Feileadh Mor

MOVED!!!!

2009-07-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

New link : http://feileadhmor.wordpress.com/

The Letters of James Bourne - 41

2009-07-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

[To a Friend.] London, May 1831.

My dear Friend,

Mr. Burrell, in consequence of the conduct of __ , took his text as follows - "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" [John xiii. 35]. He began by saying that it was in consequence of one in the church whom he feared had made a breach in spirit. I never heard him more powerful and solid. He told us that Judas had his feet washed, as well as the beloved disciple John, but that it was only an outward washing. None of them seemed to know what Judas was about, not even when Jesus said to him, " What thou doest, do quickly." Men may carry on a profession many years with their feet washed, yet with secret enmity, conceit and independence lurking in the heart, as Ahithophel long possessed the confidence of David, though in heart set against him; but at last it is brought to light and made manifest, and sometimes by a very slight circumstance.

I rose this morning with much heaviness, and was very dark in prayer, and greatly feared I should have nothing to say to my family. In reading Matthew xxiv., I had so sooner begun than I found the Spirit helping my infirmity. The mourners in verse 30 ["Then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn"] I could not help describing as those who should "see the Son of man come with power and great glory." The power is his judgment, and the sensible anger which poor sinners feel; and those that feel it shall certainly, sooner or later, understand his glory. The angels with the trumpets are the servants of God, preaching the word of life. The branch that "is tender and putteth forth leaves" sets forth the extreme tenderness of those that are in soul trouble, anxious to lay aside everything that they conceive to be displeasing to God. Such may know, or be assured, that summer is nigh, that Jesus Christ is near at hand to heal. I cannot tell you the power and sweetness I felt, and the assurance of God's Spirit that he had chosen me, and made we to rejoice in his salvation, and greatly to hope that he would be with my children.

Yours &c. J. B.

Isaac Watts, born on this day 1674.

2009-07-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

Reasons why towardly ones go back…

2009-07-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

1. Though the consciences of such men are awakened, yet their minds are not changed: therefore, when the power of guilt weareth away, that which provoked them to be religious ceaseth; wherefore they naturally turn to their own course again; even as we see the dog that is sick of what he hath eaten, so long as his sickness prevails, he vomits and casts up all; not that he doth this of a free mind, (if we may say a dog has a mind,) but because it troubleth his stomach: but now, when his sickness is over, and so his stomach eased, his desires being not at all alienated from his vomit, he turns him about, and licks up all; and so it is true which is written, “The dog is turned to his own vomit again.” 2 Pet. 2:22. Thus, I say, being hot for heaven, by virtue only of the sense and fear of the torments of hell, as their sense and fear of damnation chills and cools, so their desires for heaven and salvation cool also. So then it comes to pass, that when their guilt and fear is gone, their desires for heaven and happiness die, and they return to their course again.

2. Another reason is, they have slavish fears that do overmaster them: I speak now of the fears that they have of men; “For the fear of man bringeth a snare.” Prov. 29:25. So then, though they seem to be hot for heaven so long as the flames of hell are about their ears, yet, when that terror is a little over, they betake themselves to second thoughts, namely, that it is good to be wise and not to run (for they know not what) the hazard of losing all, or at least of bringing themselves into unavoidable and unnecessary troubles; and so they fall in with the world again.

3. The shame that attends religion lies also as a block in their way: they are proud and haughty, and religion in their eye is low and contemptible: therefore when they have lost their sense of hell and the wrath to come, they return again to their former course.

4. Guilt, and to meditate terror, are grievous to them; they like not to see their misery before they come into it; though perhaps the sight of at it first, if they loved that sight, might make them fly whither the righteous fly and are safe; but because they do, as I hinted before, even shun the thoughts of guilt and terror, therefore, when once they are rid of their awakenings about the terrors and wrath of God, they harden their hearts gladly, and choose such ways as will harden them more and more. (http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bunyan/pilgrim.iv.x.html)

Ten Commandments

2009-07-09T19:22:00.001-07:00

"If Calvinism is True, Why Evangelize?"

2009-07-06T18:23:00.001-07:00

THE NEW BIRTH

2009-07-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

by B. A. Ramsbottom

A few years ago I noticed a very strange thing whilst sitting in the pulpit. The chapel clock was going the wrong way round! The service started at seven, but by the time we had sung the first hymn it was five to seven! and at the end of the Bible reading it was a quarter to seven! At first I wondered if my eyes were playing tricks and even came down from the pulpit to ask!

That clock had been going round in one direction only, day after day, week after week, year after year. But now suddenly, unexpectedly, it started going round completely the opposite way. I began to think. That is what we see happening in the lives of men and women, girls and boys—a complete change. We have it in the Bible with some who were very wicked—we think of Manasseh and Mary Magdalene.

Sometimes it is called conversion: 'Except ye be converted and become as little children ye cannot see the kingdom of heaven.' It is God's work, not man's; not just turning over a new leaf, not just reforming, not just giving up some sinful habit. The chapel clock soon went back to its old ways, but a true conversion continues. On the Day of Pentecost there were 3000 and they all 'continued stedfastly'.

A godly minister was once walking down the street and his attention was drawn to a drunkard lying in the gutter.

'There is one of your converts!' someone called.

'Yes,' replied the minister, 'it looks like my work. If it had been God's work, he would not be lying there!'

The Bible also speaks of the new birth, the giving of a new life, life from God in the heart. It is this that causes the conversion, the turning round. So the new birth (regeneration it is sometimes called) must come before everything else. A baby is born; then it begins to cry, hunger, thirst, move, etc. When we are born again, we begin to hunger and thirst after Christ, and to move in different ways.

As this is completely God's work, it does not matter how bad the person was before. There are countless stories of most wicked persons whose hearts and lives have been changed by God's grace. A man once went to hear George Whitefield preach, carrying several stones to throw at his head during the sermon. But as the sermon began, the stones one by one were dropped on the floor. (Instead of the man breaking Whitefield's head, God broke the man's heart.) Another time a man climbed on a table in a public house to mimic Whitefield's preaching; but as he spoke his own words affected his heart, and he fled from the place in deep sorrow of soul. He became a godly man and a minister.

The Lord Jesus clearly preached the new birth and the point He insisted on was that it is vital. There is no substitute for it. We often go into a shop and are told, 'We don't have what you want, but we have something that is just as good.' There is no substitute for the new birth.

Nicodemus, who was a ruler among the Jews (we might say, a Member of Parliament), came to Jesus secretly by night. Outwardly he was a good man, a religious man, and he spoke so kindly to the Lord Jesus. But Jesus came straight to the point: 'Ye must be born again.' No salvation without it! In other words: Nicodemus all your religion and good works will not do. You are wrong at heart. You need that complete change, that new life that only God can give.

The important thing in the change is new life. Often in the Bible it is compared to a resurrection. What Jesus did for Jairus' daughter, Lazarus, and the widow of Nain's son, we need Him to do for us. Sometimes going into a house we notice a beautiful display of colourful flowers. On going up to them, though, we find they are artificial. There is no life. We do not want to be like the artificial flowers.

Where there is this life given, this change, we repent and believe. There is so much in the Bible about repentance and faith.

We need to repent because of our sin, our disobedience, our rebellion against God. Jesus preached that 'men ought to repent'. So John the Baptist preached repentance, and the Apostles preached repentance. It is very clear that there is no forgiveness without repentance.

What is repentance? To be sorry for our sins and turn from them to God. It is a turning round (like the clock). How we need to be sorry for all our sins, and to confess them! But what good is it if we even weep about our sins, and still go on the same? The little children's hymn is very much to the point:

Repentance is to leave

The sins we loved before,

And show that we in earnest grieve

By doing them no more.

We well remember an old man, a ruffian, well known in the town, who came to chapel once a year at the anniversary. Throughout the service he would weep, and at the end would say, 'I know this is where I should be! I know this is where I should be!' Then we would not see him for another year. One year he was not there; he had taken his own life. Tears, however many, without forsaking sin—that is not repentance.

Then there is faith. This is not just to believe that Jesus lived, and died, and rose again, but to trust Him. And both repentance and faith are the gift of God. Where there is real conversion, where the new birth takes place, then we renounce any hope in ourselves, or any confidence in what we have done, and trust only in the Lord Jesus.

How important that little word only is! At the time of the Reformation the great debate between Protestants and Roman Catholics was about justification by faith. But the Roman Catholics were willing to agree to justification by faith—so long as the word 'only' or 'alone' was left out. 'Be sure you don't give up that word only,'' was the advice given to a few ministers as they journeyed to a debate with their opponents.

Faith is personal and there is always that element of trust in it. How much there is in the story of Blondin, the famous tightrope walker! He could walk blindfold across a tightrope stretched over the Niagara Falls. He could even push a man across in a wheelbarrow, unbelievable as it seems! On one occasion he was talking to a friend about his achievements. He asked the friend if he really believed that he could push a man safely across. 'Yes,' said his friend. Blondin pressed him on this point as to whether he really believed it would be safe.

I have no doubt at all, from what I know of your ability, of the man's safety.'

But he would not climb into the wheelbarrow! He did not really trust him!

How important is the Holy Spirit's work in the new birth, enabling us to turn from sin to God, and to trust the Lord Jesus!

To quote Whitefield once more: he was once staying at a house where he was treated with the greatest courtesy and kindness. However, sadly, he could see they were strangers to the new birth. Praying as to how he could deal with the matter, he picked up a diamond ring and wrote on the mirror, 'yet one thing thou lackest', and God made that word a blessing.

On one occasion the Lord Jesus was asked, 'Are there few that be saved?' They just wanted to satisfy their curiosity: 'Are there few that be saved?' Jesus answered their question, but not as they expected: 'Strive to enter in at the strait gate.' In other words: What about yourself!

'One thing is needful' (Luke 10: 42).

'Ye must be born again' (John 3: 7).

'Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God' (John 3: 5).

'Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 18:3).

'Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish' (Luke 13: 3, 5).

Suggested Bible readings
John 3: 1-17.
Ephesians 2: 1-9.

Bible Doctrines Simply Explained. B. A. Ramsbottom. Gospel Standard Trust Publications. 1986.69 Lanngham Gardens, Grange Park. London N21 1DL, England.

Remember Lot's Wife

2009-06-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

by

J. C. Ryle
(1816-1900)

There are few warnings in Scripture more solemn than this. The Lord Jesus Christ says to us, "Remember Lot's wife."

Lot's wife was a professor of religion: her husband was a "righteous man" (II Peter 2:8). She left Sodom with him on the day when Sodom was destroyed; she looked back towards the city from behind her husband, against God's express command; she was struck dead at once, and turned into a pillar of salt. And the Lord Jesus Christ holds her up as a beacon to His church: He says, "Remember Lot's wife."

It is a solemn warning, when we think of the person Jesus names. He does not bid us remember Abraham, or Isaac, or Jacob, or Sarah, or Hannah, or Ruth. No: He singles out one whose soul was lost for ever. He cries to us, "Remember Lot's wife."

It is a solemn warning, when we consider the subject Jesus is upon. He is speaking of His own second coming to judge the world: He is describing the awful state of unreadiness in which many will be found. The last days are on His mind, when He says, "Remember Lot's wife."

It is a solemn warning, when we think of the Person who gives it. The Lord Jesus is full of love, mercy, and compassion: He is One who will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax He could weep over unbelieving Jerusalem, and pray for the men that crucified Him; yet even He thinks it good to give this solemn warning and remind us of lost souls. Even He says, "Remember Lot's wife."

It is a solemn warning, when we think of the persons to whom it was first given. The Lord Jesus was speaking to His disciples: He was not addressing the Scribes and Pharisees who hated him, but Peter, James, and John, and many others who loved Him: yet even to them He thinks good to address a caution. Even to them He says, "Remember Lot's wife."

It is a solemn warning, when we consider the manner in which it was given. He does not merely say, "Beware of following-take heed of imitating-do not be like Lot's wife." He uses a different word: He says, "Remember" He speaks as if we were all in danger of forgetting the subject; He stirs up our lazy memories; He bids us keep the case before our minds. He cries, "Remember Lot's wife."

I will speak of the religious privileges which Lot's wife enjoyed.

In the days of Abraham and Lot, true saving religion was scarce upon earth; there were no Bibles, no ministers, no churches, no tracts, no missionaries. The knowledge of God was confined to a few favoured families; the greater part of the inhabitants of the world were living in darkness, ignorance, superstition, and sin. Not one in a hundred perhaps had such good example, such spiritual society, such clear knowledge, such plain warnings as Lot's wife. Compared with millions of her fellow-creatures in her time, Lot's wife was a favoured woman.

She had a godly man for her husband: she had Abraham, the father of the faithful for her uncle by marriage. The faith, the knowledge, and the prayers of these two righteous men could have been no secret to her. It is impossible that she could have dwelt in tents with them for any length of time, without knowing whose they were and whom they served. Religion with them was no formal business; it was the ruling principle of their lives and the mainspring of their actions. All this Lot's wife must have seen and known. This was no small privilege.

When Abraham first received the promises, it is probable Lot's wife was there. when he built his tent between Hai and Bethel, it is probable she was there...when the angels came to Sodom and warned her husband to flee, she saw them; when they took them by the hand and led them out of the city, she was one of those whom they helped to escape. Once more, I say, these were no small privileges.

Yet what good effect had all these privileges on the heart of Lot's wife? None at all. Notwithstanding all her opportunities and means of grace-not-withstanding all her special warnings and messages from heaven-she lived and died graceless, godless, impenitent, and unbelieving. The eyes of her understanding were never opened; her conscience was never really aroused and quickened; her will was never really brought into a state of obedience to God; her affections were never really set on things above. The form of religion which she had was kept up for fashion's sake and not from feeling: it was a cloak worn for the sake of pleasing her company, but not from any sense of its value. She did as others around her in Lot's house: she conformed to her husband's ways: she made no opposition to his religion: she allowed herself to be passively towed along in his wake: but all this time her heart was wrong in the sight of God. The world was in her heart, and her heart was in the world. In this state she lived, and in this state she died.

In all this there is much to be learned: I see a lesson here which is of the greatest importance in the present day. You live in times when there are many persons just like Lot's wife: Come and hear the lesson which her case is meant to teach.

Learn, then, that the mere possession of religious privileges will save no one's soul. You may have spiritual advantages of every description; you may live in the full sunshine of the richest opportunities and means of grace; you may enjoy the best of preaching and the choicest instruction; you may dwell in the midst of light, knowledge, holiness, and good company. All this may be, and yet you yourself may remain unconverted, and at last be lost for ever.

I dare say this doctrine sounds hard to some readers. I know that many fancy they want nothing but religious privileges in order to become decided Christians. They are not what they ought to be at present, they allow; but their position is so hard, they plead, and their difficulties are so many. Give them a godly husband, or a godly wife-give them godly companions, or a godly master-give them the preaching of the gospel-give them privileges, and then they would walk with God.

It is all a mistake. It is an entire delusion. It requires something more than privileges to save souls. Joab was David's captain; Gehazi was Elisha's servant; Demas was Paul's companion; Judas Iscariot was Christ's disciple; and Lot had a worldly, unbelieving wife. These all died in their sins. They went down to the pit in spite of knowledge, warnings, and opportunities; and they all teach us that it is not privileges alone that men need. They need the grace of the Holy Ghost.

Let us value our religious privileges, but let us not rest entirely upon them. Let us desire to have the benefit of them in all our movements in life, but let us not put them in the place of Christ. Let us use them thankfully, if God gives them to us, but let us take care they produce some fruit in our heart and life. If they do not do good, they often do positive harm; they sear the conscience, they increase responsibility, they aggravate condemnation. The same fire which melts the wax hardens the clay; the same sun which makes the living tree grow, dries up the dead tree, and prepares it for burning. Nothing so hardens the heart of man as a barren familiarity with sacred things. Once more I say, it is not privileges alone which make people Christians, but the grace of the Holy Ghost Without that no man will ever be saved.

I ask those who attend a sound ministry in the present day to mark well what I am saying. You go to Mr. A's, or Mr. B's church: you think him an excellent preacher; you delight in his sermons; you cannot hear anyone else with the same comfort; you have learned many things since you attended his ministry; you consider it a privilege to be one of his hearers! All this is very good. It is a privilege. I should be thankful if ministers like yours were multiplied a thousandfold. But, after all, what have you got in your heart? Have you yet received the Holy Ghost? if not, you are no better than Lot's wife.

I ask the children of religious parents to mark well what I am saying. It is the highest privilege to be the child of a godly father and mother, and to be brought up in the midst of many prayers. It is a blessed thing indeed to be taught the gospel from our earliest in-fancy, and to hear of sin, and Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and holiness, and heaven, from the first moment we can remember anything. But, O, take heed that you do not remain barren and unfruitful in the sunshine of all these privileges: beware lest your hearts remain hard, impenitent, and worldly, not-withstanding the many advantages you enjoy. You cannot enter the kingdom of God on the credit of your parents' religion. You must eat the bread of life for yourself, and have the witness of the Spirit in your own heart. You must have repentance of your own, faith of your own, and sanctification of your own. If not' you are no better than Lot's wife.

I pray God that all professing Christians in these days may lay these things to heart. May we never forget that privileges alone cannot save us. Light and knowledge, and faithful preaching, and abundant means of grace, and the company of holy people are all great blessings and advantages. Happy are they that have them! But after all, there is one thing without which privileges are useless: that one thing is the grace of the Holy Ghost. Lot's wife had many privileges; but Lot's wife had not grace.

Machida!

2009-06-29T05:01:00.001-07:00

Divine Energy

2009-06-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

"...sin is not an accidental distemper, which is catched or communicated like as some evil diseases of the body are said to be; nor is actual sin first learned from bad examples, though these, no doubt, do much confirm it, and render reformation more difficult. And that childhood, youth, and old age, go astray, more from principle than example, our Lord declares in these words; "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man," Mark 7:21, 22, 23."

and

"...by the preaching of the everlasting gospel, being accompanied with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven. By the former, "He spoiled, (i.e. disarmed,) principalities and powers, making a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it," Colossians 2:15: and by the latter he pursued the grand design, which was to divide the spoil with Satan, according to a prior engagement upon the Father’s part, as it is written; "Therefore will I divide him, (i.e. the Messias,) a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong: because he poured out his soul unto death," Isaiah 53:12. From which text, by the way, you may observe that Christ is only to take a part, and not the whole; "he divides the spoil with the strong," by taking his own sheep from among the devil’s goats; which before conversion He mixed together, and are only known to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, until he, who is the "Good Shepherd, and knows his sheep by name," is pleased to call them out, and bring them into his own sheepfold."

http://www.standardbearer.org/Shop/Detail.aspx?ID=429

Strict Communion, a letter from Fuller...

2009-06-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

STRICT COMMUNION IN THE MISSION CHURCH AT SERAMPORE.
[Letter to the Editor of the Instructor, Jan. 28th, 1814.]

I BY no means wish to obtrude myself on you or your readers; but the letter, by "A Paedobaptist," which you inserted in your paper of the 10th instant, calls upon me for an answer.

It is true that the Baptist missionaries at Serampore do practise strict communion. It is also true that they did so from the beginning, till within the last three or four years, when they agreed to admit of open communion. After this the question was resumed and discussed. The result was that they determined to return to their original practice. As to any injunction, I know of none. Most of our churches in England practise strict communion. but do not "enjoin" it upon other churches; and I suppose it is the same with the churches at Serampore and Calcutta. They may recommend whatever they think right, without enjoining it.

I can easily conceive that these changes would cause some feelings among Baptists differently minded on the subject, but cannot conceive why our Paedobaptist brethren should take offence at it. Those Baptists who practise open communion do not mean to acknowledge the validity of paedobaptism. Had they rather then be admissible into our churches as unbaptized in the account of their brethren, than not at all? If so, to be sure we ought to feel obliged by their good opinion of us; as, after all that they have said and written and done against us, they cannot really think ill of us.

But is it true that our Paedobaptist brethren seriously wish us to practise open communion? I give them the fullest credit for desiring as Christians to be in fellowship with us, and with all other Christians; and this also is our desire as much as it is theirs. But, as Paedobaptists, do they wish us to admit them to communion, without acknowledging the validity of their baptism? This is the question; and from all that I have read of their writings on the subject, however they may complain of strict communion, they cannot answer in the affirmative.

Dr. Worcester, in his friendly letter to Dr. Baldwin, though he pleads for a free communion between Baptists and Paedobaptists, and avows it to be the object of his pamphlet, yet allows that "if professed believers are the only proper subjects for baptism, and if immersion be not a mere circumstance or mode of baptism, but essential to the ordinance, so that he who is not immersed is not baptized, the sentiment of strict communion would be sufficiently established." Now Dr. Worcester's premises are our most decided principles, and this whether we practise strict or open communion. He therefore admits our practice to be sufficiently established, and has only to complain of us for not allowing the validity of their baptism; that is, for being Baptists.

The same is manifest from a review of Mr. Booth's Apology in the Evangelical Magazine. The reviewer makes nothing of free communion, unless it were on the principle of admitting the validity of paedobaptism. Those Baptists who practise it, he leaves to defend themselves as they can. The result is, that the real objection against us respects us not as strict nor as open communionists, but as Baptists. In other words, that the only open communion that would give satisfaction must include an acknowledgment of the validity of paedobaptism, which, for any Baptist to make, would be ceasing to be a Baptist.

Andrew Fuller.

