What Grace Is
Paul wants to make sure we understand that when he says “grace,” he’s summarizing—with this one word—God’s gracious act of redemption in Jesus Christ.
It is God’s grace in Jesus that has “epiphanied,” has appeared or been revealed at this time, and this grace brings salvation (Titus 2:11). For Jesus came to give Himself for sinners like us, to redeem us from lawlessness, and to make us a new creation—people zealous for good works. All that grace does—the imperatives that are found throughout this section—flows from this appearance of God’s grace in Jesus. Paul goes on in Titus 3:3-7 to give a more detailed explanation of what grace is, and of what makes it so gracious.
In Titus 3:3, Paul tells us what makes grace so gracious: It meets us while we are still in our sins. Paul gives seven descriptors that help us not only name our sinful condition, but feel it. And while this sinful estate describes a former condition (“we ourselves were once … ”), we still see our spiritual deadness in three ways.
First, our sin and spiritual deadness were characterized by spiritual ignorance. Notice how Paul describes it: “foolish, disobedient, led astray.” Each of these words points to the deep deception under which we labored when we were lost. We lived foolishly and we acted disobediently because we were self-deceived.
Not only that, but our spiritual deadness was typified by moral enslavement: We were, Paul says, “slaves to various passions and pleasures.” We were captured by inward desires and outward pleasures, and both kept us bound.
Finally, our spiritual deadness resulted in destructive relationships: We were “passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” Our hearts know the destructive poison of malice, wickedness, and evil. It knows, too, the all-consuming power of envy—the broken desire for what belongs to others—that always works itself out in hateful actions.
This is the human condition. This is your condition and my condition apart from Jesus. We don’t need to watch movies or TV to see this—we know it in our families. We know this reality in our own hearts. This is the blackout condition caused by our sin. But grace is gracious. In the darkness of our sin a light pierces through; God doesn’t leave us in our spiritual deadness.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
God Acts to Save Sinners - Sean Michael Lucas
God Acts to Save Sinners
The wonder of God’s undeserved favor is that He acts to save sinners, and He acts in two ways. First, God gave Himself to save us. Notice Paul’s language in Titus 2:14: We await the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, “who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” We must never get beyond the wonder of divine generosity. Because God so loved the world, He gave. He gave Himself in the place of sinners so that those who were spiritually dead might become spiritually alive.
There is a second part to this. God acted to save sinners not because there was anything morally worthy in us, “not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.” Remember who you were—a rebel who was spiritually ignorant and morally enslaved, engaged in destructive relationships. Even our best acts are tainted (Isaiah 64:6). There was no reason for God to show grace and mercy, but He did. Paul tells us that God’s grace, goodness, and loving kindness are essentially the same (cf. 2:14; 3:4). Grace appeared; goodness and loving kindness epiphanied. When? Where? In whom? In Jesus Christ, on the cross, and at the empty tomb.
Notice too how God saved us. According to the text, the movements of His grace:
Regenerated us. He did this through “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ” (3:5b-6). The Spirit acts to enlighten our minds and renew our wills so that we embrace Jesus freely. This rescue—the new birth worked in our hearts by God—is what enables us to believe and be saved.
Justified us. According to Titus 3:7 we are justified by His grace. God declares us right with Him not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done. He credits us with Jesus’ righteousness; for us, it is undeserved favor.
Adopted us. Verse seven continues, saying, “ … we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” With Jesus, God’s Son, we have become sons and daughters of God the King; the riches of inheritance belong to us. We don’t deserve this; we will never deserve it; we can never repay and we shouldn’t think we can. This is grace.
In my part of the country—south Mississippi—people talk about lagniappe. When we buy a dozen doughnuts and someone throws in a 13th, or hands my kids a free sample, that’s lagniappe—an undeserved blessing. When we marinate in the gospel—mulling our condition, God’s action, and the movements of His salvation—we see that it is lagniappe, blessing that’s far beyond what we deserve.
But there is more. This grace that moves toward us to regenerate, justify, and adopt us is the same grace that does something within us. God’s grace transforms us so that nothing about us remains the same.
The wonder of God’s undeserved favor is that He acts to save sinners, and He acts in two ways. First, God gave Himself to save us. Notice Paul’s language in Titus 2:14: We await the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, “who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” We must never get beyond the wonder of divine generosity. Because God so loved the world, He gave. He gave Himself in the place of sinners so that those who were spiritually dead might become spiritually alive.
There is a second part to this. God acted to save sinners not because there was anything morally worthy in us, “not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.” Remember who you were—a rebel who was spiritually ignorant and morally enslaved, engaged in destructive relationships. Even our best acts are tainted (Isaiah 64:6). There was no reason for God to show grace and mercy, but He did. Paul tells us that God’s grace, goodness, and loving kindness are essentially the same (cf. 2:14; 3:4). Grace appeared; goodness and loving kindness epiphanied. When? Where? In whom? In Jesus Christ, on the cross, and at the empty tomb.
Notice too how God saved us. According to the text, the movements of His grace:
Regenerated us. He did this through “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ” (3:5b-6). The Spirit acts to enlighten our minds and renew our wills so that we embrace Jesus freely. This rescue—the new birth worked in our hearts by God—is what enables us to believe and be saved.
Justified us. According to Titus 3:7 we are justified by His grace. God declares us right with Him not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done. He credits us with Jesus’ righteousness; for us, it is undeserved favor.
Adopted us. Verse seven continues, saying, “ … we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” With Jesus, God’s Son, we have become sons and daughters of God the King; the riches of inheritance belong to us. We don’t deserve this; we will never deserve it; we can never repay and we shouldn’t think we can. This is grace.
In my part of the country—south Mississippi—people talk about lagniappe. When we buy a dozen doughnuts and someone throws in a 13th, or hands my kids a free sample, that’s lagniappe—an undeserved blessing. When we marinate in the gospel—mulling our condition, God’s action, and the movements of His salvation—we see that it is lagniappe, blessing that’s far beyond what we deserve.
But there is more. This grace that moves toward us to regenerate, justify, and adopt us is the same grace that does something within us. God’s grace transforms us so that nothing about us remains the same.
Peter Rollins - the Devil's bile drips from your fangs!
Emergent Lovechild - Peter Rollins held a Create-your-own-Emergent -parable contest on his website - the winning Parable can be found here:
http://peterrollins.net/?p=481
I would call it Emergent Footprints in the Sand: I'm sure all our audience is familiar with the classic (overly sentimental) Footprints poem which basically says Jesus carries you when you're not able to continue following along side Him.
This Emergent version basically says - your life is like footprints on the beach sometimes 2 sets (you and Jesus walking together) and other times 1 set. BUT here's where it does the Heresy 2-step - that's a theological dance Liberals practice where you start with a known topic or parable or doctrine people are familiar with like Heaven or Hell or The GOD-man Christ Jesus or Substitutionary Atonement then you redefine the terms so that they no longer mean what Christians have meant for the last 2000+ years and then you create your own version. This is why Emergents & Liberals don't worship Yahweh they worship Your-Way! Like Burger-King you can have your own "new kind of Christianity" just by redefining any cardinal doctrine that you don't like. This is Idolatry - Worshiping a god you made up with your imagination vs Worshiping the God that actually exists and reveals Himself to us through His Word both the incarnate Word, the Messiah Yeshua of Nazareth (Jesus Christ) and the Word of God (the Bible) - PS Idolaters go to the Hell that God actually Created that they don't actually believe in - just a quick FYI for you.
So what do Emergents mean by 1 set of footprints in the sand do they mean "Jesus carries you when you're not able to continue following along side Him" - NO - well I could explain it theologically but let's just here it in there own blasphemous words:
And slowly God replied, his voice shaking with emotion. ‘The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when you carried me.’
The man frowned for a moment, paused, and then looked up. ‘Surely Lord,’ he began rather embarrassed to be correcting the Almighty, ‘you mean when you carried me.’
‘My dear child,’ God said, twisting a loose thread of cloth from his flowing robes, his face suddenly a mirror in which the old man saw the battles he had fought and the doubts he had put asunder, ‘this was the measure of your faith: when difficulties came, you gathered up this tired and arthritic God, and carried your beliefs to safety.’
A small wind blew through the old photographs and worn papers, and the two men sat in silence for a moment.
‘I have prepared a room for you,’ God said after a while, ‘though I quite understand if you don’t want me to stay.The god of Emergent Theology sounds so different (like a big pussy really) because he is a different god. They don't believe in the God of the Bible - that's why they are such popular book sellers they are too busy inventing a new religion with a new god, and a new Geezus (phonetically Jesus), a new gospel with a new "green" commission- that they don't have time for THE GOD of THE BIBLE.
