I hope you enjoy

An odd combination of Reformed theology posts, Bob Dylan out takes, gluten-free recipes, thoughts of mine, and anything else I find interesting on the interwebs. I hope you enjoy.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Waylon Jennings covers Bob Dylan | All Dylan - Bob Dylan related music

http://alldylan.com/waylon-jennings-covers-bob-dylan/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork

Justified by Faith Alone: R.C. Sproul - DVD, Teaching Series | Ligonier Ministries Store

http://www.ligonier.org/store/justified-by-faith-alone-dvd/

My 5 Favorite Theology Reads of 2015 by Keith Mathison | Ligonier Ministries Blog

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/my-5-favorite-theology-reads-2015/

This is the last post you will ever need to read on why they don’t sing in church anymore.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ponderanew/2015/06/24/this-is-the-last-post-you-will-ever-need-to-read-on-why-they-dont-sing-in-church-anymore/

Watch "Degarmo & Key - Wayfaring Stranger" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/WBTrn51zxVw

Ken Copeland: God Gave Us Private Jets Because You Can't Talk to God in Coach — Pirate Christian Media

I'm just going to leave this one here- 


Bill Hybels Proves He's Not Qualified To Be A Pastor — Pirate Christian Media

http://www.piratechristian.com/museum-of-idolatry/2015/12/bill-hybels-proves-hes-not-qualified-to-be-a-pastor

The heresy of worshiptainment | Mike Livingstone

http://mikelivingstone.com/2014/12/17/the-heresy-of-worshiptainment/

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Login for the Gospel of John | Dallas Theological Seminary – Online Courses

http://courses.dts.edu/the-gospel-of-john/login/

We are Dead

"God just doesn't throw a life preserver to a drowning person. He goes to the bottom of the sea, and pulls a corpse from the bottom of the sea, takes him up on the bank, breathes into him the breath of life and makes him alive." -  RC Sproul

Dec 30: Bob Dylan Blood On The Tracks, 6th & final recording session 1974 | All Dylan - Bob Dylan related music

http://alldylan.com/bob-dylan-blood-on-the-tracks-6th-final-recording-session-30-dec-1974/

The Summons

"Unless the church of Lord Jesus creates a countercurrent to the drift of materialism, self-indulgence and nationalism, Christians merely adapt to the secular environment in a tragic distortion of the gospel. The words of Jesus are reinterpreted to mean anything, everything and nothing."
                      -  Brennan Manning
  Comments on Jeremiah 7:1-29

Monday, December 28, 2015

Faith and Practice of the Protestant Reformed Churches

http://www.reformedspokane.org/homepages/Our_Faith.html

Pittsburgh PR Mission - Pittsburgh, PA

http://www.prca.org/missions/domestic/pittsburgh

Home

http://www.prca.org/

Calvin

"If it be inquired, then, by what things chiefly the Christian religion has a standing amongst us, and maintains its truth, it will be found that the following two not only occupy the principal place, but comprehend under them all the other parts, and consequently the whole substance of Christianity: a knowledge, first, of the mode in which God is duly worshipped; and, secondly, of the source from which salvation is to be obtained."  (John Calvin).

Calvinism


Calvinism Fact Sheet
BY JOEL BARNES

Blows are explanations of TULIP (an acronym representing Calvinism's main tenets) followed by supporting biblical texts. Remember that not all supporting texts will explicitly teach a given tenet. In such instances, the tenet of Calvinism in question will be, to borrow from an old confession, "by good and necessary consequence deduced from" the supporting texts.

Total Depravity (or Total Inability)

When Calvinists speak of man as being totally depraved, they mean that man's nature is corrupt, perverse, and sinful throughout. The adjective "total" does not mean that each sinner is as totally or completely corrupt in his actions and thoughts as it is possible for him to be. Instead, the word "total" is used to indicate that the whole of man's being has been affected by sin. The corruption extends to every part of man, his body and soul; sin has affected all (the totality) of man's faculties - his mind, his will, etc.

As a result of this inborn corruption, the natural man is totally unable to do anything spiritually good; thus, Calvinists speak of man's "total inability." The inability intended by this terminology is spiritual inability; it means that the sinner is so spiritually bankrupt that he can do nothing pertaining to his salvation. The natural man is enslaved to sin; he is a child of Satan, rebellious toward God, blind to truth, corrupt, and unable to save himself or to prepare himself for salvation.

Spiritual Deadness

Genesis 2:16-17; Psalm 51:5; Psalm 58:3; John 3:5-7; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 2:13.

Darkened Minds and Corrupt Hearts

Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21; Ecclesiastes 9:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; John 3:19; Romans 8:7-8; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 4:17-19; Ephesians 5:8; Titus 1:15.

Bondage to Sin and Satan

John 8:34; John 8:44; Romans 6:20; Ephesians 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Titus 3:3; 1 John 3:10; 1 John 5:19.

Universal Bondage

1 Kings 8:46; 2 Chronicles 6:36; Job 15:14-16; Psalm 130:3; Psalm 143:2; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Isaiah 53:6; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:9-12; James 3:2; James 3:8; 1 John 1:8; 1 John 1:10.

Inability to Change

Job 14:4; Jeremiah 23:13; Matthew 7:16-18; Matthew 12:33; John 6:44; John 6:65; Romans 11:35-36; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 3:5.

Unconditional Election

It would have been perfectly just for God to have left all men in their sin and misery and to have shown mercy to none. God was under no obligation whatsoever to provide salvation for anyone. It is in this context that the Bible sets forth the doctrine of election.

The doctrine of election declares that God, before the foundation of the world, chose certain individuals from among the fallen members of Adam's race to be the objects of his undeserved favor. These, and these only, he purposed to save. God could have chosen to save all men (for he had the power and authority to do so) or he could have chosen to save none (for he was under no obligation to show mercy to any) - but he did neither. Instead, he chose to save some and to exclude others. His eternal choice of particular sinners for salvation was not based upon any foreseen act or response on the part of those selected, but was based solely on his own good pleasure and sovereign will. Thus, election was not determined by, or conditioned upon, anything that men would do, but resulted entirely from God's self-determined purpose.

Those who were not chosen for salvation were passed by and left to their own evil devices and choices. It is not within the creature's jurisdiction to call into question the justice of the creator for not choosing everyone for salvation. It is enough to know that the judge of the earth has done right. It should, however, be kept in mind that if God had not graciously chosen a people for himself and sovereignly determined to provide salvation for them and apply it to them, none would be saved. The fact that he did this for some, to the exclusion of others, is in no way unfair to the latter group, unless of course one maintains that God was under obligation to provide salvation for sinners - a position which the Bible utterly rejects.

The act of election itself saved no one; what it did was to mark out certain individuals for salvation. Consequently, the doctrine of election must not be divorced from the doctrines of human guilt, redemption, and regeneration, or else it will be distorted and misrepresented. In other words, if the Father's act of election is to be kept in its proper biblical balance and correctly understood, it must be related to the redeeming work of the Son, who gave himself to save the elect, and to the renewing work of the Spirit, who brings the elect to faith in Christ.

A Chosen People

Deuteronomy 10:14-15; Psalm 33:12; Psalm 65:4; Psalm 106:5; Haggai 2:23; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 22:14; Matthew 22:22; Matthew 22:24; Matthew 24:31; Luke 18:7; Romans 8:28-30; Romans 8:33; Romans 11:28; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1-2; 1 Peter 2:8-9; Revelation 17:14.

Election Not Based on Foreseen Responses

Mark 13:20; John 15:16; Acts 13:48; Acts 18:27; Romans 9:11-13; Romans 9:16; Romans 10:20; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29; Philippians 1:29; Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:9; James 2:5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8.

Election Precedes Salvation

Acts 13:48; Romans 11:7; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 2:10.

Election Based on Sovereign Mercy

Exodus 33:19; Deuteronomy 7:6-7; Matthew 20:15; Romans 9:10-24; Romans 11:4-6; Romans 11:33-36; Ephesians 1:5.