Strict Communion

2009-06-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

by John Dagg

When a church receives an unbaptized person, something more is done than merely to tolerate his error. There are two parties concerned. The acts of entering the church and partaking of its communion are his, and for them he is responsible. The church also acts when it admits him to membership, and authorizes his participation of the communion. The church, as an organized body, with power to receive and exclude members according to rules which Christ has laid down, is responsible for the exercise of this power. Each individual disciple of Christ is bound, for himself, to obey perfectly the will of his Master. Whatever tolerance he may exercise towards the errors of others, he should tolerate none in himself. Though he may see but a single fault in his brother, he ought, while imitating all that brother's excellencies, carefully to avoid this fault. He may not neglect the tithing of mint, though he should find an example of such neglect accompanied with a perfect obedience of every moral precept.

and

The members of a church, who understand the law of Christ, are bound to observe it strictly, whatever may be the ignorance and errors of others. For them to admit unbaptized persons to membership, is to subvert a known law of Christ. Though there be unbaptized persons surpassing in every spiritual excellence, and though the candidate for admission excel them all, yet the single question for the church is, shall its order be established according to the will of God, or shall it not.

and

We are aware that the practice of strict communion is considered offensive by a large part of the Christian community. We lament this fact; and if the arguments which have been adduced in defence of our practice, have failed to produce a conviction of its propriety, we would still crave from our brethren the forbearance and toleration for which they plead in behalf of the weak in faith. We conscientiously believe that we are doing the Lord's will; and we would gladly invite every child of God to unite in our simple ceremonial observance, if we had the divine approbation. But we believe that the purpose for which the observance was instituted, and the divine will by which it ought to be regulated, require the restrictions under which we act.

and

When Pedobaptists complain of our strict communion, we would remind them that they hold the principle in common with us, and practice on it in their own way. If they have aught to object, let it be at that in which we differ from them, and not at that in which we agree. The contrary course is not likely to produce unity of opinion, or to promote that harmony of Christian feeling which ought to subsist among the followers of our Lord. When Baptists object to strict communion, we would propose the inquiry, Whether they do not attach undue importance to the eucharist, in comparison with baptism. Mr. Hall calls the eucharist a principal spiritual function. In this view of it, he complains that the privilege of partaking in it should be denied to any. Is it more spiritual than baptism? If not, why should baptism be trodden under foot, to open the way of access to the eucharist? When both ceremonies were supposed to possess a saving efficacy, the proper order of their observance was still maintained; much more should it be maintained, if both are mere ceremonies. If baptism were a mere ceremony, and the eucharist a principal spiritual function, the arguments for open communion would have a force which they do not now possess: but our brethren will not defend this position.

from Principles and Practices for Baptist Churches

2009-06-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

“Among all the persons that are recorded as baptized by the Apostles, there is no express mention of infants.” Wall, History of Infant Baptism, Introd., pp. I, 55. (Anglican)

“We do freely confess there is neither express precept nor precedent in the New Testament for the baptizing of infants.” Fuller, Infant’s Advoc., pp. 71, 150

“There is no express precept or rule given in the New Testament for the baptism of infants.” Burnett, Expos. 39 Articles, 27 Art.

“I conclude that all examples of baptism in Scripture do mention only the administration of it to the professors of saving faith; and the precepts give us no other direction.” Baxter, Disput. Of Right to the Sacra., p. 156.

“Baptism supposeth regeneration sure in itself first. Sacraments are never administered to begin or to work grace. You suppose children to believe before you baptize them. Read all the Acts: still it is said, ‘they believed, and were baptized.’” Goodwin, Works, Vol. I., part I., p. 200

From Gadsby's Catechism

2009-06-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Q.25 What is meant by a covenant of grace?

ANSWER. The covenant engagement entered into, in the counsels of eternity, by the Triune God in behalf of the elect; in which covenant the elect were given to the Person of the Son, and made His care and charge, and all spiritual blessings were treasured up and secured in Him, and so made sure to all the seed of promise. (2Sam. 23.5; Psa. 89.27-37; Isa. 55.3; Hos. 2. 23; Jn. 17.2; Heb. 2.13 & 8.10.)

Q.26 On whom did the conditions of the covenant fall?

ANSWER. The Second Person in the Trinity, who, knowing the elect would destroy themselves by sin, engaged to be accountable for them, and to take all the consequences connected therewith upon Himself, and in His own time to send them the Holy Spirit, who should teach them all truth; and, at last, present them to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. (Isa. 9. 6-7; Jn. 16.7-14 & 17.8-15; Eph. 5.25-27; Heb. 9.28.)

Q.27 Is there anything in the covenant of grace of a precarious or uncertain nature?

ANSWER. No; for it is ordered in all things and sure, and is confirmed by the promise and oath of God. (2Sam. 23.5; Psa. 89. 33-37; Jer. 33.20-21; Matt. 24. 35; Jn. 17.12, 24; Rom. 11.29.)

Q.28 Are the called according to God's purpose to take any consolation from the glory and stability of this covenant?

ANSWER. Yes; for it contains all their salvation, and all their desire. (2Sam. 23.5; Isa. 54.10; Jn. 10.28-29; Heb. 6.17-20.)

Q.29 Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?

ANSWER. The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ who, being the Lord of life and glory, became man, and so was, and continues to be, God and Man in two distinct natures but one Person for ever. (Gen. 3.15; Matt. 1.21, 23; Jn. 1.14; 1 Tim. 2.5 & 3.16; Heb. 1.1-9 & 2.9 & 13.8.)

Too many Bibles, so little time...

2009-06-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

Product Description:

* Unique features (in addition to those of the other editions of the Complete Orthodox Study Bible):
* Genuine first-quality leather cover, with gold foil stamping on the full front cover* Four ribbon markers (most Bibles only have one or two ribbons)* A special gold gift presentation box—great for gift giving!

2009-05-26T21:10:00.001-07:00

Jerusalem Blade's posts (a partial compilation)

2009-05-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Johannine Comma thread

Nolan on 1 John 5:7: Johannine Comma

Minute vs. adequate preservation: Johannine Comma

Pickering on the early history of the text: Johannine Comma

Holland on 1 John 5:7: Johannine Comma

"Phantom Manuscripts"? thread

"Phantom Manuscripts"?

WCF 1.8 and CT thread

Extended quote of Letis on Warfield and WCF 1:8: WCF 1.8 and CT

and: WCF 1.8 and CT

Burgon on Matt 5:22: WCF 1.8 and CT

KJV-Only Versus Byzantine Superiority thread

Burgon on John 3:13: KJV-Only Versus Byzantine Superiority

Textual Manuscripts thread

Lane vs. Steve on Alexandrian/W&H (& Asa – Amon): Textual Manuscripts?

What is the authentic New Testament text? thread: (A partial list of contents in the OP)

What is the authentic New Testament text?

Quoting Letis’ essay responding to D.A. Carson: What is the authentic New Testament text?

CONCERNING ERASMUS (Coats, Cloud, etc): What is the authentic New Testament text?

Letis / Borland on Asa and Amon (Matt 1:7, 10 ESV): What is the authentic New Testament text?

Kirsopp Lake, “It is hard to resist the conclusion that the scribes usually destroyed their exemplars when they had copied the sacred books.”: What is the authentic New Testament text?

Do Many Scholars Prefer the Majority Text? thread

Byz priority: "Do Many Scholars Prefer the Majority Text?"

TTer gone CTer thread (many posts)

Warfield assertion countered by Lake: TTer gone CTer

Answering Alan Kurschner of aomin thread

Answering Alan Kurschner of aomin

Hort on early Byz majority: Answering Alan Kurschner of aomin

Borland essay; Lake, allegation Alexandrian text majority examined: ibid

W&H text not the same as CT/ET per White: Answering Alan Kurschner of aomin

History of the KJV and TR thread

Owen on variants (from Letis): History of KJV and TR

A History Of The Authorized Version thread

Extended discussion of the Septuagint starting at post #40: A History Of The Authorized Version

Byzantine readings of Paul thread

Byzantine readings of Paul

Pickering and Robinson on “no early Byz mss”: Byzantine readings of Paul

Do textual variants give us confidence? thread

Some posts on the OT text: Do textual variants give us confidence?

Verses omitted from the ESV thread

Extensive Nolan quote: Verses ommited from the ESV

Linguistic Superiority between Geneva and KJV? thread

Links to “Easter” discussions in KJV: Linguistic Superiority between Geneva and KJV?

Responding to James White of AOMIN thread

Responding to James White of AOMIN

Pascha in Acts 12:4 thread (re “Easter”) thread

Steve’s input starting in post #10: Pascha in Acts 12:4

Defending the Lord's Prayer 1 thread (Matt 6)

Defending the Lord's Prayer 1

Defending the Lord's Prayer 2 thread (Luke 11)

Defending the Lord's Prayer 2

On Gathering Intelligence and Evidence thread
On Gathering Intelligence and Evidence

Why do KJ Only types believe the Westcott and Hort manuscripts are bad? thread (my first post #14)

Why do KJ Only types believe the Westcott and Hort manuscripts are bad?

pierced/like a lion...need Hebrew help thread

pierced/like a lion...need Hebrew help

NASB / ESV Revisions?? thread

NASB / ESV Revisions??

THE ASCENDANCY OF THE CRITICAL TEXT thread (bare-knuckled poem)

THE ASCENDANCY OF THE CRITICAL TEXT

On Enoch in Jude thread

Peter Enns, A Blog

A History Of The Authorized Version

Colossians 1:14 thread

Colossians 1:14

Did Lazarus write the Gospel of John? thread (starting at post #18)

Did Lazarus write the Gospel of John?

The Occult in the late 19th, early 20th centuries

The Occult in the late 19th, early 20th centuries

Inspired in Teachings Only? thread

Inspired in Teachings Only?

Biblical Preservation thread (RE: Tischendorf rescued [Codex Sinaiticus] from a waste basket)
/
http://www.puritanboard.com/f63/biblical-preservation-17739/#post223739

Mark 16:12 thread

http://www.puritanboard.com/f44/mark-16-12-a-20445/

John 7:53-8:11 thread

http://www.puritanboard.com/f63/john-7-53-8-11-a-25089/

King James Only Movement thread

http://www.puritanboard.com/f63/king-james-only-movement-36217/

Verbal Plenary Preservation thread

Discussion of Reformation texts: http://www.puritanboard.com/f63/verbal-plenary-preservation-21765/

Arians in power for 50 years in Greek empire: http://www.puritanboard.com/f63/verbal-plenary-preservation-21765/#post273656

Epictetus wrote;

2009-05-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

It is circumstances (difficulties) which show what men are. Therefore when a difficulty falls upon you, remember that God, like a trainer of wrestlers, has matched you with a rough young man. For what purpose? you may say. Why, that you may become an Olympic conqueror; but it is not accomplished without sweat. In my opinion no man has had a more profitable difficulty than you have had, if you choose to make use of it as an athlete would deal with a young antagonist. (Discourses 1.24.1–2, trans. Long)

To be instructed is this, to learn to wish that every thing may happen as it does. And how do things happen? As the disposer [i.e., God] has disposed them. And he has appointed summer and winter, and abundance and scarcity, and virtue and vice, and all such opposites for the harmony of the whole; and to each of us he has given a body, and parts of the body, and possessions, and companions. Remembering then this disposition of things, we ought to go to be instructed, not that we may change the constitution of things, – for we have not the power to do it, nor is it better that we should have the power, – but in order that, as the things around us are what they are and by nature exist, we may maintain our minds in harmony with the things which happen. (Discourses 1.12.15–17, trans. Long)

The wise and good man … submits his own mind to him who administers the whole [i.e., God], as good citizens do to the law of the state. He who is receiving instruction ought to come to be instructed with this intention, How shall I follow the gods in all things, how shall I be contented with the divine administration, and how can I become free? For he is free to whom every thing happens according to his will [prohairesis], and whom no man can hinder. (Discourses 1.12.7–9, trans. Long)

A call to self-examination

2009-05-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

by Benjamin Keach

What can render the state of a person worse than to be an enemy of God, Jesus Christ, and the power of godliness; and yet to think he is holy and a good Christian? Nay, because his conscience is blind in the matter, it acquits him since it lacks saving light, while he keeps up in a zealous performance of the external acts of duty and religion; by which means he is deprived of that help which some openly profane gain from the rebukes and lashes of their own consciences, which often proves a means of their conversion. But the hypocritical professor, not knowing he lacks a changed heart, nor understanding that he is without those Sacred Principles from whence should flow all he acts and does, but contrariwise he is stirred up by false Principles, and acts only by the power of natural conscience and affections, having no clear judgment to discern his own danger, nor what a state he is still in. His condition is deplorable, and this unclean spirit is worse and more dangerous than that which he was in before.

Their blindness and ignorance consists in that they cannot discern nor distinguish between a changed heart and a changed life, or between legal reformation and true regeneration. They think, because their behavior seems so much better than it was before, in their own apprehension, and in the apprehension of others also, their condition is good enough. They comparing themselves with themselves, beholding what a vast difference there is, or seems to be in respect of what they once were, when swearers, drunkards, whoremongers, etc., cannot but commend themselves to themselves. Once they saw themselves sinners, and called themselves so, and were ashamed of their own sinful and wicked lives; but now they are righteous in their own eyes, and so have no need of any further work, being arrived to that state of holiness (so they think) to that degree of piety, to that change, to that conversion, that they conclude they need not seek for further change and yet they are deceived...

The state of the self-righteous and Pharisaical persons is far worse than the state of gross and profane sinners. These are sick and know it not; wounded, but see no need of a physician... They may conclude they are converted, and therefore seek not after conversion.

It is a hard and difficult thing to bring a Pharisaical person, one that looks upon himself to be a religious man, to see his woeful state and condition.

Men may be civilized, and make a great profession of religion, and pass for saints on the earth, that are not such in the sight of God in heaven.

It is a most dangerous thing to make a profession of religion without true regeneration being first wrought in the soul; better to be no professors at all, than not so as to be sincere...

This may inform us of the cause and reason there is so great reproach brought upon religion, and on the ways of God, and on the people of God, by some who profess the gospel. Alas, many of them who are called saints, we may fear are but counterfeit Christians, such as who never experienced a true work of grace; they may have knowing heads, but unsanctified hearts...

Moreover, it sharply reproves those preachers whose great business is to bring men into visible profession, and make them members of churches, whose preaching tends more to bring persons to baptism, and to subject to external ordinances, than to show them the necessity of regeneration, faith, or a changed heart. For the Lord's sake take heed what you do, if you would be pure from the blood of all men. We too often see when people are got into churches, they conclude all is well; and when conversion is preached, they do not think it concerns them, but other people who are openly profane: and thus they come to be blinded, maybe to their own destruction...

It may also put us all upon a strict examination of our own hearts, lest we should be found to be some of these false and counterfeit Christians. And that we may clear ourselves in this matter; consider:

1. Were you ever thoroughly convinced of your sinful and lost condition by nature, and of that horrid evil there is in sin? Did you ever see sin as the greatest evil, most hateful to God, not only of the evil effects of sin, but also of the evil nature of sin, not only as it has made a breach between God and man, but has also defaced the Image of God in man, and made us like the devil, filling our minds with enmity against God, godliness, and good men?

2. Is there no secret sin lived in and favored, the evil habit never being broke? Is not the world more in your affections, desires, and thoughts, than Jesus Christ?

3. Are you willing to suffer and part with all that you have, rather than sin against God? Do you see more evil in the least sin, than in the greatest suffering?

4. Do you as much desire to have your sins mortified as pardoned, to be made holy as well as to be made happy? Do you love the work of holiness as well as the reward of holiness? Do you love the Word of God for that purity which is in it, as well as the advantage that comes by it?

5. Have you seen your own righteousness as filthy rags, and have you been made poor in spirit?

6. Have you received a whole Christ with a whole heart? A whole Christ comprehends all His offices (prophet, priest, and king), and a whole heart includes all our faculties. Is not your heart divided?

7. Is Christ precious to you, even the chiefest among ten thousand? Are you the same in private as in public? Do you love Christ above son or daughter? Do you love the Person of Christ?

8. Can you bear reproof kindly to your faults, and look upon him your best friend, that deals most plainly with you?

9. Do you more pry into your own faults, than the miscarriages of others? Are you universal in your obedience? Do you obey Christ's Word, His commands, because you love Him?

10. Have you been the same in a day of adversity, as now you are in a day of prosperity?

11. Can you say you hate sin as sin? Is your mind spiritual, and set upon heavenly things? Do you love the saints, all the saints, though some of them are not of your sentiments in some points of religion?

12. Can you go comfortably on in the ways of Christ, though you meet with little esteem among the saints? Can you stay your souls upon God, though in darkness, having no light? Is all the stress of your justification and salvation built upon Jesus Christ?

Consider these few questions, and do not doubt but that your hearts are sincere, when you can give a comfortable answer to them, though it be with some fear and doubts that still may arise in you. A true Christian is ready to mistake what belongs to him, and take that to be his, that belongs to an hypocrite; while, on the other hand, an hypocrite mistakes that which belongs to him, and applies that to himself, which is the portion of sincere Christians. - Benjamin Keach

Taken from The Counterfeit Christian or the Danger of Hypocrisy by Benjamin Keach, (London: John Pike, 1691). Some archaic words have been modernized.

Do not quickly read these questions and forget about them. Many professing Christians today are simply outwardly religious, but their hearts have not been changed by the regenerating power of God. Christ demands the supreme place in your heart and affections. If you love anything more than Christ; if you love anything equal to Christ (though you may have a wealth of biblical knowledge); you are not a child of God. "Do not be deceived" (Galatians 6:7).

The Desirability of Keeping the Authorized Version

2009-05-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

by J. C. Philpot

(Written in 1857 when the Revised Version was contemplated)

We take this opportunity to express our opinion upon a question much agitated of late--whether it would be desirable to have a new (or at least a revised) translation of the Scriptures. We fully admit that there are here and there passages of which the translation might be improved, as, for instance, "love" for "charity" all through 1 Corinthians 13; but we deprecate any alteration as a measure that, for the smallest sprinkling of good, would deluge us with a flood of evil. The following are our reasons:

1. Who are to undertake it? Into whose hands would the revision fall? What an opportunity for the enemies of truth to give us a mutilated false Bible! Of course, they must be learned men, great critics, scholars, and divines, but these are notoriously either Puseyites or Neologians (We should say: Anglo-Catholics and Modernists.)--in other words, deeply tainted with either popery or infidelity. Where are there learned men sound in the truth, not to say alive unto God, who possess the necessary qualifications for so important a work? And can erroneous men, men dead in trespasses and sins, carnal, worldly, ungodly persons, spiritually translate a book written by the blessed Spirit? We have not the slightest ground for hope that they would be godly men, such as we have reason to believe translated the Scriptures into our present version.

2. Again, it would unsettle the minds of thousands as to which was the Word of God, the old translation or the new. What a door it would open for the workings of infidelity, or the temptations of Satan! What a gloom, too, it would cast over the minds of many of God's saints to have those passages which had been applied to their souls translated in a different way, and how it would seem to shake all their experience of the power and preciousness of God's Word!

3. But besides this, there would be two Bibles spread through the land, the old and the new, and what confusion would this create in almost every place! At present, all sects and denominations agree in acknowledging our present version as the standard of appeal. Nothing settles disputes so soon as when the contending parties have confidence in the same umpire and are willing to abide by his decision. But this judge of all disputes, this umpire of all controversy, would cease to be the looser of strife if the present acknowledged authority were put an end to by a rival.

4. Again, if the revision and re-translation were once to begin, where would it end? It is good to let well alone, as it is easier to mar than mend. The Socinianising (Denying the Godhead of Christ) Neologian would blot out "God" in 1 Timothy 3:16, and strike out 1 John 5:7,8, as an interpolation. The Puseyite would mend it to suit Tractarian views (Led by Newman and Keble, the Tractarians were moving towards Romanism). He would read "priest" where we now read "elder," and put "penance" in the place of "repentance."

Once set up a notice, "THE OLD BIBLE TO BE MENDED," and there would be plenty of workmen, who, trying to mend the cover, would pull the pages to pieces. The Arminian would soften down the words "election" and "predestination" into some term less displeasing to Pharisaic ears. "Righteousness" would be turned into "justice," and "reprobate" into "undiscerning." All our good Bible terms would be so mutilated that they would cease to convey the Spirit's meaning, and instead of the noble simplicity, faithfulness and truth of our present version, we should have a Bible that nobody would accept as the Word of God, to which none could safely appeal, and on which none could implicitly rely.

5. Instead of our good old Saxon Bible, simple and solid, with few words really obsolete, and alike majestic and beautiful, we should have a modern English translation in the pert and flippant language of the day. Besides its authority as the Word of God, our present version is the great English classic generally accepted as the standard of the English language. The great classics of a language cannot be modernised. What an outcry there would be against modernising Shakespeare, or making Hooker, Bacon or Milton talk the English of the newspapers or of the House of Commons!

6. The present English Bible has been blessed to thousands of the saints of God; and not only so, it has become part of our national inheritance which we have received unimpaired from our fathers, and are bound to hand down unimpaired to our children.

(Taken from pages 103-105, Sin & Salvation, Selections from J. C. Philpot)

2009-05-06T06:45:00.001-07:00

As Dying, and Behold We Live

2009-05-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

George Thomas Congreve writes:

My soul loves, and serves, and fears the God of heaven, and hopes still in his mercy. I love him, because his Spirit testifieth that he first loved me, and for all the loving-kindness he has bestowed, and, I trust, will still bestow on me. I serve him, because he has engaged my heart so to do, and because I have hitherto found him so kind, and gracious, and merciful; and because I find and prove that his service is sweet and holy, and perfect freedom. I fear him, not with a slavish, but a filial fear; not as a cruel task-master, as when under the terrors of the law, but as my Lord and Master, Redeemer and Friend, beneath the banner of his love and the gospel law of liberty, with a child-like, holy fear, felt within, lest I should offend such a dear, faithful Friend as he is to me, and cause him to hide his lovely face from me, and refuse to commune with me, which he often does, because I cannot help but sin against him, which makes my soul to groan, being burdened, and causes my life to be as though I were continually dying, and yet could not die. My friend knows well what I mean; therefore does my soul fear to sin against him; not for fear of hell and torments, but for the aforesaid cause, and because I love him and hate sin, and hate myself because I cannot cease from sin, and because I want to spend my worthless, dying life in uninterrupted communion with him, and live always as though I knew I was going to die, and die as triumphantly as I hope o live before the eternal throne above for ever. source

Zip Lining, etc.

2009-05-01T10:28:00.001-07:00

Go to ImageShack® to Create your own Slideshow

Tulum Ruins

2009-04-28T13:41:00.001-07:00

Go to ImageShack® to Create your own Slideshow

2009-04-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

"My soul,
wait thou only upon God;
for my expectation is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation:
he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

In God is my salvation and glory:
the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

Psalm 62

2009-04-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

God of light,
Allow me to see myself
For what I truly am;
Sinful,
Selfish,
Abased,
Dark and dreadful is my heart.

