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.

Monday, May 30, 2016

What It Means to Be Reformed Presbyterian: Mediatorial Kingship of Jesus Christ | SermonAudio.com

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?m=t&s=5181604069

ThM - Nights, Online, Weekends | Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS)

http://www.dts.edu/landing/now/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=webad&utm_campaign=thmnow&adsource=FB_thmnow

A Gentle Road Warrior Keeps On - CultureSonar

http://culturesonar.com/martin-barre/

The Bible Exchange – Buy Sell and Trade High Quality Bibles |

http://bibleexchange.com/crossways-journaling-bible-interleaved-edition-the-edwards-bible/

The Soul's Thirst

http://www.challies.com/christian-living/the-souls-thirst?utm_content=buffer72b97&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Fwd: What Does it Mean to Be An Outgoing Introvert? Here Are The 5 Common Traits | Spirit Science



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http://thespiritscience.net/2016/05/26/what-does-it-mean-to-be-an-outgoing-introvert-here-are-the-5-common-traits/

Legalism Defined by Nicholas Batzig

http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/legalism-defined/

No Small Breaches: John MacArthur on Defending and Rebuilding Integrity

https://www.gty.org/Blog/B160530

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Interesting quote from "Twelve What Abouts: Answering Common Objections Concerning God's Sovereignty in Election"

Hi – I'm reading "Twelve What Abouts: Answering Common Objections Concerning God's Sovereignty in Election" by John Samson, John Hendryx and wanted to share this quote with you.

"Just as mankind had to adjust to Copernicus' discovery, we need to adjust our thinking to the facts of Scripture. God is Sovereign. That's just the way it is! God is Sovereign in all things, including how He dispenses His grace. The Reformers declared "Sola Gratia" (Grace Alone), and by that declaration they meant grace at the start, grace to the end, grace in the middle, grace without fail, grace without mixture, grace without addition, grace that allows no boasting, grace that precludes all glorying but in the Lord. Just as many refused to look through Copernicus' telescope in his day, many refuse to look at the Scriptures in ours. Let that not be true of you and me."

Start reading this book for free: http://amzn.to/1Z6fwaD

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

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

Interesting quote from "Twelve What Abouts: Answering Common Objections Concerning God's Sovereignty in Election"

Hi – I'm reading "Twelve What Abouts: Answering Common Objections Concerning God's Sovereignty in Election" by John Samson, John Hendryx and wanted to share this quote with you.

"The 16th Century was famous for at least two monumental events: The Protestant Reformation and the Copernican Revolution. No doubt, you have heard of the Reformation when men such as Martin Luther were raised up by God to bring the one true biblical gospel back to the Church. With the Protestant Reformers of old and with Scripture alone as our sure foundation, we affirm that justification is by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, to the glory of God alone."

Start reading this book for free: http://amzn.to/1VnH5NE

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

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

Interesting quote from "Twelve What Abouts: Answering Common Objections Concerning God's Sovereignty in Election"

Hi – I'm reading "Twelve What Abouts: Answering Common Objections Concerning God's Sovereignty in Election" by John Samson, John Hendryx and wanted to share this quote with you.

"THE REFORMED VIEW – God is the Savior of all people (in one sense) and especially of those who believe (in another sense). Why would this be considered the correct interpretation? Well, as we study the terms "salvation" and "Savior" in the Bible we find many nuances – many different ways God saves. The most important aspect of salvation is to be "saved" from the wrath of God (Romans 5:6-9), but salvation also includes the idea of rescue from enemy attack (Psalm 18:3); preservation (Matt 8:25); physical healing (Matt 9:22; James 5:15) etc. God "saved" not only Paul but everyone else on board ship with him in Acts 27:22, 31, 44. There are numerous ways that "salvation" takes place, but that's a complete Bible study all in itself."

