Seeking Clarity with Hope!
Historical Analysis and Exposition engaging with pressing church-culture issues of the day.
Who am I?
Hi, I’m Adam. I am an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) and pastor the congregation of Calvary church in Middletown, PA. I am the son of missionary parents, and a graduate of Moody Bible Institute (BA) and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia (MDiv).
1. And Why am I Writing?
A lot has changed in the past 5 years—not the least of which have been church spaces in the United States. I began pastoral ministry in early 2020 and was immediately thrown into a storm of controversies, particularly spiritual-social issues such as the relationship between church and state, race in its historical, legal, and ecclesiastical performance, gender inequality and abuse within church spaces. That is a lot of conflict, confusion, and darkness! Engaging spiritually, and in an embodied way with each of these matters can be grueling as spiritual warfare always is, but I believe the power of God is at work even here…especially here.
Many people are “deconstructing" their faith, and many people’s faiths have actually needed some deconstructing. My view is that this is a period for reformation and returning to the Lord, so that a healthy deconstruction might lead to a life-giving reconstruction of that faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). Wouldn’t that be amazing, if this is what we are witnessing in our time!? I believe God is powerful enough to do it and has promised to do it (Philippians 1:6). I believe that the Power of His might is manifest through the faith of His people (Ephesians 6:10-20).
2. What am I writing?
That being said, over the past several years I have sought to use the gifts God has given me in two ways that I hope are of some service to readers, (1) Historical Research and (2) Expositional Preaching:
Historical research,
I dig into history because it allows us to see pursue present clarity in the midst of confusion. Without a historical tether it is easy to become paralyzed with “much searching of heart” when action becomes necessary (Judges 5:16). History can be the beginning of forward progress in specifying precisely what question(s) needs to be answered. Once we have clarity there is a comfort in identifying precise problems and seeking their solution—even in conflict! Now, I am not a historian, but the work that I intend to publish here is very particular as it pertains to my own denomination—the OPC, Race, and Ecclesiastical Relations, along with the many contours of doctrine that intertwine like wealth, anthropology, and the Gospel’s message for the oppressed. The usefulness in my work here is not so much in its originality, but in mapping out a story and approach to that helps clarify why matters of race, etc. are so persistent and why they so often feel ‘untouchable’ or inherently divisive.
Expositional Preaching,
I intend to publish work from my sermons through the book of Judges which meets us in the “Night Country” (see True Detective season 4!) and declares to us that there is indeed a King who reigns over all, and in our midst. If you are triggering as you see ‘preaching’ in the content, note this: These posts will not be used as a mere ‘authoritative stamp’ but for active listening as I bring some pertinent questions to Jesus and curiously see what He has to say. This is an exercise in more than Bible study, but actually practicing the presence of God in our real world lives. Christ is present with us by His Spirit as we walk with Him according to His Word. As I just said, there are ‘many contours of doctrine that intertwine’ with the historical and social contexts I intend to engage and analyze.
I firmly believe that when we pursue Christ, no matter the circumstances we will find at least three things: Freedom in the truth (John 8:31-32), light and life in the midst of darkness and death (Psalm 27:1-3), and hope (Psalm 71:5).
2. Who am I Writing for?
I am hoping that this Substack opens up discussion for those who are curious, if not troubled by the current shape of many U.S. church spaces.
The aim of this page is to ‘seek peace, and pursue it’ (Psalm 34:14-15). Given its orientation this Substack is historical and religious, but I do not intend its discussion space to be limited to Christian readers. Thus, disagreement won’t be censored when it is present (i.e. preaching ‘Peace, peace, where there is no peace’ (Jeremiah 6:14), but all should be engaged in good faith.
The orientation is the confidence that the truth is not a threat but actually sets us free.
The hope of this endeavor is that we might “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8).
3. When Will I be Posting?
As I begin this project during the holidays, my initial posts may be a bit off-and-on, particularly as I learn how to navigate this medium. However, in the new year I hope to post a new section once a week.
4. How can you Support this project?
Subscribe! And if you find the content engaging and helpful, please share it with a friend!