Shine your light and push back the darkness of my soul, reveal to me my sin.

Make plain my transgressions.

Teach me that my best is not enough, teach me O’Lord your ways, show me myself!

That I may see what I truly am, broken and needy.

Amen.

jm

1 Chronicles 29

2009-04-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:
And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.
And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

Does this offend you?

2009-04-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

by Rolfe Barnard

John 6:59-61:

"These things said He in the synagogue, as He taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard this, said, This is a hard saying, who can hear it? When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, Does this offend you?"

Does this offend you? Everything my Lord Jesus did when He was here in this world offended somebody — and you know He is still offensive today. He is the rock of offense (Romans 9:33). For instance, His birth in a stable in Bethlehem was offensive. My, my, the Lord of Glory has no business being born in a cow stall! And that is offensive even today! Also, His common heritage offended men. He didn't come from the high and mighty, and one person upon learning that Jesus was from the little province of Nazareth is quoted as saying, "Can any good thing come out of Galilee?" His death on the cross of Calvary was offensive then and it is offensive now (Galatians 5:11). His second coming is offensive to so many religious people. It was offensive then — and it is offensive today.

And here in our text we find that His preaching greatly offended people of His day. On many occasions when our Lord would speak, the people became so angry that they'd take up stones to stone Him. How then does the modern-day preacher hope to get along with the world and please the unsaved crowd, when they hated the Lord Jesus with such fury that they nailed Him to a cross? My dear friends, the world loves it own — it hates God's people — it always has and it always will. Listen to John 15:19, "If ye were of the world, the world would love its own, but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."

Triumph of Calvary by Christmas Evans

2009-04-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Christ offered himself a sacrifice for us, and drank the cup of God’s righteous indignation in our stead. He was trodden by Almighty justice, as a cluster of grapes, in the winepress of the law, till the vessels of mercy overflowed with the wine of peace and pardon, which has made thousands of contrite and humble spirits, “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” He suffered for us, that we might triumph with him. But our text describes him as a king and conqueror. He was, at once, the dying victim and the immortal victor. In “the power of an endless life,” he was standing by the altar, when the sacrifice was burning. He was alive in his sacerdotal vestments, with his golden censer in his hand. He was alive in his kingly glory, with his sword and scepter in his hand. He was alive in his conquering prowess, and had made an end of sin, and bruised the head of the serpent, and spoiled the principalities and powers of hell, and turned the vanquished hosts of the prince of darkness down to the winepress of the wrath of Almighty God. Then, on the morning of the third day, when he arose from the dead, and made a show of them openly – then began the year of jubilee with power!

After the prophets of ancient times had long gazed through the mists of futurity, at the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow, a company of them were gathered together on the summit of Calvary. They saw a host of enemies ascending the hill, arrayed for battle, and most terrific in their aspect. In the middle of the line was a the law of God, fiery and exceeding broad, and working wrath. On the right wing, was Beelzebub with his troops of infernals; and on the left Caiaphas with his Jewish priests, and Pilate with his Roman soldiers. The rear was brought up by Death, the last enemy. When the holy seers had espied this army, and perceived that it was drawing nigh, they started back, and prepared for flight. As they looked round, they saw the Son of God advancing with intrepid step, having his face fixed on the hostile band. “Seest thou the danger that is before thee, “ said one of the men of God. “I will tread them in mine anger,” he replied, “and trampled them in my fury.” “Who art thou?” said the prophet; He answered: “I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” “Wilt thou venture to the battle alone?” asked the seer. The son of God replied: “I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered there was none to uphold; therefore mine own arm shall bring salvation unto me; and my fury it shall uphold me.” “At what point wilt thou commence they attack?” inquired the anxious prophet. “I will first meet the Law,” he replied, “and pass under its curse: for lo! I come to do thy will, O God. When I shall have succeeded at the center of the line, the colors will turn in my favor.” So saying he moved forward. Instantly the thunderings of Sinai were heard, and the whole band of prophets quaked with terror. But he advanced, undaunted, amidst the gleaming lightnings. For a moment he was concealed from view; and the banner of wrath waved above in triumph. Suddenly the scene was changed. A stream of blood poured forth from his wounded side, and put out all the fires of Sinai.

The flag of peace was now seen unfurled, and consternation filled the ranks of his foes. He then crushed, with his bruised heel, the old serpent’s head; and put all the infernal powers to flight. With his iron rod he dashed to pieces the enemies on the left wing, like a potter’s vessel. Death still remained, who thought himself invincible, having hitherto triumphed over all. He came forward, brandishing his sting, which he had whetted on Sinai’s tables of stone. He darted it at the Conqueror, but it turned down, and hung like a flexible lash of the whip. Dismayed, he retreated to the grave, his palace, into which the Conqueror pursued. In a dark corner of his den, he sat on his throne of moldering skulls, and called upon the worms, his hitherto faithful allies, to aid him in conflict; but they replied – “His flesh shall see no corruption!” The scepter fell from his hand. The Conqueror seized him, bound him, and condemned him to the lake of fire; and then rose from the grave, followed by a band of released captives, who came forth after his resurrection to be witnesses of the victory which he had won.

Scottish Metrical Psalter: Psalm and Hymn Tunes

2009-04-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

From Wiki:

In first three centuries of its existence, the Church of Scotland only used metrical psalms and paraphrases (rhymed portions of Scripture) sung without musical accompaniment. This is still the case in the Free Church of Scotland and the Reformed Presbyterian Churches of Ireland, Scotland, the USA, Australia, Japan, and elsewhere. In 1650 the Church produced its own metrical psalter, which continues in use in parts of the Highlands until the present day. In 1929 the psalter was revised to bring its harmonies into line with those in the revision of the hymnal. The psalter was usually printed at the front of the first two editions of the hymnal, and throughout much of the 20th century there was a widespread tradition of beginning worship with a psalm before continuing in the hymn books. However, the most widely used version of the third edition did not have the psalter in the same volume, with the result that the full psalter has disappeared from the majority of congregations.

The psalter contained all 150 psalms in their entirety, though obviously many of them were too long to be sung whole. There was also a set of seven trinitarian doxologies ("To Father, Son and Holy Ghost..."), each for a different metrical pattern, which could be sung at the close of a psalm. These were printed together at the end of the psalms, and were intended to allow the Old Testament text to be sung in the light of the New, but they were not widely used at that time. Next, the psalter contained 67 paraphrases, and finally five hymns.

The metrical psalms were mostly in common meter (CM), though a few were in long meter (LM) or short meter (SM), and a very small number had other metrical patterns. This meant that, within the limits of good taste, almost any psalm could be sung to any psalm tune. Musical editions of the psalter were published with the pages sliced horizontally, the tunes in the top half and the texts in the bottom, allowing the two parts of the volume to be opened independently. The music section was arranged alphabetically by the traditional names of the melodies and contained 188 melodies in the split-page section. Thus Psalm 23, "The Lord's my shepherd", would typically be sung to tune 144 "Wiltshire" (tune 47 "Crimond" becoming overwhelmingly popular from the 1930s), but could theoretically be sung to almost any other, the only restriction being the conventions of familiarity. At the end of the music edition of the psalter, however, in whole rather than split pages, there were four special settings for particular psalms or sections of psalms, like Psalm 24.7-10, "Ye gates lift up your heads", to the tune "St. George's Edinburgh", a rousing piece traditionally sung after Communion.

1650 Scottish Psalter

Hymn Tunes, meters, etc.

THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION

2009-04-06T00:29:00.000-07:00

2009 marks the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth, do yourself a favour and read his Institutes, or listen online.

Read here.

Listen here.

A Scotch Caution

2009-04-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

When steamin toddy steers aboot
Ca'canny!
When maut gets in, whiles wit leaks oot,
Ca'canny!
A wee bit snifter less or mair
Ye'd think was neither here nor there;
But stint your measure: hae a care,
And dinna ye gang ower far, ma mannie!

At supper time, gin ye tak' cheese,
Ca'canny!
Though muckle ye may gulp wi' ease,
Ca'canny!
It's after ye hae gaen tae rest
Ye'll feel that cheese lie on your chest,
And syne wi' dreams your sleep's distressed -
Dinna ye gang ower far, ma mannie!

Gin ye walk oot your lass at nicht,
Ca'canny!
Beware o'trees and braid munnelicht,
Ca'canny!
There's words that ye micht chance tae say
And pranks that ye micht chance tae play,
Whilk ye may rue for mony a day -
Dinna ye gang ower far, ma mannie!

Gin ye aspire tae gaither gear,
Ca'canny!
Dodge a' thing that's unsound and queer,
Ca'canny!
Ye aye shud speir aboot and see
That ye hae guid security,
Or in the puirhoose ye may dee
Dinna ye gang ower far, ma mannie!

In a' your dealin's watch yoursel',
Ca'canny!
Wha' are your friends ye cannot tell,
Ca'canny!
Juist feel your way before ye gang,
Caution will seldom guide ye wrang;
Keep mind o' this judeecious sang,
And dinna ye gang ower far, ma mannie!

__________________________________________

Meaning of unusual words:
Ca'canny=be cautious, take care
maut=malt (whisky)
whiles=sometimes
muckle=a lot
syne=afterwards
braid munnelicht=broad moonlight
Whilk=which
aye shud speir aboot=always should ask about

source

2009-04-04T00:20:00.000-07:00

A Prayer of David.

1 O Lord, do thou bow down thine ear,
and hear me graciously;
Because I sore afflicted am,
and am in poverty.

2 Because I'm holy, let my soul
by thee preserved be:
O thou my God, thy servant save,
that puts his trust in thee.

3 Sith unto thee I daily cry,
be merciful to me.

4 Rejoice thy servant's soul; for, Lord,
I lift my soul to thee.

5 For thou art gracious, O Lord,
and ready to forgive;
And rich in mercy, all that call
upon thee to relieve.

6 Hear, Lord, my pray'r; unto the voice
of my request attend:

7 In troublous times I'll call on thee;
for thou wilt answer send.

8 Lord, there is none among the gods
that may with thee compare;
And like the works which thou hast done,
not any work is there.

9 All nations whom thou mad'st shall come
and worship rev'rently
Before thy face; and they, O Lord,
thy name shall glorify.

10 Because thou art exceeding great,
and works by thee are done
Which are to be admired; and thou
art God thyself alone.

11 Teach me thy way, and in thy truth,
O Lord, then walk will I;
Unite my heart, that I thy name
may fear continually.

12 O Lord my God, with all my heart
to thee I will give praise;
And I the glory will ascribe
unto thy name always:

13 Because thy mercy toward me
in greatness doth excel;
And thou delivered hast my soul
out from the lowest hell.

14 O God, the proud against me rise,
and vi'lent men have met,
That for my soul have sought; and thee
before them have not set.

15 But thou art full of pity, Lord,
a God most gracious,
Long-suffering, and in thy truth
and mercy plenteous.

16 O turn to me thy countenance,
and mercy on me have;
Thy servant strengthen, and the son
of thine own handmaid save.

17 Show me a sign for good, that they
which do me hate may see,
And be ashamed; because thou, Lord,
didst help and comfort me.

The Scottish Metrical Psalter

2009-04-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

"When we have looked thoroughly everywhere and searched high and low, we shall find no better songs nor more appropriate to the purpose than the Psalms of David which the Holy Spirit made and spoke through him" ("Epistle to the Reader," in The Form of Church Prayers).

2009-03-29T18:42:00.001-07:00

Shai Linne - Mission Accomplished

2009-03-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

Would Calvin be proud? Some Calvinistic hip hop, the widget to the right plays the song, enjoy.

Verse 1

Here’s a controversial subject that tends to divide
For years it’s had Christians lining up on both sides
By God’s grace, I’ll address this without pride
The question concerns those for whom Christ died
Was He trying to save everybody worldwide?
Was He trying to make the entire world His Bride?
Does man’s unbelief keep the Savior’s hands tied?
Biblically, each of these must be denied
It’s true, Jesus gave up His life for His Bride
But His Bride is the elect, to whom His death is applied
If on judgment day, you see that you can’t hide
And because of your sin, God’s wrath on you abides
And hell is the place you eternally reside
That means your wrath from God hasn’t been satisfied
But we believe His mission was accomplished when He died
But how the cross relates to those in hell?
Well, they be saying:

Lord knows He tried (8x)

Verse 2

Father, Son and Spirit: three and yet one
Working as a unit to get things done
Our salvation began in eternity past
God certainly has to bring all His purpose to pass
A triune, eternal bond no one could ever sever
When it comes to the church, peep how they work together
The Father foreknew first, the Son came to earth
To die- the Holy Spirit gives the new birth
The Father elects them, the Son pays their debt and protects them
The Spirit is the One who resurrects them
The Father chooses them, the Son gets bruised for them
The Spirit renews them and produces fruit in them
Everybody’s not elect, the Father decides
And it’s only the elect in whom the Spirit resides
The Father and the Spirit- completely unified
But when it comes to Christ and those in hell?
Well, they be saying:

Lord knows He tried (8x)

Verse 3

My third and final verse- here’s the situation
Just a couple more things for your consideration
If saving everybody was why Christ came in history
With so many in hell, we’d have to say He failed miserably
So many think He only came to make it possible
Let’s follow this solution to a conclusion that’s logical
What about those who were already in the grave?
The Old Testament wicked- condemned as depraved
Did He die for them? C’mon, behave
But worst of all, you’re saying the cross by itself doesn’t save
That we must do something to give the cross its power
That means, at the end of the day, the glory’s ours
That man-centered thinking is not recommended
The cross will save all for whom it was intended
Because for the elect, God’s wrath was satisfied
But still, when it comes to those in hell
Well, they be saying:

Lord knows He tried (8x)

Abandoned by God

2009-03-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

More on Historicism

2009-03-18T00:50:00.000-07:00

If you want to learn about the end times from a Biblical point of view download the following sermons, load your mp3 player with them and keep your Bible handy.

Peace.

j

What is Historicism

2009-03-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

The following is a quote from "What is Historicism" by J. L. Haynes. The rest can be found on Historicism.com :

Historicism is the view that most of Revelation describes history as it has been unfolding over the last 20 centuries. Historicists see in the prophecies concerning the Dragon, the Beast, the False Prophet, and the Whore of Babylon, references to the pagan Roman Empire, papal Rome (that is, Roman Europe under the rule of the popes ), the Papacy, and the Roman Catholic Church. The majority of Historicists also identify the symbols of the smoke rising from the Abyss and the invasion of locusts as descriptions of the rise and spread of Islam. This view united all Protestants throughout the Reformation and has largely been replaced by Futurism as the dominant eschatology (belief about the end-times) of evangelical Christians.

To put it another way, Historicism is the method of interpreting Biblical prophecy by comparing history to the prophecy in question. Historicists believe that prophecy is history pre-written. Therefore prophecy can be understood by looking to the past to discover what has, and hasn't, been fulfilled. Historicism, as a school of thought, like futurism, contains many differing opinions as to details of prophetic interpretation. It is not a system that must stand or fall by its ability to withstand criticism. It is a method of interpretation that allows its adherents to continually re-evaluate their opinions as they grow in their understanding of both history, and the Bible.

Knowing God

2009-03-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

Something to think about on the Lord's Day.

John 17:1-3 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

From the Valley of Vision:

O Lord, Whose power is infinite and wisdom infallible, order things that they may neither hinder, nor discourage me, nor prove obstacles to the progress of Thy cause.

Stand between me and all strife, that no evil befall, no sin corrupt my gifts, zeal, attainments.

May I follow duty and not any foolish device of my own. Permit me not to labour at work which

Thou wilt not bless, that I may serve thee without disgrace or debt.

Let me dwell in Thy most secret place under thy shadow, where is safe impenetrable protection from the arrow that flieth by day, the pestilence that walketh in darkness, the strife of tongues, the malice of ill-will, the hurt of unkind talk, the snares of company, the perils of youth, the temptations of middle life, the moumings of old age, the fear of death.

I am entirely dependent upon Thee for support, counsel, consolation.

Uphold me by Thy free Spirit, and may I not think it enough to be preserved from falling, but may I always go forward, always abounding in the work Thou givest me to do.

Strengthen me by Thy Spirit in my inner self for every purpose of my Christian life.

All my jewels I give to the shadow of the safety that is in Thee—my name anew in Christ, my body, soul, talents, character, my success, wife, children, friends, work, my present, my future, my end.

Take them, they are Thine, and I am thine, now and for ever.

2009-03-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

Faith Will Prevail (By Richard Seebs)

Let us then bring our hearts to holy resolutions, and set ourselves upon that which is good, and against that which is ill, in ourselves or others, according to our callings, with this encouragement, that Christ's grace and power will go along with us. What would have become of that great work of reformation of religion in the latter spring of the gospel if men had not been armed with invincible courage to overcome all hindrances, with this faith, that the cause was Christ's, and that he would not fail to help his own cause? Luther ingenuously confessed that he often acted inconsiderately and moved by various passions. But when he acknowledged this, God did not condemn him for his errors, but, the cause being God's, and his aims being holy, to promote the truth, and being a mighty man in prayer, and strong in faith, God by him kindled that fire which all the world shall never be able to quench. According to our faith, so is our encouragement to all duties, therefore let us strengthen faith, so that it may strengthen all other graces. The very belief that faith shall be victorious is a means to make it so indeed. Believe it, therefore, that, though it is often as smoking flax, yet it shall prevail. If it prevails with God himself in trials, shall it not prevail over all other opposition? Let us wait a while, `stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD' (Exod. 14:13).

The Lord reveal himself more and more to us in the face of his Son Jesus Christ and magnify the power of his grace in cherishing those beginnings of grace in the midst of our corruptions, and sanctify the consideration of our own infirmities to humble us, and of his tender mercy to encourage us. And may he persuade us that, since he has taken us into the covenant of grace, he will not cast us off for those corruptions which, as they grieve his Spirit, so they make us vile in our own eyes. And because Satan labors to obscure the glory of his mercy and hinder our comfort by discouragements, the Lord add this to the rest of his mercies, that, since he is so gracious to those that yield to his government, we may make the right use of this grace, and not lose any portion of comfort that is laid up for us in Christ. And may he grant that the prevailing power of his Spirit in us should be an evidence of the truth of grace begun, and a pledge of final victory, at that time when he will be all in all, in all his, for all eternity.

Amen.

The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes

China’s Leader Says He Is ‘Worried’ Over U.S. Treasuries

2009-03-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Source

The Chinese prime minister, Wen Jiabao, expressed unusually blunt concern on Friday about the safety of China’s $1 trillion investment in American government debt, the world’s largest such holding, and urged the Obama administration to provide assurances that its investment would keep its value in the face of a global financial crisis.

The Tolerance Rant

2009-03-11T18:54:00.001-07:00

2009-03-06T18:07:00.001-08:00

The CAUSE OF GOD AND TRUTH.

Part 2 Chapter 6

Section 1—John 13:1.

Having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end.

These words are expressive of the unchangeable and everlasting love of Christ to his people; who are his own by choice, by his Father’s gift, and his own purchase. Now such shall certainly persevere to the end, and be eternally saved; for who shall separate from the love of Christ? But to this, the following things are objected.

1. That "Christ speaks not of them, whom he had chosen to eternal life, but of them only, whom he had chosen to be his apostles."[1] To which I reply that though Christ speaks of his apostles, yet not of them all; I speak not of you all, says he, I know whom I have chosen: and of whom he does speak, he does not speak of them as chosen to be apostles, but as men chosen to eternal life; which was not the case of them all, nor were they all his own in this special sense; one of them was a devil, and the son of perdition. Nor does he speak only of these. Were none his own but the apostles? Had he no propriety in any but them? Certainly he had: and if he loved his apostles unto the end, why may he not be thought to love all to the end, who are equally his own, and equally loved by him as they were? 2. That Christ’s loving them to the end, only signifies "the affection he showed to them, by washing their feet when he was to leave them."[2] To which may be replied, that this was not so much an instance of affection to them, as of humility and meekness; and was designed as an instruction and example to them, how they should behave to each other; and at most was an instance only of his love to them, and what Judas had a share in with the rest of the apostles; and not to be compared with some other instances of his love, and which were nearer the end of his life, as particularly his shedding his blood for them on the cross. Now there is no comparison between washing the feet of his disciples with water, and washing us from our sins in his own blood.

3. That he here speaks "not of his love of them to the end of their lives, but of his own life on earth."[3] Christ’s love is not allowed to continue to the end of their lives, for that would prove their final perseverance; but the end of his life, as if his love ended with his life: whereas Christ still expresses his love to his people, by appearing in the presence of God, acting as an advocate, and interceding with the Father, and preparing mansions in his Father’s house for them. It is much, that the love of Christ to his own is not confined, by the writers of this cast, to supper time, or to the end of the supper; since it immediately follows, and supper being ended, which would scarce be a more jejune sense of the words than what is given. Why may not te>lov be understood of the end of their lives, as in Matthew 24:13? or of the end of the world? (vv. 6, 14), or of the end of all things, as in 1 Peter 4:7? Besides, eijv te>lov may be rendered continually, as it is in Luke 18:5, or for ever, in which sense it is used by the Septuagint in Psalm 9:6, 18, and Psalm 44:23, where it answers to t[nl, which signifies for ever: and agreeably the words may be read, Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them for ever, as they are rendered by the Ethiopic version. And then the sense of them is, that those who are Christ’s, are loved by him with an everlasting love; and therefore shall not perish, but have eternal life.

ENDNOTES:

[1] Whitby, p. 437; ed. 2. 426.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid., and Remonstr. Coll. Hag. Art. V. p. 91.

Arminianism: The Root of "Christian" Liberalism

2009-03-04T00:26:00.000-08:00

Promised Land?

2009-03-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Genesis 13:14-15 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

There is an unconditional promise made to Abraham and “to thy seed forever.” Many good people believe ethnic Israel will inherit the land promised to Abraham because they are his physical decedents. The argument for a physical or ethnic Israel receiving this promise is very elaborate and for a better understanding of the argument itself I’d suggest reading chapter 10 from “The Fundamentals for the Twenty-First Century” edited by Mal Couch. (If anyone is interested ask me for it.) For a few years I believed ethnic Israel would receive the promises made to Abraham but have come to change my mind after rethinking the verse. Instead of trying to hammer down the verse with a literalistic hammer, I’ve come to understand “thy seed” the way the New Testament writers understood it…in a literal manner…not literalistic. There are many objections to consider when thinking about the land promises of the Old Testament, but I'll give two brief outlines of the two I'm familar with.