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

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

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

No Squishy Love | Timothy George | First Things

http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2013/07/no-squishy-love?fb_action_ids=10151822946539232&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%255B692113610804120%255D&action_type_map=%255B%2522og.likes%2522%255D&action_ref_map=%255B%255D

Is Your Worship Becoming Disney Church? : Christian Courier

https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/92-is-your-worship-becoming-disney-church

The J.C. Ryle Archive : 4 Thoughts on True Worship

http://www.jcryle.info/2016/01/4-thoughts-on-true-worship.html?m=1

awake@3:14a.m.: Mortification of Sin

http://awakeatthreefourteenam.blogspot.com/2016/05/mortification-of-sin.html?m=1

When The Church Was Young - Archive - Truth For Life

https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/when-the-church-was-young/?utm_content=32988369&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Books At a Glance : CHURCH HISTORY 101: THE HIGHLIGHTS OF TWENTY CENTURIES, by Sinclair B. Ferguson, Joel R. Beeke, and Michael A. G. Haykin - Books At a Glance

http://www.booksataglance.com/blog/church-history-101-highlights-twenty-centuries-sinclair-b-ferguson-joel-r-beeke-michael-g-haykin/

Friday, May 27, 2016

Thinking of Heaven

"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at heaven and you will get earth "thrown in." Aim at earth and you will get neither."
                 -  C S Lewis

You Can’t Buy Manna at Costco

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/you-cant-buy-manna-at-costco

Discontentment Says Something about You, Not Your Circumstances

https://www.crossway.org/blog/2016/05/discontentment-says-something-about-you-not-your-circumstances/

The Secret to Being Content with Your Bank Balance

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-secret-to-being-content-with-your-bank-balance

3 Common Misconceptions of Calvinism | Gospel Relevance

http://gospelrelevance.com/2015/12/06/3-common-misconceptions-calvinism-theology/

John MacArthur, The True Gospel, & Click-Bait Headlines – Pulpit & Pen

http://pulpitandpen.org/2016/05/26/john-macarthur-the-true-gospel-click-bait-headlines/

Check out this verse on Bible Gateway

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. - John 14:27 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John14:27&version=ESV

Bob Dylan George Harrison – May 1 1970 – Listen Full Session | NSF

http://www.needsomefun.net/27th-may-1989-bob-dylan-at-christinehofs-slottspark-christinehofs-slott-skane-sweden/

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Shelter From The Storm – the inside story of Bob Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks - Uncut

http://www.uncut.co.uk/features/shelter-from-the-storm-the-inside-story-of-bob-dylan-s-blood-on-the-tracks-15656#4l6ROTLrZulmCwle.99

Theology

"For someone to say he doesn't care about theology is to say he doesn't care about God. There's a name for a professing believer who doesn't care about theology—"unbeliever." True believers love theology because they love God, and they love God because God has poured out His love into their hearts by the Holy Spirit.

If we truly know God, we will want to study about God so that we can learn how to love Him, serve Him, and glorify Him in all of life. Theology comes from God, theology teaches us about God, and theology leads us to God in doxology. If our theology does not lead us to God in doxology, it is not biblical. And that is precisely the sort of theology we need—theology that leads us to worship, leads us to prayer, and leads us to love God with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves.".     -   Ligoneer.org

Surveying the Damage | Joe Dallas Online

http://joedallas.com/blog/index.php/2016/05/24/surveying-the-damage-3/

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Check out “You're A Big Girl Now (Athens, Greece - June 28 1989)” by Skinny Moo on Vimeo

Check out "You're A Big Girl Now (Athens, Greece - June 28 1989)" by Skinny Moo on Vimeo.

The video is available for your viewing pleasure at https://vimeo.com/162158351

If you like this video, make sure you share it, too!

Vimeo is filled with lots of amazing videos. See more at https://vimeo.com.

