10 Theses on Creation

Posted on May 25, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

The Triune God is the creator of everything in the universe.

In the beginning (Gn. 1:1), God made “the earth and all that is in it” (Neh. 9:6). He made his creation perfect, “good” (1Tm. 4:4), “very good” (Gn. 1:31), and “everything beautiful in its time” (Ecc. 3:11). “Good” precludes anything evil in creation before the Fall. The living God created the world ex nihilo, out of nothing (Gn. 1:1), without any pre-existing materials (Gn. 3:21).

He did so by a “word” (Hb. 11:3). He “spoke and it came to be” (Ps. 33:9); he “commanded” and the world was created (Ps. 148:5). The creation of the world was immediate, similar to the way Jesus instantly turned water into wine (Jn. 2:1-11) and fed the five thousand (Mt. 14:13-21). God also created the world with maturation, such as fully grown trees and Adam and Eve with the appearance of age.

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10 Theses on Suffering

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Suffering should be expected and embraced by Christians.

Jesus promised believers they would be “hated by all” for his sake (Mt. 10:22), delivered up to courts, flogged (Mt. 10:17), betrayed by friends (Lk. 21:16-17), and thrown into prison (Rv. 2:10). Paul said we must enter into the kingdom of God “through many tribulations” (Ac. 14:22).

Jesus warned Paul that he would suffer much (Ac. 9:16). “Do not be surprised,” John said, “that the world hates you” (1Jn. 3:13). “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Tm. 3:1

2. Suffering began at the Fall and lands upon everyone.

Death is the only way to avoid suffering. Adam and Eve were created posse non peccare (able not to sin) but were told that if they ate of the wrong tree, they would die (Gn. 2:17). They disobeyed, bringing immediate spiritual death. Their sin also brought other forms of suffering, like pain in childbirth to women (Gn. 3:16), difficulty in labor to men (Gn. 3:17-19), and eventual death to all people (Gn. 5:5; Rm. 5:12).

Today, suffering is universal, as common as sparks that drift upwards (Job 5:7). Job, who lost all of his children, possessions, and health, said he was “few of days and full of trouble” (14:1). Jesus said: “In the world you will have tribulation” (Jn. 14:33).

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HANDS, FEET, HEART: The Music of Johann Sebastian Bach (Ep. 50)

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Bach video here.

The Scriptures demand that God’s creatures glorify Him in everything. Whether we eat, whether we drink, whether we play, whether we work, whether we sing, whether we compose, whatever we do, we are to praise and give honor to God (1Co. 10:31). Johann Sebastian Bach loved instruments and singing and is known today as one of the greatest composers of all time. He dedicated his life to show the world that music is one of God’s greatest tools to glorify Jesus Christ.

Church History, Music, VOV

JOY TO THE WORLD: The Singing of Isaac Watts (Ep. 48)

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Isaac Watts video here

Singing belongs to every occasion. We sing in victory, like Moses who celebrated as the Egyptians sunk to the bottom of the sea (Ex. 15). We sing in marriage, like the Song of Solomon which expresses a husband’s love for his wife. We sing in rescue, like David who thanked God for delivering him from his enemies (2Sm. 22).

We sing in big events, like the Levites who rejoiced over the purification of the temple (2Ch 29:27-28). We sing in gratitude, like Mary who exalted the Lord for the privilege of birthing the Son of God (Luke 1:46-56). We sing in praise, like the angels who glorified God at the coming of baby Jesus (Lk. 2:13).

We sing in suffering, like Paul and Silas who cried aloud while shackled to a dungeon wall (Ac. 16:25). We sing in joy, like God who delights in His people (Zep. 3:17). We sing in humility, like the redeemed that fall down before the Lamb of God (Lk. 5:8-9).

In the early 18^th century, God used the poetic compositions of Isaac Watts to help the church sing beautiful, doctrinally-rich songs to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Church History, Isaac Watts, Music, Singing

The Introspection of Matthew Henry (Ep. 45)

Posted on April 13, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Matthew Henry video here

The Scripture warns that it is far easier to see the faults in others than to observe the blemishes in our own lives. Rare is the man who examines his own weaknesses far more than the foibles of others. Matthew Henry was such an example. Pastor, preacher, father of a large family, and author of perhaps the most popular biblical commentary ever written, Matthew Henry never stopped examining his own heart in pursuit of holiness and Christ-likeness.

Church History, Matthew Henry, Puritans, VOV

The Conversion of John Bunyan (Ep. 44)

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch John Bunyan video here

Tinkering with the grace of God brings great offense to the Almighty. Some of history’s godliest giants at first disdained the Lord’s free gift of salvation, at times nibbling around the edges, seeking to yield only partial allegiance to Christ.