The first is based on the word “forever” and the other is focused on “thy seed.”

“Forever”

Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

We know these feasts were but a “shadow of things to come” (Col. 2:7) and did not last forever. Those feasts were tied to the Old and not the New Covenant, “a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” (Heb. 8:6) Let us also note, the land promises are not given in the New Testament, the land promises are spiritualized with the one place making mention of land is clearly meant to be understood as spiritual. (Heb. 11:8-13)

Exodus 21:6 Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

Deuteronomy 15:17 Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou
shalt do likewise.

According to the Deuteronomic code (Deut. 15:12) the year of Jubilee would require that slaves be liberated during their seventh year of servitude, so once again, we see the word “forever” means a long time. This isn’t conclusion evidence against the idea found in Genesis 13 but it’s note worthy and so I mention it.

“Thy Seed”

In Romans 4 we see Abraham’s justification being used by Paul to demonstrate God’s model for saving all believers in all ages. From Genesis 12 through Revelation we trace the story of Abraham’s seed in the world with the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham in the Gospel itself for Christ came “To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,” (Luke 1:72,73)

Pull out your Bible and read Galatians 3.

In Galatians 3:7 we find that all who have faith are Abraham’s children and that we are blessed with him (v.9) because of our faith. Christ died so this blessing might come to the gentiles (v.14). We read that Abraham was justified by his faith in the promise of the Gospel (Galatians 3:6-9, 18) and Christians today are justified by faith in the same Gospel. We are Abraham’s true seed when we are “baptized into Christ” and have “put on Christ” (v.27, see also Romans 6:3) becoming “one with Christ Jesus.” (v.28)

“And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal. 3:29)

So who is “thy seed?”

Paul has already told us, “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” (Gal. 3:16)

The first argument in my opinion is not as conclusive as the second. When we believe we receive the promises which are already here in spiritual form. The whole of the Old Covenant “decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away” (Heb. 8:13) and has with the destruction of the Temple in 70 a. d. The New Covenant made in Christ’s blood replaced the Old Covenant(s) and all there physical trappings are gone, I don’t believe they are quietly placed aside until some future date but gone completely. The promises we have in Christ are far better. The New Covenant is made with the true spiritual Jew and it's not a matter of replacement but fulfillment,

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Rom 2:28-29.

The true nature of God's people is spiritual, Israel is not after the flesh in the New Covenant due to the nature of the New Covenant. We are fulfilling the land promises in the Church today by subduing the whole world “northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward,” with the preaching of the Gospel and placing it under the reign of Jesus Christ the King who is reigning now in His Church. For the believer this is a present reality. For the believer it is also not yet happened in the fullest sense of the meaning and we are awaiting the final consummation of all things when Christ reigns.

The land promised to Abraham was fulfilled spiritually in Jesus Christ who is Abraham’s seed and the substance of the faith in both the Old and New Testament. The whole story or drama of redemption finds its substance in the spiritual reality of Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 1:34-35 “And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, 35 Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,”

Psalms 95:11 “Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.”

Hebrews 4:3 “For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.”

Comparing the above scriptures and reading the chapters for context we see the promised land is a picture of spiritual rest we now have in Jesus Christ.

That’s how I understand it, I could be wrong and often am.

KJV Standard Text Black French Morocco KJ43R

2009-02-27T16:35:00.000-08:00

I have been reading all the great reviews for the Cambridge Bibles I thought it was time to order one. With this in mind I didn't want another study or reference Bible, my shelf is full of them, I wanted a plain Jane Bible. No commentary. No added notes. No chapter headings. Above is the box it was shipped in from Chapters.ca and below is the presentation box...I think that's what it's called.

The dark Emarld font is easy to read from.

Two powerful quotes...

2009-02-26T16:59:00.000-08:00

R. L. Dabney:

A truth is not necessary, because we negatively are not able to conceive the actual existence of the opposite thereof; but a truth is necessary when we positively are able to apprehend that the negation thereof includes an inevitable contradiction. It is not that we cannot see how the opposite comes to be true, but it is that we are able to see that that the opposite cannot possibly be true. (Systematic Theology, sect. 1, chap. 6, lect. 8[1]).

Cornelius Van Til:

We must point out to [our opponents] that [non-theistic] reasoning itself leads to self-contradiction, not only from a theistic point of view, but from a non-theistic point of view as well... It is this that we ought to mean when we say that we reason from the impossibility of the contrary. The contrary is impossible only if it is self-contradictory when operating on the basis of its own assumptions. (A Survey of Christian Epistemology [Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed, 1969], p. 204).

The Atheist Worldview and the Christian Worldview

2009-02-25T00:06:00.000-08:00

WHAT WILL REMAIN?

2009-02-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

by J. C. Philpot

"The fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is." - 1Co 3:13

The fire which is to prove every man’s work of what sort it is, is not merely God’s wrath as manifested at the last day; but his fire as significative of the fiery trial which takes place in this life, and which God mercifully brings upon his people to burn up their wood, hay and stubble. Now it is an inestimable mercy to have all this combustible material burnt up before we come to a death-bed. Fiery trials, such as God sends through afflictions, temptations, distressing feelings, and painful soul exercises, will burn up the wood, hay and stubble which any of his saints may have gathered up as a superstructure. Guilt pressing upon a man’s conscience, the terrors of the Almighty in a fiery law, his arrows deeply fixed in the breast and drying up the spirit, fears of death, hell, and judgment, and the terrible consequences of dying under the wrath of God, all these are a part of the fiery trial which burns up the wood, hay, and stubble heaped by Babel builders on the foundation. All sink into black ashes before this fire, which proves what they are, and what a vain refuge they afford in the day of trouble.

What then stands the fiery trial? God’s work upon the soul, the faith that he implants by his own Spirit. It may be weak; it may be tried; it may seem at times scarcely to exist; and yet being of God, it stands every storm, and lives at last. A good hope through grace, a hope of God’s own communicating and maintaining, -like a well-tried anchor, this will stand the storm; like gold and silver, this will bear the hottest furnace; lose its dross, but not lose the pure material, but be refined, purified, and manifested all the more as genuine metal. So, too, these "precious stones" 1Co 3:12, these heavenly visits, sweet manifestations, blessed promises, comforting discoveries, and gracious revelations of the Son of God, with the whispers of his dying, bleeding love, -these heavenly jewels can never be lost and never be burnt up. They may be tried, and that keenly and sharply, but being of God’s gift and operation, they are essentially indestructible.

source

Dying love and Atoning Blood

2009-02-21T00:18:00.000-08:00

A thought from Philpot :

"He gave himself for our sins."

Have you ever seen your sins?

Look at the words: how expressive they are!

Did you ever have a sight of your sins?

Were they ever laid as a load of guilt upon your conscience?

Did you ever see their blackness, their enormity, their aggravated nature, their innumerable multitude, and how every one of them deserved an everlasting hell?

Did the wrath of God ever fall into your conscience on account of your sins?

Did his anger ever drink up your spirit?

Was his hand ever heavy upon you night and day, so that your moisture was turned into the drought of summer?

Did the curse of the law ever sound in your conscience?

If the Lord has ever wrought anything of this experience with power in your conscience, you will see and feel too something of what it is for Christ to have given himself for your sins, those abominable sins of yours, those black and horrible crimes that have so grieved your conscience, so distressed your soul and made you often fear lest hell should be your everlasting abode. Now until a man has realized something of the guilt of his vile and abominable sins, and they have been laid as a heavy weight upon his heart and a burden upon his conscience, he cannot enter into the solemn mystery of the Son of God giving himself for them. He does not know what sin is; it has not been opened up to him in its real character and awful magnitude; its guilt and filth and bitterness have not been discovered to him by the teaching of the blessed Spirit. He therefore knows little or nothing of the solemn mystery of dying love and atoning blood. He cannot fully and clearly justify God in the gift of his Son, nor can he properly appreciate the love of Christ in coming into such extreme circumstances of shame and suffering that he might bear his sins, and put them away by his atoning blood.

We must, therefore, know something of the guilt and filth of sin in our own conscience, something of its weight and burden, that we may appreciate the solemn mystery, as well as spiritually and experimentally enter into the sweet and sacred blessedness of that heavenly truth that the Son of God freely gave himself for our sins. And when we look not only at our own, but at the innumerable sins which God’s people have committed in all ages and in all places, and see that Jesus must have borne them all in his own body on the tree, under all this intolerable load of guilt must not the holy Lamb of God have sunk utterly crushed, broken and overwhelmed by the wrath of God, the demands of Justice, and the curse of the Law...

Deliverance from this Present Evil World - 2

12-year-old speaks out!

2009-02-18T02:54:00.000-08:00

Rusks

2009-02-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

A lady I work with is always telling me I need to try some rusks with my Rooibos tea so the other day I made up a batch from a recipe I found on the net. When I was finished it looked just like the rusks I had seen online so I didn't take a picture, I'll just post one from the net.

According to Wikipedia, "In South Africa, rusk is a traditional biscuit (called beskuit in Afrikaans) that is eaten after having been dipped in coffee, tea, or rooibos tea."

You can see the recipe here. I used the oatmeal option but found it very bland tasting. The next batch I'm going to increase the amount of sugar and vanilla.

Last night I made biscotti.

2009-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote, "The more you succeed in loving, the more you'll be convinced at the existence of God and the immortality of your soul."

I couldn't agree more.

I love you Lynnise.

Dearly, We're Bought

2009-02-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

I love this song. It's found on "The Gadsby Project" album by Red Mountain Music.

Come raise your thankful voice,
Ye souls redeemed with blood;
Leave earth and all its toys
and mix no more with mud.

Dearly we’re bought, highly esteemed
Redeemed with Jesus’ blood, redeemed
Dearly we’re bought, highly esteemed
Redeemed with Jesus’ blood, redeemed

With heart, and soul and mind,
Exalt redeeming love;
Leave worldly cares behind,
And set your minds above.

Lift up your ravished eyes,
And view the glory given;
All lower things despised,
Ye citizens of heaven.

Be to this world as dead,
Alive to that to come;
Our life in Christ is hid,
Who soon shall call us home.

You can purchase this and many more wonderful hymns from Grace & Truth Books.

Click to Enlarge

Companion Tune Book to Gadsby's Hymns - varied authors
Hardcover | 420 pages | Companion Tune Book Trust

List Price: $24.95
Our Price: $22.50

Given the sheer size of the Gadsby Hymnal, and its absence of musical score, churches using that worthy hymnal often had no tune book to provide all the metres found in it; thus, the production of this beautiful volume was undertaken, to fill that need. The title of the tune, musical score, but no lyrics are included in this volume.

Click for Details & Reviews

Quantity:

Click to Enlarge

Gadsby's Hymns - William Gadsby
Paperback | 253 pages | Grace & Truth Books

List Price: $15.00
Our Price: $13.50

Back in print in a new edition! An esteemed collection of 1,156 hymns of rich theological content, many of which are not found in any other current hymnal. Contains: Gadsby's original hymns; his 1st and 2nd supplements; Hart's hymns and occasional hymns. A wealth of meditation for one's own devotions. Note: all editions of Gadsby's contain no musical score, only words. The Companion Tune Book also available, providing the musical score (see below).

Click for Details & Reviews

Quantity:

Click to Enlarge

The Gadbsy Project: A Collection of Hymns - Red Mountain Church Project
CD | Red Mountain Church Project

List Price: $14.95
Our Price: $12.50

The Gadsby Hymnal (published by Grace & Truth Books) is a monumental collection of over 1,000 ancient hymns, most of which are unknown in today's churches. The Red Mountain Church Project intends to release albums gradually which bring back to our attention many of these hymns. Note: the styles of these compositions are across the board in their genre; it "grows" on you. Some of the music is of a more contemporary style; we felt this album is worth promoting due to the marvelous words of these hymns. Music CD's not returnable. Click on "details" below for title cuts on this album:

Click for Details & Reviews

Quantity:

Icons

2009-02-12T01:49:00.000-08:00

On the walls in my home I have a few Ikons/icons. I posted a few pictures of the Icons I own below. (and no, I don't pray to or with the icons...they are just art...)

The above Ikon is titled, "Pantocrator" or Pantokrator. Wikipedia reads, "(from the Greek Παντοκράτωρ) is one of many titles ascribed to the Divine. When the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek as the Septuagint, Pantokrator was used to translate the Hebrew title El Shaddai. Early Christians ascribed this title to Jesus of Nazareth."

Hanging to the right is a prayer rope I bought online from Mount Athos Greece. It has 100 hand tied knots upon which the Eastern Orthodox say the Jesus prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have Mercy on me a Sinner."

Above is my Icon of a New Testament depiction of the Holy Trinity.

This is the Icon titled "Panakranta," or all merciful. Christ is presented as King with a scroll of scripture in His hand. Both Mary (Theotokos) and Jesus are facing toward the gazer.

This is a bad picture of Seraphim of Sarov who was "glorified" by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1903.

My picture of the icon "Theotokos of Walsingham" England didn't turn out so I'll just post a picture of the same icon from the net.

Election, Redemption and Everlasting Love

2009-02-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

"But if salvation implies a previous state from which it is a deliverance, then I Say that it is childish folly to talk of being saved if we know nothing experimentally of what we are saved from ... All doctrines, notions, forms, creeds, ordinances and ceremonies short of this manifested salvation are as the dust of the balance, and as the driven stubble before the wind.

What, for instance, is election, except it be revealed to my soul that I was elected before the foundation of the world?

What is redemption to me, except the atoning blood of the Lamb be sprinkled on my conscience?

What is the everlasting love of a Triune Jehovah, unless that eternal love be shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost?

To see these things revealed in the Bible is nothing. To hear them preached by one of God's ministers is nothing. To receive the truth into our judgment and to yield to them an unwavering assent is nothing. Thousands have done this who are blaspheming God in hell …a man must have salvation as an internal reality, as a known, enjoyed, tasted, felt and handled possession, or he will never enter into the kingdom of heaven."

from "What Is It That Saves A Soul by J. C. Philpot

A Journal of the Plague Year

2009-02-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

The story of Robinson Crusoe is famous being made into plays, movies and even comic book form. The author of this great English story, Daniel Defoe, was a prolific writer and some will argue the inventor of the modern English novel because he was the first to introduce short simple prose. His parents were dissenters from the Church of England and he was raised with a strong sense of God’s providence in governing all of creation and their actions down to smallest detail. Although Defoe moved away from his parents Puritan beliefs he remained, as displayed in his writings, a convinced predestinarian.

In A Journal of the Plague Year, published in 1722, Defoe describes in vivid detail “London in agony” as the streets become deserted as the Plague kills 100,000 people during 1665. The narrator keeping the journal signs the book with H. F. and it probably refers to his uncle Henry Foe[1] who lived during the “Day of visitation; a Day of God’s anger…”

H. F. ponders the greater meaning of this tragedy as he struggles to understand what is happening from a Divine perspective and believes the spread of the Plague is due to the wrath of God. H. F. finds affirmation for this believe in the Old Testament where one could site, for example, Miriam who was infected with leprosy as a Divine judgement. (Numbers 12) The attention to detail is amazing. What I really found haunting is Defoe’s use of parish burial notices. The reader becomes slowly aware just how immediate the danger of the Plague is as H. F.’s neighbours die off around him. This is historical fiction at its best.

Following is a quote from the Journal where H. F. struggles to decide if he should stay in the city or flee the Plague :

My Brother, tho' a very Religious Man himself, laught at all I had suggested about its being an Intima-tion from Heaven, and told me several Stories of such fool-hardy People, as he call'd them, as I was; that I ought indeed to submit to it as a Work of Heaven, if I had been any way disabled by Distempers or Diseases, and that then not being able to go, I ought to acquiesce in the Direction of him, who having been my Maker, had an undisputed Right of Soveraignty in disposing of me; and that then there had been no Difficulty to deter-mine which was the Call of the Providence, and which was not: But that I should take it as an Intimation from Heaven, that I should not go out of Town, only because I could not hire a Horse to go, or my Fellow was run away that was to attend me, was ridiculous, since at the same Time I had my Health and Limbs, and other Ser-vants, and might, with Ease, travel a Day or two on foot, and having a good certificate of being in perfect Health, might either hire a Horse, or take Post on the Road, as I thought fit. [end quote]

H. F. describing the common place of death during the time of the Plague:

London might well be said to be all in Tears; the Mourners did not go about the Streets indeed, for no Body put on black, or made a for-mal Dress of Mourning, for their nearest Friends; but the Voice of Mourning was truly heard in the Streets; the shriecks of Women and Children at the Windows, and Doors of their Houses, where their dearest Rela-tions were, perhaps dying, or just dead, were so frequent to be heard, as we passed the Streets, that it was enough to pierce the stoutest Heart in the World, to hear them. Tears and Lamentations were seen almost in every House, especially in the first Part of the Visitation; for towards the latter End, Mens Hearts were hardned, and Death was so always before their Eyes, that they did not so much concern themselves for the Loss of their Friends, expecting, that themselves should be sum-moned the next Hour.[end quote]

Peace,

jm

[1] It’s been suggested that Daniel must have heard stories from his uncle and used those stories as inspiration for his work.

It Preaches the Antichrist!

2009-02-07T00:09:00.000-08:00

An interesting quote from Dostoevsky's THE IDIOT :

Roman Catholicism is even worse than Atheism itself, in my opinion!

Yes, that's my opinion! Atheism only preaches a negation, but Catholicism goes further: it preaches a distorted Christ, a Christ calumniated and defamed by themselves, the opposite of Christ! It preaches the Antichrist, I declare it does, I assure you it does! This is the conviction I have long held, and it has distressed me, myself... Roman Catholicism cannot hold its position without universal political supremacy, and cries: 'Non possumus!' To my thinking Roman Catholicism is not even a religion, but simply the continuation of the Western Roman Empire, and everything in it is subordinated to that idea, faith to begin with. The Pope seized the earth, an earthly throne, and grasped the sword; everything has gone on in the same way since, only they have added to the sword lying, fraud, deceit, fanaticism, superstition, villainy. They have trifled with the most holy, truthful, sincere, fervent feelings of the people; they have bartered it all, all for money, for base earthly power. And isn't that the teaching of Antichrist? How could Atheism fail to come from them? Atheism has sprung from Roman Catholicism itself. It originated with them themselves. Can they have believed themselves?

It has been strengthened by revulsion from them; it is begotten by their lying and their spiritual impotence!

Atheism!

Among us it is only the exceptional classes who don't believe, those who ... have lost their roots. But over there, in Europe, a terrible mass of the people themselves are beginning to lose their faith - at first from darkness and lying, and now from fanaticism and hatred of the church and Christianity.

New Hampshire: Involuntary Servitude?

2009-02-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in...

Full article here :

That any Act by the Congress of the United States, Executive Order of the President of the United States of America or Judicial Order by the Judicatories of the United States of America which assumes a power not delegated to the government of United States of America by the Constitution for the United States of America and which serves to diminish the liberty of the any of the several States or their citizens shall constitute a nullification of the Constitution for the United States of America by the government of the United States of America. Acts which would cause such a nullification include, but are not limited to:

I. Establishing martial law or a state of emergency within one of the States comprising the United States of America without the consent of the legislature of that State.

II. Requiring involuntary servitude, or governmental service other than a draft during a declared war, or pursuant to, or as an alternative to, incarceration after due process of law.

III. Requiring involuntary servitude or governmental service of persons under the age of 18 other than pursuant to, or as an alternative to, incarceration after due process of law.

IV. Surrendering any power delegated or not delegated to any corporation or foreign government.

V. Any act regarding religion; further limitations on freedom of political speech; or further limitations on freedom of the press.

VI. Further infringements on the right to keep and bear arms including prohibitions of type or quantity of arms or ammunition; and

That should any such act of Congress become law or Executive Order or Judicial Order be put into force, all powers previously delegated to the United States of America by the Constitution for the United States shall revert to the several States individually.

Global Warming Protest

2009-02-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

Thompson Chain Reference Bible

2009-02-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

The Thompson Chain Reference Bible. About a year and a half ago I was searching for a new reference Bible and finally decided on the Thompson Chain Reference Bible. I didn’t want commentary surrounding the text, just solid references, something to aid my study not provide an opinion. This lead me to the Thompson Chain [TCB] Bible. After reading the reviews on Amazon I was very leery about buying one. The reviews about the construction of the new TCB seemed to contradict each other. Most wrote that it was made of very cheap construction and fell apart, but others wrote that it was a very good quality Bible, so I asked around and found out that Thomas Nelson is also producing this Bible, not just the original publisher [Kirkbirde]. It seems the Thomas Nelson version is the one that received the bad reviews so I ordered the following Bible.

· Genuine Leather with Levant Grain: 1923 pages
· Publisher: Kirkbride (January 1988)
· ISBN-10: 0887071082
· ISBN-13: 978-0887071089
· Product Dimensions: 25.9 x 19.8 x 4.6 cm

I was pretty happy with what I read and seen of it online, so when I opened the box when it arrived I was let down in a BIG way. It’s supposed to be leather but the cover was thinner then the cardboard giveaway Bibles we have at our church. When I opened it I thought the cover would eventually crack or break off. I took a quick look through it and seen that it was Smyth sewn instead of glued which is a plus. Working in a library for 15 years you come to respect the Smyth sewn binding over the cheaper glued versions. I didn’t give up hope, the content of the Bible was seemed good at a glance, the references seemed to be what I was looking for so I got back online and contacted Kirkbride directly. After a few days they did respond giving me a list of ISBN numbers to choose from and I became interested in what they call “Deluxe Kirvella.” It’s a man made polyurethane cover. My wife uses the Life Application Bible made of the same stuff so I had something to compare it to, it’s extremely soft and supple in the hand, it feels better then many of the genuine leathers on the market today.