Watch “I Want You - Take 1 (March 10, 1966) Complete” on Vimeo

Watch "I Want You - Take 1 (March 10, 1966) Complete" on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/167616824

The Scripture Cannot Be Broken: Twentieth Century Writings on the Doctrine of Inerrancy: 9781433548659 - Christianbook.com

http://www.christianbook.com/scripture-twentieth-century-writings-doctrine-inerrancy/9781433548659/pd/548659?event=ESRCG|M

The Wonder of Waking Up to an Ordinary Day | TGC

https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/trevinwax/2016/05/19/the-wonder-of-waking-up-to-an-ordinary-day/

8 Arguments for Why You Should Be Anxious Today (and How the Bible Responds) | TGC

https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/justintaylor/2016/05/17/7-arguments-for-why-you-should-be-anxious-today-and-how-the-bible-responds/

Is Your Pastor Happy to See You? | TGC

https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/gospeldrivenchurch/2016/05/19/is-your-pastor-happy-to-see-you/

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Apostates, Be Warned, Part 1

http://www.gty.org.uk/resources/sermons/65-5/apostates-be-warned-part-1

Introvert: The friendly takeover

http://www.amazon.com/Introvert-friendly-takeover-Linus-Jonkman/dp/9198327615/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1463726627&sr=1-2&keywords=jonkman

Watch "Lyle Mays with Michael Sagmeister, Dave Samuels, Steve Rodby and Will Kennedy 1992" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/Vb2MNVYKSwI

Why We Need Anonymous, Plodding Church Planters | One Degree to AnotherWhy We Need Anonymous, Plodding Church Planters

http://www.scottslayton.net/2016/04/18/need-anonymous-plodding-church-planters/

A Call for Plodding Bloggers

http://www.challies.com/articles/a-call-for-plodding-bloggers

Frequently Abused Verses: Can Believers Manipulate the Power and Presence of Christ?

http://www.gty.org/blog/B151002/frequently-abused-verses-can-believers-manipulate-the-power-and-presence-of-christ

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Watch "Question and Answer Session R. C. Sproul - part 2" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/AXEkQ8sz20Q

The spirit of fear

The Spirit of Fear

By Jim Allen

God has not given us the spirit of fear and yet fear continues to assault the Christian experience. Why is that? What are we missing? All of us, on occasion, war against the spirit of fear, but now more than ever it seems. Shouldn't we be walking blissfully through life with peace oozing out every pore of our being? Is fear always a bad thing?

Fear is an emotion resulting from thinking that someone or something is dangerous, a threat perhaps, capable of causing harm or pain or worse. Fear is not always a bad thing if what you fear is real. I want my children to fear certain things in life. I want them to fear strangers and stray animals and unfamiliar places. I want them to fear the street because there are few second chances after a mistake. When they were young I used to tell them repeatedly, "Look left and look right and then keeping looking both ways until you cross safely."

Living one's faith is like a crossing a street. We need to look and keep looking, always on guard. 

Fear can be good if you use it to protect yourself and others. Several years ago I stepped off a morning commuter bus in down-town Minneapolis and walked down a corridor leading to the back entry door of an office tower. A few days earlier a woman was attacked in the same corridor by a man who took her attaché case and then pushed her violently backwards down the cement staircase. She suffered extreme head trauma. I never heard what became of her.

Approaching the same staircase a few days later, I didn't see anyone at the top landing near the door going into the building. Halfway up the staircase I notice the "tips of a pair of black shoes" barely visible. Someone was standing behind a wall in wait. Aware of the recent attack, it became clear this was not going to be a good day. I sensed fear. It was the good kind of fear. Stopping in midstride, I slowly descended the staircase and made my escape.

Some would call my escape pure luck. I call it divine protection (Psalm 91).

While fear based on real evidence in life is good, it can be bad when based on false evidence. A pastor once said FEAR is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Is fear a growing reality in the body of Christ? Are believers allowing their imaginations to run away, taking over to conjure up all manner of false evidence appearing real? Some are because it's easy to do. I've done it.

We don't want to develop a faith based on feelings and emotions and happenstance. Fear is an emotion; and the kind of fear I'm talking about is the bad kind that makes the unreal appear real. It will ruin your day.

Believers write asking questions around all kinds of things including doubting one's salvation. In these instances, the problem is nearly always the same. We tend to forget Jesus is our Sabbath [1] rest and that we can trust in his performance and not ours. Our undone state can never be the measure of salvation because we tend to look upon our failures and short comings instead of his victory and faithfulness (1 Corinthians 1:9).

