Five Solas Church - OPC - Reedsburg, WI

05/26/2026

Most Christians know (and love) the hymns “Rock of Ages” and “And Can it Be?”. It would certainly not be uncommon to have both of these hymns requested during a church hymn sing.

Something most Christians don’t know is this: That the authors of those two hymns – Augustus Toplady and John Wesley – would not have consented to worship in the same church.
John Wesley was an unapologetic Arminian. Augustus Toplady was an unapologetic Calvinist.

The differences between these two systems of doctrine are great, but Mr. Toplady had deeper concerns when it came to Mr. Wesley’s doctrine. Namely, this: “Arminianism came from the Church of Rome, and leads back again to the pit whence it was digged.”

Here is a tract written by Mr. Toplady that seeks to establish his accusation with evidence.

https://www.fivesolas.church/arminianism-the-road-to-rome/

05/05/2026

How to Spend The Day with God by Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

“A holy life is inclined to be made easier when we know the usual sequence and method of our duties – with everything falling into its proper place. Therefore, I shall give some brief directions for spending the day in a holy manner:”

https://www.fivesolas.church/spending-the-day-with-god/

03/24/2026

What is the difference between Presbyterians and Evangelicals? Many Christians assume the two are basically the same—but historically and theologically there are some important distinctions.

NEW BOOK: Bold as a Lion: Christian Courage in an Age of Cowards. Now available in paperback and ebook! Get it here: https://amzn.to/49FjBA8Presbyterian vs. ...

01/05/2026

There’s no question about it—Hillsong, Bethel, Jesus Culture, and Elevation have become a global phenomenon. And you should stop singing their music.

Update: followup post on how music embodies theology here and one on two kinds of worship music here.

12/22/2025

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)

The verse above is well-known to all. It has been read in the churches since the time of the Apostles and sung by congregations since the second century. It can therefore be mentally jarring to hear modern translations of it read during the advent season.

Some translations even seem to be communicating an entirely different message. Were the angels continuing to proclaim God’s universal benevolence toward all people (v. 10) or only his particular grace to “those with whom he is pleased” (ESV)?

This confusion is due not to any difference in translation philosophy, but to a textual variant. A textual variant is a difference between the wording of two or more manuscripts of the Greek New Testament and, in the case of Luke 2:14, the difference consists of a single letter.

Many claim that textual variants affect no doctrine, but this is clearly a case in which the interpretation and application of a verse is affected by the presence or absence of a single letter. So which reading is correct? What did the angels actually say?

Read the essay here:

John W. Burgon, and upwards of fifty church fathers, vindicate the received reading of Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

12/02/2025

Should Christians get Tattoos? There is only one clear reference to tattoos in Scripture: “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28). Obviously, this is a strict prohibition. It is also an Old Testament precept, and many Christians argue that it is no longer applicable today. This claim deserves some careful consideration.

11/07/2025

“Can I give reasons from Scripture why anyone should join a church? Did the Christians in New Testament times formally join churches or did they more of an informal relationship? Did the churches in the days of the Apostle Paul have a membership list? How do I respond to the rising tide of opinion that says church membership is merely an unchallenged, but unbiblical tradition and an unnecessary formality? Here’s what I found:”

The Biblical Basis for Local Church Membership: https://www.fivesolas.church/the-biblical-basis-for-local-church-membership/

10/20/2025

Question: “I was recently surprised to discover that some of the people in our church disapprove of Halloween. Why? What’s so wrong with it?”

Answer: Some Christians object to the observance of Halloween because they find its historical roots and related activities incompatible with God’s calling upon their lives.

Here are some examples: https://www.fivesolas.church/what-is-wrong-with-halloween/

06/10/2025

“Teaching children to be a blessing to others while at church can be difficult because all children are born with a sinful nature. Foolishness is bound up in their precious little hearts. Training this out of them is possible, however, and the Lord actually commands parents to do it.

There are two essential elements to effective child training in a church context: clear expectations and consistent enforcement.”

Read on here: https://www.fivesolas.church/training-children-to-worship/

05/14/2025

Spurgeon on Church Hoppers:

“I know persons who cannot get on anywhere; but, according to their own belief, the fault is not in themselves, but in their surroundings…”

Read more here: https://www.fivesolas.church/spurgeon-on-church-hoppers/