· Kirvella bound: 1923 pages
· Publisher: Kirkbride Bible Company (September 2006)
· Language: English · ISBN-10: 0887075525
· ISBN-13: 978-0887075520
· Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.1 x 2 inches

The pages are nice and white, similar to the pages used by Oxford University Press, the text is easy to read and the names are self-pronouncing which comes in handy if you read out loud. The ribbon place marker is nice and thick, a little long, but if it frays you can trim it. It comes with a mini library added to the back but it's just overkill. It would be lighter if much of it was removed, here’s a complete list of “helps” it came from.

• Alphabetical Topical Index
• Numerical Topical Index
• Outline Studies of the Bible
• Historical Bridge between Old and New Testaments
• Origin and Growth of the English Bible
• Condensed Bible Book Outlines
• Detailed Bible Book Outlines
• Character Studies
• Outline History of the Apostles
• Portraits of Christ
• Prophecies concerning Christ and their fulfilment
• Journey Maps
• Harmony of the Gospels
• The Seven Churches of Asia
• Golden Chapters of the Bible
• Topical Treasury / Helps for Christian Workers
• Key memory verses from each Bible Book
• Differences in Religious places mentioned in the Bible
• Archaeological Supplement
• Hebrew Calendar
• Concordance
• 14 Full-color maps

If up to me I would remove everything that hasn’t been placed in bold. They all contain the opinions of the authors including Arminianism and the modern witchcraft of textual criticism. The Bible itself will service its purpose well enough. It contains thousands of chain references, it’s a good quality Bible and should last for a while. I hope to study it to shreds and would recommend this Bible to anyone looking for a comprehensive reference system based on the English translation.

j

A. W. Pink discussing Pharaoh

2009-02-01T00:04:00.000-08:00

"...it is clear that God raised up Pharaoh for this very end—to "cut him off," which in the language of the New Testament means "destroyed." God never does anything without a previous design. In giving him being, in preserving him through infancy and childhood, in raising him to the throne of Egypt, God had one end in view. That such was God’s purpose is clear from His words to Moses before he went down to Egypt, to demand of Pharaoh that Jehovah’s people should be allowed to go a three days’ journey into the wilderness to worship Him—"And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all these wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go" (Ex. 4:21). But not only so, God’s design and purpose was declared long before this. Four hundred years previously God had said to Abraham, "Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge" (Gen. 15:13, 14). From these words it is evident (a nation and its king being looked at as one in the O. T.) that God’s purpose was formed long before He gave Pharaoh being."

"We must believe, therefore, that the Judge of all the earth did right in creating and destroying this vessel of wrath, Pharaoh."

"The case of Pharaoh establishes the principle and illustrates the doctrine of Reprobation. If God actually reprobated Pharaoh, we may justly conclude that He reprobates all others whom He did not predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son."

"In conclusion, we would say that in forming Pharaoh God displayed neither justice nor injustice, but only His bare sovereignty. As the potter is sovereign in forming vessels, so God is sovereign in forming moral agents."

"He loves one and hates another, He exercises mercy toward some and hardens others, without reference to anything save His own sovereign will."

"The case of Pharaoh is plain enough, though man by his glosses has done his best to hide the truth."

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation

Ramblings about the Millennium

2009-01-30T08:37:00.000-08:00

“And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee” (Zechariah 14: 4-5).

The Premillennialism held by John Gill and George Ladd, etc. would view Zech. 14 the same as Amil, in a spiritual sense, but the Dispensationalist would believe that OT feasts and sacrifices will be reinstated. I have to admit that Zechariah 14 has caused me to do some heavy, heavy thinking but I have come to rejected the idea of future reinstatement of Old Covenant elements into the Church under the New Covenant.

Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

The passage in Zech. 14 is speaking of the Feast of Tabernacles and I believe it was a “shadow of things to come.” The whole Bible is focused on Christ as a reality and we as believers have direct, personal access to our wonderful Triune God, these shadows have passed away.

Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Jeremiah 3:16 And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.

The New Covenant made in Christ’s blood replaced the Old Covenant and all its ceremonial trappings, the Mosaic Covenant is done away with, I don’t believe it’s quietly placed aside until some future date. It’s gone. It should be forgotten. The promises we have in Christ are far better.

Hebrews 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

The second Covenant, the New Covenant is now established, by the Blood of Christ.

Hebrews 10:10-14 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

There is no purpose left for future feasts and sacrifices because believers/saints have already been perfected forever with the one time offer made by Christ.

A quote from Pastor Don Fortner [Baptist and Amil]

“The Mount of Olives is situated at the east of Jerusalem, being separated only by the brook Kedron and the valley of Jehoshaphat. Here it was that David (typifying the Lord Jesus) went up barefoot and weeping when he fled from Absalom, just as our Savior went by it when he entered Gethsemane, passing over the same brook of Kedron (2 Samuel 15:22-30; John 18:1; Matthew 26:30-46).

Mount of Corruption

That Mount, so memorable to David, was terribly profaned by his son. When Solomon was old, he loved many strange wives, who led him into idolatry. He built a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, upon that very Mount in the hill that is before Jerusalem. He also erected a high place for Moloch, the abomination of the children of Ammon, upon the Mount of Olives (1 Kings 11:1-7). Solomon so polluted the Mount of Olives with idolatry that it became known as the Mount of Corruption (2 Kings 23:13). Many years later, the good king Josiah (another type of Christ) destroyed those idols and purged the Mount of corruption (2 Kings 23:12-14).

Christ and the Mount

In the light of those historic facts, it is not at all surprising to see so much of our great Savior’s life and ministry connected with the Mount of Olives. This was the place to which he often came; and his disciples often followed him there (Luke 21:37). When the Pharisees sought to kill him, our Savior “went unto the Mount of Olives” to save that poor woman who was an adulteress (John 8:1-11). Our Savior sat down on the Mount of Olives to give us his great Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 and 25. It was in that great discourse that he spoke of the destruction of Jerusalem, his glorious second coming, the parable of the fig tree, the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, the parable of the wise and foolish servants, and the great separation of the sheep and goats in the Day of Judgment. After establishing the Lord’s Supper with his disciples, while Judas went out to betray him, the Lord Jesus and his disciples sung a hymn and “went out into the Mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:30). Then, our blessed Savior went into Gethsemane and from there to Calvary! And forty days after his resurrection, the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:8-12), receiving power over all flesh from his Father to give eternal life to his blood-bought people (John 17:2).

Typical Oil

The Mount was called the Mount of Olives, because it was covered with olive trees. Olive oil was used to light the lamps in the tabernacle and in the temple (Exodus 25:31-37; 1 Kings 7:48-50). The priests and kings in Israel were anointed with olive oil (Leviticus 8:12; 1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Kings 1:39). The Good Samaritan in our Lord’s parable poured oil and wine into the man left by the wayside (Luke 10:33-34)). And our Savior was anointed for his burial with Mary’s precious ointment, a spikenard, a perfume of oil (Matthew 26:12-13).

In all these things oil was used to typify God the Holy Spirit, the Anointing and Unction of grace, poured out upon chosen, redeemed sinners by Christ, our ascended King and enthroned Savior, who, standing upon the Mount of Olives as our Redeemer, split the mountain, flooded its valley with grace, and causes his people to flee to the valley of the mountains. There the Lord our God comes with all his saints! Using the figurative language of verses 4 and 5, Zechariah describes the powerful presence of God and his omnipotent grace in the outpouring of his Spirit upon his elect, which was manifestly done at Pentecost (Joel 1:14-15; 2:1-3, 27-32; 3:13-17; Acts 2:16-21).

Zechariah’s language here is to be understood figuratively, because he is telling us that this great day of God’s grace flowing to sinners far exceeds the glory that appeared upon Mount Sinai at the giving of the law, when the mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs (Psalm 114:6). So terrible was that sight that Moses said, “I exceedingly fear and quake” (Hebrews 12:21). The Lord Jesus Christ, our great Josiah, has taken away both the curse of Sinai’s law and the corruptions of his people by his finished work of redemption. By coming to the earth in our nature, obeying all the will of God, dying as our Substitute, and ascending from the Mount, he has split open the mountain where our offenses abounded and created the mighty river of mercy and grace for our souls in “the valley of the mountains!” Where sin abounded grace much more abounds! Let the sweet tidings of grace vibrate through the earth. Because Christ has come and finished his work, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!” - Don Fortner [/end quote]

Is Amillennialism Replacement theology? I don’t think so.

Galatians 3:7 = all who have faith are Abraham’s children, we are blessed with Abraham

v.9, Christ died so this blessing might come to the gentiles

v. 14. Abraham experienced the justification of faith in the promise of the Gospel (Gal. 3:6-9, 18 ), we experience the same justification because we are Abraham’s true seed (Gal. 3:29 ).

Spiritual blessings were never promised to Israel just because they were Israelites, effectual calling is a perfect example given by Paul in Romans 9:11, 24 when the Holy Ghost lead him to contrast two covenant children. When we read “not all Israel is Israel” this simply means that physical Israel was privileged as a nation (Rom. 3:1-3) and is in contrast with those who posses true saving Grace. The true spiritual seed of Abraham are all true believers in every age, “And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

The Covenant is made with the true spiritual Jew and it's not a matter of replacement for many the Amillennialist, many also believe a remnant of physical Israel will be saved under the New Covenant, For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Rom 2:28-29. The true nature of God's people is spiritual, Israel is not after the flesh in the New Covenant due to the nature of the NC, we have a new heart.

On the Millennium : In Rev. 20 we read about a 1000 year period, I think the Amillennialist believes in a literal understanding of the Bible, Premil tends to be literalistic and not literal. For example, all the nations will be gathered before Christ for the separation of the sheep and the goats and this will take place at the end of the age.

Mat 25:31-32 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

If there is a one thousand year gap between Christ's return and the final judgment it is the Premillennialist who is ignoring the literal reading of Rev. 20. The resurrection [1 Cor. 15:35-57; 2 Thess. 1], the restoration of all things [2 Pet. 3:3-15] and the final judgment mentioned in Matthew 25 all happen at the second coming without a one thousand year gap. Christ comes and then judges, no gap of 1000 years.

Consider Acts 15:15-16 : And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

The quote from Acts is taken from Amos 9, it’s a reference to Israel and is applied to the Church in the New Testament. The Premil dispensational view is literalistic while the natural reading of the text would suggest the Church is now, at the very least, receiving the promises given to Israel. We are a spiritual people without types and shadows, we have the real deal, we have new life in Christ, I'm having a hard time understanding why we need to return to the types and shadows that pointed to Christ and the New Covenant if Christ gave the Church the present realities.

Symbolic use of "thousand":

Deu 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Job 9:3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.

Psa 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

Psa 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

Psa 105:8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.

Ecc 6:6 Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?

Ecc 7:28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

Dan 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

2Pe 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

In Luke 20:34, Jesus contrasts "this age" with "the age to come" (v 35). He says that in the age to come/millenium there will be no death (v 36). How do you understand there being "no death" (v. 36) in the age to come/millennium?

If the one thousand years to be understood literally why are other verses and words such as "key, bottomless pit, a great chain, dragon, serpent, and set a seal" to be understood as figurative?

And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. Revelation 20:1-3.

How does an Angel lay hold of Satan, a non-physical being?

Is the pit Satan is cast into literal?

Is it a physical pit or spiritual pit?

If a spiritual being like Satan is loosed, how is he loosed?

Did John see these things with his literal eyesight?

What reason is given by the Premillennialist for switching from a literal understanding to a fugitive understanding? I guess the bottom line for me is find a textual reason [grammatical or exegetical evidence] for a literal one thousand year period of time. SO many elements of Premillennialism are not literal.

If the key to the pit isn't literal, why?

I thought we were using a literal understanding of the Bible?

On the Binding of Satan : Dr. John Gill [Particular Baptist] is right on when he writes, "And bound him a thousand years, with the great chain he had in his hand: the devil is in chains now, is under the power of divine Providence, and can do nothing without divine permission; but this chain is long, and he appears oftentimes to have great liberty, and ranges about the air and earth, and does much mischief; but now he will be so bound by the power of Christ over him, that he will not be able to stir hand or foot, to disturb the saints, or deceive the nations, whether with false worship, and false doctrine, or by stirring them up to persecute the saints." [he was premil]

More from Pastor Don Fortner : How is satan bound?

1. Our Lord began to bind satan, TRIUMPHING OVER HIM IN THE WILDERNESS OF TEMPTATION, BY THE WORD OF GOD (Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Having bound the strong man, our Lord began to spoil his goods, casting out demons, healing the sick, raising the dead, and saving the lost. Satan's power over the masses began to be curtailed.

2. In the garden of Gethsemane, our Lord BROKE THE POWER OF SATAN BY FAITH AND PRAYER (Matt. 26:36-46). The devil tried to keep our Redeemer from the cross. But he rose in triumph after he had prayed (Heb. 5:7-9), and went to the cross with confident faith to lay down his life for us (Heb. 12:1-2).

3. Christ Jesus CRUSHED THE SERPENT'S HEAD BY HIS TRIUMPHANT DEATH UPON THE CROSS (John 12:28-32). He broke the power of satan's usurped dominion over the earth and began to draw his elect from every nation to himself by the virtue of his sin-atoning sacrifice.

4. When our Lord ascended up into heaven, exalted as King over all things, HE BROUGHT SATAN INTO CAPTIVITY UNDER HIS SOVEREIGN RULE (Psa. 68:18-19; Col. 2:13-15). The slithering serpent of Eden is now under the rule of the Man, Christ Jesus, our great Savior. He roars against us as viciously as ever. But he cannot devour, or even harm, God's elect.

5. And satan is bound by the power of Christ today THROUGH THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL (Luke 10:16-20). As God's servants preach the gospel of the grace of God, when it is effectually applied to the hearts of sinners by the power of the Holy Spirit, satan is bound. [end quote]

Christ is presently ruling now, we are in His Kingdom now :

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Eph 1:20-23

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Col 1:13

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Col 2:10

Satan has been neutralized :

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Col 2:15

Hebrews 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

The word manifested is past tense.

In Rev. 20:2 we see the word bound and Premil assumes that Satan is totally bound or rendered incapable of deceiving the nations completely, but the world means limited.

Websters 1828 : A limit; the line which comprehends the whole of any given object or space. It differs from boundary. See the latter. Bound is applied to kingdoms, states,cities, towns, tracts of land, and to territorial jurisdiction.

The word “bind” is used both literally or figuratively and as Thayer points out, “Satan is said to bind a woman bent together by means of a demon, as his messenger, taking possession of the woman and preventing her from standing upright.” These “bindings” do not necessarily mean Satan is totally prevented from any doing any deceiving but he is restricted.

Is Christ Your Lord? - By A.W. Pink

2009-01-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

Rooibos

2009-01-28T00:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I mentioned Rooibos (ROY - bus) the African red tisane so I thought I'd mention it again after noticing Tetley has a new commercial advertising it.

I've been a committed tea drinker for the last 8 or 9 years and have a cup or two a day. As a child I tried orange pekoe and was put off tea until my wife, Lynnise, brought home some Earl Grey to try. I loved it. I started drinking tea everyday from that time on. Earl Grey is always in my tea cupboard. I buy a hundred bags at a time and use it to drink hot or make Southern style sweet tea. The last few years I've been branching out and trying different kinds of tea from White to Sencha style Greens, from Assam to Lapsang smoked tea, and find them all enjoyable, but if I had to choose just one hot beverage, I'd choose Rooibos.

Tea is harvested from the camellia sinensis plant and contains different amounts of caffeine depending on how it's processed but the Rooibos plant is a tisane and is classified as part of the legume family. The Afrikaans word "rooibos" means "red bush" and is an herbal drink free from caffeine. This wonderful tisane has been growing in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa for hundreds of years enjoying popularity in Africa for generations. Recently this tisane has been getting attention from the rest of the world because of its health benefits. Wiki lists it's high levels of antioxidants, low tannin levels compared to tea, it's ability to assist with nervous tension, allergies and digestive problems. When I have an upset stomach I drink Rooibos and it truly works. The brands that you will find in your local supermarket are generally the oxidized version and inexpensive to buy, the green or unprocessed Rooibos is a little harder to find, I've only seen it in specialty shops.

Taste and Colour: It tastes slightly sweet with a slightly nutty aftertaste that is mild and pleasing. It brews up dark red or reddish brown.

Brewing Tips:

There are few ways to brew Rooibos. Some say to let the tisane steep for 5 or 6 minutes and others will tell you to simmer it for 30 minutes. I've tried a few different ways but the way I enjoy it is to use fresh cold water, bring it to a rapid boil and steep the bag (yes, I wrote bag, Rooibos bagged tisane tastes the same as loose) for a full 10 minutes even before you take your fist sip. Unlike tea from the camella sinenesis plant this tisane will not turn bitter is you steep it for long periods of time, it only gets better, stronger and darker. When I brew up a cup or pot I just leave the bags in until the liquid is gone. I've simmered loose for 30 minutes but didn't notice much of a difference between leaving the bag in and the boiling method.

A couple of ideas that I've tried:

* Have a cold or just plain cold? Take two inches of fresh ginger, peel it, slice it thin and boil it for 10 minutes in 4 cups of water. At the 10 minute mark add a bag of Rooibos.

* Have an upset stomach? Pour boiling water over a bag of Rooibos, add a bag of mint, add a little honey. It can also be poured over ice.

* Make a full pot of Rooibos, add a little honey and after it's cooled place it in the fridge. Unlike tea that can become bitter Rooibos becomes a littler more nuttier when left in the fridge after a few days. You may also like to add a little lemon.

Peace,

j

2009-01-26T06:24:00.000-08:00

Article I of the Gospel Standards,

“We believe in the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, and receive them as a gracious revelation of the mind and will of God (Deut. 4:2, Ps. 19:7, Prov. 30:5-6, 2 Pet. 1:19-21, Rev. 22:18-19, John 5:39); and we believe that therein are revealed all the doctrines and truths which we here state. (2 Tim. 3:15-17.)”

From "What Gospel Standard Baptists Believe" by J. H. Gosden,

“We believe in the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures.” The gift to sinful man of God’s Word is second only to the unspeakable gift of His only-begotten Son, and is of inestimable value. It is an act of infinite condescension for the holy, eternal God to deign to speak to His creatures, especially to sinful man, who before sin entered was invested with capacity to understand the mind and will of God concerning him. No less a miracle preserves Holy Writ intact through all the vicissitudes of time, and in spite of the hatred of Satan and the malice of men, than that by which it was originally “given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3.16).

The divine origin and gracious purpose of this revelation to sinful man are not only asserted in Scripture itself, but also discovered in the mysterious method of its structure, the mode of its conveyance, and its indestructibility. For, like Himself, God’s Word “endureth for ever” (Psa. 33.11; Isa. 40.8; 1 Pet. 1.25; Psa. 102, 27; Heb. 1.12). By inspiration God gave the Holy Oracles, and by power – a perennial miracle – He preserves them intact. They are inerrant, unchangeable, unlosable. Could they err or change or be lost, their divine origin would be disproved and dependence upon them would be misplaced. In such a case there would exist no foundation upon which to build for eternity, no final court of appeal respecting truth and error, no standard of doctrine, no rule of practice, no touchstone of experience. “If this foundation be destroyed, what shall the righteous do?” For although the Book of Creation bears the seal of “eternal power and Godhead,” and man’s ignorance of God is therefore inexcusable (Rom. 1.20), yet that Book cannot be clearly read by a benighted sinner apart from the Holy Scriptures wherein the Creator declares His creation work: “God said, Let there be, and there was.” Holy Scripture is the key to the Book of Creation. To faith, that testimony is conclusive (Heb. 11.3). Science which contradicts is “science falsely so called” (1 Tim. 6.20).

By “divine inspiration” is intended that sovereign, mysterious breath of the Holy Spirit of God which, through “holy men of God,” produced the Holy Scripture, an infallible transcript in human language of the will of Jehovah, and a revelation to man (to such extent as Himself saw fitting) of His divine Being, nature and character. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved [borne along] by the Holy Ghost.” What the penmen of the Holy Ghost wrote, by His divine, direct, mysterious operation upon them, was God-breathed, was Holy Scripture. The Word of God “came to” them, and “spake by” them “at sundry times and in divers manners” (2 Tim. 3.16; 2 Pet. 1.21; Jer. 1.2,3; Ezek. 1.3; Heb. 1.1). When the Spirit of Christ in the prophets testified beforehand of His sufferings and the glory, which should follow, the prophets wrote more than they at first understood, but which was revealed to them upon their diligent search (1 Pet. 1.10, 11), a fact which manifests inspiration to belong to the writings, not to the penmen. Not all that prophets and apostles ever spoke or wrote was inspired, but what they wrote and spake under the especial controlling influence of the Holy Ghost. This is “God’s Word written.”

The Old Testament canon, comprising Genesis to Malachi, are the Scripture to which the Lord Jesus referred: “Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me” (John 5.39). To these He had recourse continually, especially in His conflict with Satan. “The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy” (Rev. 19.10). The Gospels, the Acts, the Epistles, the Apocalypse, composing the New Testament canon, are equally inspired Scriptures (2 Pet. 3.16), completing and explaining the Old Testament. Perilous in the extreme is any addition to or subtraction from the words of the one Book – the whole Bible (Prov. 30.6; Rev. 22.19).

“And we receive them as a gracious revelation of the mind and will of God.” The doctrine of inspiration is an article of faith. We believe we have in our English Authorized Version to all intents and purposes virtually the inspired Word of God, derived to us through the faithful translation of manuscripts which themselves were copied from the original autographs. By affirming our conviction of the “gracious revelation of the mind and will of God,” we acknowledge that nothing of God can be savingly known by sinful men except through an act of His good pleasure; which we believe divine inspiration of Holy Scripture to be. “Who by searching can find out God?” (Job 11.7). And since life eternal is in the knowledge of “the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent” (John 17.3), apart from revelation all men had remained in the ignorance and death into which sin plunged them. Therefore the doctrine of divine inspiration is a “doctrine according of godliness” (1 Tim. 6.3), which rightly held leads to a humble, trembling, reverential submission to the Holy Scriptures as God’s authoritative Word, and ultimately to salvation through faith in Christ, of whom they testify (2 Tim. 3.15). This faith, the gift of God, being “mixed with” the Word in the heart, is the “power of Christ’s resurrection” exerted by the Spirit in the soul (Eph. 1.19, 20.2.8; Col. 2.12; Heb. 4.2). To partake of Christ by faith is the very life of soul, and this is by the words, which He speaks (John 6.63).