Overlooking this truth is easy to do, and we struggle. Focusing on our performance leads to False Evidence Appearing Real. Yes, we are to pray and avoid sin but also understand that even on our best day of living for Jesus we come short of perfection. Then what? We seek forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and go on living by faith (Romans 1:17).

Feelings, emotions, and happenstance are not faith. They are unpredictable thoughts and events that play no part in defining who we are in Christ; they have no part in faith and no part in salvation. Our confidence is in the One who is above all and did all. Our part is holding up the shield of faith to protect against the piercing arrows of doubt (Ephesians 6:16).

In closing, there is good fear [2] and bad fear. The kind of fear we don't want is the one adding nothing to our walk with God. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

I read an interesting book written by John MacArthur that deals with fear and doubt. In one of his closing chapters John insightfully writes,
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6 NIV). Can there be any more encouraging reminder for the struggling Christian than that? Therefore, be assured of your salvation no matter how incomplete or imperfect you are right now. [3]
I wholly agree with John that a child of God can rest firmly in this truth by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8). Shalom!

1. There is no other Sabbath rest besides Jesus. He alone satisfies the requirements of the Law, and He alone provides the sacrifice that atones for sin. He is God's plan for us to cease from the labor of our own works. We dare not reject this one-and-only Way of salvation (John 14:6). (Source)

2. For the unbeliever, the fear of God is the fear of the judgment of God and eternal death, which is eternal separation from God (Luke 12:5; Hebrews 10:31). For the believer, the fear of God is something much different. The believer's fear is reverence of God. Hebrews 12:28-29 is a good description of this: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire. (Source)

3. MacArthur, Jr., John; Saved Without A Doubt: Being Sure of Your Salvation; John MacArthur Study; p. 171; David C. Cook. Kindle Edition; 2010.

Image Credit: tookapic; untitled; Creative Commons

Tags:  Biblical-Truth  | Christian-Life  | Eternity-Forever


Published 5-3-16
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Germany Celebrates Martin Luther and the Reformation

http://religioustravelplanningguide.com/germany-celebrates-martin-luther-and-the-reformation/

Watch "The Lost Dogs-Joel-Cornerstone 08" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/AYlrbZ8-Bd8

Why should I attend church?

http://www.gty.org/resources/questions/QA124/why-should-i-attend-church

ThM - Nights, Online, Weekends | Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS)

http://www.dts.edu/landing/now/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=webad&utm_campaign=thmnow&adsource=FB_thmnow

The Importance of Rest

https://www.crossway.org/blog/2015/12/the-importance-of-rest/

Luther and the Holy Spirit

"I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Christ in the one common true faith. Daily in this Christian church the Holy Spirit abundantly forgives all sins – mine and those of all believers. On the last day the Holy Spirit will raise me and all the dead and will give me and all believers eternal life. This is most certainly true." (Martin Luther, "Small Catechism." The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. ed. Robert Kolb and Timothy J. Wengert. [Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000], Third Article to the Creed, 355-356.)

The Inerrant Word: Biblical, Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspectives

http://www.amazon.com/Inerrant-Word-Historical-Theological-Perspectives/dp/1433548615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462999689&sr=8-1&keywords=the+inerrant+word

Ten Things I Learned at Church on Sunday | TGC

https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/erikraymond/2016/05/11/ten-things-i-learned-at-church-on-sunday/

Saturday, May 14, 2016

The Question to Ask When Answers Are Unclear | TGC

https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/melissakruger/2016/05/10/the-question-to-ask-when-answers-are-unclear/

What’s Systematic Theology and Why Bother?