John Bunyan did not convert to Christ in a moment, nor was it an easy journey to the Celestial City. But when he finally saw that grace alone could wash away his sins, he took his place as one of the greatest preachers and writers the world has ever seen.

Church History, John Bunyan, Paul Schlehlein, Pilgrim’s Progress, VOV

LION OF RORA: The Fight of Joshua Gianavel (Ep. 42)

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Joshua Gianavel video here

Throughout history, there has rarely been a time of greater persecution upon the church then against the 17^th-century Christian minority called the Waldensians. These were peaceable Protestants that learned there was a time to fight.

Like the warrior Joshua of old, Captain Joshua Gianavel was a man of heroic bravery, unyielding resolve, endless energy, and risky creativity.

As a general par excellence, Gianavel was fast to make decisions and quick to carry them out. He knew well Jesus’ words to live as peacemakers but also understood a Christian’s calling to defend himself, his family, and his nation. By this, Gianavel models for believers when they must fight and when they must seek peace.

Church History, Government, Protestant, VOV

PEERLESS PURITAN: The Imagery of Thomas Watson (Ep. 43)

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Thomas Watson video here.

Orators in imagery uses word pictures to explain, entertain, and delight. A gifted speakers doesn’t say, “I help people see clearly.” He says, “I am the light of the world.” He doesn’t say, “Fist fights get out of hand quickly.” He says, “A quarrel is like opening a floodgate.” He doesn’t say, “Chasing a wicked woman will get you in trouble.” He says, “Pursuing a harlot is like an ox going to slaughter.”

Jeremiah described rebellious Israel as a donkey sniffing the wind (Jer. 2:24). David said God’s words are sweeter than the prized drippings of a honeycomb (Ps. 19:10). King Solomon compared a scoundrel’s words to a runaway forest fire (Pr. 16:27) and a king’s anger to a lion’s roar (Pr. 20:2). These metaphors and hundreds more in Scripture help people understand the nature of God, the depths of their sin, the purpose of life, and the grandeur of Jesus.

Jesus was the master at imagery, using robbers, crops, weddings, spices, animals, coins and kings to explain the truth. In church history, one of the giants of word pictures was Thomas Watson, who learned that while he preached from the Bible, he could also paint with his words.

Church History, Paul Schlehlein, Puritans

PRINCE OF THE PURITANS: The Thoroughness of John Owen (Ep. 41)

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch John Owen video here

The Bible emphasizes doing tasks completely, heartily, and with all one’s might. John Owen, the great theologian of the Puritan movement, never did his work by halves but embraced the kind of thoroughness Colossians 3:23 promotes: “Work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Whether it was writing catechisms for children, penning theological treatises, or preaching before Parliament, Owen worked with all his might.

Church History, John Owen, Paul Schlehlein, Puritans, VOV

The Studiousness of Richard Baxter (Ep. 40)

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Richard Baxter video here

Visit the market town of Kidderminster in Worcestershire, England today and you’ll notice a statue of a man preaching, his right hand pointing upward and his left hand holding a book. This monument of Richard Baxter, the 17^th century nonconformist minister, captures the three items he loved most: Heaven, preaching, and books—ultimately the greatest book of Scripture.

Gifted with a tenacious memory and an incomparable work ethic, Richard Baxter stands as the most prolific English theological writer of all time. A study of his life will illustrate an excellent model of Christians studiousness to the glory of God.

Church History, Paul Schlehlein, Puritan, Puritans, VOV

PARADISE LOST: The Adaptability of John Milton (Ep. 39)

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch John Milton video here

John Milton is remembered today as one of England’s greatest poets, second only to William Shakespeare. But unlike the Bard of Avon, Milton was a committed Protestant that wrote with poetic genius, grandeur, and complexity.

Most have heard of Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost,his masterpiece and most famous work. But few know people that he wrote this work while enduring the most difficult trial of his life: blindness. Not one to sulk, Milton altered his course, and devoted himself to the work of his life. In doing so, he leaves the church an example of Spirit-filled adaptability.

Church History, Elightenment, John Milton, Puritan, VOV

AMERICA’S FIRST MISSIONARY: The Impartiality of John Eliot (Ep. 38)

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch John Eliot video here

John Elliot was born 188 years before William Carey sailed for India as the Father of Modern Missions. Though many consider Carey’s voyage as the beginning of the modern missionary movement, Eliot had already crossed the Atlantic nearly two centuries earlier for Great Commission work.