But whilst we cordially endorse the doctrine of the divine plenary inspiration of the Holy Scripture, and firmly believe that the entire structure of Holy Writ was produced thereby, we solemnly realize that inspiration is not inherent in the inspired words. Many have in their hands and even in their memories the inspired Word, who never receive it savingly as the life-giving sanctifying and fructifying Word (John 15.1-8; 17.17; James 1:18). For this, the Holy Spirit who produced the written word of God, must by His vital power renew and enlighten the eyes of men’s understanding, and by His especial operations unfold and apply Holy Scripture to the individual soul. It then becomes the Word of God to them. This is something more then mere logical credence, good though that is in its place.

“So far he’s right, but let him know
Further than this he yet must go.”

True, faith will weigh up the internal evidence to be found I the Scriptures themselves; the believer will be delighted with every confirmation of the authenticity, accuracy and historicity of the Bible. But his faith is not founded thereon, though it may be strengthened thereby. The “demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” the “unction of the Holy One which teacheth all things, and is truth, and is on lie” (1 Cor. 2.4, 5; 1 John 2.20, 21), give a certainty of knowledge by which faith is fed. This will be better than, though not contrary to, logical deduction. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”, herein the “wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err” (Rom. 10.17; Isa. 35.8). Thus the Bible is heartily received “as gracious revelation of the mind and will of God.”

“And we believe that therein are revealed all the doctrines and truths which we here state.” This is no claim by the framers of our Articles of Faith for their infallibility or universality, but rather a humble submission to the test of the infallible Word of God.

Happy Robbie Burns Day!

2009-01-25T00:50:00.000-08:00

2009-01-23T05:43:00.000-08:00

John Brine :

No Man whatever, let him be what he may, as to Descent, Education, State Gifts, Usefulness to others, whether in the Civil or Religious Life, unless he partakes of Holiness in this, he shall not participate of Happiness in the next. As God designed all to become Subjects of Holiness in this World, whom he appointed to eternal Salvation; so holy Persons only are capable of that Glory, which consists in the Vision of him, Communion with him, and in a constant Adoration of him, which is maintained in the Mind by a Perception of his infinitely glorious Excellencies and Perfections; and, consequently, no Man, without Holiness, shall ever see the Lord.

Some, it may be, will be ready to fear, from the Consideration of what has been observed concerning the Nature of real Holiness, that they are not the subjects of it, and may say, if that Spirituality enters into the Nature of true Holiness, which you have expressed, I am afraid that, for my Part, I am a Stranger to it; I find, to my Sorrow, so much of the contrary of it in me. To such I would observe, that every Man in this World, who is the Subject of Holiness, he also is the Subject of Sin: Tho’ every Man that is the Subject of Sin, is not the Subject: of Holiness; every one here, who is a subject of Holiness, is likewise a Subject of Sin: Do not, therefore, think, because you have Sin, that you have no Holiness. What is it in you, that prays, watches, and strives against Sin, as Sin? Is it the Flesh? No, that will never become an Opposer of itself. What is it in you that approves of the Law, as holy, just, and good? Is it corrupt Nature? No; that is not subject to the Law, of God, nor ever will be; these are Acts proper to a Principle of Holiness and Grace.

The Flesh will still serve the Law of Sin, and you will be deceived if you think otherwise, for it is only the spiritual Part of a Believer that serves the Law of God. Hence, the Apostle resolves the contrary Actings of his Heart, into these two contrary Springs of Action in himself; Flesh and Spirit, or Corruption and Grace: So then with my Mind, I myself serve the Law of God; but with the Flesh the Law of Sin. The Being of Corruption in the Mind as an active Principle, engaged in the Service of the Law of Sin, is not to be considered as an Evidence, that there is not present in the Soul, a holy Principle, which is disposed unto, and engaged in the Service of the divine Law. It is the Dominion of Sin that is such an Evidence, and not the Presence of it, as an active Principle, always ready to exert itself in an Opposition to what is truly good, or of a spiritual Nature, and inclined to act what is evil.

Regeneration neither takes away the Being of Sin, nor deprives it of a Power to act in Opposition to what is holy: And as Sin in the Regenerate does exert itself in Opposition to that which is holy, so it is a Disposition to do what is sinful. A Principle of Grace really takes away the Reign of Sin, but leaves it existent in the Mind, and changes not its Nature, it still is, and will always continue to be what it was; Conviction doth not that: The Flesh, as has been observed, how much soever it is checked by Conviction, as to the Manner of exerting itself, it preserves its Rule entire: Tho’ the Form of its Government is altered, it still maintains its Dominion in the Unregenerate. If, therefore, there is any Thing at all of this Spirituality and Subjection to the Law’, in you, and Approbation of heavenly Things themselves, there is a Principle of Holiness in your Hearts, and you have proper Foundation for a holy Confidence, that he who hath begun a good Work in you, will perform it until the Day of Christ. The Nature of True Holiness Explained.

Teaching Our Children

2009-01-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

We read in Deuteronomy 6 “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Every effort should be made to pursue and never neglect our duties as parents, instructing our children as soon as they’re able to learn the word of God, bringing them to the knowledge of His commandments, covenant and promises. Fathers, as heads of the house, have a duty to instruct the family. This duty rests on our shoulders to raise our children and lead our households in accordance with the will of God.

A minister by the name of Richard Cecil asked this question, "What may be done towards the interests of the children of a congregation?" The result was a “Catechism for Girls and Boys” written in 1798. It was created to instruct children in primary grades. My family has benefited from the use of this collection of Biblical teachings, I have read it with my children using its structure to help teach and guide them in God’s word.

So, what is a “catechism?” A catechism is a summary of Biblical doctrine. This format of instructing has been used by Christians from New Testament times to the present. The format used for a catechism flows like a dialogue between a new a Christian or inquirer and a Pastor in question and answer format. The use of catechisms is not something new among Baptists and many Baptists have written and used them to instruct the people and their families.

Charles H. Spurgeon who was famous for his oratory skills, his passion for evangelism and his ability to reach the people with his easy to understand doctrinally solid sermons. He wrote, “I am persuaded that the use of a good catechism in all our families will be a great safeguard against the increasing errors of the times…” and latter he writes, “Those who use it in their families or classes must labour to explain the sense; but the words should be carefully learned by heart, for they will be understood better as years pass.”

Getting started: It seems many believers today are afraid to lead their families because they’re not sure in which direction to lead; this is where the catechism comes in. It’s structured to direct the family by asking questions that everyone can benefit from, key doctrines are taught in simple terms and Biblical references are given for parents to look up and add further comments on. Biblical doctrine is taught or unfolds as the family works through the questions together.

Open with a short prayer.
Ask the child/children to read a question from the catechism you’re studying that night, allowing each child to participate.
Take time to discuss what was read, quality of the teaching is better then quantity of reading, be sure to ask further questions of the children.
Look up the Biblical passages listed with the answers and if your children are old enough to read the passages out loud encourage them to do so.
Guide them by encouraging worshipful reading and reverence; this isn’t a time for you to polish your preaching skills.
Don’t be afraid to sing a hymn or two.
Finish your time together with a prayer, taking time to encourage your children to make their requests known before the throne of God.
Without cutting your time together short, keep it around 20 minutes.

The Bible commands us to teach our children His words with no excuse. We, as fathers set the course our children will follow the rest of their lives, help them build that life upon a foundation of reverence and love for God and His word.

Below you’ll find a quote taken from a “Catechism for Girls and Boys” by Cecil. This is the first catechism I used with my children and we found it easy for them to read, the structure is sound and it’s Baptistic. The first 8 questions are quoted below and followed by a link to a website that has all 145. These 8 questions deal with God, man and sin the link continues with the Ten Commandments, questions about salvation, prayer, the word and church ordnances [baptism and the Lord’s Supper], and a few questions about last things [the end times].

Part I

Questions about God, Man, and Sin

1.Q.Who made you?
A. God made me (Gn 1:26, 27; 2:7; Ec 12:1; Acts 17:24-29).

2.Q. What else did God make?
A. God made all things (Gn 1, esp. verses 1, 31; Acts 14:15; Rm 11:36; Col 1:16).

3.Q. Why did God make you and all things?
A. For his own glory (Ps 19:1; Jer 9:23, 24; Rv 4:11; 4:15).

4.Q. How can you glorify God?
A. By loving him and doing what he commands (Ec 12:13; Mk 12:29-31; In 15:8-10; 1 Cor 10:31).

5.Q. Why ought you to glorify God?
A. Because he made me and takes care of me (Rm 11:36; Rv 4:11; cf. Dan 4:39).

6.Q. Are there more gods than one?
A. There is only one God (Deut 6:4; Jer 10:10; Mk 12:29; Acts 17:22-31).

7.Q. In how many persons does this one God exist?
A. In three persons (Mt 3:16, 17; Jn 5:23; 10:30; 14:9, 10; 15:26; 16:13-15; 1 In 5:20, 2 In 9; Rv 1:4, 5).

8.Q. Who are they?
A. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 Pet 1:2; Jude 20, 21).

The rest of the catechism can be found here: http://www.reformedreader.org/ccc/acbg.htm

If you’re interested in learning about the historic Baptist faith the site given above has a voluminous collection of Baptist documents from the Reformation period of Church history on. I hope this was of use to you.

Peace.

Margaret Sanger Would Have Loved Barack Obama

2009-01-20T00:47:00.000-08:00

"Choose life so that you and your children will live..." Deuteronomy 30:19

Today Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. He will not only be the first black president, he will also be the most liberal, pro-choice president in the history of the United States Republic.

Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, once wrote, "We should hire three or four colored ministers, preferably with social-service backgrounds, and with engaging personalities. The most successful educational approach to the Negro is through a religious appeal. We don't want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members." Source

Is this the change you had in mind? Is this the change you can believe in?

"...I will not trust in my bow..."

2009-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thou art my King, O God:
command deliverances for Jacob.

Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah Psa 44:4-8

Nave's Topical Bible: Archery

Practiced by Ishmael Genesis 21:20
Practiced by Esau Genesis 27:3
Practiced by Jonathan 1 Samuel 20:20,36,37
Practiced by the sons of Ulam 1 Chronicles 8:40
Practiced by the Philistines 1 Samuel 31:1-3; 1 Chronicles 10:3
Practiced by the Persians Isaiah 13:17,18
Practiced by the people of Kedar Isaiah 21:17
Practiced by the Syrians 1 Kings 22:31-34
Practiced by the Israelites 2 Samuel 1:18; 1 Chronicles 5:18; 12:2; 2 Chronicles 14:8; 26:14; Nehemiah 4:13; Zechariah 9:13
Practiced by the Lydians Jeremiah 46:9
In war Genesis 49:23; Judges 5:11; 1 Samuel 31:3; Isaiah 22:3; Jeremiah 4:29; 51:3; Zechariah 10:4
See ARROW
See ARMIES
See BOW
See WAR

Evil, RA

2009-01-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

Gordon H. Clark, Predestination, Presbyterian & Reformed, 1987, pp. 185-188:

The Scofield Bible is a good example of how Arminians try to escape from the plain meaning of the verse. Scofield says, “ra, translated ‘sorrow,’ ‘wretchedness,’ ‘adversity,’ ‘afflictions,’ ‘calamities,’ but never translated SIN. God created evil only in the sense that he made sorrow, wretchedness, etc., to be the sure fruits of sin.”

Now the most remarkable point about Scofield’s note is that he told the truth when he said, “RA . . . [is] never translated sin.” How could he have made such a statement, knowing it was true? The only answer is that he must have examined every instance of RA in the Hebrew text and then he must have determined that in no case did the King James translate it sin. And this is absolutely true. But if he compared every instance of RA with its translation in every case, he could not have failed to note that RA in Genesis 6:5 and in a number of other places is translated WICKEDNESS. In fact RA is translated wickedness some fifty times. Scofield could not have failed to notice this; so he says with just truth, RA is never translated sin. Since Scofield favors the word EVIL, a partial list of verses in which this translation occurs will be given; and second there will be a partial list where WICKED or WICKEDNESS is used.

Going through the Bible, Scofield must have read as far as Genesis 2:9, 17; 3:5, 22; 6:5; 8:21; 44:4; 48:16; 50:15, 17, 20. “The knowledge of good and EVIL” is simply a knowledge of sorrow or calamity; it is primarily a knowledge of disobedience and sin. Similarly, Genesis 3:5, 22 refers as much to sin as to its punishment. In fact Genesis 3:22 hardly refers to punishment at all. True, Adam was banished from the garden; but the word EVIL in the verse refers to his disobedience and sin.

Whatever lame excuse can be given for excluding sin and retaining only punishment in the previous four verses, Genesis 6:5 is clearly and indisputably a reference to sin. God did not see “adversity” or “afflictions”; he saw sinful thoughts. RA, in this verse at any rate, means sin. The same is true of Genesis 8:21. In fact sin and its punishment are separated here. God will not again curse or smite, as he had just done, for man’s heart is evil. The flood was a punishment, but the evil was the sinful heart of man.

Toward the end of Genesis RA refers to an alleged theft, many sins from which the Angel had redeemed Jacob, and three times the brothers’ sin against Joseph. In 50:17 again the sin is easily distinguishable from the feared punishment.

Is it necessary to plod through all the Old Testament to show that RA often means sin as distinct from its punishment? It should not be necessary; but to show the pervasiveness of the doctrine and the perverseness of Arminianism, something from II Chronicles will be listed: 22:4; 29:6; 36:5, 9, 12. Ahab did EVIL in the sight of the Lord. Our fathers have trespassed and done evil in the eyes of the Lord. Manasseh did evil in the sight of the Lord. He wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord. Jehoiakim did evil in the sight of the Lord. . . .

Evil, RA, is not once TRANSLATED sin. Very strange, but true.

Then there is Isaiah 56:2; 57:1; 59:7, 15; 65:12; 66:4. All instances of RA, or EVIL.

Now, if Scofield knew that RA was never translated SIN, he must have known that it was often translated WICKEDNESS. WICKEDNESS or WICKED, as the translation of RA occurs in Genesis 6:5; 13:13; 38:7; 39:9. Also in Deuteronomy 13:11 and 17:2. Also in I Samuel 30:22 and II Samuel 3:39. I Kings 2:44; Nehemiah 9:35; Esther 7:6, 9, 25. And Proverbs 21:12; 26:23, 26. Nor are these the only instances.

Scofield told the literal truth when he said it is never translated SIN. But nothing could be more false than his statement, “ God created evil ONLY in the sense that he made sorrow, wretchedness, etc., to be the sure fruits of sin.”

The scriptural meaning of the word RA, has now been abundantly made clear. But there is another point too. If RA means simply external calamities, then the word PEACE, which God also creates, can mean only military peace. The phrases are parallel. But this interpretation reduces the verse, orTHIS PART OF THE VERSE, to triviality. Even verse one can hardly be restricted to purely political matters. Verse three speaks of treasures of darkness, hidden riches, and the knowledge of God. Jacob my servant and Israel my elect are not phrases to be restricted to politics and economics. Verse 6 speaks of the extension of the knowledge of God throughout the world. Then comes “I make peace and create evil.” Merely military peace? Not peace with God? The next verse speaks of righteousness dropping down from heaven, not like dew, but like pouring rain. Bring forth salvation, let righteousness spring up together. I the Lord have created it.

O, Arminian, Arminian, thou that distortest the prophets and misinterpretest them that are sent unto thee; how often have I told your children the plain truth . . . and ye would not let them understand! NOTE: This is an alternate of Dr. John Gill’s unique translation of this verse, which Clark was very fond of! He was not so fond of certain aspects of his other interpretations.

There is still more in this chapter from Isaiah. Once again we find the potter and the clay. It indicates that God is not responsible to man. Woe to the man who complains that God has made him or anyone else a vessel of dishonor. The clay has no ‘rights’ against the potter. Nor does it have any free will to decide what sort of a bowl or jug it shall be.

...followers of Mohammed...

2009-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

THE SECOND WOE – TRUMPET, OR THE ARMY OF HORSEMEN. Revelation 9. 13-21.

WE here enter on the sixth, or second woe-trumpet, which, embracing different contemporary events, may be expected to require several discourses. That part of it which we are now upon contains a description of the revival of the Mahomedan desolations by the Turks, in the thirteenth and following centuries. It will be recollected that the second woe was not to come quickly, but “hereafter.” Such was the fact. Several centuries elapsed between the ravages of the Saracens and those of the Turks. But as the desolations wrought by the followers of Mahomed, whether Saracens or Turks, would be less injurious to the causeof Christ than the abominations of popery, there is not only much less said of them than of the other, but what is said is finished before the other is particularly begun, that the thread of the principal subject might not be broken. There is no reason to think that the Turkish wars would have occupied a place in Scripture prophecy, but for their being the appointed means of crushing a corrupt part of the Christian church. For these reasons I question the propriety of calling the Mahomedan power the eastern antichrist. There is no doubt of its being opposed to Christ, and the same may be said of heathenism; but nothing is called antichrist in the Scriptures which makes no profession of being on the side of Christ. If there was an eastern antichrist, it was that community which the Mahomedans destroyed, namely, “the men who had not the seal of God in their foreheads!”

The leading facts corresponding with this part of the prophecy were as follows: – The Turks, a people who in the ninth century had migrated from the neighbourhood of Mount Caucasus, and settled in Armenia Major, by the eleventh century became formidable to their neighbours. They consisted of four sultanies, the seats of which were at Bagdad, Damascus, Aleppo, and Iconium; all in the neighbourhood of the Euphrates. Their principal struggles were with the eastern Roman empire, or the Christians of the Greek church. For about two centuries their ambition was restrained, partly it may be by the European crusades, or what were called the holy wars, for the recovery of Jerusalem; but the disasters which attended these undertakings inducing the European princes at length to relinquish them, they were then at liberty to pursue their objects. In 1281 they obtained a decided victory over the eastern Christians; and in 1299 a new empire was founded by Othman, composed of the four Turkish sultanies, which still subsists, and is called after his name the Ottoman empire. During the fourteenth century their successes continued. In the middle of the fifteenth (1453) Constantinople was taken, the eastern Roman empire fell, and with it the Greek church, neither of which, except in the religion of the latter being embraced by the Russians, has since liftedup its head.

DISCOURSE XI, The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller

The believer will continue in the faith

2009-01-16T00:41:00.000-08:00

Many articles have been written about this topic from both its promoters and detractors, by men and women much more capable of the task. What I hope to accomplish by tiny piece, is merely wet your appetite by getting you motivated to search the scriptures and find out what the Bible teaches on this subject.

It brings comfort to some but can be abused by the unrengerated and misinterpreted by the carnal mind. I want to set you at ease by stating, simply, the Bible doesn’t speak of a disobedient faith only obedient faith. The Bible tells us, “that all who are by faith united with Christ, who have been justified by God’s grace and regenerated by his Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but certainly persevere therein to the end.1”

It is because Christ fully paid the penalty for sin, the born again believer has security and assurance of salvation. It lies not in our spiritual performance but in God’s work that saves. We know that God has a purpose (Job 23:13), Christ died to save a people (Matthew 20:28) and nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-38). We also need to take note of the promise made in Romans 8, “he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son...” This work will be done, even if critics of the doctrine of preservation avoid this fact by trying to tell us it doesn’t mean what it plainly means. Romans 11:29 further teaches that God’s gifts are without repentance and irrevocable. (see also John 10:27-30)

The Epistle of Romans is such a powerful statement of these truths, see for yourself.
• Romans 4:1-4 justification by faith
• Romans 4:5-12 justifying faith defined
• Romans 5:1-11 seven results of justification
• Romans 5:12-21 sanctification through Christ

Our security is found in Christ.

The sacrifice of the sinless Son of God is forever, it never fails, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Rom. 5:8-10.

Paul states in Hebrews 7:25 “…He is able to save them to the uttermost…” because Christ always lives to make intercession for the believer. Unless the Father denies the prayer of the Son, unless there is disagreement in the Godhead [the Holy Trinity], the Father always hears the prayer of the Son. It’s because Christ is praying for us (John 17), we have faith until the end.

Classic scriptures such as Philippians 1:6 and 1 Timothy 1:12 speak of believers “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:5, Romans 16:25, Jude 24)

Objections and concerns should be considered only in light of what the word of God teaches. For instance, a common objection is aimed at the potential for a believer to become lazy in conduct, or one who backslides without care, but in light of 1 John 3:9 we are told that no one that continues in sin can be saved. (Romans 6:1, 2 Timothy 2:19, 2 Peter 1:10, 1 John 2:2, 29; 3:14, 5:4) The same can be said for Christian service “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Believer, keep believing.

From J. C. Philpot

2009-01-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

January 15

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." --2 Corinthians 4:7

________________

Be not surprised if you feel that in yourself you are but an earthen vessel; if you are made deeply and daily sensible unto what a frail body God has communicated light and life. Be not surprised if your clay house is often tottering; if sickness sometimes assails your mortal tabernacle; if in your flesh there dwells no good thing; if your soul often cleaves to the dust; and if you are unable to retain a sweet sense of God's goodness and love. Be not surprised nor startled at the corruptions of your depraved nature; at the depth of sin in your carnal mind; at the vile abominations which lurk and work in your deceitful and desperately wicked heart. Bear in mind that it is the will of God that this heavenly treasure which makes you rich for eternity should be lodged in an earthen vessel.

We are to carry about a daily sense of our base original to hide pride from our eyes. We are to be despised by others; and by none so much as by our own selves. We have ever to feel our native weakness, and that without Christ we can do nothing; that we may be clothed with humility, and feel ourselves the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints. We thus learn to prize the heights, breadths, lengths, and depths of the love of Christ, who stooped so low to raise us up so high.

The Term "Antichrist"

2009-01-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

From Rev. J. A. WYLIE, LL.D.

We shall not go far afield in this discussion: nor is it in the least necessary to do so. The materials for a right decision on the question before us lie close at hand. The Apostle John, speaking of the great apostacy to arise in Christendom, calls it the “Antichrist.” And the Pope has taken to himself, as the name that best describes his office, the title “Vicar of Christ.” All we shall ask as the basis of our argument are these two accepted facts, namely, that John styles the “apostacy,” “the Antichrist,” and that the head of the Roman system styles himself “Christ’s Vicar.”

