was the "bishop" of Crete? This is an area the ELDONA Lutheran's appear to me to have a strong argument. Thank you for all the work you do on this channel. It is greatly appreciated. God Bless.
You said that you grew up Lutheran and went to non denominationalism briefly, why did you choose to go to Presbyterianism instead of back to Lutheranism? What did you find incorrect about Lutheran doctrine? And what did Presbyterianism get right?
What does the worship band have a smoke machine? That’s important just be funny. Some of the stuff out there nowadays is crazy. I agree are really faithful really good. Formed Baptist pastor moved on to be like a pastor of pastors. In the denomination in our area and just worried about who we’re gonna get next. I went to the Presbyterian Church last Sunday. I was very impressed everything from all the prayers and worship everything was scriptureand I’m going back and I’m buying that book you told me too also
I heard a lot here about pure religion but virtually nothing about Jesus! This pridefulness in one's denomination is nothing different than Catholicism. Where is the Lord in this!
I just watched your video on "Every Book I read in 2018..."; In a typical week, how many hours a day do you devote to "reading" without writing or taking notes from it? Is it 2-3 hours every week day, taking Saturday off for time with wife and kids? or what does a daily and weekly reading time investment look like? 2 hours in the morning and then 1 hour in the afternoon? etc?
Excellent explanation of your church! I've noticed wild differences in Presbyterian churches (as you said); can you provide guidance in what to look for, to ensure a church adheres to the conservative principles you described? Many of their "what we believe" statements are steeped in secular language about tolerance and inclusion. I am seeking TRUTH, not necessarily comfort but have had a hard time finding a church that isn't completely corrupted by woke worldviews. Any guidance you can share? Thanks in advance!
That’s why I’ve been thinking about switching over I’m reformed Baptist. Our church is even in the southern Baptist, but our pastor was a solid it could be of course the denomination took him now to make him a pastor of pastors since he’s retirement age and everything and it works good for young pastors. Have somebody like him to anchor on scripture I’m kind of concerned about when the time is over who we’re gonna get because you know the southern Baptist are lately pretty weak sothat’s why I was saying you know that my mentors are Spurrel I said maybe I should go to PCH Church time for change thinking about it waiting till I feel it’s OK with God and OK with my local Church and that kind of a thing but it’s just not knowing who we’re gonna get is a scary point
Matt, I’m not sure where else to ask this. Would you please consider doing a video on what seems to be a huge uptick in heavenly tourism. Even in “hell” stories Jesus is rescuing these people because they cried out to him.
As to the Sunday service, some Baptist churches are pretty good also. Some depending upon the pastor do Expository or stay close to the text in verse by verse preaching. I went to a Emanuel Baptist in Manville NJ few months back they kept their modern choruses under control, meaning the congregations voices are heard leading the song. I felt like singing. It was so much easier. But, the church I attend, is like a typical rock concert, the band/lead singer completely drowns out the peoples voice. I can't stand it. I walk in a half hour late all the time just to avoid it.
hey im 18 and a senior in highschool. Theres this guy on youtube called Redeemed Zoomer who's a presbyterian. And ive recently, over the past few weeks, fell down a rabbit hole - a very deep rabbit hole - about different philosophies, religions -- and more specifically: christianity and its denominations. And my journey, whilst maintaining an open mind, has led me here. Now to my actual question, why do presbytarians circumcise their kids? , i know in 18:54 you sort of explained it but what i dont get is why its still a continued practice today even tho jesus has already came, died, and rose again? you said its supposed to be a blood sign "to point to the one who's supposed to die for our sins" but jesus has ALREADY done that?? 🤔 am i missing something here..other than my foreskin lol ps. neither of my parents are jewish or presbyterian so me being circumcised i do find odd, but im not gonna ask them why they cut me, that would be akward?
sincere question: if you believe in the Words of the Bible, why not keep the Biblical Lord's day, which is the 7th day Sabbath? pretending the 1st day is the Lord's day is actually bowing to the papacy.
May I recommend an older book, _The Heritage of our Fathers_, by G.N.M. Collins? It gives an overview of Presbyterianism from the reformation to the early 1900s and has a good chapter or two on the benefits of the Confession.
I am a Lutheran because I firmly believe we have the most Biblical doctrine and practice. Our worship is Biblical and historic, we are the ancient church which has been cleansed by the Reformation, retaining the good and removing the bad. We value God’s Word and Sacraments (which also contain the Word). Ours is a simple, ancient, Biblical, patristic, catholic, and orthodox faith. There are some things I miss from my time in the Presbyterian church, namely that the laymen there tend to care more about doctrine and theology than most Lutheran laymen do. But I am more fully nourished by Word and Sacrament in the Divine Service of the Evangelical Lutheran church and more at peace because we have much more continuity with the historic teaching of Christ’s preserved Church than the Presbyterian church does. Interesting video as always Pastor Matthew.
To answer your first question about there being a more biblical tradition, Lutheranism is more biblical. As someone who grew up wesleyan but believing "sola scriptura," meeting my reformed baptist wife, and then both of us struggling with assurance and doubt, after lots of searching and research, it came down to choosing Lutheranism or presbyterianism. We chose Lutheranism because of the purity of it's evangelical doctrine. Calvinism uses reason to an uncomfortable level. Lutheran doctrine is THE evangelical doctrine. Just compare the Lutheran confessions with the Westminster standards and then compare them both with scripture. Thanks!
