July 1, 2025
Seeds of Truth “I know your works: Behold! I have set an open door in your sight which no one has the power to shut because you have a little power and have kept my word” (Revelation 3:8 to the Church in Philadelphia, Sinaiticus Codex reading). — Richard Doctor “A world totally new, demands a new political science” (Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, 1835). The administrative capital building for the newly formed colony of Pennsylvania was the centerpiece of the Delaware […]
July 1, 2022
The Struggle for Holiness “Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:8). By Richard Doctor Corinth was a challenge. This strategically located hub of commerce was a “rough and tumble” seaport and blue-collar city of ancient origin, noted for its low morals and licentiousness. The name “Corinthian” applied to a woman was an insult. Paul leaves us no doubt as […]
September 1, 2021
Messenger to the Church in Philadelphia (1667-1874) “The way of taking up the cross is an entire resignation of soul … The way is narrow indeed, and the gate very strait … they that can not endure the cross must never have the crown” (William Penn)1 by Richard Doctor A freshly printed “blasphemous book” titled The Sandy Foundation Shaken reached the hands of the Bishop of London. It was a direct attack on the Trinity, asserting, “that the Father, Son, and Spirit, […]
November 1, 2020
No End to the Increase “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom” (Isaiah 9:7). by Richard Doctor To understand Isaiah’s words we need to look back at a long night well overthree thousand years ago when Jacob wrestled with the angel until he was blessed. Jacob was renamed “Israel.” The Hebrew Isra means “a prince with power.” The word “government” in Isaiah 9:7 derives from the same […]
January 1, 2020
Evidence for the Creative Days “And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day” (Genesis 1:6-8). by Richard Doctor The extremely dense and heavy fog-like atmosphere […]