So the Parable - blasphemous - Yes; Christian - No!
To put this in perspective for any Non-christians reading, this would be like a pastor Sunday walking up to the pulpit (wait- American Churches don't have pulpits anymore) so the pastor walks up to the rock & roll-entertainment-stage-area and opens his Bible, drops his pants and takes a big dump on the Word of God - that is the theological equivalent of this parable.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Epic Fail X 2 - Rob Bell tries to Tweet the Gospel
First attempt -
I would say that history is headed somewhere. The thousands of little ways in which you are tempted to believe that hope might actually be a legitimate response to the insanity of the world actually can be trusted. And the Christian story is that a tomb is empty, and a movement has actually begun that has been present in a sense all along in creation. And all those times when your cynicism was at odds with an impulse within you that said that this little thing might be about something bigger—those tiny little slivers may in fact be connected to something really, really big.
Not only is this not the Gospel but it was much too long.
2nd attempt -
The gospel is the counterintuitive, joyous, exuberant news that Jesus has brought the unending, limitless, stunning love of God to even us.
At least the 2nd attempt mentioned Jesus. Its close to the Gospel - but the underlying problem is heresy and rejection of the God revealed in Scripture and of His Word.
Here's why, first Rob Bell (I like to call him the RobBellion - like rebellion against God) rejects the Doctrine of Creation, because of that he rejects the Doctrine of Original Sin, because of that he does not believe in God's Word (Doctrine of the Authority of Scripture) which says that we - like the rest of the World - are by nature children of God's Wrath (Doctrine of Eternal Punishment) and that we are both dead in our sins and enslaved to Satan, and without God's help (Doctrine of Regeneration) we are unable to do anything about it but continue to try harder and harder to be Holy and Justify ourselves only to fail again and again and again and again. Which is why God could not wait around for us to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps via our imaginary Free-Wills - He had to put on flesh, come down among us - not as an example - but God had to take the Wages of our Sins (Doctrine of Substitutionary Atonement, Doctrine of Expiation, Doctrine of Propitiation) on Himself or else we would all be guaranteed Eternity in Hell (which He doesn't believe in). Now that Justice has been paid for Sin's pain & punishment and God's fury has been satisfied by Himself, He is both Just and the Justifier of those who Believe - no longer in their own good works for Self-Salvation - but in the Finished work of Christ for the forgiveness of their sins (Doctrine of Justification by Faith alone - Sola Fide).
So for all you Theological Liberals who are attempting to Justify yourselves before God by your own good works - feeding the poor, petting stray dogs, scoffing at God's Word, then remember how righteous you have to be - to be righteous enough on your own:
For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. Lev 11:44
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16
So how holy is holy? Well Jesus says -
You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matt 5:48
So remember if you screw up - even once - if you Sin (which means fall short of this required Perfection) then you when you die in your Sin - God's Wrath will still be on you and you will face His Eternal Judgement.
I would say that history is headed somewhere. The thousands of little ways in which you are tempted to believe that hope might actually be a legitimate response to the insanity of the world actually can be trusted. And the Christian story is that a tomb is empty, and a movement has actually begun that has been present in a sense all along in creation. And all those times when your cynicism was at odds with an impulse within you that said that this little thing might be about something bigger—those tiny little slivers may in fact be connected to something really, really big.
Not only is this not the Gospel but it was much too long.
2nd attempt -
The gospel is the counterintuitive, joyous, exuberant news that Jesus has brought the unending, limitless, stunning love of God to even us.
At least the 2nd attempt mentioned Jesus. Its close to the Gospel - but the underlying problem is heresy and rejection of the God revealed in Scripture and of His Word.
Here's why, first Rob Bell (I like to call him the RobBellion - like rebellion against God) rejects the Doctrine of Creation, because of that he rejects the Doctrine of Original Sin, because of that he does not believe in God's Word (Doctrine of the Authority of Scripture) which says that we - like the rest of the World - are by nature children of God's Wrath (Doctrine of Eternal Punishment) and that we are both dead in our sins and enslaved to Satan, and without God's help (Doctrine of Regeneration) we are unable to do anything about it but continue to try harder and harder to be Holy and Justify ourselves only to fail again and again and again and again. Which is why God could not wait around for us to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps via our imaginary Free-Wills - He had to put on flesh, come down among us - not as an example - but God had to take the Wages of our Sins (Doctrine of Substitutionary Atonement, Doctrine of Expiation, Doctrine of Propitiation) on Himself or else we would all be guaranteed Eternity in Hell (which He doesn't believe in). Now that Justice has been paid for Sin's pain & punishment and God's fury has been satisfied by Himself, He is both Just and the Justifier of those who Believe - no longer in their own good works for Self-Salvation - but in the Finished work of Christ for the forgiveness of their sins (Doctrine of Justification by Faith alone - Sola Fide).
So for all you Theological Liberals who are attempting to Justify yourselves before God by your own good works - feeding the poor, petting stray dogs, scoffing at God's Word, then remember how righteous you have to be - to be righteous enough on your own:
For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. Lev 11:44
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16
So how holy is holy? Well Jesus says -
You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matt 5:48
So remember if you screw up - even once - if you Sin (which means fall short of this required Perfection) then you when you die in your Sin - God's Wrath will still be on you and you will face His Eternal Judgement.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Here are 10 more Reasons "Not 2b a Mormon"
http://www.jonathanselby.com/pg16e.html
Mormonism does not teach that the Bible is the infallible Word of God.
(What do you know - Mormons are Liberals)
Mormonism teaches that God (the Father) is an exalted man and has a physical body.
Mormonism teaches that Christ and the devil are brothers
Mormonism Teaches that Jesus Christ Was Married and That He Is Polygamous
Mormonism teaches that the true church ceased to exist until it was restored to Joseph Smith.
Mormonism teaches another (perverted) gospel than that of the Bible. - The gospel to Mormonism is, "Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Holy Spirit by laying on of hands, Morality, Loyalty, Tithing, Word of Wisdom, Duty, Celestial Marriage (for eternity) - that's not too far away from the Church of Christ / Christian Church they believe in 5 Good Works for Salvation instead of 10 - maybe they are the Church for Lazy Mormons.
Mormonism Teaches Salvation For the Dead By Proxy Water Baptism
Mormonism teaches genealogical research for the dead
Mormonism teaches that there are modern day prophets and modern day revelations from God.
Mormonism teaches that salvation depends upon good works and acceptance of Joseph Smith. "Men have work to do if they would obtain salvation" (Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 3, pg. 91).
The Bible teaches that salvation is provided by Jesus Christ alone, "for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:10-12). "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" (Eph. 2:8-9). My friend, the Bible clearly states the way for a person to escape the wrath of God and enjoy the blessings of eternity in God's presence. Jesus said, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36). In God's way of salvation a person must accept certain facts about God, about himself, and about Jesus Christ. He must understand that God in love provided the method by which men may come to Him. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). This God is not limited by a body of flesh and bones. Man must also acknowledge that he has fallen short of God's standard and so deserves eternal punishment and separation from God. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). An individual must realize that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man and that He paid the price for each man's sin. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (I Pet. 3:18). In God's plan each individual must personally received God's gift in order to be saved. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). Salvation comes not through man's works, proxy water baptism, or a belief in Joseph Smith, but by accepting the finished work of Jesus Christ. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us" (Titus 3:5). Are you a Christian? Have you come to God in God's way as described in the Bible?
Mormonism does not teach that the Bible is the infallible Word of God.
(What do you know - Mormons are Liberals)
Mormonism teaches that God (the Father) is an exalted man and has a physical body.
Mormonism teaches that Christ and the devil are brothers
Mormonism Teaches that Jesus Christ Was Married and That He Is Polygamous
Mormonism teaches that the true church ceased to exist until it was restored to Joseph Smith.
Mormonism teaches another (perverted) gospel than that of the Bible. - The gospel to Mormonism is, "Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Holy Spirit by laying on of hands, Morality, Loyalty, Tithing, Word of Wisdom, Duty, Celestial Marriage (for eternity) - that's not too far away from the Church of Christ / Christian Church they believe in 5 Good Works for Salvation instead of 10 - maybe they are the Church for Lazy Mormons.
Mormonism Teaches Salvation For the Dead By Proxy Water Baptism
Mormonism teaches genealogical research for the dead
Mormonism teaches that there are modern day prophets and modern day revelations from God.
Mormonism teaches that salvation depends upon good works and acceptance of Joseph Smith. "Men have work to do if they would obtain salvation" (Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 3, pg. 91).