Superior Theology lol ahh it’s a CZcams short lol GodBless brother! I’m a Baptist, not reformed. Grew up Catholic, got born again in my back bedroom, by myself reading the Bible. Still remain the only born again believer in my whole family. Oldest of 5
Would agree with almost all of this as a Confessional Reformed Baptist, except our obvious difference on how we theologically see and practice baptism (I think paedobaptists have a real problem with understanding who is in the "new covenant" (see esp. Jer. 31:33-34), which has implications for unbelievers unintentionally caught in the "muddy middle." moreover, from my experience with the reformed and presbyterian Christian friends i have and churches i know, it seems personal evangelism is often not as robust or emphasized or practiced as other churches. Anyways, love your content brother. And yes, most of my bookshelves are filled with books/sets by "your guys." 😆
I am 75 and been a 18th century Presbyterian Church all my life, which is now PCUSA. I so yearn for a PCA church, but all towns near me are PCUSA. We sing all the great and beautiful hymns, which always inspire, then one of the best choirs one will ever hear, then a 10 minute read every word sermon, then a 3 minuet read every word prayer. And sometimes the Benediction is read. And we are talking Th.d and D of D pastors. Some Sundays I just stay home and listen to "A Mighty Fortress is our God" and watch sermons by Charles Stanley and Billy Graham, and become 100 times more inspired. If I was 10 yrs younger, I would find and drive to a PCA church. I read my NIV every morning and my KJV every night, so I know all what PCUSA never preaches. Love your videos Matthew, and God bless you.
Lots of PCA churches are on zoom. Perhaps you could attend via zoom for now, since there isn't a PCA near you. Wr do have people that drive over 1 1/2 hrs each way to attend. But not everyone can do that.
Thanks Matt, I will check it out. Appreciate it. @@Creationhorse
Thanks, but every little town in southern WV is PCUSA. Appreciate, and God bless. @@thejoshuaproject3809
try finding an OPC church, they're even better than PCA
Come to the OPC.
I’m moving my family to a Presbyterian (probably OPC or PCA) church, probably in the next few months. I’ve wrestled with this for about a year now and I’ve come to the realization that I want to have my 3 young daughters baptized and included in the covenant family. I want to raise and catechize them in the classically reformed tradition. It’s going to be hard leaving our long-time church, but we feel the Lord leading us into a more faithful expression of the faith. Thanks for this great video, pastor!
Update to this comment. We are now in a local OPC church and we love our denomination!
My husband and I are looking to do the same.
@@tjblanchard I have good and dear friends (two different families) in an OPC congregation in Greenville, SC. They were previously in the Free Presbyterian Church and they have never been happier. There isn't one in my area or I would go to one. Good move on your part and I pray you and your family are thriving there.
My journey to Presbyterianism was simply sparked by the fact, as a musician, my particular skills were sought after by contemporary Evangelical Bible churches. I eventually came to the end of myself, my ego, idols, and decided that I no longer wanted to produce "entertainment" for carnal Christians, with a tiny sprinkling of true Christians in their midst. Grew up in conservative Plymouth Brethren and Baptist, so I was dialed into Reformed theology. I longed for true believers that put faithfulness to the word of God, an appreciation for historical Christianity, and the PCA has been what I longed for.
I grew up in a Methodist Church with no clue whatsoever as to what true Christianity is all about. Got saved through a para-church university campus ministry and had this desire to study God's Word and serve him. In his providence God led me to a Presbyterian Theological Seminary from where I walked out as a Presbyterian for all those reason that you mentioned in the video! By God's grace now I've been ministering under a Presbyterian Church and teaching in a Presbyterian Bible college.
I love the PCA church I attend for the following reasons:
The reminder of who I am in Christ through the faithful preaching of God’s word, the rich theology of the hymns we sing, the corporate reading of the word and confessions, and the partaking of communion.
I don’t want to be entertained, I want to be reminded of the truth of the gospel.
Hey hey reformed Baptist here, and I’ll tell you what, I’m more than happy to listen to a PCA Presbyterian anytime. If I’m preparing a sermon, you can bet your bottom dollar that one of you guys is in my ear at some point during that prep. You’re spot on with that 😂
I was wonderfully and dramatically saved about 47 years ago. Went to bed one lost man and woke up a totally changed and converted man. Became a catholic convert but as i continually read my bible and prayed daily I excommunicated myself when I saw the error of this. Have been a Presbyterian ever since because they believe and live what the Bible teaches.
My own church history is pretty varied. Been in the Anglican, Lutheran, and CEC traditions over the years but never had much theology other than "Jesus loves me and died for me". I was never catechized as a child. 3 years ago I moved back to my hometown and by chance started attending a PCA church. I became a congregant member within the first year, became a worship music leader fulltime in the second, and this year I've been delving into the WCF for the first time. I'm incredibly happy to be in the Presbyterian Tradition and I love how rigorous and serious our theology is, and our view/administration of the sacraments.
Soli Deo Gloria ✝️
Amen! My wife and I both grew up in, and attended a very Pentecostal/Charismatic church but thanks to the Holy Spirit we now attend a conservative Presbyterian church and we love it! The expository preaching and the depth of the theology in the hymns etc is a wonderful wonderful thing.