Limited Atonement (or Particular Redemption)

Historical or mainline Calvinism has consistently maintained that Christ's redeeming work was definite in design and accomplishment - that it was intended to render complete satisfaction for certain specified sinners, and that it actually secured salvation for these individuals and for no one else. The salvation which Christ earned for his people includes everything involved in bringing them into a right relationship with God, including the gifts of faith and repentance. Christ did not die simply to make it possible for God to pardon sinners. Neither does God leave it up to sinners to decide whether or not Christ's work will be effective. On the contrary, all for whom Christ sacrificed himself will be saved infallibly. Redemption, therefore, was designed to bring to pass God's purpose of election.

All Calvinists agree that Christ's obedience and suffering were of infinite value, and that if God had so willed, the satisfaction rendered by Christ would have saved every member of the human race. It would have required no more obedience nor any greater suffering for Christ to have secured salvation for every man, woman, and child who ever lived than it did for him to secure salvation for the elect only. But he came into the world to represent and save only those given to him by the Father. Thus, Christ's saving work was limited in that it was designed to save some and not others, but it was not limited in value, for it was of infinite worth and would have secured salvation for everyone if this had been God's intention.

The Arminians also place a limitation on the atoning work of Christ, but one of a much different nature. They hold that Christ's saving work was designed to make possible the salvation of all men on the condition that they believe, but that Christ's death in itself did not actually secure or guarantee salvation for anyone.

Since not all men will be saved as the result of Christ's redeeming work, a limitation must be admitted. Either the atonement was limited in that it was designed to secure salvation for certain sinners, but not for others, or it was limited in that it was not intended to secure salvation for any, but was designed only to make it possible for God to pardon sinners on the condition that they believe. In other words, one must limit its design either in extent (it was not intended for all) or in effectiveness (it did not secure salvation for any). As Boettner so aptly observes, for the Calvinist, the atonement "is like a narrow bridge which goes all the way across the stream; for the Arminian it is like a great wide bridge that goes only half-way across."



Jesus Actually Saves

Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10; Acts 5:31; Romans 3:24-25; Romans 5:8-9; Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:3-4; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:3-4; Ephesians 2:15-16; Ephesians 5:25-26; Philippians 1:29; Colossians 1:13-14; Colossians 1:21-22; 1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 2:14; Titus 3:5-6; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 1:7.

Jesus Fulfills the Eternal Covenant

John 6:35-40; John 10:11; John 10:14-18; John 10:24-29; John 17:1-11; John 17:20; John 17:24-26; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:17-19; Ephesians 1:3-12.

How Jesus Died for "All" and Yet for a Particular People )

These texts speak of Christ's saving work in general terms: John 1:9; John 1:29; John 3:16-17; John 4:42; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:1-2; 1 John 4:14.

One reason for the use of these expressions was to correct the false notion that salvation was for the Jews alone. Such phrases as "the world," "all men," "all nations," and "every creature" were used by the New Testament writers to emphatically correct this mistake. These expressions are intended to show that Christ died for all men without distinction (i.e., he died for Jews and Gentiles alike), but they are not intended to indicate that Christ died for all men without exception (i.e., he did not die for the purpose of saving each and every lost sinner).

These texts speak of Christ'ss saving work in definite terms and show that it was intended to infallibly save a particular people, namely, those given to him by the Father: Matthew 1:21; Matthew 20:28; Matthew 26:28; John 10:11; John 11:50-53; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:32-34; Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 5:9.

Irresistible Grace (or the Efficacious Call of the Spirit)

Although the general outward call of the gospel can be, and often is, rejected, the special inward call of the Spirit never fails to result in the conversion of those to whom it is made. This special call is not made to all sinners, but is issued to the elect only. The Spirit is in no way dependent upon their help or cooperation for success in his work of bringing them to Christ. It is for this reason that Calvinists speak of the Spirit's call and of God's grace in saving sinners as being "efficacious," "invincible," or "irresistible." The grace which the Holy Spirit extends to the elect cannot be thwarted or refused; it never fails to bring them to true faith in Christ.

The Spirit Saves

Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 1 Peter 1:1-2.

The Spirit Gives New Birth

Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 1:12-13; John 3:3-8; John 5:21; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 5:4.

The Spirit Reveals the Secrets of God

Matthew 11:25-27; Matthew 13:10-11; Matthew 13:16; Matthew 16:15-17; Luke 8:10; Luke 10:21; John 6:37; John 6:44-45; John 6:64-65; John 10:3-6; John 10:16; John 10:26-29; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 1:17-18.

The Spirit Gives Faith and Repentance

Acts 5:31; Acts 11:18; Acts 13:48; Acts 16:14; Acts 18:27; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 2:25-26.

The Spirit Effectually Calls

Romans 1:6-7; Romans 8:30; Romans 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:23-31; Galatians 1:15-16; Ephesians 4:4; 2 Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 9:15; Jude 1:1; 1 Peter 1:15; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Peter 5:10; 2 Peter 1:3; Revelation 17:14.

Salvation Given by a Sovereign God

Isaiah 55:11; John 3:27; John 17:2; Romans 9:16; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; 1 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 2:12-13; James 1:18; 1 John 5:20.

The Perseverance of the Saints (or the Security of Believers)

The elect are not only redeemed by Christ and renewed by the Spirit, but also kept in faith by the almighty power of God. All those who are spiritually united to Christ through regeneration are eternally secure in him. Nothing can separate them from the eternal and unchangeable love of God. They have been predestined to eternal glory and are therefore assured of heaven.

Isaiah 43:1-3; Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 32:40; Matthew 18:12-14; John 3:16; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:35-40; John 6:47; John 10:27-30; John 17:11-12; John 17:15; Romans 5:8-10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Corinthians 1:7-9; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 4:14; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Ephesians 1:5; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30; Colossians 3:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 10:14; Hebrews 12:28; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 2:19; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:4; 1 John 5:11-13; 1 John 5:20; Jude 1:1; Jude 1:24-25.

Footnotes

(1) From this point onward, unless stated otherwise, the explanations of TULIP and corresponding biblical text arrangements have been adapted from David N. Steele, Curtis C. Thomas, and S. Lance Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism (Second Edition), P and R Publishing, 2004, pp. 17-71.

(2) Further explanation adapted from James R. White, The Potter's Freedom, Calvary Press Publishing, 2000, pp. 135-151:

A set of three verses is often used as evidence that God wants to save all men without exception, but is unable to do so outside of their freely willing it. The three verses - the Arminian "big three" - are: Matthew 23:37; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9.

Matthew 23:37

This passage comes in the midst of the proclamation of judgment upon the leaders of the Jews. Matthew 23 contains the strongest denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees in all of the gospels.

Who, then, is "Jerusalem"? It is assumed by Arminian writers that "Jerusalem" represents individual Jews who are, therefore, capable of resisting the work and will of Christ. But upon what warrant do we leap from "Jerusalem" to "individual Jews"? The context would not lead us to conclude that this is to be taken in a universal sense. Jesus is condemning the Jewish leaders, and it is to them that he refers here. This is clearly seen in that:

1. It is to the leaders that God sent prophets.
2. It was the Jewish leaders who killed the prophets and those sent to them.
3. Jesus speaks of "your children," differentiating those to whom he is speaking from those that the Lord desired to gather together.
4. The context refers to the Jewish leaders, scribes, and Pharisees.

A vitally important point to make here is that the ones the Lord desired to gather are not the ones who were not willing! Jesus speaks to the leaders about their children that they, the leaders, would not allow him to gather. Jesus was not seeking to gather the leaders, but their children. This one consideration alone renders the passage useless for the Arminian seeking to establish freewillism. The children of the leaders would be Jews who were hindered by the Jewish leaders from hearing Christ. The "you would not" then is referring to the same men indicated by the context: The Jewish leaders who were unwilling to allow those under their authority to hear the proclamation of the Christ. This verse, then, is speaking to the same issues raised earlier in Matthew 23:13.