The Bible teaches that salvation is provided by Jesus Christ alone, "for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:10-12). "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" (Eph. 2:8-9). My friend, the Bible clearly states the way for a person to escape the wrath of God and enjoy the blessings of eternity in God's presence. Jesus said, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36). In God's way of salvation a person must accept certain facts about God, about himself, and about Jesus Christ. He must understand that God in love provided the method by which men may come to Him. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). This God is not limited by a body of flesh and bones. Man must also acknowledge that he has fallen short of God's standard and so deserves eternal punishment and separation from God. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). An individual must realize that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man and that He paid the price for each man's sin. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (I Pet. 3:18). In God's plan each individual must personally received God's gift in order to be saved. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). Salvation comes not through man's works, proxy water baptism, or a belief in Joseph Smith, but by accepting the finished work of Jesus Christ. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us" (Titus 3:5). Are you a Christian? Have you come to God in God's way as described in the Bible?
please read this website - Ten Reasons Why I am Not a Mormon
http://www.jonathanselby.com/pg16e.html
Because if I start hearing voices in my head I'm going to question my mental health- NOT become a Mormon!
Because my local police will get very upset if I start killing my neighbors for stealing and other things I don't like.
Because I do not believe in crystal ball gazing to obtain truth!
Because I'm not going to be such a fool as Satan and THINK I CAN BE GOD!
For ONE wife is enough for any man!
Because I'm not about to go up to a 6 foot black man and tell him that I'm better than him -and God said so!
Because I don't like people that steal books!
Because I would hate to die in the desert, dragging a broken-down wooden cart with all my Belongings in it.
BECAUSE I LOVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!
Mormons if you are not yet dead; then its not too late to repent of your false religion and believe on the atoning work of the Eternal Word - Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. If you'd like a REAL Bible drop us a like, leave your name and mailing info and I'll get one to you.
Ten Reasons Why I am Not a Mormon
Because I can not believe that there are old men living on the moon dressed up like Quakers!
Because my local police will get very upset if I start killing my neighbors for stealing and other things I don't like.
Because I do not believe in crystal ball gazing to obtain truth!
Because I'm not going to be such a fool as Satan and THINK I CAN BE GOD!
For ONE wife is enough for any man!
Because I'm not about to go up to a 6 foot black man and tell him that I'm better than him -and God said so!
Because I don't like people that steal books!
Because I would hate to die in the desert, dragging a broken-down wooden cart with all my Belongings in it.
BECAUSE I LOVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!
Mormons if you are not yet dead; then its not too late to repent of your false religion and believe on the atoning work of the Eternal Word - Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. If you'd like a REAL Bible drop us a like, leave your name and mailing info and I'll get one to you.
Vote for whoever you want but Mormons are not Christians!
A lesser-known LDS principle prominently taught in the early years of Mormonism but still affirmed today is the “blood atonement” doctrine which states that there are “serious sins for which the cleansing of Christ does not operate and the law of God is that men must then have their own blood shed to atone for their sins.”—Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 92
While Mormonism endeavors to silence its critics by accusing them of deception and taking statements out of context, the actual documented evidence proves otherwise. Note the following statements made by Brigham Young regarding this doctrine. As you will see in these quotations, no sentences are taken apart or construed from different pages:
“There are sins that men commit for which they cannot receive forgiveness in this world, or in that which is to come, and if they had their eyes open to see their true condition, they would be perfectly willing to have their blood spilt upon the ground, that the smoke thereof might ascend to heaven as an offering for their sins; and the smoking incense would atone for their sins, whereas, if such is not the case, they would stick to them and remain upon them in the spirit world. I know, when you hear my brethren telling about cutting people off from the earth, that you consider it a strong doctrine; but it is to save them, not to destroy them.”—Brigham Young, 1856, Journal of Discourses, vol 4, p. 53“I say, rather than that apostates should flourish here, I will unsheath my bowie knife, and conquer or die. [Great commotion in the congregation, and a simultaneous burst of feeling, assenting to the declaration.] Now, you nasty apostates, clear out, or judgment will be put to the line, and righteousness to the plummet. [Voices, generally, ‘go it, go it.’] If you say it is right, raise your hands. [All hands up.] Let us call upon the Lord to assist us in this, and every good work.”—Brigham Young, 1853, Journal of Discourses, vol 1, p. 83 (Brackets in the original)
As one can clearly see, none of these statements are taken out of context. Ironically, while McConkie accuses critics of fabricating “false” stories regarding this doctrine, he affirms it as a “true doctrine:”
“…the true doctrine of blood atonement is simply this.…under certain circumstances there are some serious sins for which the cleansing of Christ does not operate, and the law of God is that men must then have their own blood shed to atone for their sins. Murder, for instance, is one of these sins; hence we find the Lord commanding capital punishment.…President Joseph Fielding Smith has written: ‘Men may commit certain grievous sins…that will place him beyond the reach of the atoning blood of Christ.…for the blood of Christ alone under certain circumstances will not avail.…Therefore their only hope is to have their own blood shed to atone, as far as possible, in their behalf.” —Mormon Doctrine, pp. 92-93
What do Liberals mean by calling Christians- Fundamentalists
These are the Five Fundamentals that Liberals reject so that they can create their own religion and yet also call their religion Christianity (or A New Kind of Christianity or joining the RobBellion-against-God).
If you need a copy of the Bible respond to this post, leave you're name and mailing address and I'll get with my Church and we'll get you one. Trust me you don't want to die and stand before God as a Liberal.
- The inspiration of the Bible and the inerrancy of Scripture - This was the Primary focus of Liberal spin, rejection and deconstruction. Because if there is not already an Authoritative Bible then they can write their own "Generous Orthodoxy" or "Love Wins" Bible.
- The virgin birth of Christ.
- The belief that Christ's death was the atonement for sin.
- The bodily resurrection of Christ.
- The historical reality of Christ's miracles.
If you need a copy of the Bible respond to this post, leave you're name and mailing address and I'll get with my Church and we'll get you one. Trust me you don't want to die and stand before God as a Liberal.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Baptist Hymnal p. 530
The Witness of the People of God - Testimony
I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians,
both to the wise and to the foolish.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power
of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the
Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness
of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written,
“The righteous shall live by faith.”
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy
and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may
discern what is the will of God, what is good and
acceptable and perfect.
Romans 1:14, 16-17, 12:1-2
I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians,
both to the wise and to the foolish.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power
of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the
Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness
of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written,
“The righteous shall live by faith.”
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy
and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may
discern what is the will of God, what is good and
acceptable and perfect.
Romans 1:14, 16-17, 12:1-2
The Baptist Hymnal p. 266
The People of God - Our Sin
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
My little children, I am writing these things to
you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin,
we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins,
and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Romans 3:23, Isaiah 1: 18, 1 John 1: 8 - 10, 2: 1-2 ESV
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins,
He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say
we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and
His word is not in us.
My little children, I am writing these things to
you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin,
we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins,
and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Romans 3:23, Isaiah 1: 18, 1 John 1: 8 - 10, 2: 1-2 ESV
The Baptist Hymnal p. 75
The Love of God - God the Son
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 1:1-5, 10-14, 3:16 ESV
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and his own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 1:1-5, 10-14, 3:16 ESV
The Baptist Hymnal p. 1
The Glory of God - God the Father
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23 ESV (The Elect Standard Version)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake
Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in
the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23 ESV (The Elect Standard Version)
Faith is Entirely Gratuitous - William C. Robinson
Finally, justification by faith, as far as the sinner is concerned, is entirely gratuitous. “We are justified freely by his grace.” It is gratuitous because even faith, the instrumental cause, is the free gift of God. Faith is our coming to Christ, but no man cometh save as the Father draws him. We only call Jesus Lord by the Holy Spirit. We come to recognize Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, but flesh and blood reveals it not unto us, that is done by the Father in heaven. We know the Son only as he willeth to reveal himself. It is given unto us to believe on him, and our total salvation, even with reference to faith, is the gift of God. Further, while the process of salvation has been so worked out by the wisdom of the Trinity that God is justified in that process, and it is just to Christ to accept as righteous those who are in him; nevertheless, it is entirely gracious of God in relation to the sinner to justify him. God is declared just in his nature and government in justifying the ungodly by faith. But the whole plan of redemption is gracious as far as the sinner is concerned. It is pure, undeserved love that leads God to provide a Saviour for sinful men. It is grace that provides the Righteous One to work out in man's stead a righteousness for them. It is of his graciousness toward men that God the Son takes human nature and by years of humiliation and obedience and the depths of agony works out that robe of righteousness with which to clothe the sinner. It is gracious on the part of God the Father to willingly accept the righteousness of another in lieu of the righteousness which the sinner is unable to offer in himself. If justification as its basis be the man or his works, or his outlooks, it is of debt, not of grace. But with one accord, the Scriptures proclaim a salvation that is of the Lord and a justification by faith that is of grace, grace, grace to the utmost — grace to the unrighteous, whereby they are declared righteous in Christ — righteous as clothed in his spotless robes of righteousness.