The Papacy holds in its name the key of its meaning. We shall make use of that key in unlocking its mystery and true character. The Papacy cannot complain though we adopt this line of interpretation. We do nothing more than use the key it has put into our hands.

The Apostle John, we have said, speaking of the apostacy, the coming of which he predicts, styles it the Antichrist.” And we have also said that the Papacy, speaking through its representative and head, calls itself the “Vicar of Christ.” The first, “Antichrist,” is a Greek word, the second, “Vicar,” is an English word; but the two are in reality one, for both words have the same meaning. Antichrist translated into English is Vice-Christ, or Vicar of Christ; and Vicar of Christ, rendered into Greek is Antichrist –Antichristos. If we can establish this –and the ordinary use of the word by those to whom the Greek was a vernacular, is decisive on the point –we shall have no difficulty in showing that this is the meaning of the word “Antichrist,” –even a Vice-Christ. And if so, then every time the Pope claims to be the Vicar of Christ, he pleads at the bar of the world that he is the “Antichrist.”

Moreover, this will clear our way and simplify our discussion. For, let it be noted, if Antichrist signifies a Vice-Christ –that is, one who comes in the room of Christ –deception, dissimulation, counterfeit, must be an essential element in his character. In whatever persons or systems that fundamental characteristic is lacking, we fail to find the “Antichrist,” whatever may be their general opposition to Christ and to Christianity, or whatever other features of the Antichrist they may bear. They may have every other characteristic by which prophecy had described this noted adversary of Christ and his gospel, yet, lacking this fundamental one, their claim to this pre-eminently evil distinction cannot be admitted. This enables us to dismiss summarily and at once a host of Antichrists which have been conjured up by persons who have drawn upon their imagination, rather than followed any sound principle of prophetic interpretation. The cause of the papacy is served by the false glosses and mistaken interpretations of Scripture which interpose a pseudo-antichrist betwixt it and Prophecy, which unfolds against it so black a record, and suspends above it so terrible a doom.

We shall suppose that an atheist or an infidel has been put to the bar to answer to a charge of being the Antichrist. He has manifested a Satanic malignity against the Gospel, and has laboured to the utmost of his power to destroy it. He has blasphemed God, execrated Christ, and derided, vilified, and persecuted all who profess His name, and on these grounds he has been assumed to be the Antichrist. The case is no imaginary one. Atheists and scoffers in former ages, Voltaire and Paine in later times, Communists and Pantheists in our own day, have all been arraigned as the Antichrist.

Well, let us suppose that one or other of these notoriously wicked personages or systems has been put to the bar, on the charge of being the “adversary” predicted by John. “Who are you?” says the judge. “Are you a Vice-Christ? So you make a profession of Christianity, and under that pretext seek to undermine and destroy it? “No,” replies the accused. “I am no counterfeit. Christ and His Gospel I hate; but I am an open enemy, I fight under no mask.” Turning to the likeness drawn by Paul and John of Christ’s great rival and opponent, and finding the outstanding and essential feature in the portrait absent in the accused, the judge would be constrained to say, “I do not find the charge proven. Go your way; you are not the Antichrist.”

Mohammedanism comes nearer than any other of the opposing systems to the Antichrist of the Bible; yet it falls a long way short of it. Mohamet did not disavow the mission of Jesus; on the contrary, he professed to hold Him in honour as a prophet. And in much the same way do His followers still feel towards Christ. But Islam does not profess to be an imitation of Christianity. Any counterfeit that can be discovered in Mohammedanism is partial and shadowy when placed alongside the bold, sharp-cut counterfeit of Romanism. It requires a violent stretch of imagination to accept Mohammedanism, or, indeed, any other known ism, as a Vice-Christ. Of all systems that ever were on the earth, or are now upon it, Romanism alone meets all the requirements of prophecy, and exhibits all the features of the Vice-Christ; and it does so with a completeness and a truthfulness which enable the man who permits himself to be guided by the statements of the Word of God on the one hand, and the facts of history on the other, to say at once, "This is the Antichrist."

What we have said is meant to indicate the lines on which our demonstration will proceed. We must trace the parallelism betwixt their respective chiefs, Christ and the Pope, along the entire line of their career. In this parallelism lies the essence of Antichristianism, and of course the strength of our argument. It is this counterfeit, so exact and complete, which has misled the world into the belief that this is Christianity, to the waste of ages not a few, the unsettling and overthrow of kingdoms, the stunting of the human understanding, and the loss of millions of immortal souls.

The Papacy Is The Antichrist A DEMONSTRATION Rev. J. A. WYLIE

Quiz Time!

2009-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just for fun. I did this quiz a few years ago and I scored the same! 89% Reformed Evangelical and 100% Chalcedon compliant.

The first time I did the quiz I scored high in the Fundamentalist scale and 100% Chalcedon AND 100% Nestorian...go figure.

What's your theological worldview?

Are you a heretic?

OF DEATH

2009-01-11T03:05:00.000-08:00

Published 1664 by John Bunyan while he was imprisoned, and printed on single sheets, to be sold by his wife or children, to aid them financially.

Death, as a king rampant and stout
The world he dare engage;
He conquers all, yea, and doth rout
The great, strong, wise, and sage.

No king so great, nor prince so strong,
But death can make to yield,
Yea, bind and lay them all along,
And make them quit the field.

Where are the victors of the world,
With all their men of might?
Those that together kingdoms hurl'd,
By death are put to flight.

How feeble is the strongest hand,
When death begins to gripe!
The giant now leaves off to stand,
Much less withstand and fight.

The man that hath a lion's face
Must here give place and bend,
Yea, though his bones were bars of brass,
'Tis vain here to contend.

Submit he must to feeble ones,
To worms who will enclose
His skin and flesh, sinews and bones,
And will thereof dispose

Among themselves, as merchants do
The prizes they have got;
Or as the soldiers give unto
Each man the share and lot,

Which they by dint of sword have won,
From their most daring foe;
While he lies by as still as stone,
Not knowing what they do.

Beauty death turns to rottenness,
And youth to wrinkled face;
The witty he brings to distress,
And wantons to disgrace.

The wild he tames, and spoils the mirth
Of all that wanton are,
He takes the worldling from his worth,
And poor man from his care.

Death favours none, he lays at all,
Of all sorts and degree;
Both old and young, both great and small,
Rich, poor, and bound, and free.

No fawning words will flatter him,
Nor threat'nings make him start;
He favours none for worth or kin,
All must taste of his dart.

What shall I say? the graves declare
That death shall conquer all;
There lie the skulls, dust, bones, and there
The mighty daily fall.

The very looks of death are grim
And ghastly to behold;
Yea, though but in a dead man's skin,
When he is gone and cold.

How 'fraid are some of dead men's beds,
And others of their bones;
They neither care to see their heads,
Nor yet to hear their groans.

Now all these things are but the shade
And badges of his coat;[3]
The glass that runs, the scythe and spade,
Though weapons more remote:

Yet such as make poor mortals shrink
And fear, when they are told,
These things are signs that they must drink
With death; O then how cold.

It strikes them to the heart! how do
They study it to shun!
Indeed who can bear up, and who
Can from these shakings run?

But how much more then when he comes
To grapple with thy heart;
To bind with thread thy toes and thumbs,[4]
And fetch thee in his cart?

Then will he cut thy silver cord,
And break thy golden bowl;
Yea, break that pitcher which the Lord
Made cabin for thy soul.

Thine eyes, that now are quick of sight,
Shall then no way espy
How to escape this doleful plight,
For death will make thee die.

Those legs that now can nimbly run,
Shall then with faintness fail
To take one step, death's dart to shun,
When he doth thee assail.

That tongue that now can boast and brag
Shall then by death be tied
So fast, as not to speak or wag,
Though death lies by thy side.

Thou that didst once incline thine ear
Unto the song and tale,
Shall only now death's message hear,
While he, with face most pale,

Doth reason with thee how thy days
Hath hitherto been spent;
And what have been thy deeds and ways,
Since God thee time hath lent.

Then will he so begin to tear
Thy body from thy soul,
And both from life, if now thy care
Be not on grace to roll.

Death puts on things another face
Than we in health do see:
Sin, Satan, hell, death, life and grace
Now great and weighty be.

Yea, now the sick man's eye is set
Upon a world to come:
He also knows too without let[5]
That there must be his home.

Either in joy, in bliss and light,
Or sorrow, woe, and grief;
Either with Christ and saints in white,
Or fiends, without relief.

But, O! the sad estate that then
They will be in that die
Both void of grace and life! poor men!
How will they fear and cry.

Ha! live I may not, though I would
For life give more than all;
And die I dare not, though I should
The world gain by my fall.

No, here he must no longer stay,
He feels his life run out,
His night is come, also the day
That makes him fear and doubt.

He feels his very vitals die,
All waxeth pale and wan;
Nay, worse, he fears to misery
He shortly must be gone.

Death doth already strike his heart
With his most fearful sting
Of guilt, which makes his conscience start,
And quake at every thing.

Yea, as his body doth decay
By a contagious grief,
So his poor soul doth faint away
Without hope or relief.

Thus while the man is in this scare,
Death doth still at him lay;
Live, die, sink, swim, fall foul or fair,[6]
Death still holds on his way.

Still pulling of him from his place,
Full sore against his mind;
Death like a sprite stares in his face,
And doth with links him bind.

And carries him into his den,
In darkness there to lie,
Among the swarms of wicked men
In grief eternally.

For only he that God doth fear
Will now be counted wise:
Yea, he that feareth him while here,
He only wins the prize.

'Tis he that shall by angels be
Attended to that bliss
That angels have; for he, O he,
Of glory shall not miss.

Those weapons and those instruments
Of death, that others fright:
Those dreadful fears and discontents
That brings on some that night.

That never more shall have a day,
Brings this man to that rest
Which none can win but only they
Whom God hath called and blest

With the first fruits of saving grace,
With faith, hope, love, and fear
Him to offend; this man his face
In visions high and clear,

Shall in that light which no eye can
Approach unto, behold
The rays and beams of glory, and
Find there his name enroll'd,

Among those glittering starts of light
That Christ still holdeth fast
In his right hand with all his might,
Until that danger's past,

That shakes the world, and most hath dropt
Into grief and distress,
O blessed then is he that's wrapt
In Christ his righteousness.

This is the man death cannot kill,
For he hath put on arms;
Him sin nor Satan hath not skill
To hurt with all their charms.

A helmet on his head doth stand,
A breastplate on his heart:
A shield also is in his hand,
That blunteth every dart.

Truth girds him round the reins, also
His sword is on his thigh;
His feet in shoes of peace do go
The ways of purity.

His heart it groaneth to the Lord,
Who hears him at his call,
And doth him help and strength afford,
Wherewith he conquers all.

Thus fortified, he keeps the field
While death is gone and fled;
And then lies down upon his shield
Till Christ doth raise the dead.

Back to the beginning...

a few thoughts

2009-01-10T02:48:00.000-08:00

“…being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” Ephesians 1:11

Not only is our salvation predestined, we see that “all things” are ordained by God and not a single event can takes place in time that isn’t decreed by God’s great eternal mind, He actually “worketh all things after” His own counsel. God created everything and everyone knowing fully the outcome of His creation, believers do not create themselves, neither do unbelievers. It would be unbiblical to claim that God establishes only good and not the evil as if evil were not included in “all things."

In Genesis 50 we read the monstrous story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. This was a terrible sin committed against Joseph by his brothers and it was compounded when the brothers lied to their father and told him Joseph was dead. Latter in the story Joseph spoke with his brothers after Jacob his father died and we are told of the conversation in which Joseph says, “ye thought evil against me,” or “meant to do evil but God”…notice the “but” in this passage. “But God meant it unto good.” (Genesis 50:20) Mans actions were not only allowed by God but ordained by God for a purpose, the purpose of saving Israel, but the initial action of selling Joseph into slavery was morally evil. The same evil act was used by God for good even when God could have prevented it.

The wrongful death of God’s only Son Jesus Christ was a sinful act ordained by God’s sovereign will and control (Acts 4:28). The passage from Acts teaches the murder of Jesus was in accordance with God’s determined purpose and the men who did the actual crime were still morally accountable (Acts 3:15). There is not one single event or thing in existence that was not created and ordained by God for His purpose, that includes sin and unrighteousness of which we are accountable for…just like Joseph’s brothers and the murders of Christ.

We may not understand the details of God’s ultimate plan but it is His plan.

Mankind is under no compulsion by God to commit sin and man is left in his fallen state and to the free exercise of his nature. The scriptures teach that before we are born again we are sinful and fallen.

I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Isaiah 45:7

Just to be sure we understand correctly, Amos reads, “Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? “ 3:6

Evil was ordained and given effectual purpose by God. I would maintain that God is absolutely holy and His ordaining of sin in no way makes Him guilty of sin. There is a difference between ordaining sin and committing sin. God’s ordaining and decreeing those things which men do wickedly in no way touches upon His holiness.

jm

Archery, make your own...

2009-01-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

The fella has a ton of useful vid's on his YouTube account, check them out.

L I N K

Jesuit Oath

2009-01-08T00:39:00.000-08:00

To the left you see a Jesuit crushing the head of another man and below you'll find a few highlights from the oath with the complete oath following:

"I do further declare the doctrine of the Churches of England and Scotland of the Calvinists, Huguenots, and others of the name of Protestants or Masons to be damnable, and they themselves to be damned who will not forsake the same."

"I do further promise and declare that I will, when opportunity presents, make and wage relentless war, secretly and openly, against all heretics, Protestants and Masons, as I am directed to do, to extirpate them from the face of the whole earth; and that I will spare neither age, sex nor condition, and that will hang, burn, waste, boil, flay, strangle, and bury alive these infamous heretics; rip up the stomachs and wombs of their women, and crush their infants' heads against the walls in order to annihilate their execrable race."

Complete:

I_______________ , now in the presence of Almighty God, the blessed Virgin Mary, the blessed St. John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, and all the saints, sacred host of Heaven, and to you, my Ghostly Father, the superior general of the Society of Jesus, founded by St. Ignatius Loyola, in the pontification of Paul the Third, and continued to the present, do by the womb of the Virgin, the matrix of God, and the rod of Jesus Christ, declare and swear that His Holiness, the Pope, is Christ's Vice-Regent and is the true and only head of the Catholic or Universal Church throughout the earth; and that by the virtue of the keys of binding and loosing given to His Holiness by my Saviour, Jesus Christ, he hath power to depose heretical Kings, Princes, States, Commonwealths, and Governments, and they may be safely destroyed. Therefore to the utmost of my power I will defend this doctrine and His Holiness's right and custom against all usurpers of the heretical or Protestant authority whatever, especially the Lutheran Church of Germany, Holland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, and the now pretended authority and Churches of England and Scotland, and the branches of same now established in Ireland and on the continent of America and elsewhere and all adherents in regard that they may be usurped and heretical, opposing the sacred Mother Church of Rome. I do now denounce and disown any allegiance as due to any heretical king, prince or State, named Protestant or Liberal, or obedience to any of their laws, magistrates or officers. I do further declare the doctrine of the Churches of England and Scotland of the Calvinists, Huguenots, and others of the name of Protestants or Masons to be damnable, and they themselves to be damned who will not forsake the same. I do further declare that I will help, assist, and advise all or any of His Holiness's agents, in any place where I should be, in Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Ireland or America, or in any other kingdom or territory I shall come to, and do my utmost to extirpate the heretical Protestant or Masonic doctrines and to destroy all their pretended powers, legal or otherwise. I do further promise and declare that, notwithstanding, I am dispensed with to assume any religion heretical for the propagation of the Mother Church's interest; to keep secret and private all her agents' counsels from time to time, as they entrust me, and not to divulge, directly or indirectly, by word, writing or circumstances whatever; but to execute all that should be proposed, given in charge, or discovered unto me by you, my Ghostly Father, or any of this sacred order. I do further promise and declare that I will have no opinion or will of my own or any mental reservation whatever, even as a corpse or cadaver (perinde ac cadaver), but will unhesitatingly obey each and every command that I may receive from my superiors in the militia of the Pope and of Jesus Christ. That I will go to any part of the world whithersoever I may be sent, to the frozen regions north, jungles of India, to the centres of civilisation of Europe, or to the wild haunts of the barbarous savages of America without murmuring or repining, and will be submissive in all things, whatsoever is communicated to me. I do further promise and declare that I will, when opportunity presents, make and wage relentless war, secretly and openly, against all heretics, Protestants and Masons, as I am directed to do, to extirpate them from the face of the whole earth; and that I will spare neither age, sex nor condition, and that will hang, burn, waste, boil, flay, strangle, and bury alive these infamous heretics; rip up the stomachs and wombs of their women, and crush their infants' heads against the walls in order to annihilate their execrable race. That when the same cannot be done openly I will secretly use the poisonous cup, the strangulation cord, the steel of the poniard, or the leaden bullet, regardless of the honour, rank, dignity or authority of the persons, whatever may be their condition in life, either public or private, as I at any time may be directed so to do by any agents of the Pope or Superior of the Brotherhood of the Holy Father of the Society of Jesus. In confirmation of which I hereby dedicate my life, soul, and all corporal powers, and with the dagger which I now receive I will subscribe my name written in my blood in testimony thereof; and should I prove false, or weaken in my determination, may my brethren and fellow soldiers of the militia of the Pope cut off my hands and feet and my throat from ear to ear, my belly be opened and sulphur burned therein with all the punishment that can be inflicted upon me on earth, and my soul shall be tortured by demons in eternal hell forever. That I will in voting always vote for a Knight of Columbus in preference to a Protestant, especially a Mason, and that I will leave my party so to do; that if two Catholics are on the ticket I will satisfy myself which is the better supporter of Mother Church and vote accordingly. That I will not deal with or employ a Protestant if in my power to deal with or employ a Catholic. That I will place Catholic girls in Protestant families that a weekly report may be made of the inner movements of the heretics. That I will provide myself with arms and ammunition that I may be in readiness when the word is passed, or I am commanded to defend the Church either as an individual or with the militia of the Pope. All of which I,_______________, do swear by the blessed Trinity and blessed sacrament which I am now to receive to perform and on part to keep this my oath. In testimony hereof, I take this most holy and blessed sacrament of the Eucharist and witness the same further with my name written with the point of this dagger dipped in my own blood and seal in the face of this holy sacrament.

http://www.ianpaisley.org/article.asp?ArtKey=jesuit

Medieval Longbow

2009-01-06T00:46:00.000-08:00

Forget about sights, cams and wheels, arrow rests, etc. The Longbow is a simple and effective stick weapon used for thousands of years for defence and hunting. I’ve been blessed to avoid the modern compound bow and all its headaches of adjusting and tuning, it’s trigger releases and peeps sites. A simple bent stick and string with lots of practice is all any archer needs. Although I do own and shoot a modern recurve my first love is the English styled Longbow.

Notice how the archer has to lean into the bow, shooting with a point and release method, elegant.

2009-01-05T00:50:00.000-08:00

Billy Talks to His Pastor about God

By John Pedersen

from The Trinity Review, July 1997

Billy: "Pastor, does God love everybody?"

Pastor: "Yes, Billy" (smiles, pats him on the head).

Billy: "How come it says in Romans 9 that he hated Esau?"

Pastor: "Been reading your Bible, huh, Billy?" (still smiles). "Well, the Bible also says that God hates, but that only is talking about God’s secret decree, and as far as we are concerned, he loves everybody."

Billy: "Pastor?"

Pastor: "Yes, Billy."

Billy: "If God tells us about his secret decree, is it still a secret?"

Pastor: "Er, well, I guess . . . not, Billy, but I meant that we should realize that there is a way the Bible talks about God’s love for everybody, and that’s what we should think about, not the one or two places where it says God hates."

Billy: "Oh. How is it that God loves everybody?"

Pastor: "Well, he gives everybody rain and sunshine, and he blesses the people of the Earth with a conscience so they know right from wrong, and he has given them many gifts which they use to make the world a better and safer place to live."

Billy: "Then he sends most of them to Hell?"

Pastor: "Yes, Billy."

Billy: "Pastor?"

Pastor: "Yes, Billy."

Billy: "Is it love for God to give people good things for a few years to make them feel comfortable and worthwhile, and then send them to Hell?"

Pastor: "Well, I . . . yes, it . . . is, I think because it would have been worse if, I mean it would be, um, well, it is, I guess, because he did not send them directly to Hell, but he allowed them to experience his goodness and his provision for his creatures. . . ."

Billy: "Is it love to let someone experience something good they will remember forever and always hate God for, because that good thing they loved more than forgiveness?"

Pastor: "Could we change the subject, Billy? I am not sure my answers are satisfying you."

Billy: "O.K., Pastor. Did Jesus die for everybody?"

Pastor: "Why, sure, Billy."

Billy: "Pastor?"

Pastor: "Yes, Billy."

Billy: "If Jesus died for everybody, why isn’t everybody going to Heaven?"

Pastor: "Well, Billy, it’s because not everybody will accept him."

Billy: "But, Pastor, I thought Jesus saved us. You are telling me that we save Jesus."

Pastor (laughing nervously): "Of course not, Billy! I believe that Jesus saves us completely! However would you get the idea that I believed we save Jesus?"

Billy: "Well, Pastor, you told me that Jesus died for everybody, and that only those who accept him will be saved. So, this means Jesus’ death and resurrection, what Jesus does, cannot save us of itself, but something more is needed, and that something more is what we do by accepting him. For those who do not accept Jesus, they will perish. That means that Jesus’ dying for them cannot help them. In fact, it means that Jesus’ work for them was a miserable failure. On the other hand, those who accept him make his work effective by their acceptance—they save his work from being a failure. Without us, Jesus and his work of salvation would be doomed! If Jesus cannot save us without the permission we give of our own free will, then we are the real saviors, and Jesus is the one we save! Wow! What would he ever do without us?!"