1 Timothy 2:4

The key to this passage, again, is the context: 1 Timothy 2:1-6.

The first appearance of the phrase "all men" comes at the end of 1 Timothy 2:1, and its meaning is unambiguous. Paul is not instructing Timothy to initiate never-ending prayer meetings where the Ephesian phone book would be opened and every single person listed therein would become the object of prayer. The very next phrase of the sentence explains Paul's meaning: "…for kings and all who are in authority." Why would Paul have to given such instructions?

We must remember that the early Christians were a persecuted people, and normally the persecution came from those in positions of power and authority. It is easy to understand why there would have to be apostolic commandments given to pray for the very ones who were using their power and authority to persecute these Christians.

Who are kings and all who are in authority? They are kinds of men, classes of men. Paul often spoke of "all men" in this fashion. For example, in Titus 2:11, when Paul speaks of the grace of God which brings salvation appearing to "all men," he clearly means all kinds of men, for the context, both before and after, speaks of kinds of men. In the previous verses Paul addresses such groups as older men (Titus 2:2), older women (Titus 2:3), younger women (Titus 2:2), older women (Titus 2:3), younger women (Titus 2:4), young men (Titus 2:6), bondslaves (Titus 2:9-10), and rulers and authorities (Titus 3:1). No one would suggest that in fact Paul is speaking of every single older man, older woman, etc.; he speaks of kinds of people within a particular group, that being the fellowship of the church. Likewise, "rulers" and "authorities" are obviously generic classifications that everyone would understand needs to be applied to specific locations in specific times.

The same kind of usage (all kinds of mean being in view) is found elsewhere in Paul, such as Titus 3:2. This should be connected to the fact that in the very commissioning of Paul, this phrase is used in a way that cannot be made universal in scope (Acts 22:15). Of course, Paul would not think that these words meant that he would witness of Christ to every single individual human being on the planet. Instead, he would have surely understood this to mean all kinds and races of men. Likewise, the allegation against Paul was that he preached to all men everywhere against the Jews and the Law and the Temple (Acts 21:28). Paul speaks of kinds of people in other places as well (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11). So it is perfectly consistent with the immediate and broader context of Paul's writings to recognize this use of "all men" in a generic fashion.

Returning to 1 Timothy 2, Paul then states that such prayers for all kinds of men is good and acceptable "in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." If we are consistent with the preceding context we will see "all men" here in the same manner as "all men" of the preceding verses: All kinds of men, whether rulers or kings (yes, God even saves people who used to persecute Christians, a fact Paul knew all too well). But thereis much more reason to understand Paul's statement in this way.

Almost invariably, proponents of Arminianism isolate this passage from the two verses that follow. This must happen of necessity for the questions that can be asked of the non-Reformed position based upon 1 Timothy 2:5-6 are weighty indeed. 1 Timothy 2:5 begins with the word "for," indicating the connection between the statement made in 1 Timothy 2:3-4 and the explanation in 1 Timothy 2:5-6. Why should Christians pray that all men, including kings and rulers, be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth? Because there is only one way of salvation, and without a knowledge of that truth, no man can be saved. Paul says, "…there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all." This immediately takes us into the meat of the discussion of the atonement, but for now just a few points should be made.

First, if one takes "all men" in 1 Timothy 2:4 to mean "all men individually," does it not follow that Christ of necessity must be mediator for all men as well? If one says, "Yes, Christ mediates for every single human being," does it not follow that Christ fails as mediator every times a person negates his work by their all-powerful act of free will? One could hope that no biblical scholar would ever promote such an idea, for anyone familiar with the relationship between atonement, mediation, and intercession in the book of Hebrews knows well that to make such an assertion puts the entire argument of Hebrews 7-10 on its head. For the moment, we simply point out that it is far more consistent with biblical theology to recognize that Christ mediates in behalf of the elect and perfectly saves them than it is to assert that Christ mediates for all (but fails to save all).

The second point is closely related to the first: The ransom that Christ gives in his self-sacrifice is either a saving ransom or a non-saving ransom. If it is actual and really made in behalf of all men, then inevitably all men would be saved. But we again see that it is far more consistent to recognize that the same meaning for "all men" and "all" flows through the entire passage, and when we look at the inarguably clear statements of Scripture regarding the actual intention and result of Christ's cross-work, we will see that there is no other consistent means of interpreting these words in 1 Timothy.

2 Peter 3:9

This is surely the most popular passage cited (almost never with any reference to the context) to "prove" that God could not possibly desire to save a specific people but instead desires to save every single individual person, thereby denying election and predestination.The text seems inarguably clear. But it is always good to see a text in its own context: 2 Peter 3:3-13.
Immediately one sees that unlike such passages as Ephesians 1, Romans 8-9, or John 6, this passage is not speaking about salvation as its topic. The reference to "coming to repentance" in 2 Peter 3:9 is made in passing. The topic is the coming of Christ. In the last days mockers will question the validity of his promise. Peter is explaining the reason why the coming of Christ has been delayed as long as it has. The day of the Lord, he says, will come like a thief, and it will come at God's own time.

But the next thing that stands out upon the reading of the passage is the clear identification of the audience to whom Peter is speaking. When speaking of the mockers he refers to them in the third person as "them." But everywhere else he speaks directly to his audience as the "beloved" and "you." He speaks of how his audience should behave "in holy conduct and godliness," and says that they look for the day of the Lord. He includes himself in this group in 2 Peter 3:13, where "we are looking for a new heaven and a new earth." This is vitally important, for the assumption made by the Arminian is that when 2 Peter 3:9 says the Lord is "patient toward you" that this "you" refers to everyone. Likewise, then, when it says "not wishing for any to perish" but "all to come to repentance," it is assumed that the "any" and "all" refers to anyone at all of the human race. Yet, the context indicates that the audience is quite specific. In any other passage of Scripture the interpreter would realize that we must decide who the "you" refers to and use this to limit the "any" and "all" of 2 Peter 3:9. For some reason, that simple and fundamental necessity is overlooked when this passage is cited.

2 Peter 1:1-3 tells us the specific identity of the audience to whom Peter is writing. Peter writes to a specific group, not to all of mankind. "To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours." This surely limits the context to the saved, for they have received this faith "by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ". There is nothing in 2 Peter 3 that indicates a change in audience, and much to tell us the audience remains exactly the same.

Since this is so, it becomes quite clear that the Arminian is badly misusing this passage by ignoring what Peter is really saying. The patience of the Lord is displayed toward his elect people (the "you" of 2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, the "not wishing any to perish" must be limited to the same group already in view: The elect. In the same way, the "all to come to repentance" must be the very same group. In essence Peter is saying the coming of the Lord has been delayed so that all the elect of God can be gathered in. Any modern Christian lives and knows Christ solely because God's purpose has been to gather in his election down throughthe ages to this present day. There is no reason to expand the context of the passage into a universal proclamation of a desire on God's part that every single person come to repentance. Instead, it is clearly his plan and his will that all the elect come to repentance, and they most assuredly will do so.

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Related Resources
The Five Points of Calvinism PDF by R L Dabney
The Five Points of Calvinism by W J Seaton
What the Bible Says About the Doctrines of Grace (eBook) by Nathan Pitchford
The Doctrines of Grace - MP3 Series + Manuscripts  by John Macarthur
What We Believe About the Five Points of Calvinism by Johin Piper
The Doctrines of Grace (MP3 Series) by Dr. Arturo Azurdia III
The Five Points of Calvinism (MP3 Series) by Albert Martin

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Election Bible verses

Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

John 15:16 ESV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

Romans 8:28-30 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Revelation 13:8 ESV 

And all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.

