Author Archive: Michael Ives
Michael Ives is a Presbyterian minister serving a congregation in Rhode Island. He graduated from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (M.Div.) in 2005 and is presently doing postgraduate research on the parish model of urban missions in the thought of Thomas Chalmers, 19th century Scottish minister and social reformer. In addition to his passion for all things Chalmers, he is very interested in the pastoral theory and practice of the Reformed tradition, with special interest in catechisms and catechetical practice. He enjoys blogging about these topics here. Michael has the distinct honor of being happily married to the most beautiful woman in the world and has been blessed with a son and three daughters.
Natural fountains for the relief of poverty
Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) was an early voice opposing the compulsory, state-managed poor relief, what would later evolve into the present monster of the welfare state. He argued that a compulsory, bureaucratized system tended to stop up four natural fountains of charity within society, fountains that had long adequately refreshed the poor in rural Scottish society [...]
A Time to Dance?
Rapture erupted this weekend over the long-awaited announcement of a Hollywood couple’s wedding engagement – a couple whom I would rather not dignify by naming, much less suggest I want anything to do with the general ogle. Many celebrate their heroism in waiting to marry until “everyone has the right.” But as they clap, I [...]
Whole preaching for the whole man
“Some persons preach only doctrine; that makes people all head, which is a monster. Some preach only experience; that makes the people all heart, which is a monster too. Others preach only practice; that makes people all hands and feet, which is likewise a monster. But if you preach doctrine and experience and practice, by [...]
Tired?
Are you tired? Tired of the monotony? Every day the same? Tired of the treadmill of life? Tired of the aches and pains that won’t go away? The post-holiday bills? The post-holiday dreariness? Or are you tired of certain people? Do they make your life complicated? Do they cause you more work, or make your [...]
Entertainment in ministry – “ineffably disgusting”
Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) records the following about an invitation he had accepted to preach. In the passage, he relates his growing revulsion as he learned of the details planned for the event. It’s amusing, yet sobering – especially since it’s so contemporary! * * * * * “They have got the sermon into the newspaper, and on reading the advertisement [...]
Real realpolitik
John Knox, the great Scottish Reformer, was definitely no adept in worldy-wisdom. His positions were always unbending and uncompromising. He despised subtlety, and spoke always with the greatest of candor. He obviously had little interested in making friends and influencing people; that is, unless by influence one means shameless, hard-hitting argument! When Queen Mary came [...]
The Resurrection Possible
“And to any thoughtful person would anything appear more incredible, than, if we were not in the body, and some one were to say that it was possible that from a small drop of human seed bones and sinews and flesh be formed into a shape such as we see? For let this now be [...]
Jesus’ “sorrow unto death”
“But what, we may reverently ask, was the cause of this sorrow unto death of the Lord Jesus Christ? Not fear, either of bodily or mental suffering: but Death. Man’s nature, created of God immortal, shrinks (by the law of its nature) from the dissolution of the bond that hinds body to soul. Yet to fallen [...]
The Rise of the Sun of Righteousness
“The Spirit of God dwelling in [Christ], in all the fulness of his graces and gifts, gave him an understanding peculiar unto himself; as above that of all creatures, so beneath the essential omniscience of the divine nature. Hence some things, as he was a man, he knew not, (Mark xiii. 32,) but as they [...]
In Defense of the Old Creeds & Confessions
Creeds and confessions often get a bad rap. Some object that they are unnecessary or even harmful – unwelcome barriers wedged between the believer and his Bible. Some also say that they embody preconceived systems that strong-arm the Bible to justify them. It is suggested that they don’t really grow out of the Scriptures in [...]