Excellent presentation Pastor. I was raised Roman Catholic and started attending Christ Presbyterian Church,a PCA church in Nashua NH in the mid 1990’s. Dr T David Gordon was my pastor and I converted to the Presbyterian faith then. I now attend an OPC church in Merrimack NH. Dr Gordon eventually moved to Grove City PA where I believe he taught at Grove City College. Thank you for your work, I’m enjoying the videos very much!!
Being self taught…meaning I was raised in an atheistic family and being an avid reader from the age of three, became acquainted with the KJV and was captivated
Since then, I’ve surrounded myself with all manner of books in order to get a deeper understanding of God
I never felt comfortable in a church..just felt like I didn’t belong
Is it any wonder why I feel at home with your channel?…Who knew…I’m a Presbyterian!!! …It all makes sense to me now!😊❤️🙏
Christian INTJ here. God probably leads us to this church.
My husband and I needed to leave out the first church we belonged to post-conversion, which was considered to be "reformed Baptist". It was not part of a denomination, but an independent local church that was congregationally- lead with one single elder.
We left due to a serious issue with sin being tolerated and not disciplined. We did everything we could to stay first and all attempts failed. We were the first of several others to leave.
God lead us and our fellow brethren to a local PCA church. We are so thankful and rejoice for so many reasons, which Pastor Everhard explains so well here. If you are a Christian desiring to grow in grace and knowledge of Scripture, and to experience true fellowship with the family of God, go to a PCA church. Do whatever it takes. Make the drive. You won't be dissapointed. 🖤
"In short time you would persuade me to become Presbyterian?"
-Said Agrippa probably...
I recently listened to an interview with Alistair Begg. I don’t listen to him very much, mostly only when he collaborates with Ligonier, so I don’t know a ton about him or what he believes. He said at one point he’s between a Baptist and a Presbyterian, preferring the oversight of Presbyterian and views on baptism of the Baptist, and I think that’s what I’ll always be, as well.
Thank you Pastor Everhard for verbalizing exactly what my wife and I long for in a church! Unfortunately and sadly, we haven't anything remotely like this in the Enid, Oklahoma area. I was raised in the Presbyterian church (USA)in the sixties before it was totally apostate, and still sing the Doxology and Gloria Patri to myself and study the Scripture using the Westminster Confession and catechisms as supplemental guides. Thank you for your channel which is a blessing to me
TC
Look for a Reformed (or Particular) Baptist church. That’s what I am but there are none in MY area.
Therefore I am a member of an OPC Presbyterian Church. That might be even a better fit for your family.
Try either one of the above.
Charlie
We’ve visited a church in Enid that keeps many of the good parts pastor Everhard mentions. The worship singing was so good, and the preaching was expository. Hope this helps.
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church
2120 Pine Ave
You should look into Still Water Reformed Presbyterian Church in Stillwater OK.
I'm dutch reformed, luv you bro!
Now I know exactly why I am a Presbyterian, too. Praise God! and THANKS.
I’ve always been Non-denominational/ Baptist. I’m very intrigued by Presbyterian theology and Lutheran theology. This video was very helpful for me. Also PCA has the nicest churches in San Antonio, so that’s very interesting too.
why not follow what the Bible says and go to a 7th day keeping church?
the Sabbath is the Biblical Lord's day, sunday is a creation of the papacy.
I am a member of the Church Of Scotland. It has been great finding out about the videos that you put up. Online especially all I see are videos about Roman Catholics or Orthodox Christians. I believe they are my brothers in Christ but have lost their way so I won’t bad mouth them. Anyway, keep fighting the good fight for the Presbyterians.
OPC checking in to say “Hi!”😊
Hey Matthew! Excellent video!! In addition to the Presbyterian church being the most Biblical in terms of the governmental structure, once I really began to understand Covenantal Theology, and really started to see just how Biblical it truly is and how more beautifully it connects all of history (from Adam and Eve to the Second Coming of Christ) than dispensational theology ever could, I finally understood why infant baptism is actually not at all against Scripture and just how loving it is. And this is why I could never be a Particular Baptist, as I could not walk away from allowing infants to be protected by the Covenant until they show whether they are truly Elect or not.
Saddly, the church I attend, though PCA, admits that it is only PCA in name and governing structure. We do topical sermons almost exclusively, my pastor allows the music leaders (some of whom are female) to pick their own music and do small amounts of teaching (some of the music selected is picked, and they admit this, because it is popular on the radio), sermons are typically shorter than 35 minutes, our pastor quotes Tim Keller during almost every sermon, there is about 5 min worth of focus on Christ Himself, the beautiful and powerful hymns are probably less than 50% of what we sing, and our sermons often have 5-15 min stories and/or short clips that seem to have little value other than to cause laughter or entertainment. We rarely recite the Creeds and almost never say the Lord's Prayer. Truly sadly, we did an entire sermon series on the Lord's Prayer probably a year ago, and the only time we recited the Lord's Prayer as a congrigation during that series, was the one week where someone gave a sermon in the middle of the series on a different topic while our pastor was away. When I first started attending, the church was actually really strong in its preaching of very teaching-related sermons that were still topical ,but were really deep in terms of context, history, and Gospel. Now they are just almost empty of any topics such as Law, Gospel, sin, redemption, the wrath/Holiness/Sovereignty... of God, TULIP... Very recently we had one sermon that actually was quite close to what I would call a PCA sermon that was focused pretty nicely on depravity, sin, and redemption. I realized when re-hearing it later, that I had missed a comment my pastor made at the very start, where he said that this was a sermon he had given I believe 7 years ago. Thus, our church has clearly changed since COVID began and it is utterly breaking my heart. I think the reason that we are changing so much and have lost the beauty of focusing on God in such a deep way that Glorifies His Triune, Thrice Holy Sovereignty, is that our pastor has acknowledged that he is a major "people pleaser" and has relied on surveys to find out what people do and don't like about church services and uses those to drive the direction of the church (ex., changing from mostly hymns and related songs to more modern popular songs including some Hillsong and Elevation). I honestly very frequently leave services feeling spiritually malnourished.