2 Timothy 1:9 ESV

Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

Revelation 3:20 ESV

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Ephesians 1:4 ESV

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Acts 13:48 ESV

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

John 6:44 ESV

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

Romans 9:16 ESV

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

John 6:37 ESV

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

Reformation Today WWW Site

http://www.reformation-today.org/issues/Default.htm

Reformed Baptist Publications

http://www.reformedreader.org/rbp.htm

P.R. Theological Journal Index

http://www.prca.org/prtj/index.html

Watch "Daniel Amos: "Sanctuary"" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/qsxaSxxC51w

5 Popular Christian Teachers To Avoid

http://thereforegodexists.com/5-popular-christian-teachers-to-avoid/

BiblicalTraining.org | Free online Bible and Seminary classes to study the Bible

https://www.biblicaltraining.org/

Top Ten Countdown: Online Theological Resources - The Master's Seminary

http://www.tms.edu/preachersandpreaching/top-ten-countdown-online-theological-resources/

Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount - Martin Luther - Google Books

https://books.google.com/books?id=S09HAAAAYAAJ&dq=Martin%20Luther%2C%20Commentary%20on%20Matthew&pg=PA13#v=onepage&q&f=false

Christian Joy and Feasting - Blog - Eternal Perspective Ministries

http://www.epm.org/blog/2015/Dec/28/christian-joy-feasting

Sunday, December 27, 2015

This is Your Brain on Music! | The Literacy Site Blog

http://blog.theliteracysite.com/this-is-your-brain-on-music/

When God says to wait

http://familyshare.com/faith/when-god-says-to-wait

We Must be Holy

"We must be holy, because this is one grand end and purpose for which Christ came into the world. . . . Jesus is a complete Saviour. He does not merely take away the guilt of a believer's sin, he does more—he breaks its power" - J.C. Ryle.               (1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:4; 2 Tim. 1:9; Heb. 12:10)

Holiness

"The pursuit of holiness feels like one more thing to worry about in your already impossible life. Sure, it would be great to be a better person, and you do hope to avoid the really big sins. But you figure, since we're saved by grace, holiness is not required of you, and frankly, your life seems fine without it.

The hole in our holiness is that we don't really care much about it. Passionate exhortation to pursue gospel-driven holiness is barely heard in most of our churches. It's not that we don't talk about sin or encourage decent behavior. Too many sermons are basically self-help seminars on becoming a better you. That's moralism, and it's not helpful. Any gospel which says only what you must do and never announces what Christ has done is no gospel at all.

So I'm not talking about getting beat up every Sunday for watching SportsCenter and driving an SUV. I'm talking about the failure of Christians, especially younger generations and especially those most disdainful of "religion" and "legalism," to take seriously one of the great aims of our redemption and one of the required evidences for eternal life—our holiness."  -  Kevin DeYoung

Holiness Is the New Camping

https://www.crossway.org/blog/2015/12/holiness-is-the-new-camping/

Watch "Breathtaking Time-Lapse Video of Earth From Space" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/TGBQazOQfoE

Wait for His Son from Heaven - Listen to Mark Fontecchio from Return to the Word

http://m.oneplace.com/ministries/return-to-the-word/listen/1-thess-11-10-wait-for-his-son-from-heaven-504675.html?utm_content=buffer884e8&utm_medium=fbpage&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=opupdate

Christ Did Not Die for Pope to be Glorified - C.H. Spurgeon | Reformed Bibliophile

http://www.erictyoung.com/2015/01/19/christ-did-not-die-for-the-pope-to-be-glorified-c-h-spurgeon/

Watch "Red Garland - Groovy (Full Album)" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/8_i8fUpEFBk

Butch Trucks Sings For The First Time In 45 Years, Covers Bob Dylan Classic | L4LM

http://liveforlivemusic.com/show-reviews/butch-trucks-sings-for-the-first-time-in-45-years-covers-bob-dylan-classic/?utm_content=bufferac75c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Watch "Red Garland Trio / Hey Now" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/ZOq0OtujFDE

How to Memorize Scripture - The Navigators

https://www.navigators.org/Tools/Discipleship%20Resources/Tools/How%20to%20Memorize%20Scripture

Jay Barfield | Highlands Ministries Online

http://highlandsministriesonline.org/author/jaybarfield/

Parenting Teens & Reliance on Grace | Highlands

http://highlandsministriesonline.org/blogs/highlands-blog/parenting-teens-reliance-on-grace/

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Two Roses from the Garden of Grace: Whosoever Will and Sovereign Election - Banner of Truth

https://banneroftruth.org/us/resources/articles/2015/two-roses-from-the-garden-of-grace-whosoever-will-and-sovereign-election/

Watch "John MacArthur: The Myth of Influence (Part 1)" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/GvfoEYAz4LY

The Regulative Principle of Worship by Derek Thomas | Reformed Theology Articles at Ligonier.org

http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/regulative-principle-worship/

Responsibility

"Men, your primary responsibility in your home, after your wife, is you to disciple your own children. And if you don't do it, you're in sin; you are in sin. And if you turn it over to a Sunday school teacher, you are in sin. And you are to be teaching these children more than just stories about animals that went into Noah's ark. You're to be teaching them about God, about radical depravity, about blood atonement, about propitiation, expiation, justification, sanctification; you are to teach your children!"
– Paul Washer, sermon,
"The Christian Life," part 1.

The Heart of the Church's Mission and Message, Part 1

http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/54-27/the-heart-of-the-churchs-mission-and-message-part-1

Depravity of Man

"The fall deprived man of no mental or moral faculty, but it took from him power to use them aright. They were brought under the influence of sin, so that he was no longer capable of doing anything pleasing to God. Depravity is all-pervading, extending to the whole man. It consists of spiritual ignorance, blindness, darkness, folly, rebellion, perverseness, spiritual disobedience, hardness of heart, a total insensibility to and disrelish of spiritual and divine things. Prune and trim a corrupt tree as much as you will, it can never be made to yield good fruit. The apostle declared, "I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing"(Romans 7:18). Every man must be born again before he can be acceptable to a Holy God." ~ A.W. Pink

From Basic Theology Facebook page

Gracethrufaith
Question of the Day:
Q. Can you explain hyper-grace to me? And is it scriptural?
A. Hyper-grace (sometimes called free grace) is a man made term used to define a view of the doctrine of grace that some people feel is extreme. They see it as giving believers the freedom to act however they please without regard for the behavioral standards the Bible teaches.
In my opinion what men have called hyper-grace is what the Bible really teaches about grace. All of our sins, past, present, and future are forgiven (Colossians 2:13-14) we are now a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) and when we sin, God doesn't attribute our sins to us, but to the sin nature that still lives within us (Romans 7:18-20). From His perspective we're as righteous as He is (2 Cor. 5:21) having been made perfect forever by the Lord's once-for-all-time sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12-14).
It is true that an immature believer can abuse the privileges afforded to us by God's grace. But detractors fail to consider two things. First, all believers have the indwelling Holy Spirit, who counsels us on appropriate behavior and convicts us of our sins. When we sin, He drives us to the foot of the cross for confession and forgiveness as taught by 1 John 1:9 which immediately purifies us again from all unrighteousness.
Second, the freedom God's grace gives us inspires a sense of gratitude that causes us to want to please God through our behavior.
Whenever rules are imposed, our sin nature wants to break them, and as Paul pointed out the harder we try to obey, the stronger the urge to rebel becomes. But people who are free to do whatever they want also have the freedom to do what is right. They understand what Paul meant when he said, "Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive" (1 Cor. 10:23).
I obviously can't prove this, but I wouldn't be surprised if on the whole, advocates of free grace come closer to truly living the victorious Christian life than any other group of believers.
Like

My Dad Tells the Best Stories | Highlands

http://highlandsministriesonline.org/blogs/highlands-blog/my-dad-tells-the-best-stories/