Now as we cut away all centers, or subsidiary centers, of reliance on ourselves and our sinful hearts, and as we rest entirely and alone on the grace of God, and on the God of grace we place ourselves in faith's true attitude—we open our hearts for the streams of living water to flood our souls. As we see that we are saved entirely by the graciousness of God, that we rest entirely on Jesus Christ, and are accepted in toto for what he has done for us, the ocean of gratitude for this grace rises in a tidal wave that has real volume in lieu of the tiny, intermittent rivulets of thanks that have been trickling from our hearts. As we deny self and rest alone on Jesus Christ, we realize the appropriate relationship in which close fellowship may exist, we draw really close to him, we cling indeed, we hide in the riven rock ,we seek to be crushed to his bosom, and in the warmth and depth of living fellowship with the ever-present loving Redeemer we begin to live his life and manifest the reality of his power, the blessedness of his grace.
Now as we cut away all centers, or subsidiary centers, of reliance on ourselves and our sinful hearts, and as we rest entirely and alone on the grace of God, and on the God of grace we place ourselves in faith's true attitude—we open our hearts for the streams of living water to flood our souls. As we see that we are saved entirely by the graciousness of God, that we rest entirely on Jesus Christ, and are accepted in toto for what he has done for us, the ocean of gratitude for this grace rises in a tidal wave that has real volume in lieu of the tiny, intermittent rivulets of thanks that have been trickling from our hearts. As we deny self and rest alone on Jesus Christ, we realize the appropriate relationship in which close fellowship may exist, we draw really close to him, we cling indeed, we hide in the riven rock ,we seek to be crushed to his bosom, and in the warmth and depth of living fellowship with the ever-present loving Redeemer we begin to live his life and manifest the reality of his power, the blessedness of his grace.
The Real Meaning of Justification By Faith - William C. Robinson
The real meaning of justification by faith, as that term was used by the Protestants in the Reformation, and the real meaning of that doctrine as expounded in Scripture, and expressed in Protestant Confessions, can be made clear by noticing the real biblical attitude of faith, the ethical basis of justification, and the graciousness of the entire process.
The biblical attitude of faith, negatively, is a denial that man by his works or anything in himself contributes to his justification. Justification is “to him that worketh not”; that is, to him who does not want to work, does not intend to work, who acknowledges that he and his works are sinful and unrighteous. Faith, as Paul uses it, is the algebraic formula for not working — negatively, it is equivalent to saying that man contributes nothing to his justification. The attitude of justifying faith is seeking to be found in Him, not having one's own righteousness which is of the law. It is a recognition that we are saved, not of ourselves and not of our works, for by the works of the law shall no flesh, be justified—in himself every man stands guilty before God. And every atom of human sufficiency and pride and boasting is excluded. “Merit lives from man to man, but not, O God, from man to thee.”
Positively, the attitude of justifying faith is magnifying God, it is God-centered. Dr. Geerhardus Vos, whose careful thought the writer has freely used in this discussion, defines the attitude of faith as the unlimited willingness to let God do all the saving, a recognition of divine monergism. The attitude of faith is not looking at itself as though it were a new virtue substituted for the old, but it is looking to the object of faith. Justifying faith is faith towards or into Jesus Christ. It is resting on him as the limpet clings to the rock. It is being found in him. Faith denies all hope and trust in the man himself, or in the substance of the faith in itself, and rests men on the unchanging grace and character of God. Faith is the attitude of giving all the glory to God. Again, as to the ethical basis of justification — the ground on account of which God declares a man righteous— Protestant justification by faith offers not itself. Our Westminster Confession of Faith for three hundred years has been denying this “modernist” idea that God imputes faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to men as their righteousness. If we take the time to investigate justification according to the Aristotelian causes, it will save us many upsets. According to this analysis, faith is the instrumental cause—the means, the instrument, the human condition—of justification. But faith is not the efficient cause—for that is the righteousness of God; it is not the material cause—for that is the obedience and suffering of Jesus Christ; it is not the formal cause—for that is the righteousness of another (in distinction from one's own righteousness); it is not the final cause—which is the salvation of souls and the glory of God. Faith is taking Jesus Christ with the naked hand of the heart. Faith is the human condition, the receiving, but that which it receives is the meritorious ground of justification. And this ground or basis is the righteousness of God which is built up of the material furnished by the entire humiliation of Christ—his satisfaction of the precepts and penalties of the law of God, by his human life, obedience, suffering and death. Protestant faith is receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness; and Protestant justification by faith is God, on the occasion of man's act of faith, imputing to that man Christ's obedience and satisfaction as his righteousness, and so receiving the believer as righteous in his sight. The saving virtue is not faith as a new virtue, but the virtues and sufferings of Christ, our Substitute. Modernistic justification rests on what the believer is or aspires to be; Protestant justification rests on what Christ is and what he has done for the believer.
The biblical attitude of faith, negatively, is a denial that man by his works or anything in himself contributes to his justification. Justification is “to him that worketh not”; that is, to him who does not want to work, does not intend to work, who acknowledges that he and his works are sinful and unrighteous. Faith, as Paul uses it, is the algebraic formula for not working — negatively, it is equivalent to saying that man contributes nothing to his justification. The attitude of justifying faith is seeking to be found in Him, not having one's own righteousness which is of the law. It is a recognition that we are saved, not of ourselves and not of our works, for by the works of the law shall no flesh, be justified—in himself every man stands guilty before God. And every atom of human sufficiency and pride and boasting is excluded. “Merit lives from man to man, but not, O God, from man to thee.”
Positively, the attitude of justifying faith is magnifying God, it is God-centered. Dr. Geerhardus Vos, whose careful thought the writer has freely used in this discussion, defines the attitude of faith as the unlimited willingness to let God do all the saving, a recognition of divine monergism. The attitude of faith is not looking at itself as though it were a new virtue substituted for the old, but it is looking to the object of faith. Justifying faith is faith towards or into Jesus Christ. It is resting on him as the limpet clings to the rock. It is being found in him. Faith denies all hope and trust in the man himself, or in the substance of the faith in itself, and rests men on the unchanging grace and character of God. Faith is the attitude of giving all the glory to God. Again, as to the ethical basis of justification — the ground on account of which God declares a man righteous— Protestant justification by faith offers not itself. Our Westminster Confession of Faith for three hundred years has been denying this “modernist” idea that God imputes faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to men as their righteousness. If we take the time to investigate justification according to the Aristotelian causes, it will save us many upsets. According to this analysis, faith is the instrumental cause—the means, the instrument, the human condition—of justification. But faith is not the efficient cause—for that is the righteousness of God; it is not the material cause—for that is the obedience and suffering of Jesus Christ; it is not the formal cause—for that is the righteousness of another (in distinction from one's own righteousness); it is not the final cause—which is the salvation of souls and the glory of God. Faith is taking Jesus Christ with the naked hand of the heart. Faith is the human condition, the receiving, but that which it receives is the meritorious ground of justification. And this ground or basis is the righteousness of God which is built up of the material furnished by the entire humiliation of Christ—his satisfaction of the precepts and penalties of the law of God, by his human life, obedience, suffering and death. Protestant faith is receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness; and Protestant justification by faith is God, on the occasion of man's act of faith, imputing to that man Christ's obedience and satisfaction as his righteousness, and so receiving the believer as righteous in his sight. The saving virtue is not faith as a new virtue, but the virtues and sufferings of Christ, our Substitute. Modernistic justification rests on what the believer is or aspires to be; Protestant justification rests on what Christ is and what he has done for the believer.
Justification by Faith - William C. Robinson
One of my college classmates said, in my hearing, “Well, I have thought through the doctrine of justification by faith.” It is the conviction of the writer that one cause for so much of our present loose theological thinking and for the diminution of the vitality and power of present Christianity is that too few of us have thought out just what this cardinal doctrine of the Reformation is. We have not the courage of our convictions, the transforming force in our lives, the faith that mocks the flames, which the Reformers had, because we have not felt the graciousness and blessedness of their doctrine of justification by faith.