Given that my only options where I live are a PCUSA church ,a "Reformed" Baptist church (which as I said, I would really struggle with attending), our church, and a EPC church. Given that I strongly believe that the Bible directly speaks against female pastors (and as a female myself, I strongly stand behind male-only pastoring) and I am a cessationist so would not feel comfortable in the EPC. If anyone has recommendations for options I would be seriously open to them!!
Thank you again Matthew for providing such wonderful teachings!!
Hi. I'd recommend the Baptist church. God is serious about His worship. In a choice between right worship and a correct understanding and practice of baptism, I'd go with right worship.
In 1993 I became protestant, till 2014, and came to know the Reformed faith and I’ve been a Presbyterian for 10 years now and I love it.
I agree with this whole video, but as I hold to Semper Reformanda, I must be Reformed Baptist, which is FROM the Presbyterian Reformed tradition but with a more biblically accurate CREDO understanding of baptism (we follow the 1689 LBC).
"I agree with this whole video,"
- Christopher Heidt
We’re in a non-denom “reformed” Baptist church that was planted 2.5 years ago. Our origin story is a bit crazy however we are looking towards joining the CREC.
My husband and I have embraced the paedobaptist position and our pastor is studying it thoroughly now as well and may end up there. I very much appreciate Presbyterianism and love the biblical church order.
#semperreformanda
The CREC is corrupted by "Federal Vision" teaching. Look into teaching on the Trinity and sola fide.
Praise God!
Stay far away from CREC it's filled with heretics and covenant breakers.
‘Superior Theology’
Someone wittier than I came up with that. H/T Dr. Keith Foskey 😂
Good morning, Matthew! My mother was Lutheran; I was converted in WV as a Teenager in a Nazarene Church after reading Pilgrim's Progress; I grew in the faith under the influence of the Jesus People movement in SoCal; I made the rounds of churches and went to Bible School; I was a studier and struggled to make everything fit. I had a bad first exposure to Calvinism, but God in His providence gave me multiple lines to find my way home. In Presbyterianism and her beliefs, all the lines converged; I had some unlearning and relearning to do, but it was all a joy. Sadly, this church wasn't perfect and there wasn't a clear alternative for a time. By God's grace, I did find a splendid conservative Reformed Church in a nearby town that has been my faith-home (3 Forms of Unity), but I do miss my Westminster Standards! If/When I move again, I will be looking hard for a good Presbyterian home!
Reformed Presbyterianism = Superior Theology
Christian roots = superior
Christianity wasn’t invented for about 300 years . I don’t believe in the new religion
Couldn’t agree more but in many parts of the UK the only reformed churches are Baptist. The trouble is even these are often Calvinistic but not really reformed in the fullest sense.
Awesome video 🙌🏼 love presbyterianism!
each has the wonderful gift from GOD
a life
by which we can pursue whatever we chose
how Gloriously
HE rewards those who chose to pursue HIM
those who seek HIM -wholeheartedly
extensively
relentlessly
do exist
their walk and life is an inspiration to many
while the common man
disrespects them and calls them names
smh
to walk with GOD
is
extraordinary
Thank you for sharing. I cannot say what denomination I am other than I side with the reformed. I grew up in a Pentecostal church, started going to my wife’s Presbyterian church, and listen daily to sermons from a Bible church pastor. I have found that sermons preached straight from scripture, in the exegetical format, really touch my heart. The scripture comes alive that way. I also have found a love for apologetics as well. So I guess you can say I lean to Presbyterian teachings.