Olyott on Hebrews - A Review by Bob Thomas - Banner of Truth

https://banneroftruth.org/us/resources/book-review-resources/2012/olyott-on-hebrews-a-review-by-bob-thomas/?utm_content=bufferd7bd7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Watch "2002 WOW JOHN MACARTHUR THE ATTACK ON THE BIBLE" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/HcpWMIGh1Wg

Watch "How To Read The Bible" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/YCenfA5eKqs

C. H. Spurgeon - Banner of Truth USA

https://banneroftruth.org/us/about/banner-authors/c-h-spurgeon/?utm_content=bufferbad8d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

15 Rock Music Legends Who Found Jesus | ViralBeliever | Page 6

http://www.viralbeliever.com/featured/11-rock-music-legends-who-found-jesus/6/

Friday, December 25, 2015

This Creative Man Is Using The Dictionary For An Unintended Purpose! – The Writer's Circle

http://writerscircle.com/example-sentence/?utm_source=lit-trnfan&utm_medium=social-fb&utm_term=20151225&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=example-sentence&origin=lit_trnfan_social_fb_link_example-sentence_20151225

The Plan of Salvation – Part III (Sacerdotalism) by Benjamin B. Warfield

http://graceonlinelibrary.org/salvation/the-plan-of-salvation-part-iii-sacerdotalism-by-benjamin-b-warfield/

Eric Metaxas: Science Increasingly Makes the Case for God - WSJ

http://www.wsj.com/article_email/eric-metaxas-science-increasingly-makes-the-case-for-god-1419544568-lMyQjAxMTI1MjIyMTYyODExWj

Worship Music

"Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. He alone is the One who brings us to God. The popular but mistaken notions regarding worship music undermine this foundational truth of the Christian faith. It is also ironic that while many Christians deny the sacramental role of those ordinances which the Lord Himself has given to the church (baptism and the Lord's Supper) they are eager to grant music sacramental powers. Music and "the worship experience" are viewed as means by which we enter the presence of God and receive his saving benefits. There is simply no evidence whatsoever in Scripture that music mediates direct encounters or experiences with God. This is a common pagan notion. It is far from Christian."
                  From www.crosswalk.com

Is Your Church Worship More Pagan than Christian? - Church Worship

http://www.crosswalk.com/church/worship/is-your-church-worship-more-pagan-than-christian.html#

You CAN Carry On Your Guitar. It’s the Law. | Guitar World

http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-alert-you-can-carry-your-guitar-it-s-law

A History of Western Philosophy and Theology - Reformed Forum

http://reformedforum.org/ctc417/

An Examination of the Five Points of Calvinism – Part V: Perseverance of the Saints by Brian Schwertley

http://graceonlinelibrary.org/reformed-theology/perseverence-of-saints/an-examination-of-the-five-points-of-calvinism-part-v-perseverance-of-the-saints-by-brian-schwertley/

Grace Community Church Christmas Concert 2015 on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/149886993

Grace Community Church Christmas Concert 2015 on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/149886993

Thursday, December 24, 2015

John Calvin The Theologian by Benjamin B. Warfield

http://graceonlinelibrary.org/biographies/john-calvin-the-theologian-by-benjamin-b-warfield/

JOURNIBLES NEW TESTAMENT SERIES, by Rob Wynalda | Books at a glance

http://www.booksataglance.com/blog/journibles-new-testament-series-by-rob-wynalda

Article Archives - Protestant Reformed Church of Holland MI

http://hollandprc.org/category/article/

Sovereignty and Predestination

"Why are the great and grand truths of the sovereignty of God, of eternal predestination, and of particular and sovereign grace so infrequently maintained throughout the history of the church, and when they are, why are they maintained only for very short periods of time? I can come to only one conclusion: Their unpopularity is due to the fact that these doctrines are thoroughly and completely God-centered and God-glorifying. Men, even in the church, will not have it that way. They want glory for themselves. They do not want God alone to receive glory. Man insists on his own place, his own prerogatives, his own importance. He wants to retain some of the tattered remnants of a pride that burns white-hot in his heart and is shattered only by the blow of the truth of the absolute sovereignty of God. So he attacks those doctrines, attacks them vigorously in one way or another. He attacks them by denying them. He attacks them by trying to kill them with silence. It would be interesting to ask a thousand people in any Reformed church, "When is the last time you have heard a sermon that was devoted exclusively to the doctrine of sovereign election or, much less, to the doctrine of sovereign reprobation? How many have you heard over the past year or two?" Silence is an effective weapon, it seems, to destroy these doctrines.

These doctrines are also openly attacked by those who profess to be Reformed and Calvinistic but introduce doctrines into the confession of the church that are at odds with and ultimately destroy the doctrines of the sovereignty of God. I refer to such teachings as God's love for all men without distinction; Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross for the whole world, head for head; a desire on God's part, expressed in the preaching of the gospel, to save everyone who hears the gospel — better known as the well-meant gospel offer, which has become a sacred cow in countless circles. In the British Isles, for example, it has repeatedly come to my attention that one can teach any heresy under the face of the heavens and no one will turn a hair. But let someone deny the well-meant gospel offer and the wrath of the entire evangelical and Presbyterian world comes crashing down on his head, as if the only heresy that is of any account in today's world is the truth of sovereign and particular grace.

That is the situation in the church world. It is sad"
                - From post below

Predestination and the Will of Man - Protestant Reformed Church of Holland MI

http://hollandprc.org/predestination-and-the-will-of-man/

Free — IndoctriNation Movie

http://www.watchindoctrination.com/free

Imitating the Incarnation? - Reformation21 Blog

http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2015/12/imitating-the-incarnation.php

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

The Imputation of Adam’s First Sin as Our Guilt | For the Elect Alone

https://markmcculley.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/the-imputation-of-adams-first-sin-as-our-guilt/

God’s Active Imputation of the Sins of the Elect to Christ | For the Elect Alone

https://markmcculley.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/gods-active-imputation-of-the-sins-of-the-elect-to-christ/

Justification

"The justification of a sinner is instantaneous and complete. . . . It is an all-comprehending act of God. All the sins of a believer, past, present, and future, are pardoned when he is justified. The sum-total of his sin, all of which is before the Divine eye at the instant when God pronounces him a justified person, is blotted out or covered over by one act of God. Consequently, there is no repetition in the Divine mind of the act of justification; as there is no repetition of the atoning death of Christ, upon which it rests."
– William G. T. Shedd
Dogmatic Theology, Volume 2 (New York: Scribner's, 1891), 545

Watch "Brad Mehldau Trio - Ode [Number 19] - Live - Burghausen Jazzwoche 2008" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/lg6rKXoIBDE

How to Change Your Mind

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-to-change-your-mind2

On Long Sermons and Family Feuds - Reformation21 Blog

http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2015/12/on-long-sermons-and-family-feu.php

Monday, December 21, 2015

Interesting quote from "The Power of Suffering: Strengthening Your Faith in the Refiner's Fire"

Hi – I'm reading "The Power of Suffering: Strengthening Your Faith in the Refiner's Fire" by John MacArthur Jr. and wanted to share this quote with you.

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt. 5:10–12) It is clear from these and other warnings (see Mark 13:9–13) that Jesus saw animosity toward believers from the unbelieving world, along with whatever pain and suffering might accompany it, as normal and expected."

Start reading this book for free: http://amzn.to/1J2zxeT

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Read on the go for free – download Kindle for Android, iOS, PC, Mac and more
http://amzn.to/1r0LubW

Interesting quote from "The Power of Suffering: Strengthening Your Faith in the Refiner's Fire"

Hi – I'm reading "The Power of Suffering: Strengthening Your Faith in the Refiner's Fire" by John MacArthur Jr. and wanted to share this quote with you.

