Reformed Seminarian Converts to Roman Catholicism
With a trace of irony de Haan is saying – If you reject Roman Catholicism its probably because you don’t understand it.
In the final analysis Jeremy de Haan left the light of the Reformation for the darkness of Roman Catholicism. Had he rightly understood the basic teachings of the Faith he once confessed, he might have been useful in the kingdom and ministry of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, he chose the pursuit of a confused heart over the teaching of Holy Scripture. The end result, as sad as it may be, is that he is no longer with us. But was he ever?
The Justification of the Good Works of the Justified
How should we are to view good works in the life a believer?
So then, we do good works, but nor for merit– for what would we merit? Rather, we are indebted to God for the good works we do, and not he to us, since it is he who “works in us both to will and do according to his good pleasure– thus keeping in mind what... Continue Reading
Humbling Hezekiahs
Is it not the very best, most effective, most productive pastors who are most frequently assaulted by temptations to pride?
Leaders should reflect that for all their preaching, pastoring, discipling, decisions and actions there is a ‘law of unintended consequences’ to be considered. Hezekiah no doubt was relieved, in some sense, that while in the end future generations would be exiled, in his life time there would be security and peace. Doubtless it was a blessing that God would delay judgment while he was still alive. Personally it was happy that God would spare the godly king sorrow upon sorrow. In one sense, of course, the LORD was working out his purpose according to His own diary, pencilled in his secret counsels. Yet, in another sense, the attitude of Hezekiah displays a selfishness of heart.
7 False Teachers in the Church Today
While difficult challenges have arisen from outside the church, the most dangerous have always been from within.
Satan’s greatest ambassadors are not pimps, politicians, or power-brokers, but pastors. His priests do not peddle a different religion, but a deadly perversion of the true one. His troops do not make a full-out frontal assault, but work as agents, sneaking into the opposing army. Satan’s tactics are studied, clever, predictable, effective. Therefore, we must always remain vigilant. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-16a).
Subordination of the Son, Ligonier, and the “Economic” Trinity
Simply stating, “We deny the eternal subordination of the Son to the Father in the ontological Trinity,” does not rule out an eternal relation of submission of the Son to the authority of Father
This is what allows ESS/EFS/ERAS proponents to say things like, “Within the being of God, you have both equality and authority” and that authority and submission have “always existed in the eternal nature of God Himself”, and yet still adamantly agree with the Ligonier Statement that there is no subordination in the ontological Trinity (quotes from Biblical Foundations For Manhood And Womanhood, pp. 51-52).
No Little Women: Choosing the Better Part
Women are not second-class citizens in the Kingdom of God
“While women are not allowed to serve in church office, they are not second-class citizens in Christ’s kingdom, the church. We do dishonor to King Jesus and to women when we rob them of the privilege of learning the Bible and theology either purposefully or by not so benign neglect. Sister, have you chosen the... Continue Reading
When They Walk Away
Jesus pursued the rich, young ruler… only to let him walk away
“This man had approached Jesus asking how he might obtain eternal life. When Jesus pressed the demands of God’s Law on this man, in order to show him his sinfulness and need for redemption, the man went away sorrowful because he was unwilling to part with his possessions. Jesus didn’t run after him.” I recently... Continue Reading
What Do We Mean When We Speak of the “Sanctity of Human Life”?
In biblical terms, the sanctity of human life is rooted and grounded in creation
“The words of Jesus have vital significance for our understanding of the sanctity of life. Here Jesus broadened the implications of the Old Testament law. He was speaking to religious leaders who had a narrow and simplistic grasp of the Ten Commandments.” In biblical terms, the sanctity of human life is rooted and grounded... Continue Reading
Preaching the Funeral of an Unbeliever
Preaching at a funeral is an opportunity to exalt Jesus Christ
“Whatever else you might say at the funeral of an unbeliever, do not leave out the Person and saving work of Jesus Christ. Preach the precious truths about the incarnation, the active obedience of Jesus, the passive obedience of Jesus, the atoning death of Jesus, the wrath propitiation of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus and... Continue Reading
Saying Farewell to the ESV
For our family, we've decided to switch to the New American Standard (NASB). We have four main reasons for doing so.
After a flurry of articles and blog posts, Crossway announced that the 2016 ESV text would not be permanent. While many were relieved to read this, some of us noted that nothing was said about the controversial change to Genesis 3:16 and 4:7. Would that be changed? To date, nothing has been said regarding changing these passages back. I know that published text takes time to be changed. As such, I expected that the ESV Bibles published last year would reflect the “contrary to” translation. And they do. This includes the big six-volume ESV Reader’s Bible.