I grew up in an Evangelical Free church. Dad was Baptist. Mom was Methodist. They got caught up with The Purpose Driven Life and tried to grow the church at all costs. Dad stopped attending when they wouldn’t send a pastor to visit after Mom’s miscarriage. Mom stopped attending after the pastor announced who put what in the offering plate and fired people who argued with him. I left after the high school pastor said homosexuality and miscegenation were unforgivable sins and I argued with him and was ostracized for dating interracially. My boyfriend and I could only find 1 interracial church. It was Assemblies Of God, but became very Charismatic. We started attending after I had an abortion. He was Catholic and a Free Mason and felt guilty for pressuring me to have an abortion and getting me pregnant. We broke up. He said God told him he wasn’t going to marry me. He was an abusive alcoholic who kept sleeping with other people including my friends. I stayed at that church and dated someone else and enjoyed having friends there. I was taken at knifepoint to a lake and assaulted by a security guard from the church and found out my boyfriend was with another woman at the time. My boyfriend got me into yoga and women at the church tried to give me an exorcism claiming I had demons up my butt from yoga after one of them told me I had my gallbladder removed because I had unresolved sin issues because I didn’t put enough money in the offering plate and I asked her how much she put in the offering to cover her unresolved sin issues that caused her grandson’s brain tumor. I felt like I didn’t want to be there when Jesus came back. I was listening to BOT Radio Network and came across John MacArthur’s Grace To You and he was discussing his book, Strange Fire. I ordered the book and watched the conference on CZcams. I read the Bible with fresh eyes and renewed understanding as though scales fell from my eyes. I visited a Calvinist church and a Reformed church. I settled on the Reformed church. I listened to their sermons barely attending. I listened to John MacArthur, RC Sproul, and Voddie Baucham and decided I was a Reformed Baptist. I visited Independent Baptist churches and that Reformed church. The Independent Baptist church near me is nice, but it’s not Reformed. It seems a little too small. The Reformed church went from 1 pastor preaching his way through the Bible to 10 different pastors preaching 10 different things and they currently have a scandal because a bunch of women have been getting beat by their husbands and a woman’s husband pulled a gun on her, but the pastors refuse to talk with the women saying their husbands need to be their intermediary and the women got a man to speak on their behalf and he told them the pastors said one of the women’s husbands who had been beating her and she was being disciplined by the pastors for not coming to them instead of leaving her husband volunteered to be there while the woman whose husband pulled a gun on her was taking some items from her home to temporarily leave. There’s a lot of hurt and a sense of betrayal. I’m not finding a Reformed Baptist church. I might try Presbyterian.
I agree. Presbyterians are the closest thing to how Christ wanted us to worship our Father.
Except that infant baptism is not biblical.
This sounds like Big Eva church to me,
“Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” (Psalms 150:1-6)
Still plenty of areas I would also disagree with them though too.
I think so too
@@thomasglass9491Infant baptism is Biblical. Have you seen Dr. Jordan B. Cooper's videos on Baptism? He builds a strong Biblical case for infant baptism. Take a look.
@@thomasglass9491 where does the bible say adults should be baptised and not their households ??
Great presentation. Going to a Presby congregation next week. Thank you for sharing this. I’m excited to go back to church. A reformed/calvinist underpin is important to me. So here goes
I myself am a 5 fold Bapti-Costal Christian. I believe in the FULL gospel and sound doctrine. The gifts , Miracles, signs, and wonders are 100% for today. The power of the Holy Ghost within us can conquer any battle. The devil is a liar and everyone needs some type of deliverance in their lives to truly walk victorious inside of Christ. Amen
It would be interesting to know your thoughts on Redeemed Zoomer’s “Reconquista” project, which is basically meant to “retake” the mainline church institutions like the PCUSA by joining particular churches in these denominations that haven’t gone too far in liberalism.
You have almost persuaded me😊
Raised in a Congressional church that was wonderful. Went to IFB. Found reformed theology and became a Reformed Baptist. I think Prebys and Reformed Baptists are as good as you can get at this point.
Thank you for sharing this. ❤ it is very helpful for me.
Thanks for the post. I am in Ontario with my family. We are looking for a church to continue growing in faith. We've been from one church to another. Because we study the Bible as a family, we know if a church is not up to Biblical standards. We have two Presbyterian Churches not too far from us so we'll definitely check both. Thanks again and may the Lord give you more wisdom in battling the elements and leading the faithful. Amen
Really enjoyed this. Thanks, Matthew!
Thanks for your invitation at the end to share our own denomination.
I am Baptist (SBC) for the very reason you are Presbyterian: I find it to be the most biblical expression and practice of Christianity.
Appreciate you Pastor Everhard, for taking the time to give us the heart of Presbyterianism from your neck of the woods. As an SBC Baptist, I’ve found myself enjoying the Reformed camp vs the Dispensationalism I was raised in. Not to mention the Psalters for musical worship… love it, what better way to honor Him than sing His truth back to Him.
My Presbyterian brothers in Christ, I commend your fervor for biblical obedience to glorify the Father.
I just can’t get on board with dunking those babies.😂
The SBC left its reformed Baptist roots long ago and has suffered ever since.
Look at its original founding document, the 1689 confession. It’s almost identical with the WCF except in the baptism of infants and church government.
Hi Matthew. Great video as always.
I live a town about 30,000 in northeast Arkansas. I attend a Bible church (non-denominational) that is a part of an organization called Soma Family of Churches. We don't have a PCA church, but we have a small PCUSA church.
I love my Presbyterian brothers, and to me its very close to pure Biblical Christianity. Issues like paedobaptism keep me from moving from a Reformed Baptist foundation.
Keep up the great work, Matthew!
That sounds amazing. I am Methodist 😅 but we have at least gone Global Methodist….
We are not saved eternally by the Gospel, the Gospel is the revelation that God chose a people before the foundation of the world to justify, sanctify and glorify through the finished work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel brings life and immortality to light, the Father, the Son and the Spirit saves us eternally, the Gospel saves us from ignorance of God's purposes and the wiles of the devil if we obey it.
“Evanjellyfish” 💯
We live in an area of Hawaii where there's only Episcopalian/Catholic/Nondenominational. The closest Baptist church is an hour plus away from us, and I haven't seen a Presbyterian church here on our island. We are planning to move soon, hopefully we can attend a Presbyterian service!
Christian by election, Presbyterian by choice!
Ahahahahah, that’s awesome
Brother although I'm not PCA, I wholeheartedly agree with you about we can correct the blindspots of previous generations in love. Just as the early Church responded to the neglected widows in their time.