"We can rest assured that even if we do not see or understand the reason for a particular instance of adversity and are caught off guard, God is not caught off guard. Jesus, as God's Son, knew that trials and persecutions were to be expected within the experiences of all genuine believers through the centuries. Jesus Predicts Hostility from the World In the midst of His Upper Room Discourse,"

Start reading this book for free: http://amzn.to/1J2zvUk

--------------

Read on the go for free – download Kindle for Android, iOS, PC, Mac and more
http://amzn.to/1r0LubW

5 Errors to Drop From Your Christmas Sermon | TGC

http://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/justintaylor/2015/12/18/5-errors-to-drop-from-your-christmas-sermon/

Ron Rensink - Visual Attention and Change Blindness | GoCognitive

http://www.gocognitive.net/interviews/ron-rensink-visual-attention-and-change-blindness

What Would Jesus Brew? Serve Beer to Attract Young People! — Pirate Christian Media

http://www.piratechristian.com/museum-of-idolatry/2015/12/what-would-jesus-brew-serve-beer-to-attract-young-people

Just Drop the Blanket

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/just-drop-the-blanket

Seeking the Welfare of the City by Danny Wuerffel | Reformed Theology Articles at Ligonier.org

http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/seeking-welfare-city/

Watch "10 Roads You Would Never Want to Drive On" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/ym4uVS-5tSA

Sunday, December 20, 2015

An Attempt at a Gospel-Centered Canon | TGC

http://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/gospeldrivenchurch/2015/12/17/an-attempt-at-a-gospel-centered-canon/

Quotes Against Free Will

http://www.cprf.co.uk/quotes/freewill.htm#.VndOwyMo7qD

We Were Made to Marvel | TGC

http://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/erikraymond/2015/12/17/we-were-made-to-marvel/

The Death of God Is Greatly Exaggerated: An Interview with Eric Metaxas - WSJ

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-death-of-god-is-greatly-exaggerated-an-interview-with-eric-metaxas-1450481540

Chosen, Election

THE CALLED ONES, THE CHOSEN ONES
-Those who are given to the Son by the Father
-Those who He will never lose nor cast out
-Those who will be with Him in glory
Deuteronomy 7:6
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.
John 6:37
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Romans 8:28-30
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Ephesians 1:4-6
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Ephesians 1:11
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Like

Where There's Hope, There's Life

https://www.crossway.org/blog/2015/10/where-theres-hope-theres-life/

The Court of A King | The Crossing

https://thecrossing.bandcamp.com/track/the-court-of-a-king

The Divinity of Christ - bethinking.org

http://www.bethinking.org/jesus/the-divinity-of-christ

Luther on Galatians 5:19

"The fatuous idea that a person can be holy by himself denies God the pleasure of saving sinners. God must therefore first take the sledge-hammer of the Law in His fists and smash the beast of self-righteousness and its brood of self-confidence, self wisdom, and self-help. When the conscience has been thoroughly frightened by the Law it welcomes the Gospel of grace with its message of a Savior Who came–not to break the bruised reed nor to quench the smoking flax–but to preach glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, and to grant forgiveness of sins to all the captives."
– Martin Luther
Luther's commentary on Galatians (specifically 3.19)

The Shelter Your Daughter Needs - All Pro Dad : All Pro Dad

http://www.allprodad.com/the-shelter-your-daughter-needs/?utm_content=buffer35881&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Sermons by Redeemer Community Church: Pittsburgh, PA on iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sermons/id551121452?mt=2&i=358832488

You Can’t Get There from Here

http://www.gty.org/blog/B100306/you-cant-get-there-from-here

I Will Not Leave Jesus — But I’m Done with the Church | Desiring God

http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/i-will-not-leave-jesus-but-i-m-done-with-the-church

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Watch "Top 10 Bob Dylan Songs" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/BG8y0rRYjEI

Watch "Bob Dylan - Just Like A Woman - The Bootleg Series, Vol. 4 : Bob Dylan Live 1966" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/qWwpKNdFIoQ

Watch "Bob Dylan - If You See Her, Say Hello (New York Version 1974 Stereo) [Part 5 of 5]" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/bD598r7t6WI

Watch "Bob Dylan - Idiot Wind (New York Version 1974 Stereo)" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/TKMUz2o0NNw

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433541386?keywords=new+morning+mercies&qid=1448398666&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Bob Dylan: Something (George Harrison) | All Dylan - Bob Dylan related music

http://alldylan.com/bob-dylan-something-george-harrison/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork

God Is Great, God Is Good

https://www.crossway.org/blog/2015/12/god-is-great-god-is-good/

The Most Important Quotes From “The Pastor’s Kid” | The Blazing Center

http://theblazingcenter.com/2015/11/the-most-important-quotes-from-the-pastors-kid.html

Reformed Resources > Carl Trueman Books

http://www.reformedresources.org/carl-trueman-books/

Fervent | MOS - Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

http://www.mortificationofspin.org/node/38897?utm_source=Mortification+of+Spin&utm_campaign=5aeed4bd13-Mortification+of+Spin+combined&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8878352885-5aeed4bd13-119261765#.VnWEoiMo7qA

Watch "How to Identify False Teachers - John MacArthur" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/LUqEAeBWGBY

Friday, December 18, 2015

Martin Luther and the Power of Preaching

https://www.crossway.org/blog/2015/10/martin-luther-and-the-power-of-preaching/

7 Ways to Become a Better Sermon Listener

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/7-ways-to-become-a-better-sermon-listener

No one can come to me Unless

"No one can come to me UNLESS ...." (Jn 6:44, 65)
I. They simply choose to do so - Pelagianism
II. They get nudged/woo'd by the Father - Arminianism
III. The Father DRAWS them - JESUS.
The BEST word an omniscient God's perfect Son could think of to use to make HIS point here was a word that consistently has only one meaning in scripture - to compel, draw/haul forcibly, irresistibly. The Greek word ἑλκύω (helkuo), used in Jn 6:44, means literally, "to haul, to drag". In it's figurative usage in the New Testament it means to legally, forcibly compel and or, to persuasively attract, draw into.
When we consider the other 6 passages in which we see helkuo used in scripture, in NONE of them is the meaning anything less or other than irresistibly drawn, compelled, pulled, dragged. See Jn 18:10, 21:6; Acts 16:19, 21:30; Jas 2:6.
Strong's Concordance defines helkuo:
"Short Definition: I drag, draw, pull, persuade;
Definition: I drag, draw, pull, persuade, unsheathe."
FACT;
What Jesus did NOT say was "No one can come to me unless THEY so choose"!
- man centred theology denies what Jesus affirmed. HIS truth was about what GOD does and must do. Most professing believers are very confused in their SELF-exalting, God denying affirmations of what THEY did/do.
The Greek word "can" is δύναμαι, and means "have power, able, ability".
In Jn 6:44, 65 Jesus emphatically, expressly, openly DENIED what most professing believers affirm! By denying that ANY person "CAN" - is able to come to Him in faith, UNLESS God the Father does something whereby HE "helkuo's" them to Jesus BY "granting" it to them to come, Jesus in the most obvious way possible, denied the very premise of libertarian free-will!
"No one can ...UNLESS GOD..." leaves NO room for the person himself to simply choose to do so!
As IF coming to Jesus Christ in true repentant faith, understanding He IS LORD, Saviour, Emmanuel - is in fact no different than a choice to eat toast or cereal! My goodness, what passes for sound doctrine these days among professing believers
....For good reason are we called "sheep" ...and it's not really the endearing compliment many might suppose it is. Sheep are very dumb 😐
To an expert fisherman, Jesus said "I will make you a fisher of men" ! That fisherman got the analogy! In THOSE days they fished by trawling with a big net - fish had no chance! Even by hook and line, many a fish will thrash about attempting to resist. But unless there is a faulty hook or line, or an inept fisherman, all its resistance is futile! One way or another, once hooked, it's getting DRAWN in - Dan 4:35! 😇
>>>GOD is not an inept fisherman.
May God give light."
                        -  John Michael Platagia

The Soul of Shame (hardcover) - InterVarsity Press

http://www.ivpress.com//cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=4433