We have gotten in the habit of using this term as a phrase to conjure with, a shibboleth, a form of words instead of taking the time to grasp its real meaning. And of all terms, this one, when used as a phrase only, is the one most capable of misinterpretation. This false interpretation can come either from loose thinking (or lack of thinking), or from the studied effort to deceive. The English words, “justification by faith,” can be easily used to mean the direct opposite of the Reformation doctrine of justification. This is because of the indefiniteness of that preposition “by.” A speaker or writer can use that “by” as meaning, “by the power of,” “by the virtue of,” “by the grace of,” as easily as another can use it to mean, “by means of” or “by the instrumentality of.” Even historians of the Reformation, in discussing Luther's heart acceptance of the doctrine of justification by faith, show a woeful misapprehension of the meaning of the term.
Many today are using the term, “justification by faith,” to express their belief that we are justified on the ground of faith. That is, that faith itself, and our own faith, is accepted by God as the ethical basis or meritorious ground on which he declares us righteous. Faith, then, is a substitute for obedience. Faith is taken to mean religious heroism—it is the seed of the new life which God is pleased to accept in place of the perfect life which formerly he demanded. Faith is made the basis of our judgment. According to this interpretation, the apostle of modernism says that God deals with a man, not on the basis of what he has done, or even what he is, but on the basis of the thing the man has set his heart upon, the direction of his life, the ideal which masters him. In accord with this interpretation, the eyes of men are turned in on themselves toward the examination of their own faith—be sure that you have faith in God like Jesus had. Scrutinize, perfect your faith, develop your faith, for your faith as the sum of your hopes and ideals and vital principle and life direction, is to be the ground of your justification. This form of reasoning makes the basis and ground of our justification to inhere in us—it is our faith (as the sum of our hopes, etc.), which is accepted by God as the equivalent of righteousness. We save ourselves if only we can get the right kind of faith, the right amount of it; Jesus' rebuke of this attitude with the words, that if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you can remove mountains, is forgotten. Furthermore, this meaning, read into the apostolic doctrine of justification by faith, is the opposite of what that term was used by the Reformers to mean.
We have gotten in the habit of using this term as a phrase to conjure with, a shibboleth, a form of words instead of taking the time to grasp its real meaning. And of all terms, this one, when used as a phrase only, is the one most capable of misinterpretation. This false interpretation can come either from loose thinking (or lack of thinking), or from the studied effort to deceive. The English words, “justification by faith,” can be easily used to mean the direct opposite of the Reformation doctrine of justification. This is because of the indefiniteness of that preposition “by.” A speaker or writer can use that “by” as meaning, “by the power of,” “by the virtue of,” “by the grace of,” as easily as another can use it to mean, “by means of” or “by the instrumentality of.” Even historians of the Reformation, in discussing Luther's heart acceptance of the doctrine of justification by faith, show a woeful misapprehension of the meaning of the term.
Many today are using the term, “justification by faith,” to express their belief that we are justified on the ground of faith. That is, that faith itself, and our own faith, is accepted by God as the ethical basis or meritorious ground on which he declares us righteous. Faith, then, is a substitute for obedience. Faith is taken to mean religious heroism—it is the seed of the new life which God is pleased to accept in place of the perfect life which formerly he demanded. Faith is made the basis of our judgment. According to this interpretation, the apostle of modernism says that God deals with a man, not on the basis of what he has done, or even what he is, but on the basis of the thing the man has set his heart upon, the direction of his life, the ideal which masters him. In accord with this interpretation, the eyes of men are turned in on themselves toward the examination of their own faith—be sure that you have faith in God like Jesus had. Scrutinize, perfect your faith, develop your faith, for your faith as the sum of your hopes and ideals and vital principle and life direction, is to be the ground of your justification. This form of reasoning makes the basis and ground of our justification to inhere in us—it is our faith (as the sum of our hopes, etc.), which is accepted by God as the equivalent of righteousness. We save ourselves if only we can get the right kind of faith, the right amount of it; Jesus' rebuke of this attitude with the words, that if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you can remove mountains, is forgotten. Furthermore, this meaning, read into the apostolic doctrine of justification by faith, is the opposite of what that term was used by the Reformers to mean.
recommended Church - Calvary Baptist Church of Lenexa
For His Glory ... and Our Good
Our purpose is to worship God, make disciples, equip the saints
to perform ministry, proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and
participate in biblical fellowship. We recognize that the Church
was created by the grace of God for the glory of God.
Friday, October 21, 2011
the Trinity of Christian Denominations
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is an evangelical Protestant Christian denomination, the second largest Presbyterian church body in the United States after the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The PCA professes a strong commitment to evangelism, missionary work, and Christian education. The church declares its goal to be "faithful to the Scriptures, true to the Reformed faith, and obedient to the Great Commission."
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a traditional, confessional Lutheran denomination in the United States. With 2.3 million members, it is both the eighth largest Protestant denomination and the second-largest Lutheran body in the U.S. after the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Synod was founded at Chicago, Illinois, in 1847 by German-American immigrants. The LCMS is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
Approximately half of the LCMS members are located in the Upper Midwest, although it is represented in all 50 U.S. states, and is affiliated with other Lutheran sister churches worldwide. It also has several congregations in Ontario and one in Quebec that remained with the LCMS after most of the Synod's Canadian congregations formed the autonomous Lutheran Church–Canada in 1988. The LCMS is divided into 35 districts—33 geographic and two (the English District and SELC) non-geographic districts. The current president is the Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, who took office on September 1, 2010.
he Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a United States-based Christian denomination. It is the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant body in the United States, with over 16 million members. It is also the largest Christian body in the United States, since the Catholic Church - rejects the Gospel (review the Council of Trent, which the Pope still holds to).
The word Southern in Southern Baptist Convention stems from its having been founded and rooted in the Southern United States. The SBC became a separate denomination in 1845 in Augusta, Georgia, following a regional split with northern Baptists over the issues of slavery. After the American Civil War, another split occurred: most black Baptists in the South separated from white churches and set up their own congregations.
Since the 1940s, the SBC has moved away from some of its regional identification. While still heavily concentrated in the US South, the SBC has member churches across the United States and 41 affiliated state conventions. Southern Baptists emphasize the significance of the individual conversion experience, affirmed by a total immersion in water for a believer's baptism, and rejection of infant baptism. SBC churches are evangelical in doctrine and practice. Specific beliefs based on biblical interpretation can vary somewhat due to the congregational governance system that gives autonomy to individual local Baptist churches.
About half of SBC Baptists are also - Reformed Baptists (sometimes known as Calvinistic Baptists) which are Baptists that hold to a Calvinist soteriology (doctrine of Salvation). They can trace their history through the early modern Particular Baptists of England. The first Reformed Baptist church was formed in the 1630s. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith was written along Reformed Baptist lines.
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a traditional, confessional Lutheran denomination in the United States. With 2.3 million members, it is both the eighth largest Protestant denomination and the second-largest Lutheran body in the U.S. after the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Synod was founded at Chicago, Illinois, in 1847 by German-American immigrants. The LCMS is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
Approximately half of the LCMS members are located in the Upper Midwest, although it is represented in all 50 U.S. states, and is affiliated with other Lutheran sister churches worldwide. It also has several congregations in Ontario and one in Quebec that remained with the LCMS after most of the Synod's Canadian congregations formed the autonomous Lutheran Church–Canada in 1988. The LCMS is divided into 35 districts—33 geographic and two (the English District and SELC) non-geographic districts. The current president is the Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, who took office on September 1, 2010.
he Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a United States-based Christian denomination. It is the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant body in the United States, with over 16 million members. It is also the largest Christian body in the United States, since the Catholic Church - rejects the Gospel (review the Council of Trent, which the Pope still holds to).
The word Southern in Southern Baptist Convention stems from its having been founded and rooted in the Southern United States. The SBC became a separate denomination in 1845 in Augusta, Georgia, following a regional split with northern Baptists over the issues of slavery. After the American Civil War, another split occurred: most black Baptists in the South separated from white churches and set up their own congregations.
Since the 1940s, the SBC has moved away from some of its regional identification. While still heavily concentrated in the US South, the SBC has member churches across the United States and 41 affiliated state conventions. Southern Baptists emphasize the significance of the individual conversion experience, affirmed by a total immersion in water for a believer's baptism, and rejection of infant baptism. SBC churches are evangelical in doctrine and practice. Specific beliefs based on biblical interpretation can vary somewhat due to the congregational governance system that gives autonomy to individual local Baptist churches.
About half of SBC Baptists are also - Reformed Baptists (sometimes known as Calvinistic Baptists) which are Baptists that hold to a Calvinist soteriology (doctrine of Salvation). They can trace their history through the early modern Particular Baptists of England. The first Reformed Baptist church was formed in the 1630s. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith was written along Reformed Baptist lines.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism = Veggie Tales!