Pastor: "Er . . . uh . . . that’s not what I mean. I mean if, it is , I said . . . no, I believe Jesus is the one who does the saving, Billy, it’s just that . . . God has made it so that we . . . are free to acc . . . meaning, we are, are . . . Billy, the Bible is mysterious. It seems to mean certain things, but it doesn’t really, like it says . . . you are using logic, Billy. The Bible is not logical and the truths are not something we can fit into our human minds."

Billy: "Pastor?"

Pastor (now showing a slight frown): "Yes, Billy."

Billy: "When you say the Bible is not logical, does that mean the Bible does not make sense? 'Cause you made sense when you said the Bible wasn't logical. I think it was because you used logic that you made sense."

Pastor (now glowering at Billy): "No, Billy, I didn't mean the Bible does not make sense. It does make sense, but just not our kind of sense."

Billy: "Pastor?"

Pastor: "Yes, Billy."

Billy: "Why would God give a Bible to us that did not make our kind of sense?"

Pastor: "Well, Billy, it's not that . . . I think it's . . . it makes sense, just does not give us the answers we like to hear, and says things that seem contradictory but really are not, to keep us from asking smart-aleck questions."

Billy: "So, God doesn't make our kind of sense to keep us humble?"

Pastor: "That's right, Billy. God wants to keep us humble, so he does not let us think we can be absolutely certain about the things some proud people are certain about."

Billy: "Pastor?"

Pastor: "Yes, Billy."

Billy: "Are you certain about what you just said to me?"

Pastor (showing obvious irritation): "What do you think, Billy?"

Billy: "I think you just called yourself a proud person, but I don't know why, 'cause you are so smart and know so much about God, and how much he needs us."

Pastor: "Billy, why don't you go out and play, like the other children?"

Billy: "Why should I go out and play, when I can stay in here with you and learn how to save God?"

Pastor: "You need to be careful, Billy. I never said we save God. You are the one who said that, remember. I simply believe our choices are significant, and God does not treat us like robots. He created us to have true human responsibility."

Billy: "Pastor?"

Pastor (now looking quite angry): "This will have to be the last question, young man! I have important things to do and you should be outside playing."

Billy: "When God put Abraham to sleep, was he telling him what he thought of his 'human responsibility'?"

Pastor (seething): "I have a bad headache, Billy, and I can't answer any more of your questions, but I can tell you this. Whoever has been teaching you has been telling you things a boy your age should not even be thinking about. It sounds like you have been learning some kind of hyper-Calvinism! You better be careful, young man!"

Billy: "I don't know about hyper-Calintisim, but I have been reading these things in the Bible. Thanks for straightening me out. I will try to cut these bad parts out. Can I borrow some scissors?"

Pastor (rising from his chair): "Get out of here, you, you, you . . . !"

Billy: "That's O.K., Pastor. I'll ask Joey. He was using some good scissors when we were cutting out our 'friends with Jesus' pictures for Sunday school. Good-bye."

The Trinity Foundation hereby grants permission to all readers to download, print, and distribute on paper or electronically any of its Reviews, provided that each reprint bear our copyright notice, current addresses, and telephone numbers, and provided that all such reproductions are distributed to the public without charge. The Reviews may not be sold or issued in book form, CD-ROM form, or microfiche.

The Gospel in 6 Minutes...

2009-01-04T00:56:00.000-08:00

The Prayer of the Arminian

2009-01-03T00:21:00.000-08:00

...Any one who believes that man's will is entirely free, and that he can be saved by it, does not believe the fall...

But I tell you what will be the best proof of that; it is the great fact that you never did meet a Christian in your life who ever said he came to Christ without Christ coming to him. You have heard a great many Arminian sermons, I dare say; but you never heard an Arminian prayer - for the saints in prayer appear as one in word, and deed and mind. An Arminian on his knees would pray desperately like a Calvinist. He cannot pray about free-will: there is no room for it.

Fancy him praying,

"Lord, I thank thee I am not like those poor presumptuous Calvinists Lord, I was born with a glorious free-will; I was born with power by which I can turn to thee of myself; I have improved my grace. If everybody had done the same with their grace that I have, they might all have been saved. Lord, I know thou dost not make us willing if we are not willing ourselves. Thou givest grace to everybody; some do not improve it, but I do. There are many that will go to hell as much bought with the blood of Christ as I was; they had as much of the Holy Ghost given to them; they had as good a chance, and were as much blessed as I am. It was not thy grace that made us to differ; I know it did a great deal, still I turned the point; I made use of what was given me, and others did not-that is the difference between me and them."

That is a prayer for the devil, for nobody else would offer such a prayer as that. Ah! when they are preaching and talking very slowly, there may be wrong doctrine; but when they come to pray, the true thing slips out; they cannot help it. If a man talks very slowly, he may speak in a fine manner; but when he comes to talk fast, the old brogue of his country, where he was born, slips out. I ask you again, did you ever meet a Christian man who said, "I came to Christ without the power of the Spirit?" If you ever did meet such a man, you need have no hesitation in saying, "My dear sir, I quite believe it-and I believe you went away again without the power of the Spirit, and that you know nothing about the matter, and are in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity." Do I hear one Christian man saying, "I sought Jesus before he sought me; I went to the Spirit, and the Spirit did not come to me"? No, beloved; we are obliged, each one of us, to put our hands to our hearts and say-

"Grace taught my soul to pray,
And made my eyes to o'erflow;
'Twas grace that kept me to this day,
And will not let me go."

From Spurgeon's Sermon, Free Will - A Slave

Christian, Know Your Enemy: Pragmatism

2009-01-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

Please take time to read the following, it's important to know the enemy of truth, the enemy of the Gospel. Remember those who executed Jesus Christ were just being pragmatic.

Quotes from Wiki:

Pragmatism is generally considered to have originated in the late nineteenth century with Charles Peirce, who first stated the pragmatic maxim. It came to fruition in the early twentieth-century philosophies of William James and John Dewey and, in a more unorthodox manner, in the works of George Santayana.

As a philosophical movement, pragmatism originated in the United States in the late 1800s. The thought and works of Charles Sanders Peirce (pronounced /ˈpɝs/ like "purse") and William James (both members of The Metaphysical Club) as well as John Dewey and George Herbert Mead figured most prominently in its overall direction. The term pragmatism was first used in print by James, who credited Peirce with coining the term during the early 1870s.

The epistemology of early pragmatism was heavily influenced by Darwinian thinking. Pragmatism was not the first to see the relevance of evolution for theories of knowledge: the same rationale had for example convinced Schopenhauer we should adopt biological idealism because what's useful to an organism to believe might differ wildly from what is actually true. Pragmatism differs from this idealist account because it challenges the assumption that knowledge and action are two separate spheres, and there exists an absolute or transcendental truth above and beyond the sort of inquiry organisms use to cope with life. Pragmatism, in short, provides what might be termed an ecological account of knowledge: inquiry is construed as a means by which organisms can get a grip on their environment. 'Real' and 'true' are labels that have a function in inquiry and cannot be understood outside of that context. It is not realist in a traditional robust sense of realism (what Hilary Putnam would later call metaphysical realism), but it is realist in that it acknowledges an external world which must be dealt with.

Although many later pragmatists such as W.V.O. Quine were actually analytic philosophers, the most vehement criticisms of classical pragmatism came from within the analytic school. Bertrand Russell was especially known for his vituperative attacks on what he considered little more than epistemological relativism and short-sighted practicalism. Realists in general often could not fathom how pragmatists could seriously call themselves empirical or realist thinkers and thought pragmatist epistemology was only a disguised manifestation of idealism. (Hildebrand 2003)
Louis Menand argues[2] that during the Cold War, the intellectual life of the United States became dominated by ideologies. Since pragmatism seeks "to avoid the violence inherent in abstraction," it was not very popular at the time.

Neopragmatism as represented by Richard Rorty has been criticized as relativistic both by neoclassical pragmatists such as Susan Haack (Haack 1997) and by many analytic philosophers (Dennett 1998). Rorty's early analytical work, however, differs notably from his later work which some, including Rorty himself, consider to be closer to literary criticism than to philosophy - most criticism is aimed at this latter phase of Rorty's thought.

____________________

R. C. Sproul:

What is pragmatism? Pragmatism is the only philosophy native to America. Pragmatism eschews any hope of discovering ultimate truth. It is skeptical with respect to objective principles of righteousness and defines truth as “that which works.” In this philosophy, the end always justifies the means. The driving force behind decisions within the scope of pragmatism is the force of expediency.

We remember in the days of the trial of Jesus of Nazareth, two of the important players were Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate. Both men made their decisions to have Jesus executed on the basis of expediency (Mark 15:15; John 11:45–53). Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate were pragmatists with a vengeance.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to have lunch with a ranking senator of the United States Congress. During our discussion, I raised an ethical issue that the Senate faced at that time and asked him why the Senate didn’t act on that particular issue. He replied that he agreed with me that the Senate certainly should act on it, but he added that they could not do it that year because it was an election year. I moved to my second question and asked about another issue that needed the Senate’s attention. Again he agreed that it should be addressed, but not that particular year because it was an election year.

After we got to the sixth or seventh question where the mantra was repeated again (“not this year because it’s an election year”), I looked at the senator and asked, “Is there anybody up here on Capitol Hill who thinks about the next generation instead of the next election?” I guess it was too idealistic of me to think that our nation’s leaders would be a bit more concerned for the welfare of the nation than for their own political war chest. No nation (or Christian institution, for that matter) can survive when its leaders are driven by a spirit of pragmatism or make their decisions according to political expediency.

Expediency is an obscene word. It is the word that is ever and always at war with principle. A person who is a Christian is called of God to live by biblical principles. The principles that the Bible reveals to guide our steps are the necessary elements for authentic righteousness. Take away principle, and righteousness is slain in the streets. We need an awakening in the culture and in the church to principle — to working according to truth and to living according to biblical revelation. Without principle, the church as well as the culture will decay, and the church will become a mere echo of the unprincipled pragmatism of secularism.

source

2009-01-01T15:51:00.001-08:00

Elberfeld, October 23, 1861.

Very Dear Brother,

I had a little lost sight of an important subject of your last letter but one, solely through the multitude of my occupations. This fresh breaking out of the doctrine of free-will helps on the doctrine of the natural man's pretension not to be entirely lost, for that is really what it amounts to. All men who have never been deeply convinced of sin, all persons with whom this conviction is based upon gross and outward sins, believe more or less in free-will. You know that it is the dogma of the Wesleyans, of all reasoners, of all philosophers. But this idea completely changes all the idea of Christianity and entirely perverts it.

If Christ has come to save that which is lost, free-will has no longer any place. Not that God hinders man from receiving Christ — far from it. But even when God employs all possible motives, everything which is capable of influencing the heart of man, it only serves to demonstrate that man will have none of it, that his heart is so corrupted and his will so decided not to submit to God (whatever may be the truth of the devil's encouraging him in sin), that nothing can induce him to receive the Lord and to abandon sin. If, by liberty of man, it is meant that no one obliges him to reject the Lord, this liberty exists fully. But if it is meant that, because of the dominion of sin to which he is a slave, and willingly a slave, he cannot escape from his state and choose good (while acknowledging that it is good, and approving it), then he has no liberty whatever. He is not subject to the law, neither indeed can be; so that those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

And here is where we touch more closely upon the bottom of the question. Is it the old man that is changed, instructed, and sanctified? or do we receive, in order to be saved, a new nature? The universal character of the unbelief of these times is this — not the formally denying Christianity, as heretofore, or the rejection of Christ openly, but the receiving Him as a person, it will be even said divine, inspired (but as a matter of degree), who re-establishes man in his position of a child of God. Where Wesleyans are taught of God, faith makes them feel that without Christ they are lost, and that it is a question of salvation. Only their fright with regard to pure grace, their desire to gain men, a mixture of charity and of the spirit of man, in a word, their confidence in their own powers, makes them have a confused teaching and not recognize the total fall of man.

For myself, I see in the word, and I recognize in myself, the total ruin of man. I see that the cross is the end of all the means that God had employed for gaining the heart of man, and therefore proves that the thing was impossible. God has exhausted all His resources, and man has shewn that he was wicked, without remedy, and the cross of Christ condemns man — sin in the flesh. But this condemnation having been manifested in another's having undergone it, it is the absolute salvation of those who believe; for condemnation, the judgment of sin, is behind us; life was the issue of it in the resurrection. We are dead to sin, and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Redemption, the very word, loses its force when one entertains these ideas of the old man. It becomes an amelioration, a practical deliverance from a moral state, not a redeeming by the accomplished work of another person. Christianity teaches the death of the old man and his just condemnation, then redemption accomplished by Christ, and a new life, eternal life, come down from heaven in His person, and which is communicated to us when Christ enters us by the word. Arminianism, or rather Pelagianism, pretends that man can choose, and that thus the old man is ameliorated by the thing it has accepted. The first step is made without grace, and it is the first step which costs truly in this case.

I believe we ought to hold to the word; but, philosophically and morally speaking, free-will is a false and absurd theory. Freewill is a state of sin. Man ought not to have to choose, as being outside good. Why is he in this state? He ought not to have a will, any choice to make. He ought to obey and enjoy in peace. If he ought to choose good, then he has not got it yet. He is without what is good in himself, any way, since he has not made his decision. But, in fact, man is disposed to follow that which is evil. What cruelty to propose a duty to man who has already turned to evil! Moreover, philosophically speaking, he must be indifferent; otherwise he has already chosen as to his will — he must then be absolutely indifferent. But if he is absolutely indifferent, what is to decide his choice? A creature must have a motive; but he has none, since he is indifferent; if he is not, he has chosen.

Finally, it is not at all thus: man has a conscience; but he has a will and lusts, and they lead him. Man was free in Paradise, but then he enjoyed what was good. He used his free choice, and therefore he is a sinner. To leave him to his free choice, now that he is disposed to do evil, would be a cruelty. God has presented the choice to him, but it was to convince the conscience of the fact, that in no case did man want either good or God.

I have been somewhat oppressed with sleep while writing to you, but I think you will understand me. That people should believe that God loves the world — this is very well; but that they should not believe that man is in himself wicked, without remedy (and in spite of the remedy), is very bad. One does not know oneself and one does not know God

. . . The Lord is coming, dear brother; the time for the world is departing. What a blessing! May God find us watching and thinking only of one thing — the One of whom He thinks — Jesus our precious Saviour. Salute the brethren.

Your very affectionate brother,

J. N. D.

Howlin' Wolf - Smokestack Lightning (1964)

2008-12-31T06:05:00.001-08:00

New Books!

2008-12-31T00:21:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas I finally ordered volume four of Herman Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics. I honestly love how easy Bavinck is to read compared to Gill, Dabney and even Berkhof. The translators did a wonderful job bringing forth Bavinck’s philosophy and theology to the English reader and I hope to dig into this new volume.

On my days off work I love to visit the local used bookstore where I find all kinds of deals on new and classic books. The other day I found “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners” by John Bunyan. The author wrote and had it published while in prison for his beliefs and is described as “haunting, often harrowing and ultimately inspiring account of his inner life.” For a buck and a half it looks to be a good buy.

Amillennialism

2008-12-30T06:33:00.000-08:00

From Wiki:

Amillennialism (Latin: a- "not" + mille "thousand" + annum "year") is a view in Christian eschatology named for its denial of a future, thousand-year, physical reign of Jesus Christ on the earth, as opposed to the premillennial and some postmillennial views of the Book of Revelation, chapter 20. By contrast, the amillennial view holds that the number of years in Revelation 20 is a symbolic number, not a literal description; that the millennium has already begun and is identical with the church age (or more rarely, that it ended with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 — see Preterism); and that while Christ's reign is spiritual in nature during the millennium, at the end of the church age, Christ will return in final judgment and establish permanent physical reign. [end quote]

Below you will find a critical look at this millennial position from a Premillennialist. Anthony Hoekema was a strong Reformed proponent of the Amil position so it's only fitting that Pastor McClarty attempts to interact with his work. I'm not a pretribulationalist and only listed the messages that deal with the topic of this post.

# 025 - Intro to the Millennium
# 026 - Millennialism pt.2
# 027 - Hebrews 11 and Premillennial Thinking
# 047 - Amillennialism
# 088 - The History of Amillennialism
# 089 - The History of Premillennialism
# 090 - Augustine's Amillennialsm
# 091 - Revelation 20 and Amillennialism
# 092 - Answering the Two Age Model
# 093 - Answering Hoekema pt.1
# 094 - Answering Hoekema pt.2
# 095 - Answering Hoekema pt.3
# 096 - Answering Hoekema pt.4
# 097 - Answering Hoekema pt.5
# 098 - Answering Hoekema pt.6
# 099 - Answering Hoekema pt.7
# 100 - Answering Hoekema pt.8
# 101 - Answering Hoekema pt.9
# 102 - Answering Hoekema pt.10
# 103 - Hoekema and The Resurrection

link

2008-12-28T13:45:00.000-08:00

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine;
let me find Thy light in my darkness,
Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow,
Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty,
Thy glory in my valley.

source

2008-12-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

The Bible is food for the soul, nourishment for the spirit. We have sixty-six books written in three different languages by forty different authors…it’s inspired and inerrant in all matters of faith and discipline and essential to the Christian life. When Voltaire (1694 – 1778 ) wrote, “Another century and there will not be a Bible on earth!” he couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s “no mere book, but a Living Creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose” to quote Napoleon.

“The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts.” A. W. Tozer

As we head into 2009 I look forward to mining God’s word with regular reading and meditation using one of the many useful reading plans found on the net, listed below.

M'Cheyne Bible Reading Plan
Straight Through
Whole Bible in a year
Old Testament in a year
New Testament in a year
Old Testament in two years
Words of Jesus 4 times in a year
Whole Bible chronologically in a year
Whole Bible chronologically in a year #2
New Testament Letters 3 times in a year
New Testament & Proverbs twice, Psalms once in a year
New Testament & Psalms twice, rest of Bible once in a year
Proverbs in a month
Gospels in a month
Psalms in a month
Biographical Bible Reading Plan (121 Days)
Survey Bible Reading Plan (61 Days)
Chronological Bible Reading Plan (61 Days)
Chronological Bible Plan

2008-12-26T00:58:00.000-08:00

A few things come to mind when I think of Russia: Dostoevsky, Vodka, Russian Orthodoxy and Sambo!

Ahhhh, beautiful Sambo.

2008-12-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

PROFESSORS AND POSSESSORS

"The religious professor receives doctrines because he sees them in the Bible. The believer not only sees them in the Book, but he feels them in his heart, put there by the Holy Spirit. The believer gets at truth through trouble. He arrives at the banquet of mercy through sharp pangs of hunger. He lays hold of the robe of righteousness, chilled by nakedness. He comes to the cross because he is guilty and there is nowhere else to go. Thus the religionist and the believer (however they may resemble one another) have an eternal distinction which the hand of God has drawn between the living and the dead." - J. C. Philpot

The Sling Shot Man

2008-12-25T05:10:00.001-08:00

Salvation

2008-12-23T03:37:00.000-08:00

In an effort to be brief and do the topic justice, I've chosen to give some background to the issue and then state what I believe is true Christian doctrine using a format similar to the London Baptist Confession and the Westminster Confession of Faith.

I ask that you take the time to look up and read in context the Biblical passages noted, as the good Bearens did in Acts 16, don't allow one passage to be untested.

Background

When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit in the garden; they fell out of communion with God, becoming spiritually dead. The punishment was death, but they didn't die physically, they died spiritually.

Romans 3:10-19
Romans 3:23
Romans 5:12
Titus 1:15
Genesis 6:5
Jeremiah 17:9

The guilt of there sin was imputed to there offspring (us) which inclines all of us to evil, "and by nature children of wrath, the servants of sin, the subjects of death, and all other miseries, spiritual, temporal, and eternal, unless the Lord Jesus set them free." (quoting LBC 1689)

Romans 5:12-19
1 Corinthians 15:21, 22, 45, 49
Psalm 51:5
Job 14:4
Ephesians 2:3
Romans 5:12; 6:20
Hebrews 2:14, 15
1 Thessalonians 1:10

God calls all men everywhere to repent but the problem is no one is willing to repent and come to Christ. Due to man's sin, God effectually calls some according to His plan by His Word and Spirit to faith in Jesus Christ.

John 5:25
2 Timothy 1:9
Ephesians 1:19, 20; 2:5-8
1 Corinthians 2:14

When God calls a sinner He also covers that sinner with righteousness by pardoning their sins, for Christ's sake alone least any man should boast. We rest on Christ and His righteousness alone for salvation. God will continue to forgive the sins of those Christ died for (the justified), and since no sin can separate us from the love of God the saved/justified will remain faithful.

Matthew 6:12; 26:75
1 John 1:7, 9
John 10:28
Psalm 32:5
Psalm 51
Psalm 89:31-33

Once adopted by God the Father we are sealed until the day of redemption when we inherit the promises as heirs of the covenant which is everlasting salvation.

Psalm 103:13
Proverbs 14:26
Isaiah 54:8, 9
Lamentations 3:31
John 1:12
Ephesians 1:5, 4:30
Galatians 4:4-6
Romans 8:15-17
2 Corinthians 6:18
Ephesians 2:18
1 Peter 5:7
Hebrews 1:14, 6:12, 12:6
Revelation 3:12

Once you have been 'born again' by the power of God, you receive a new spirit through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection. Due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit sin is weakened and and in the end destroyed. A war continues to rage in the believer because of corruption of our nature, which is sinful, "yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ" we are more then conquers. (Quoting LBC 1689)

As we read in Hebrews 10, no one can ever totally fall from Grace and that Christ's death will eventually result in the 'perfection' of those from whom Christ died. "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." Heb. 10:14

John 17:17
Acts 20:32
Romans 6:5, 6, 14
Ephesians 3:16-19
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23
Galatians 5:24
Colossians 1:11
2 Corinthians 7:1
Hebrews 12:14

The Grace of faith is the work of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit alone brought by the Word of God, the Holy Bible. Saving faith is the immediate relationship with Christ, "accepting, receiving, and resting upon him alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace." (quoting LBC 1689)

Psalm 27:7-10
Psalm 119:72
Acts 15:11, 16:31, 24:14
2 Timothy 1:12
John 14:14
Isaiah 66:2
Hebrews 11:13
John 1:12
Galatians 2:20

The Biblical View of Salvation

Eph. 2:8 - 10 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."