Prior to Eliot’s labors, the church had given little effort toward gospel preaching around the world. One exception was Leif Ericson of Norway, who took the good news to the people of Greenland. John Eliot, indeed, was a pioneer missionary. And he was so successful in his gospel work among the Native Americans that he became known as “The Apostle to the Indians.”

Church History, John Eliot, Puritan, VOV

The Encouragement of Samuel Rutherford (Ep. 37)

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Samuel Rutherford video here

Many today remember Samuel Rutherford as the great 17^th-century theologian and member of the Westminster Assembly. But it was his work while out of the limelight and laboring in prison that most impacts the church today.

Rutherford developed a knack for finding a wounded soul, applying the balm of Scripture to fix it, and then expressing this Christ-centered medicine through pen and ink. This resulted in The Letters of Samuel Rutherford, widely considered a classic of Protestant piety. These letters of encouragement to fellow Christians stand today as a citadel of edification for the down and hurting.

Church History, Samuel Rutherford, VOV, Westminster Confession

DISSENTER: The Assurance of Thomas Goodwin (Ep. 36)

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Thomas Goodwin video here

The Puritans were English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries that aimed to “purify” the Church of England by taking away Catholic practices, believing it had not been fully transformed after the Protestant Reformation.

The Puritans accomplished remarkable feats. William Gouge, for example, who was known for reading fifteen chapters of the Bible daily, fathered thirteen children, wrote nearly twenty books, pastored the same church for forty-six years and took thirty-three years to preach through the book of Hebrews.

Another giant among the Puritans was Thomas Goodwin. At age fourteen he was told his short stature would prevent him from becoming a leader of consequence. Instead, he became one of the giants of the Puritan movement, especially during its zenith from 1640-1660. These two decades produced the most quality books, gifted ministers, and biblical preachers that explain how believers may find assurance of salvation.

Church History, Church Polity, Presbytarian, Puritans

SWEET DROPPER: The Sympathy of Richard Sibbes (Ep. 35)

Posted on February 2, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Richard Sibbes video here

Sixteenth-century Puritan Richard Sibbes excelled as a friend, pastor, and preacher, but it was his book The Bruised Reed that remains his greatest legacy to the church. Just as a good father does not focus on the blemishes of his child, so a sympathetic man will give grace toward the weaknesses of his friend.

Sibbes said: “A mother who has a sick and self-willed child will not therefore cast it away. And shall there be more mercy in the stream than in the spring?” Yes, and the spring is Christ, as we shall now see.

Church History, Puritan, Richard Sibbes, VOV

GOLDEN CHAIN: The Discernment of William Perkins (Ep. 34)

Posted on January 26, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Perkins video here

As pastor, preacher, theologian, and author, William Perkins became one of the most influential Puritans, that spiritual fraternity of gifted preachers that first appeared at the end of the 16^th century. Perkins lived for less than two decades after his conversion but used his remaining years in devotion to Christ.

His books on prayer, assurance of salvation, holy living, and the gospel outsold the most popular preachers of his day. His preaching and writing ministry shaped his society such that he is widely considered the father of Puritanism.

Church History, Ordo Salutis, The Golden Chain, William Perkins

SUCCESSOR: The Transparency of Theodore Beza

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Theodore Beza video here

The “Reformation Wall” is a monument in Switzerland that honors four great men of the Protestant Reformation. These theological giants were called “reformers” because they worked diligently to change and improve the corrupt church of their day.

The four men standing upright upon the wall—from left to right—are William Farel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza and John Knox. With the exception of Calvin, Beza was considered the most celebrated theologian among the French Reformed, using the brilliant mind God had given him to spread the gospel throughout Europe.

Church History, Reformation, VOV

MARTYROLOGIST: The Rigor of John Foxe (Ep. 32)

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch John Foxe video here

The term “rigor” comes from a Latin word meaning “stiffness”. Rigor mortis is the stiffening of a body’s muscles and joints a few hours after death. A man who shows rigor is thorough, exhaustive, and accurate. He is not flexible with the facts, soft with the truth, or fast and free with the details.

This trait serves historians well, who mustn’t be careless with the truth but diligent, not easily bent to another’s opinions. John Foxe stands as church history’s greatest martyrologist, the name for a historian who studies the lives of those who were killed for their faith. Some Christians value Foxe’s Book of Martyrs above all other human books because it details so carefully the lives and deaths of some of Church history’s greatest Christians.