Let me start off by saying I love Veggie Tales however this post is absolutely correct in what Veggie Tales teaches theologically. If you're not familiar with MTD: here's the def. -
Moralistic therapeutic deism is a term introduced in the book Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers (2005) by Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton. The term (abbreviated MTD) is used to describe what they consider to be the common religious beliefs among American youth. The book is the result of a research project the, "National Study of Youth and Religion," privately funded by the Lilly Endowment - its both awesome and heartbreaking - check it out.
A VERY INTERESTING story on World Mag site about Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales.
Vischer acknowledge that looking . . .
I really hope that this trend of thinking continues within American Christianity because the so-called “christian” media promoted Christianity as morality for so many years most believe that Christianity is about morals, AND DON’T GET ME STARTED WITH MCGEE AND ME. UGH!
Read the whole article here : http://www.worldmag.com/articles/18626
Moralistic therapeutic deism is a term introduced in the book Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers (2005) by Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton. The term (abbreviated MTD) is used to describe what they consider to be the common religious beliefs among American youth. The book is the result of a research project the, "National Study of Youth and Religion," privately funded by the Lilly Endowment - its both awesome and heartbreaking - check it out.
A VERY INTERESTING story on World Mag site about Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales.
Vischer acknowledge that looking . . .
“back at the previous 10 years and realized I had spent 10 years trying to convince kids to behave Christianly without actually teaching them Christianity [emphasis mine]. And that was a pretty serious conviction. You can say, ‘Hey kids, be more forgiving because the Bible says so,’ or ‘Hey kids, be more kind because the Bible says so!’ But that isn’t Christianity, it’s morality.”
I really hope that this trend of thinking continues within American Christianity because the so-called “christian” media promoted Christianity as morality for so many years most believe that Christianity is about morals, AND DON’T GET ME STARTED WITH MCGEE AND ME. UGH!
Read the whole article here : http://www.worldmag.com/articles/18626
What is the Gospel? - By Dr. Lorraine Boettner
What is the Gospel?
By Dr. Lorraine BoettnerThe Gospel is the good news about the great salvation purchased by Jesus Christ, by which He reconciled sinful men to a holy God. The purpose of this booklet is to set forth, in plain language and in terms easily understood, the basic differences between the Calvinistic (Reformed) and Arminian understanding of the Gospel, and to show what the Bible teaches concerning these subjects. An accurate understanding is crucial; the harmony that exists between the various doctrines of the Christian faith is such that error in regard to any one of them produces more or less distortion in all the others.
There are in reality only two types of religious thought: the religion of faith, and the religion of works. The author is convinced that what has been known in church history as Calvinism is the purest and most consistent embodiment of the religion of faith, while that which has been known as Arminianism has been diluted to a dangerous degree by the religion of works and is therefore an inconsistent and unstable form of Christianity. In other words, Christianity comes to its fullest and purest expression in the Reformed faith.
In the early part of the fifth century these two types of religious thought came into direct conflict in a remarkably clear contrast in the teaching of two theologians, Augustine and Pelagius. Augustine pointed men to God as the source of all true spiritual wisdom and strength, while Pelagius threw men back on themselves and said that they were able in their own strength to do all that God commanded (otherwise God would not command it). Arminianism is a compromise between these two systems; while in its more evangelical form (as in early Wesleyanism) it approaches the religion of faith, it nevertheless does contain serious elements of error.
At present, practically all the historic churches are being attacked from within by unbelief. Many of them have already succumbed, and almost invariably the line of descent has been from Calvinism to Arminianism, from Arminianism to liberalism, and then to Unitarianism. The history of liberalism and Unitarianism shows that they deteriorate into a social gospel that is too weak to sustain itself. The author is convinced that the future of Christianity is bound up with that system of theology historically called Calvinism. Where the God-centered principles of Calvinism have been abandoned, there has been a strong tendency downward into the depths of man-centered naturalism or secularism. Some have argued convincingly that there is no consistent stopping place between Calvinism and atheism.
Is your "pastor" unmovable, when it comes to sound Biblical doctrine?
Romans 16: 17 - 18
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Ephesians 4: 11 - 14
And Christ gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
1 Timothy 1: 3 - 4
As I (Paul) urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
1 Timothy 1: 8 - 11
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers,1 liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I (Paul) have been entrusted.
1 Timothy 4: 8 - 11
If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1 Timothy 6: 2-5
Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
Titus 1: 7 - 9
For an overseer (which is an Elder or Pastor), as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy Word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus 2: 1
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
Titus 2: 7-10
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants (or 1st century slaves) are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Hebrews 6: 1 - 2
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
A genuine Pastor is grounded in sound Biblical doctrine, if your teacher/leader is not its because he/she is not a Pastor.
If your teacher/leader preaches self-help, pop psychology, self-esteem tips on living a better life now or just being a good moral person- its because they don't care where you spend Eternity. They just care if you keep up with your tithing and slave labor (volunteer work they don't have to pay for).
It would be better if you repented of your False Religion and go find a REAL Church that proclaims your sinfulness and Christ's Good Works done for your Salvation. Look for a Church that knows the 5 Solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solo Christo, Soli Deo Gloria - Scripture alone is the Authority on Christian Life, the Gospel and everything God wanted to reveal to Mankind, Salvation is by God's Grace alone through Faith alone on account of Christ Work alone and to God alone be the Glory of Salvation - He will not share it with another not a free-will Pelagian, not a free-will Semi-Pelagian, not a free-will Arminian and definitely not you!
Be a Berean! If what your "pastor" teaches doesn't accord with Scripture call him/her to repentance; if he/she wont then leave.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Ephesians 4: 11 - 14
And Christ gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
1 Timothy 1: 3 - 4
As I (Paul) urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
1 Timothy 1: 8 - 11
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers,1 liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I (Paul) have been entrusted.
1 Timothy 4: 8 - 11
If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1 Timothy 6: 2-5
Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
Titus 1: 7 - 9
For an overseer (which is an Elder or Pastor), as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy Word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus 2: 1
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
Titus 2: 7-10
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants (or 1st century slaves) are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Hebrews 6: 1 - 2
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
A genuine Pastor is grounded in sound Biblical doctrine, if your teacher/leader is not its because he/she is not a Pastor.
If your teacher/leader preaches self-help, pop psychology, self-esteem tips on living a better life now or just being a good moral person- its because they don't care where you spend Eternity. They just care if you keep up with your tithing and slave labor (volunteer work they don't have to pay for).
It would be better if you repented of your False Religion and go find a REAL Church that proclaims your sinfulness and Christ's Good Works done for your Salvation. Look for a Church that knows the 5 Solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solo Christo, Soli Deo Gloria - Scripture alone is the Authority on Christian Life, the Gospel and everything God wanted to reveal to Mankind, Salvation is by God's Grace alone through Faith alone on account of Christ Work alone and to God alone be the Glory of Salvation - He will not share it with another not a free-will Pelagian, not a free-will Semi-Pelagian, not a free-will Arminian and definitely not you!
Be a Berean! If what your "pastor" teaches doesn't accord with Scripture call him/her to repentance; if he/she wont then leave.
Pierce Morgan - quote reveals what today's culture wants
PM said, "shouldn't the Scriptures be dragged kicking and screaming into the modern age?"
In other words shouldn't pastors today supposed to interpret or evolve the message to relate to
this day and age?
No Pierce, a genuine Pastor can't and wont ever reduce the preaching of the Word of God.
They can't and wont ever reduce the threat of Hell that our sins warrant.
And they can't and wont ever stop preaching Christ's 100% morally perfect life lived for our sakes, His substitutional death for our sins and His resurrection from the dead that showed that God's wrath was satisfied and all those sins that Christ died for have been atoned.
In other words shouldn't pastors today supposed to interpret or evolve the message to relate to
this day and age?
No Pierce, a genuine Pastor can't and wont ever reduce the preaching of the Word of God.
They can't and wont ever reduce the threat of Hell that our sins warrant.
And they can't and wont ever stop preaching Christ's 100% morally perfect life lived for our sakes, His substitutional death for our sins and His resurrection from the dead that showed that God's wrath was satisfied and all those sins that Christ died for have been atoned.
Monday, October 17, 2011
John Calvin (1509–1564) on Immersion?
John Calvin (1509–1564) wrote that "it is evident that the term baptise means to immerse, and that this was the form used by the primitive Church"
As someone who - like Luther championed Sola Scriptura Calvin should have stopped here and repented
but He continues in the same context (Institutes of the Christian Religion IV, xv, 19), using the same verb "immerse", but indicating that it does not necessarily mean immersing "wholly", he also wrote: "Whether the person who is baptised be wholly immersed, and whether thrice or once, or whether water be only poured or sprinkled upon him, is of no importance; Churches ought to be left at liberty in this respect, to act according to the difference of countries." Modern, professional lexicography defines βαπτίζω as dip, plunge or immerse, while giving examples of its use for merely partial immersion.