What Does the X in Xmas Mean? by R.C. Sproul | Ligonier Ministries Blog

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/why-is-x-used-when-it-replaces-christ-in-christmas/

Son of the Most High

http://www.gty.org/Blog/B151218

Monday, December 14, 2015

100 Greatest CCM Albums of the '70s: #56 EYES TO THE SKY by Randy Matthews (1975)

http://greatest70salbums.blogspot.com/2015/12/56-eyes-to-sky-by-randy-matthews-1975.html?m=1

And His Name Shall Be Called

https://www.gty.org/Blog/B151214

Coming Alongside Our Grace Advance Churches | Grace Advance | Grace Community Church

https://www.gracechurch.org/grace%20advance/posts/697

Watch "Alistair Begg :: Personal Life of the Preacher / Discussion Panel" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/Vb0H8T-wSNk

Watch "Lost in Niceness - Alistair Begg" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/U8ZsNSRUlMs

Watch "Charlie Brown Medley - ThePianoGuys" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/tyPDQpel8bI

Mixing Amazing Grace with Fall on Your Knees works just fine for me. | Joe Dallas Online

http://joedallas.com/blog/index.php/2015/12/14/manifest-2/

CTT | Train Up a Child in Gender Roles | Faithful Stewardship

http://faithfulstewardshipblog.com/2015/12/14/ctt-train-up-a-child-in-gender-roles/

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Waiting till the wedding night – getting married the right way

http://louderwithcrowder.com/waiting-till-wedding-night-getting-married-right-way/

Regeneration: Quite Apart from Our Doing | The Reformed Reader

https://reformedreader.wordpress.com/2015/12/10/regeneration-quite-apart-from-our-doing/

No Fear

"If you've known me for long, you know that I am not a big fan of fear. I want to be full of love, not fear.
There is, however, one "fear" that I embrace and want more of. That is Fear of the Lord. Not "I'm afraid" fear, but "I'm in awe" Fear. The acknowledgement of unbridled power and our lack of ability to control or manipulate Him. Which leads to only one desirable response...humble submission to God, His will, and His ways.
Proverbs says, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. May this one Fear dwell deepest in our hearts."
                           -  Carl Medieas

When Rock Was Banned in the Soviet Union, Teens Took to Bootlegged Recordings on X-Rays | Smart News | Smithsonian

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/soviet-hipsters-bootlegged-banned-music-bone-records-180957505/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=socialmedia

X-Ray Bootlegs — X-Ray Audio

https://x-rayaudio.squarespace.com/xraybootlegs/

How to Know if You Are Called

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-to-know-if-you-are-called

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Faculty Publications and Presentations | Helms School of Government | Liberty University

http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/gov_fac_pubs/?utm_source=digitalcommons.liberty.edu%2Fgov_fac_pubs%2F121&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages

Escape from Nihilism | Grace Valley Christian Center

http://www.gracevalley.org/teaching/2000/Escape_from_Nihilism_Budz.html

J. Budziszewski’s Escape from Nihilism | ANCHOR⚓D

https://colinsmothers.wordpress.com/2014/09/28/j-budziszewskis-escape-from-nihilism/

7 Astonishing Reasons to be Thankful When You're Waiting - Founders Ministries Blog

http://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/founders-ministries-blog/7-reasons-waiting-helps-us-grow.html/?utm_content=bufferc5adf&utm_medium=fbpage&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=bstupdate

Standing Fast in the Lord While We Joyfully Await His Return | Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

http://www.alliancenet.org/seen-and-heard/standing-fast-in-the-lord-while-we-joyfully-await-his-return

Saturday, December 5, 2015

God’s Timing Is Always Perfect — China Partnership

https://china-partnership.squarespace.com/blog/2015/12/gods-timing-is-always-perfect

Recent tabs

http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/reformed-theology-vs-hyper-calvinism/

Thoughts on smooth things

Isaiah 30:10 - "Tell us Smooth things" ESV

Even in Isaiah's day, the people did not want to hear the truth. "Give us no more visions of what is right" NIV.
Don't tell me truth, don't tell me what God is saying or has said. Just tell me what I want to hear to make me feel good. Sound familiar? It's still happening. Why do so many people flock to these huge churches that keep growing? Why do so many people listen to these "smooth things?" People have not changed. We still want to have our ears tickled and minds satisfied. We don't want to hear of our own sinfulness, and our own depravity. We don't want to hear about laying down our life, our need for repentance, and our need for a Saviour.
It still continues to this day.

Watch "Larry Norman - Weight Of The World - [Acoustic Live]" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/F1RuU4iDIJY

Grief and Gratitude in the Ashes of Life | TGC

http://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/trevinwax/2015/12/03/grief-and-gratitude-in-the-ashes-of-life/

How You Should Respond to Evil

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-you-should-respond-to-evil

John Piper’s Works Righteousness “Gospel” (Part 2) — He Misuses the Law of God | A Cry For Justice

http://cryingoutforjustice.com/2014/02/07/john-pipers-works-righteousness-gospel-part-2/

COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT USE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, by G.K. Beale and D.A. Carson (eds.) | Books at a glance

http://www.booksataglance.com/blog/commentary-on-the-new-testament-use-of-the-old-testament-by-gk-beale-and-da-carson-eds

Why I believe

http://www.graceonlinelibrary.org/apologetics/why-i-believe-in-god-by-cornelius-van-til-ph-d/

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Discipline, Dirty Hands, and the Silent Abolition of Christianity | MOS - Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

http://www.mortificationofspin.org/node/38726?utm_source=Mortification+of+Spin&utm_campaign=187a993774-Mortification+of+Spin+combined&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8878352885-187a993774-119261765#.VluetSMo7qA

Follow Me: Christ's Call and Commission to Make Disciples

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1519531508/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_yM3wwb1CPWMMX

AFA.net - Five Freedoms Only Jesus Can Give

http://afa.net/the-stand/bible/2015/11/five-freedoms-only-jesus-can-give/

Mutual Care (Part 1 of 2) - Broadcasts - Truth For Life

https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/2015/11/29/mutual-care-part-1-of-2-b/?utm_content=23636070&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Inside the Incredible Restoration of Dylan Doc 'Don't Look Back' | Rolling Stone

http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/inside-the-restoration-of-dont-look-back-20151127

Pyromaniacs: Perpetual motion

http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2015/11/perpetual-motion.html?m=1

The Advent of Christ | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org

http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/advent-christ/

Friday, November 27, 2015

Truth For Life - The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Alistair Begg

https://www.truthforlife.org/

The Contemporary Calvinist: This Week in Calvinism - November 27, 2015

http://www.contemporarycalvinist.com/2015/11/this-week-in-calvinism-november-27-2015.html?m=1

Plough Quarterly

http://www.plough.com/en/subscriptions/quarterly

Seven Sentimental Lies You Might Believe | Desiring God

http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/seven-sentimental-lies-you-might-believe

Why Controversy Is Sometimes Necessary by Albert Mohler | Ligonier Ministries Blog

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/why-controversy-sometimes-necessary/

The Gospel of John | Dallas Theological Seminary – Online Courses

http://courses.dts.edu/register/gospel-of-john-registration/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=newsfeed&utm_content=nav&utm_campaign=gospelofjohn

Faith Under Fire - Store - Truth For Life

https://www.truthforlife.org/store/products/cd-series/faith-under-fire-cd/?utm_campaign=Year+End+2015&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=24072323&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_BSbphNKcb8Rg2h-1-NtVE3lpCJOYxScWIgMdLoGExaYZ_2PG-cXR5KRcBwXctE128L9mW80zFDFZXy_6oprlApvFwUQ&_hsmi=24072323