Foxe was a man of courage and godliness, who showed meticulous attention to detail and, in doing so, provided the greatest record of Christian martyrs ever written.

Church History, John Foxe, Martyr, Martyrdom, VOV

The Courage of John Knox (Ep. 31)

Posted on January 5, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch John Knox episode here

On the Reformation Wall in Switzerland stands the Scottish Reformer John Knox, with the Genevan trio of William Farel, John Calvin, and Theodore Beza to his right.

Though little is known of his early days, Knox became Scotland’s greatest reformer—known for his bravery and fearlessness. As a fiery prophet of Calvinistic doctrine, the implacable Knox fought hard against the errors of his day and was unafraid to stand alone. He once said: “One man with God is always the majority.”

Not one to mince words, Knox once said that the celebration of the Catholic Mass was worse than drinking a cup of poison. Thus, John Calvin called him “God’s firebrand”, pointing to the indominable courage of this great Scottish reformer.

Bloody Mary, Church History, John Knox, Reformation

The Discipline of John Bradford (Ep. 30)

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch John Bradford video here

Though heroes should be household names, many of the greatest giants in church history have been forgotten. One example is John Bradford, who is remembered primarily for his martyrdom, though his godly life of spiritual discipline should be equally revered.

Church History, John Bradford, Martyr, VOV

The Faithfulness of Rowland Taylor (Ep. 29)

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Rowland Taylor episode here

One would think that the Catholic Church triumphed when it burned the Reformers at the stake. Instead, thousands of people who were once enemies of the gospel turned from their errors and became friends of the cross when they saw the bravery of devoted Christians in the flames.

Rowland Taylor, of the 16^th century, lives on as one of the famous Marian martyrs—the name given to the Christians that Queen Mary killed during her bloody five-year reign. Taylor wrote no books, not a single sermon of his remains in print and no large headstone marks his grave.

In some ways, his life has been forgotten. And yet, Taylor’s testimony still stands as a monument of faithfulness today when we consider the endless commitment he showed to his calling, his wife, his children, and his Lord.

Bloody Mary, Church History, Martyr, Reformation, VOV

The Submission of John Calvin (Ep. 28)

Posted on December 1, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch John Calvin episode here

John Calvin, the great French reformer, stands as the most significant leader in the second generation of the Protestant Reformation. Unlike Luther, Calvin dreaded quarrelling.

Though he was reluctant to speak about his personal life and avoided public attention, his long tenure as pastor in Geneva teaches us how a supposed “chance” event can change history and how humble submission to wise counsellors can lead believers aright.

Arminianism, Calvinism, Church History, Reformation, VOV

The Correspondence of Heinrich Bullinger (Ep. 27)

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Bullinger episode here

The first generation of the great Protestant Reformers laid a sturdy foundation upon the Five Solas and helped the Church pull away from the theological abuses of the Roman Catholics. When men like Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli died in the first half of the 16^th century, they were followed by the second-generation of Reformers who carried on their work.

With the exception of John Calvin, Heinrich Bullinger may have been the most instrumental of the succeeding generation which sought to exalt Jesus Christ through the faithful preaching of His Word.

Church History, Heinrich Bullinger, Reformation, VOV

The Admiration of Philip Melanchthon (Ep. 26)

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Melancthon video here

The 16^th century in church history saw a three-pronged revolt against the heresies of the Roman Catholic Church. In one corner stood the Reformed Reformation, led by John Calvin, Theodore Beza, and John Knox. Conrad Grebel, Felix Mantz, Balthasar Hubmaier and the Anabaptists were another branch that rebelled against the papacy.

The final group that rose up against the pope were the Lutherans, led by Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon. The powerful personality of Luther overshadowed his friend, but Melanchthon was a giant of the faith in his own right, modeling not only careful theological acumen but the warmth of godly admiration and friendship.

Church History, Martin Luther, Melancthon, Reformation, VOV

The Risk of John Hooper (Ep.25)

Posted on November 12, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Hooper video here

The most foolish mistake the Catholic Church made during the reign of Bloody Queen Mary was executing John Hooper, one of the boldest champions of the Reformation. Though he was burned at the stake in 1555 after enduring nearly an hour of fire that would not enflame, it was said that Hooper died as quietly as a child in his bed.

Yet his death was not forgotten, and his cause could not be quieted. By torturing a man for his faith, the church in Rome reached millions with the message of the gospel, where Hooper’s sermons could not.