Likewise grew up Lutheran. Excellent points all and good overview of Presbyterianism.
I attend a Methodist church because it is the located halfway between my house and my grandchildren's house. I was raised Presbyterian and I raised my children Presbyterian. The only PCA or OPC church is far from my grandchildren in another town. I had to make a compromise that would give them a faith community in their town with kids they go to school with and so close that travel would never be an excuse not to attend. They are 5 year old twins and I take them to Sunday School every Sunday. It was paramount to me to provide them with a place that they could connect with and build a long term relation with. My top priority was to facilitate a personal relationship with God that would be unbreakable.
Every weekend they sleep over my house, we go to Sunday School and if there are no activities after church we go to a playground, swim at my house or play in the huge toy room I had built for them. This Sunday, one did not want to go so we left her home and I only took one. No one is forced to go. Sleeping over and going to Sunday School is a treat to look forward to. I want church to be a place they want to go. I want sleeping over Pop-pops house and going to Sunday School to be a pleasant memory of their childhood that bonds them to their faith.
The kids can sort out denominations when they are adults and I'll go back to the Presbyterian church.
Methodism has apostasized friend, flee
@Faithful247 This particular church has remained traditional and not embraced the recent changes. Despite that, I am a Calvinist and will lead the kids away from any nonsense there.
If it goes too far astray we will move.
I am a Reformed Baptist. I follow pretty much everything you said in the video with the exception of paedobaptism. Also, we believe in a plurality of elders as well, but we are autonomous. We hold to the 1689 London Baptist Confession. Lord bless 🙂
I could see myself leaving a Baptist church for Presbyterian. I’m not sure about covenant theology or communion and baptism as more than a symbol. I can understand paedobaptism and pouring. Sadly, all the Presbyterian churches around me have rainbow flags out front, and there’s no PCA.
In my (admittedly limited) experience with 2 nondenom and 2 Baptist churches… your criticisms are spot-on. The nondenom churches don’t present the gospel clearly and they try to be seeker friendly. The IFB Baptist churches I call “Russian roulette” churches because I would never bring a visitor there due to pastors commonly spouting their strange opinions from the pulpit and sometimes straight up heresy.
Sounds awesome!
Tim Keller seemed to go off the rails embracing social justice. I didn’t know he was a long time democrat. I kind of grew up on R.C. Sproul. I was almost a Sproul groupie without idolizing him. I did have the pleasure of visiting St. Andrew’s and shaking pastor Sproul’s hand before he went onto glory. I believe R.C. was a postmillennialist
How can i communicate with you..to inquire a lot of things. specially about presbyterianism...i learned a few about presbyterianism.and i believe your one of the authority. thanks God bless
@Matthew Everhard: I'm convinced! Now, help me find a conservative Presbyterian church near me please!
Love this
What about Conservative Mennonites? I’m no theologian but when I read the Word-that is who I think of (peaceful, apart from world, loyal to Christ first instead of government etc)
Excellent!
I have grown up in the non-denom church and have been heavily involved with non-denom churches once I got saved at 15. I've served in kids ministry for a few years and have attended various groups and what not. I am attending Bible college and am entering my senior year and have done a lot of thinking about my own tradition. I think I have been entertained my own whole life and discipleship has been extremely disappointing in the churches I've attended. There is also this complete disconnect from our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the centuries and non-denom churches tend to be pretty ahistorical. I think you are on the money when you mention entertainment and the fads and trends gaining more traction in these types of churches. It just doesn't feel robust to me and it feels like the structure of many non-denom churches are wobbly and shaky. I'm not Presbyterian but am certainly leaning in that direction because I love the structure and worship and how carefully the word of God is exegeted in the services. Family was also something I wanted to mention as well because that is something I've noticed in the Presbyterian church I've attended on and off for the past couple of months or so. It's refreshing and my soul is at ease in the Presbyterian church. I easily get overwhelmed at my non-denom church and feel really uncomfortable with how loud everything is and just have grown weary with many contemporary worship songs. I find most aren't heretical or off theologically but just paper thin in terms of substance. It's not that it's wrong but just far too vague for me to sing with conviction and passion for the Lord Jesus. Anyways, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Matt. I appreciate how down to earth you are and you are great at explaining things. You demonstrate Christlike character and carry yourself as a man above reproach. God bless you brother!
You should make a video of what you think that Presbyterianism gets wrong.
Hello Matthew, could you please recommend a good presbyterian church in London ? Thank you !!
I could be wrong but I believe Presbyterian infant baptism represents the covenant; meaning we like every generation before us are born into a sinful world therefore are sinners. So, the church body commits to that child’s biblical education and there is a unison commitment/prayer spoken over the child in those terms corporately as part of the ceremony. And everything else you said perfectly:)
Hi Matthew, loved this, I'm so grateful for you and for your example. It's sad to hear you denigrating those of us who disagree with paedo-baptism as those who "haven't really even thought through the issue." I think that's goes against your commitment to being above reproach. We ought to make sure that we still honour our brothers and sisters in the faith with whom we disagree. Other than that, I thought it was a great video and I hope you keep on doing more of these.
Grace and Peace,
Adsum
I've been attending a PCA church here in Canada recently and it is by far the most biblically solid church I have attended. I come from a Baptist background, so I still am not sure about infant baptism, but the other biblically solid Baptist/non-denom church in my area has gotten too political.