Thoughts on smooth things

Isaiah 30:10 - "Tell us Smooth things" ESV

Even in Isaiah's day, the people did not want to hear the truth. "Give us no more visions of what is right" NIV.
Don't tell me truth, don't tell me what God is saying or has said. Just tell me what I want to hear to make me feel good. Sound familiar? It's still happening. Why do so many people flock to these huge churches that keep growing? Why do so many people listen to these "smooth things?" People have not changed. We still want to have our ears tickled and minds satisfied. We don't want to hear of our own sinfulness, and our own depravity. We don't want to hear about laying down our life, our need for repentance, and our need for a Saviour.
It still continues to this day.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Gmail

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/468/#cv/Inbox/1513a5287ea9eafa

Are You a Thankful Person? | TGC

http://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/erikraymond/2015/11/25/are-you-a-thankful-person/

Thanksgiving - Newspaper and Current Periodical Reading Room (Serial and Government Publications Division, Library of Congress)

http://www.loc.gov/rr/news/topics/thanksgiving.html?loclr=fbloc

Presuppositions or Evidences? Yes! | The Reformed Reader

https://reformedreader.wordpress.com/2015/11/24/presuppositions-or-evidences-yes/

Giving Thanks for More Than Just STUFF | Highlands Ministries Online

http://highlandsministriesonline.org/blogs/highlands-blog/giving-thanks-for-more-than-just-stuff/

www.oneplace.com/ministries/the-bible-study-hour/player/why-did-christ-die-496151.html

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/the-bible-study-hour/player/why-did-christ-die-496151.html

For the Fame of God's Name: Essays in Honor of John Piper

http://www.amazon.com/For-Fame-Gods-Name-Essays/dp/1433504928/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_har?tag=thegospcoal-20+Fame+of+God%E2%80%99s+Name

6 Quotes from G. K. Chesterton on Gratitude and Thanksgiving | TGC

http://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/justintaylor/2015/11/26/6-quotes-from-g-k-chesterton-on-gratitude-and-thanksgiving/

Dear Rose on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/146740055?ref=fb-share

Bob Dylan as You’ve Probably Never Seen Him Before | Kirkville

http://www.mcelhearn.com/bob-dylan-as-youve-probably-never-seen-him-before/

8 Track

http://www.thisdayinmusic.com/pages/8_tracks

I Didn't Know I Was an Introvert, I Just Thought I Hated People

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/8576530

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Justification

http://www.1517legacy.com/stevenhein/2015/11/justification-you-have-it-all-but-you-always-need-more/

Preaching from an IPad?

http://challi.es/18aFCna

The Self Defending Bible | Place for Truth - Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

http://www.placefortruth.org/placefortruth/column/resident-aliens/the-self-defending-bible

www.placefortruth.org/placefortruth/column/resident-aliens/the-self-defending-bible

http://www.placefortruth.org/placefortruth/column/resident-aliens/the-self-defending-bible

Are Christians Scheming Swindlers? - Bible Study and the Christian Life

http://www.biblestudyandthechristianlife.com/are-christians-scheming-swindlers/

Thought of Thoughts | The Christward Collective

http://www.christwardcollective.com/christward/thought-of-thoughts#.VlRu266rRE4

Justified in the Spirit — Life Giving Spirit (Part Two) - Reformed Forum

http://reformedforum.org/rf15_05/?utm_content=buffer63c18&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

courses.dts.edu/register/gospel-of-john-registration/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=newsfeed&utm_content=nav&utm_campaign=gospelofjohn

http://courses.dts.edu/register/gospel-of-john-registration/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=newsfeed&utm_content=nav&utm_campaign=gospelofjohn

Why Ordinary People Matter to God

https://www.crossway.org/blog/2015/11/why-ordinary-people-matter-to-god/

New Issue of TMS Journal - The Master's Seminary

http://www.tms.edu/preachersandpreaching/new-issue-of-tms-journal/

For The Students Of Liberty University — Pirate Christian Media

http://www.piratechristian.com/fightingforthefaith/2015/10/for-the-students-of-liberty-university

The Book Tim Keller’s Read Every Month for 20 Years

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/book-tim-keller-read-every-month-20-years

Why You Should Be Thankful If Your Pastor Behaves Like a CEO - Carey Nieuwhof

http://careynieuwhof.com/2015/11/thankful-pastor-behaves-like-ceo/

Inside Hillsong

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=9057465

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

BeatBuddy Mini | BeatBuddy

http://mybeatbuddy.com/product/beatbuddy-mini/

Saved by Biblical Truth | SermonAudio.com

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=42315036486&target=browser&target=safari

12007214812.pdf Paul Washer

Advent and Lenten Devotionals

http://www.pts.edu/devotional_1

How Job Answers The Central Objection To Calvinism - Therefore, God Exists

http://thereforegodexists.com/how-job-answers-the-central-objection-to-calvinism/

What The Golden Rule Does NOT Mean | The Blazing Center

http://theblazingcenter.com/2015/11/what-the-golden-rule-does-not-mean-2.html

Watch "Significant Insights: Phil Keaggy" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/FCSMbwBVnkY

ESV Men’s Devotional Bible

http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/esv-men%E2%80%99s-devotional-bible

Chick-fil-A’s Classic Chicken Sandwich Went Up Against Fancy NYC Version—Here’s Who Came Out on Top

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/11/479343-chick-fil-a-versus-momofuku-david-chang-chicken-sandwich/?author=rm&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=food&utm_term=ijreview

10 Christian Clichés To Avoid Like the Plague

http://redeeminggod.com/10-christian-cliches-to-avoid-like-the-plague/

www.christwardcollective.com/christward/thought-of-thoughts#.VlRu266rRE4

http://www.christwardcollective.com/christward/thought-of-thoughts#.VlRu266rRE4

The Importance of Enjoying Your Kids

https://www.crossway.org/blog/2015/11/the-importance-of-enjoying-your-kids/?utm_source=Crossway+Marketing&utm_campaign=65e9fed0ed-20151124+-+Bible+News&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0275bcaa4b-65e9fed0ed-287154941

How to Be a Gospel-Centered Bible Reader

https://www.crossway.org/blog/2015/11/how-to-be-a-gospel-centered-bible-reader/?utm_source=Crossway+Marketing&utm_campaign=65e9fed0ed-20151124+-+Bible+News&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0275bcaa4b-65e9fed0ed-287154941

Gmail

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/468/#cv/Inbox/1513b2aa1709f976

Proverbs: Written to Christ, for Christ - Reformation21 Blog

http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2015/11/proverbs-was-written-forto-chr.php

How to get your music in a Spotify or Apple Music playlist DIY Musician Blog

http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/music-promotion/how-to-get-your-music-in-a-playlist-on-spotify-or-apple-music-2/?utm_source=cdbaby&utm_medium=email&utm_content=DIY&utm_campaign=DIY123315&spMailingID=50087689&spUserID=MjY2MTEyNzEyMwS2&spJobID=803189745&spReportId=ODAzMTg5NzQ1S0

Monday, November 23, 2015

Joshua Cripps Photography's Photos

https://m.facebook.com/JoshuaCrippsPhotography/photos/pb.184310398196.-2207520000.1448335405./10153459999118197/?type=3&source=54

Separation, Purity, and Thanksgiving

https://www.gty.org/Blog/B151123

www.oneplace.com/ministries/the-bible-study-hour/player/words-from-the-cross-496148.html

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/the-bible-study-hour/player/words-from-the-cross-496148.html

7 Pastoral Don'ts | Highlands

http://highlandsministriesonline.org/blogs/highlands-blog/7-pastoral-donts/

We are Making History | Highlands

http://highlandsministriesonline.org/blogs/highlands-blog/we-are-making-history/

Viewing Your Children as Future Adults | Highlands Ministries Online

http://highlandsministriesonline.org/blogs/highlands-blog/viewing-your-children-as-future-adults/

Wisdom & Wonder: Common Grace in Science & Art

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006N0M86A/?tag=booatagla-20g

Like It Or Not, We May Be 'Meaning Junkies' : 13.7: Cosmos And Culture : NPR

http://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2015/11/11/455573765/like-it-or-not-we-may-be-meaning-junkies