Bloody Mary, Church History, John Hooper, Martyr, VOV

The Focus of William Tyndale (Ep. 24)

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch the Tyndale episode here

In 1535, William Tyndale, the man that gave us our English Bible, awaited in jail his execution. At root, it was Tyndale’s love for the Scriptures that imprisoned him behind those steely bars. Isolation in a blacked-out dungeon can drive even the strongest of men insane. Yet Tyndale remained perfectly polite and congenial until the very end.

In his early forties and bursting with talent, Tyndale had become the first man to translate the Bible into English from the original Greek and Hebrew. Now, while rotting prison, he took up his pen to write these words: “My overcoat is worn out, my shirts also. I ask to be allowed to have a lamp in the evening, for it is indeed wearisome sitting alone in the dark.”

What drove Tyndale to such measures of fortitude was his unswerving focus to deliver the Bible in English. Nothing could sidetrack him from this goal. John Foxe said that Tyndale was “singularly addicted” to knowing the Bible, a trait for which we remember him to this day.

The Accommodation of Martin Bucer (Ep. 23)

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Martin Bucer video here

The tango is a popular form of ballroom dancing made famous in South America. Both partners must move in perfect unison for the dance to work. The phrase “it takes two to tango” means cooperation is required from both parties for an activity to work.

In a similar way, Scripture exhorts Christians to labor and strive to accommodate one another. But along the way, we must avoid two mistakes. First, don’t seek peace at all costs. That is, don’t change your biblical convictions just to enjoy a ceasefire. Second, don’t view peace as a one-way street. There are others involved who must agree. Martin Bucer, the great Reformer from Germany, was not perfect in his partnerships with others. Yet, he labored so relentlessly for unity that he serves as an excellent example for the Church.

Church History, Martin Bucer, Peaceability, Voices of Virtue

The Versatility of Miles Coverdale (Ep. 22)

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Coverdale video here

It may surprise the reader that England was one of the last nations in Europe to receive a Bible translation in their own language.

It wasn’t for fame or fortune that Miles Coverdale compiled the Scriptures in English. In the preface to the Coverdale Bible, he wrote: “It was neither my labor nor desire, to have this work put in my hand: nevertheless, it grieved me that other nations should be more plenteously provided for with the Scripture in their mother tongue, than we.”

Coverdale translated and compiled the Bible into English during a time when participating in such a project would get you killed. And yet he was willing to work on a host of translation projects in a plethora of challenging settings, such that God used this selfless attitude to produce the first complete English Bible ever printed.

Bible Translation, Church History, Miles Coverdale

The Resilience of Hugh Latimer (Ep. 21)

Posted on October 13, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Latimer video here

The godly virtue of resiliency begins small and grows with time. Boys with just a little strength now may become men of great fortitude tomorrow. Large oaks begin by seed. Floods start with drops. A frog was once a tadpole. A lion was once a cub.

Cowards fear man, not God. They fear offending. They fear the consequences of exposing others’ sins. They worry the truth may bring them unemployment, poverty, imprisonment or even death. Proverbs 29:25 says: “The fear of man lays a snare.” Cowards are trapped. They can’t move. They say, “What will others think?”

Cowards are the sail on a boat. Popular opinion is the wind. They go where the world tells them. Courageous men, on the other hand, do what is right. They are resilient regardless the outcome. When cowards bow, heroes stand. When cowards whisper, heroes proclaim. When cowards run, heroes stand firm. They do not quit. They persevere amidst trials. Why

In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul teaches that despite his afflictions and difficulties, these weaknesses do not disable him. He gives four word pictures to show that his infirmities give him more strength. He’s “afflicted” but “not crushed”; he is “perplexed” but not “driven to despair”; he is “persecuted but not forsaken”; he is “struck down but not destroyed.” The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that will help us survive our trials (v. 7). God makes us weak so he gets all the credit amidst our resiliency, as shall be seen in the life of Hugh Latimer.

Church History, Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, Reformation, Reformers

God’s Mercenary: The Peaceability of Ulrich Zwingli (Ep. 20)

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Zwingli video here

While Martin Luther led the Protestant Reformation in Germany, Ulrich Zwingli helped launch the Swiss Reformation in Zurich in the 1520s. As in Germany, the church in Switzerland had become corrupt and desperately needed reformation—a revolt against papal tyranny. Her leaders had become ignorant, superstitious, and corrupt.

By examining the life of Zwingli, we can learn as much from his errors as we can from his accomplishments. The heroes of the faith in Church History blundered just like the champions of the faith in Scripture. Amidst their mistakes came treasure boxes of triumph, including Zwingli’s tug-of-war success and failure at seeking peace with others.

Church History, Martin Luther, Reformation, Zwingli