Again I will grant Calvin - Immersion is what the Bible teaches - And its what the Early Church did (unless otherwise constrained) which is why I'm not legalistic about immersion being the "only" form acceptable to God - I would grant some tolerance if Immersion is somehow not possible - but I will not and cannot extend Immersion - or Dipping into water (an example would be dipping clothes into a vat of red dye to make the garment red) - or Plunging into water equivalent to sprinkling!
As someone who - like Luther championed Sola Scriptura Calvin should have stopped here and repented
but He continues in the same context (Institutes of the Christian Religion IV, xv, 19), using the same verb "immerse", but indicating that it does not necessarily mean immersing "wholly", he also wrote: "Whether the person who is baptised be wholly immersed, and whether thrice or once, or whether water be only poured or sprinkled upon him, is of no importance; Churches ought to be left at liberty in this respect, to act according to the difference of countries." Modern, professional lexicography defines βαπτίζω as dip, plunge or immerse, while giving examples of its use for merely partial immersion.
Again I will grant Calvin - Immersion is what the Bible teaches - And its what the Early Church did (unless otherwise constrained) which is why I'm not legalistic about immersion being the "only" form acceptable to God - I would grant some tolerance if Immersion is somehow not possible - but I will not and cannot extend Immersion - or Dipping into water (an example would be dipping clothes into a vat of red dye to make the garment red) - or Plunging into water equivalent to sprinkling!
Baptism and the Archaeological evidence
Five professional archaeological studies carried out in the last twenty five years which are cited widely and regularly in the relevant scholarly literature (Sanford La Sor, 1987; Lothar Heiser, 1986; Jean-Charles Picard, 1989; Malka Ben Pechat, 1989; Everett Ferguson, 2009), agree on the same conclusions on the archaeological and literary evidence, baptism is by immersion. On the basis of archaeological and textual evidence, Sanford La Sor (1987), considers it likely that the archaeological evidence favours total immersion. Lothar Heiser (1986), likewise understands the literary and pictorial evidence to indicate total immersion. Jean-Charles Picard (1989), reaches the same conclusion, and so does Malka Ben Pechat (1989). The latest comprehensive survey of previous studies and examination of the archaeological and literary evidence in combination, a study by Everett Ferguson (2009), confirms the findings of La Sor, Heiser, Picard, and Pechat.
The same view is found in various reference works commenting on early church practice. A recent Bible encyclopedia speaks of the "consensus of scholarly opinion" that the baptismal practice of John the Baptist and the apostles was by immersion. An encyclopedia of Roman Catholicism specifies that the immersion was total, noting that the preference of the Early Church was total immersion in a stream or the sea or, if these were not available, in a fountain or bath-sized tank, and a standard Bible dictionary says that baptism was normally by immersion. Among other sources, Old says that immersion (though not the only form), was normally used, Grimes says "There is little doubt that early Christian baptism was adult baptism by immersion.", Howard Marshall says that immersion was the general rule, but affusion and even sprinkling were also practiced, since "archaeological evidence supports the view that in some areas Christian baptism was administered by affusion". His presentation of this view has been described by Porter and Cross as "a compelling argument". Laurie Guy says immersion was probably the norm, but that at various times and places full immersion, partial immersion and affusion were probably in use. Tischler says that total immersion seems to have been most commonly used. Stander and Louw argue that immersion was the prevailing practice of the Early Church.
Although stating that the New Testament does not state specifically what action the baptizer did to the person baptized, when both were in the water, Grenz states "Nevertheless, we conclude that of the three modes immersion caries the strongest case – exegetically, historically, and theologically. Therefore under normal circumstances it ought to be the preferred, even the sole, practice of the church.". Most scholars agree that immersion was the practice of the New Testament church.
I want to be careful and state clearly that I believe all genuine Christian Churches should immerse (only!); however I will not go so far as to say that affusion baptisms or having-water-poured-over-you baptisms are not genuine baptisms. I would leave that to those Church of Christ/Christian Church heretics who teach that Baptism is a Good Work you do to earn your Salvation. I would personally rather have 100 sprinkled children than support those who are "christian" in denominational name only. Although I would say that sprinkling - or spritzing water on the face - is no Baptism at all, because it rapes the word itself and the doctrine and symbolism (death, burial and resurrection) of all of its meaning. For everyone who calls themselves a Protestant - who holds Sola Scriptura - exegetically, historically, and theologically - Baptism is Immersion.
The same view is found in various reference works commenting on early church practice. A recent Bible encyclopedia speaks of the "consensus of scholarly opinion" that the baptismal practice of John the Baptist and the apostles was by immersion. An encyclopedia of Roman Catholicism specifies that the immersion was total, noting that the preference of the Early Church was total immersion in a stream or the sea or, if these were not available, in a fountain or bath-sized tank, and a standard Bible dictionary says that baptism was normally by immersion. Among other sources, Old says that immersion (though not the only form), was normally used, Grimes says "There is little doubt that early Christian baptism was adult baptism by immersion.", Howard Marshall says that immersion was the general rule, but affusion and even sprinkling were also practiced, since "archaeological evidence supports the view that in some areas Christian baptism was administered by affusion". His presentation of this view has been described by Porter and Cross as "a compelling argument". Laurie Guy says immersion was probably the norm, but that at various times and places full immersion, partial immersion and affusion were probably in use. Tischler says that total immersion seems to have been most commonly used. Stander and Louw argue that immersion was the prevailing practice of the Early Church.
Although stating that the New Testament does not state specifically what action the baptizer did to the person baptized, when both were in the water, Grenz states "Nevertheless, we conclude that of the three modes immersion caries the strongest case – exegetically, historically, and theologically. Therefore under normal circumstances it ought to be the preferred, even the sole, practice of the church.". Most scholars agree that immersion was the practice of the New Testament church.
I want to be careful and state clearly that I believe all genuine Christian Churches should immerse (only!); however I will not go so far as to say that affusion baptisms or having-water-poured-over-you baptisms are not genuine baptisms. I would leave that to those Church of Christ/Christian Church heretics who teach that Baptism is a Good Work you do to earn your Salvation. I would personally rather have 100 sprinkled children than support those who are "christian" in denominational name only. Although I would say that sprinkling - or spritzing water on the face - is no Baptism at all, because it rapes the word itself and the doctrine and symbolism (death, burial and resurrection) of all of its meaning. For everyone who calls themselves a Protestant - who holds Sola Scriptura - exegetically, historically, and theologically - Baptism is Immersion.
Baptism in early Christianity
Warren Wiersbe notes that New Testament scholars "generally agree that the early church baptized by immersion".
Thomas Schreiner likewise states that "Most scholars agree that immersion was practiced in the NT", identifying submersion as the form of immersion practiced.
Heyler says most New Testament scholars generally agree that Christian baptism in the New Testament era was by immersion.
Everett Ferguson similarly speaks of "general scholarly agreement" that the baptism commanded by Jesus was immersion in water by dipping, in the form of a "full bath". He describes medieval depictions of Jesus standing in water while John poured water over him as a "strange fantasy" deriving from later church practice.
Di Berardino describes the baptism of the New Testament era as generally requiring total immersion, and Lang says "Baptism in the Bible was by immersion, that is, the person went fully under the waters".
Thomas Schreiner likewise states that "Most scholars agree that immersion was practiced in the NT", identifying submersion as the form of immersion practiced.
Heyler says most New Testament scholars generally agree that Christian baptism in the New Testament era was by immersion.
Everett Ferguson similarly speaks of "general scholarly agreement" that the baptism commanded by Jesus was immersion in water by dipping, in the form of a "full bath". He describes medieval depictions of Jesus standing in water while John poured water over him as a "strange fantasy" deriving from later church practice.
Di Berardino describes the baptism of the New Testament era as generally requiring total immersion, and Lang says "Baptism in the Bible was by immersion, that is, the person went fully under the waters".
Luther on Immersion?