I'm non-denominational because I see denominationalism as being profoundly unbiblical. We're not to divide up and say, I'm of paul, I'm of apollo's, I'm of this pca, I'm of the SBC. But my church doesn't have smoke and mirrors And light shows. We just try to fulfill the Great Commission and fulfill our purpose as a local body edifying one another
You haven’t left the spectrum of denominations by calling yourself non denominational, you have just created another denomination that has separated itself from all the others.
Laughable tbh
I’m trying find a Reformed Baptist church near me. No luck. I’m thinking about visiting a Presbyterian church.
We attend a Macarthur type church. What I mean is our church is closely related to GTY and we have elders who have gone to The Masters Seminary. It is a "leaky dispensationalist" church...I think this is how Macarthur describes himself. I'm really interested in the Presbyterian denomination and am starting to see the why behind infant baptism. I love the depth of theology, the heritage and history behind it as well. I attended a PCA church though I believe it may be one of the more liberal ones. I'm looking to attend an OPC one about 20 min away. Any thoughts on what to watch out for in PCA churches (liberal,etc) and what your thoughts are on OPC? Thank you
OPC and PCA are generally g2g. PCUSA is the mainline “church” and generally apostate
Dear pastor Matthew, Thank you so much for this, and other, videos on your channel. I have been enjoying them a lot. ( Sorry for the long post, but I do have a question...at the end...) I come from a very (VERY) Hyper-Calvinistic Dutch church background. At the age of 23 ...I litterally 'fled' Holland to go to the UK... to find out if I also could be a real Christian. God led me to a very godly, lovely and very prayerful Reformed Baptist church. I was saved and became a very convinced baptist. However a few years later, at Bible college, finally understood the Reformed position on Baptism and I am very much a convinced Presbyterian. The Baptist church was very dissapointed that they felt they could no longer be my 'sending church' so I returned to Holland. Fast forward 20 years till today and I have been married since 11 years to a Reformed Baptist ( I would have never thought I would ;-) Togolese pastor ... We live in Togo, West Africa, where we serve his church. Whilst not convinced personally, with my husbands consent and him being present, both our children were baptised in the Netherlands. But now my question, as I missed you mentioning this in the video. Does your church has a set time of coorporate prayer?? What are your thoughts on coorporate prayer? You might be aware ... Dutch Reformed churches DO NOT have prayermeetings.
You just came across my CZcams feed brother, "Praise God," and I'm thanking God for your content. The only thing I would like you to emphasize is PCA Presbyterian when encouraging people to visit a Presbyterian church.
Peace be upon you my brother.
Colossians 3:15
Presbyterian Church of India 🤚
Having spent a decade plus as a PCA member and 'baptizing' two of my kids as infants, I am very happy as a member of a reformed Baptist church that, aside from the baptism issue, ticks all your boxes. Expository preaching, confessional, led by seminary trained elders, catechizing, God honoring worship, part of a broader network, etc. Still admire the PCA, but I believe a reformed Baptist church more closely aligns with the biblical model
Reason number 11: A great beard such as this necessitates that I be Presbyterian.
They do have nice beards.
Hello,
I was raised Baptist/non-Denom/ charismatic. I agree with every point of this video. However, my studies lead me to a different conclusion. My family is going to be confirmed Confessional Lutheran (LCMS) on the 31st. I must say that I prefer longer, indepth sermons but our church leaves that to the Bible study class. I did seriously consider the Presbyterian Church but I disagree with the LIP of TULIP😊 I also looked into Anglican Churches (ACNA) but would be uncomfortable in a denomination that has female pastors, even if my local church didn't.
That being said, although I am convinced of Lutheranism, I have great respect for the "other" reformed churches.
As a side note,
A video explaining different forms of Church government would be very interesting, at least to me. Perhaps you could examine the idea that Titus was the "bishop" of Crete? This is an area the ELDONA Lutheran's appear to me to have a strong argument.
Thank you for all the work you do on this channel. It is greatly appreciated. God Bless.
Is there an equivalent of the PCA in England UK? Google searches come up with the Church of Scotland and the United Reformed Church, is that correct?
You said that you grew up Lutheran and went to non denominationalism briefly, why did you choose to go to Presbyterianism instead of back to Lutheranism? What did you find incorrect about Lutheran doctrine? And what did Presbyterianism get right?
What does the worship band have a smoke machine? That’s important just be funny. Some of the stuff out there nowadays is crazy. I agree are really faithful really good. Formed Baptist pastor moved on to be like a pastor of pastors. In the denomination in our area and just worried about who we’re gonna get next. I went to the Presbyterian Church last Sunday. I was very impressed everything from all the prayers and worship everything was scriptureand I’m going back and I’m buying that book you told me too also
I heard a lot here about pure religion but virtually nothing about Jesus! This pridefulness in one's denomination is nothing different than Catholicism. Where is the Lord in this!
#1 reason I am a Reformed Presbyterian is because I can rock that beard alongside other men rocking that beard. 😅
I just watched your video on "Every Book I read in 2018..."; In a typical week, how many hours a day do you devote to "reading" without writing or taking notes from it? Is it 2-3 hours every week day, taking Saturday off for time with wife and kids? or what does a daily and weekly reading time investment look like? 2 hours in the morning and then 1 hour in the afternoon? etc?
