About Me

My name is Sam Powell. I am a recovering pastor. You can read part of my story here.

I love the Heidelberg Catechism and have from my youth when I first memorized it. I have been immersed in the system of thought which bears the name “Reformed.” To me, the word means that system of theology summarized by the Reformed Creeds known as the Three Forms of Unity, which are the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dordt. That is what I am immersed in. I struggle to understand why the Reformed Churches have been such a hospitable environment for spiritual abusers, those who lack imagination, and those who struggle with love. Something is missing between the theology and the practice. I struggle to understand it.

My blog is a record of my thoughts and my studies. I hope and pray that the reader will find those thoughts edifying. I know that there are those who might disagree with me. I bear them no ill will.

Some who disagree might want to discuss things. I am certainly open to that. Others who disagree with me want to post argumentative and reviling comments. Usually they come from a Reformed background, which breaks my heart. These will not be approved and not allowed to post. You may disagree with my decision, but it is my blog. If I have limited time for discussion, I certainly have no time for an argument with a reviler. I love discussion, and I love talking about my faith and my savior, Jesus Christ. But I find argument to be distasteful in the extreme and will not engage. I have never changed anyone’s mind by arguing with them, and they have certainly not changed mine by reviling me or my family.

So welcome, dear reader. Browse and enjoy my thoughts. You may be challenged, comforted, confronted, wondering, or perhaps indignant, but I pray that whether you agree or disagree you will be edified.

And with that, I leave you with the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism:

1. What is thy only comfort in life and in death?

“That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own but belong to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me, that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.”