Luther said, “Even so it is not baptism that justifies or benefits anyone, but it is faith in the word of promise, to which baptism is added. This faith justifies, and fulfils that which baptism signifies.” (“THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY OF CHURCH”)
The second part of baptism is the sign, or sacrament, which is that immersion into water from this also it derives its name. For the Greek baptizo means “I immerse,” and baptisma means “immersion.” For, as has been said, signs are added to the divine promises to represent that which the words signify, or, as they now say, that which the sacrament “effectively signifies.” We shall see how much of truth there is in this… It is indeed correct to say that baptism washes sins away, but that expression is too weak and mild to bring out the full significance of baptism, which is rather a symbol of death and resurrection. For this reason I would have the candidates for baptism completely immersed in the water, as the word says and as the sacrament signifies. Not that I deem this necessary, but it would be well to give to so perfect and complete a thing a perfect and complete sign. Thus it was also doubtless instituted by Christ. The sinner does not so much need to be washed as he needs to die, in order to be wholly renewed and made another creature, and to be conformed to the death and resurrection of Christ, with Whom, through baptism, he dies and rises again.
The second part of baptism is the sign, or sacrament, which is that immersion into water from this also it derives its name. For the Greek baptizo means “I immerse,” and baptisma means “immersion.” For, as has been said, signs are added to the divine promises to represent that which the words signify, or, as they now say, that which the sacrament “effectively signifies.” We shall see how much of truth there is in this… It is indeed correct to say that baptism washes sins away, but that expression is too weak and mild to bring out the full significance of baptism, which is rather a symbol of death and resurrection. For this reason I would have the candidates for baptism completely immersed in the water, as the word says and as the sacrament signifies. Not that I deem this necessary, but it would be well to give to so perfect and complete a thing a perfect and complete sign. Thus it was also doubtless instituted by Christ. The sinner does not so much need to be washed as he needs to die, in order to be wholly renewed and made another creature, and to be conformed to the death and resurrection of Christ, with Whom, through baptism, he dies and rises again.
reprobation
Romans 9
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then He has mercy on whomever He wills, and He hardens whomever He wills.
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then He has mercy on whomever He wills, and He hardens whomever He wills.
19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who can resist His will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,
Remember God did not wait to see what Pharaoh would do with his imaginary "Free-will".
God predestined (prepared in advance) Everything that would take place - before it happened. And to prove it to us (and Moses) He told us (and Moses) what would happen, before it happened.
Exodus 3
Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.
But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, 22 but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.
Exodus 4
And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. 22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”
Exodus 6
But the Lord said to Moses, Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land. I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. 7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.
Exodus 7
But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, 4 Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.
As the rest of the story plays out Everything that God said would happens does, just as God says it will happen. Realize that a Christian needs not fear random Chance or Luck or another persons imaginary "Free Will" decisions. A Christian needs to remember to Honor God as Sovereign over everything, and make disciples, and preach the Gospel!
specific election
Don't forget that BOTH Jacob and Esau are Jews, Issac's sons, and Grandchildren to the great Abraham!
Malachi 1:2-3
“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob's brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob 3 but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” 4 If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the Lord of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the Lord is angry forever.’” 5 Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, “Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel!”
Romans 9
But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of thim who calls—12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
Malachi 1:2-3
“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob's brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob 3 but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” 4 If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the Lord of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the Lord is angry forever.’” 5 Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, “Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel!”
Romans 9
But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of thim who calls—12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion,2 but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea,
“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
national election
Deuteronomy 7:6-8
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Psalm 47
For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.
3 He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.
4 He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves.
J R Miller - on a Christian view of loss, very helpful
Another sharp stroke! My little daughter Ann (which means Grace or Gracious) was in good health on Monday - and on Thursday she was a corpse! She died just two months after her sister Mercy. But the words of the Patriarch came to silence and humble me, "If He snatches someone in Death - who can stop Him? Who dares to ask: What are you doing?"
I fear I loved her too much, for she was a beautiful child. Well, she is gone - and I must follower her, nor can I tell how soon.
"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21
I fear I loved her too much, for she was a beautiful child. Well, she is gone - and I must follower her, nor can I tell how soon.
"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Mega-Church Corp Force Jesus Christ to Step Down
Board of Directors for Mega-Church Corp Force Jesus Christ to Step Down as Head of Their Organization
Lake Forest, CA - The Board of Directors for Mega-Church Corp announced today that they were forcing the resignation of Jesus Christ as the head of their organization. The reasons cited for Jesus’ abrupt departure from Mega-Church Corp included Jesus’ increasing lack of understanding of the unique needs of 21st Century consumers as well as marketing data that clearly showed that Jesus’ old school message of
“repentance and the forgiveness of sins in His name” was just not resonating with today’s tech savvy religious customers.
Rick Warren, Chairman of the Board, for Mega-Church Corp in an email sent to the media said, “This was a tough decision to have to make. Jesus has been the head of our organization since its inception. But, Jesus’ insistence on sound doctrine and a core message that conjures up visions of sin, hell, God’s wrath and Jesus’ scandalous bloody death on the cross between two common thieves just isn’t relevant anymore.” Said Warren, “Despite our insistence at previous board meetings that Jesus get his head out of the First Century and update His messaging to meet the felt needs of today’s religious seekers, Jesus stubbornly refused to take our council and sage business advice. Ultimately, we had to think about the future of our organization and it was clear that we just wouldn’t meet our growth targets if we continued to use a 2000 year old message.”
Bill Hybels, Senior Member of the Board of Directors for Mega-Church Corp, commenting on Jesus’ forced resignation said, “This decision was long overdue. Truth be told, we don’t need Jesus to grow Mega Church Corp. Now that Jesus is no longer at the helm we expect our growth to sky rocket.
Joel Osteen, Junior Board Member for Mega-Church Corp, sounded relieved. Said Osteen, “With Jesus out of the way, we can finally give religious consumers exactly what they want to hear.”
Wall Street received the news of Jesus’ forced resignation favorably, and Mega Church Corp’s stock price shot up nearly $7 a share ($6.66) in late afternoon trading.
Rick Warren, Chairman of the Board, for Mega-Church Corp in an email sent to the media said, “This was a tough decision to have to make. Jesus has been the head of our organization since its inception. But, Jesus’ insistence on sound doctrine and a core message that conjures up visions of sin, hell, God’s wrath and Jesus’ scandalous bloody death on the cross between two common thieves just isn’t relevant anymore.” Said Warren, “Despite our insistence at previous board meetings that Jesus get his head out of the First Century and update His messaging to meet the felt needs of today’s religious seekers, Jesus stubbornly refused to take our council and sage business advice. Ultimately, we had to think about the future of our organization and it was clear that we just wouldn’t meet our growth targets if we continued to use a 2000 year old message.”
Bill Hybels, Senior Member of the Board of Directors for Mega-Church Corp, commenting on Jesus’ forced resignation said, “This decision was long overdue. Truth be told, we don’t need Jesus to grow Mega Church Corp. Now that Jesus is no longer at the helm we expect our growth to sky rocket.
Joel Osteen, Junior Board Member for Mega-Church Corp, sounded relieved. Said Osteen, “With Jesus out of the way, we can finally give religious consumers exactly what they want to hear.”
Wall Street received the news of Jesus’ forced resignation favorably, and Mega Church Corp’s stock price shot up nearly $7 a share ($6.66) in late afternoon trading.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Answers for Heretic Brian McLaren #4
4. The Jesus Question: Who is Jesus and why is he so important?
He’s God, 2nd person of the Triune Godhead - that makes Him pretty important! His Saving work: incarnation, morally perfect life, message, miracles, betrayal, persecution, atonement for sins on the cross, suffering, death, and resurrection were all predestined by God the Father and carried out during his specified time on earth nothing that happened around, to, or through Jesus Christ was random, haphazard or coincidencial. He came to be the second Adam, the one who would obey God as He was meant to and through that obedience redeemed a people for God’s own possession from every tongue, tribe and nation to become adopted sons and daughters of God.
Why do Christians present such different visions or versions of Jesus? Let me be very clear; they don’t! All genuine Christians believe this, if they reject or deny or reduce this as the primary message of Christianity, Brian, then they merely claim Christianity. They are still lost, dead in their trespasses and sins and the Wrath of God remains upon them.
How do we sort through the different versions to get a more balanced and accurate understanding of Jesus?
It’s pretty easy just read the Bible; it’s all we need to know for our Justification and Sanctification. Second, don’t waste your time reading Liberal theologians – Liberal theology is not a branch of Christianity, it is a competing religion! – one with a false Geezus (phonetically sounds like Jesus but isn’t Jesus) – and a false “other gospel” that does not and cannot save. Brian, for the love of God, repent of your false religion, be granted faith and repentance from God, and trust not in any work of our-own for Salvation but believe instead on the completed work of Him who was sent to do the work for you! Then spend the rest of your life preaching and teaching the Word of God – Salvation by Grace alone through Faith alone – proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins won by Christ before you die and burn in Hell forever. Please.
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