Excellent explanation of your church! I've noticed wild differences in Presbyterian churches (as you said); can you provide guidance in what to look for, to ensure a church adheres to the conservative principles you described? Many of their "what we believe" statements are steeped in secular language about tolerance and inclusion. I am seeking TRUTH, not necessarily comfort but have had a hard time finding a church that isn't completely corrupted by woke worldviews. Any guidance you can share? Thanks in advance!
I like plurality of elders but still think it should have bishops, as the Hungarian Reformed churches do.
it is true that presbyterians are a reformed Christian denomination with a god-centered theology focused on God's sovereignty and covenant?.
That’s why I’ve been thinking about switching over I’m reformed Baptist. Our church is even in the southern Baptist, but our pastor was a solid it could be of course the denomination took him now to make him a pastor of pastors since he’s retirement age and everything and it works good for young pastors. Have somebody like him to anchor on scripture I’m kind of concerned about when the time is over who we’re gonna get because you know the southern Baptist are lately pretty weak sothat’s why I was saying you know that my mentors are Spurrel I said maybe I should go to PCH Church time for change thinking about it waiting till I feel it’s OK with God and OK with my local Church and that kind of a thing but it’s just not knowing who we’re gonna get is a scary point
I would like to attend a reformed PCA but I can't find one. Is there one in Seminole FL.?
Matt, I’m not sure where else to ask this. Would you please consider doing a video on what seems to be a huge uptick in heavenly tourism. Even in “hell” stories Jesus is rescuing these people because they cried out to him.
As to the Sunday service, some Baptist churches are pretty good also. Some depending upon the pastor do Expository or stay close to the text in verse by verse preaching. I went to a Emanuel Baptist in Manville NJ few months back they kept their modern choruses under control, meaning the congregations voices are heard leading the song. I felt like singing. It was so much easier. But, the church I attend, is like a typical rock concert, the band/lead singer completely drowns out the peoples voice. I can't stand it. I walk in a half hour late all the time just to avoid it.
hey im 18 and a senior in highschool. Theres this guy on youtube called Redeemed Zoomer who's a presbyterian. And ive recently, over the past few weeks, fell down a rabbit hole - a very deep rabbit hole - about different philosophies, religions -- and more specifically: christianity and its denominations. And my journey, whilst maintaining an open mind, has led me here. Now to my actual question, why do presbytarians circumcise their kids? , i know in 18:54 you sort of explained it but what i dont get is why its still a continued practice today even tho jesus has already came, died, and rose again? you said its supposed to be a blood sign "to point to the one who's supposed to die for our sins" but jesus has ALREADY done that?? 🤔 am i missing something here..other than my foreskin lol
ps. neither of my parents are jewish or presbyterian so me being circumcised i do find odd, but im not gonna ask them why they cut me, that would be akward?
I'm kinda new here so sorry if I'm mistaken but I thought the presbyterian Church was the uber-"woke" one
sincere question:
if you believe in the Words of the Bible, why not keep the Biblical Lord's day, which is the 7th day Sabbath?
pretending the 1st day is the Lord's day is actually bowing to the papacy.
May I recommend an older book, _The Heritage of our Fathers_, by G.N.M. Collins? It gives an overview of Presbyterianism from the reformation to the early 1900s and has a good chapter or two on the benefits of the Confession.
I am a Lutheran because I firmly believe we have the most Biblical doctrine and practice. Our worship is Biblical and historic, we are the ancient church which has been cleansed by the Reformation, retaining the good and removing the bad. We value God’s Word and Sacraments (which also contain the Word). Ours is a simple, ancient, Biblical, patristic, catholic, and orthodox faith. There are some things I miss from my time in the Presbyterian church, namely that the laymen there tend to care more about doctrine and theology than most Lutheran laymen do. But I am more fully nourished by Word and Sacrament in the Divine Service of the Evangelical Lutheran church and more at peace because we have much more continuity with the historic teaching of Christ’s preserved Church than the Presbyterian church does.
Interesting video as always Pastor Matthew.
To answer your first question about there being a more biblical tradition, Lutheranism is more biblical. As someone who grew up wesleyan but believing "sola scriptura," meeting my reformed baptist wife, and then both of us struggling with assurance and doubt, after lots of searching and research, it came down to choosing Lutheranism or presbyterianism. We chose Lutheranism because of the purity of it's evangelical doctrine. Calvinism uses reason to an uncomfortable level. Lutheran doctrine is THE evangelical doctrine. Just compare the Lutheran confessions with the Westminster standards and then compare them both with scripture. Thanks!
Superior Theology lol ahh it’s a CZcams short lol GodBless brother! I’m a Baptist, not reformed. Grew up Catholic, got born again in my back bedroom, by myself reading the Bible. Still remain the only born again believer in my whole family. Oldest of 5
Would agree with almost all of this as a Confessional Reformed Baptist, except our obvious difference on how we theologically see and practice baptism (I think paedobaptists have a real problem with understanding who is in the "new covenant" (see esp. Jer. 31:33-34), which has implications for unbelievers unintentionally caught in the "muddy middle." moreover, from my experience with the reformed and presbyterian Christian friends i have and churches i know, it seems personal evangelism is often not as robust or emphasized or practiced as other churches. Anyways, love your content brother. And yes, most of my bookshelves are filled with books/sets by "your guys." 😆