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/whats-systematic-theology-and-why-bother

Faithfulness Versus Popularity - The Master's Seminary

http://www.tms.edu/preachersandpreaching/faithfulness-versus-popularity-2/

Watch "Paul Washer-Unbiblical church music" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/ug_I9O1sHGI

Watch "There are Many Deceived Church Goers - Paul Washer" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/Oi2kbnTvlUA

Twelve Prayers in Ps 119 That Implicitly Deny Autonomous Free-Will | Reformed Christian Theology

https://christianreformedtheology.com/2016/05/13/twelve-prayers-in-ps-119-that-implicitly-deny-autonomous-free-will/

www.dailymotion.com/video/x497z2p_bob-dylan-new-jersey-april-13-1997-live-concert_music

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x497z2p_bob-dylan-new-jersey-april-13-1997-live-concert_music

8 Items for Christian Parents to Ponder

http://www.challies.com/reading-classics-together/8-items-for-christian-parents-to-ponder?utm_content=bufferdac9d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Encouragement in Adversity - 7 day reading plan

https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/HarperCollinsChristian/encouragement-in-adversity-7-day-reading-plan

Watch "John Piper What are the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism?"" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/cPYnOpdeY9Q

Watch "Exploring the Tension Between Calvinists and Arminians" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/ykaL-dafIhI

9 Best Free Places To Go In Pittsburgh

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/free-places-pittsburgh/

Discernment part #3

http://joedallas.com/blog/index.php/2016/05/13/discernment-the-dying-dinosaur-part-iii-discerning-our-hearts/

Confronting the Current Church Leadership Crisis

http://www.challies.com/sponsored/confronting-the-current-church-leadership-crisis?utm_content=buffer44ddb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Friday, May 13, 2016

The Portable Seminary: A Master's Level Overview in One Volume

http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Seminary-Masters-Level-Overview/dp/0764201603

I Feel Sad Sometimes, And It Doesn’t Go Away | The Blazing Center

http://theblazingcenter.com/2016/05/i-feel-sad-sometimes-and-it-doesnt-go-away.html

We are children of the heavenly Father

"We are children of the heavenly Father; we therefore turn away from a spirit of complaint and dissatisfaction because it is so out-of-keeping with the spirit of His family. . . . Those who murmur and complain betray the ingratitude of what the New Testament calls the "spirit of slavery", not the fruit of the "Spirit of adoption" (Romans 8:15-16).

Christians need to remind themselves many times a day, "I am a child of the heavenly Father." Meditate on that blessing and its far-reaching implications. It will change your life; it will sweeten your spirit; it will put a touch of heaven into your soul."
               -  Sinclair Furgeson

Stop Complaining, Part 2

http://www.gty.org/Blog/B160513

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Reformed Christian Voice Radio


Reformed Christian Voice Radio
Reformed Theology Is Covenant Theology
by Richard Pratt Jr.

Reformed theology is often associated with "covenant theology." If you listen carefully, you'll often hear pastors and teachers describe themselves as "Reformed and covenantal." The terms Reformed and covenant are used together so widely that it behooves us to understand why they are connected.

Covenant theology refers to one of the basic beliefs that Calvinists have held about the Bible. All Protestants who have remained faithful to their heritage affirm sola Scriptura, the belief that the Bible is our supreme and unquestionable authority. Covenant theology, however, distinguishes the Reformed view of Scripture from other Protestant outlooks by emphasizing that divine covenants unify the teachings of the entire Bible.

Earlier developments in the Reformed, covenantal understanding of Scripture reached a high point in seventeenth-century England with the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), the Savoy Declaration (1658), the London Baptist Confession of 1689, and each representing different groups of English-speaking Calvinists. With only slight variations among them, these documents each devote an entire chapter to the way God's covenants with humanity reveal the unity of all that the Bible teaches.

For example, the Westminster Confession of Faith speaks of God condescending to reveal Himself to humanity by means of covenant. It then divides the entire history of the Bible into just two covenants: the "covenant of works" in Adam and the "covenant of grace" in Christ. The covenant of works was God's arrangement with Adam and Eve before their fall into sin. The covenant of grace governed the rest of the Bible. In this view, all stages of the covenant of grace were the same in substance. They differed only as God administered His one covenant of grace in Christ in various ways throughout biblical history.

Along these same lines, a number of more recent Reformed theologians have affirmed the covenantal unity of Scripture by relating particular biblical covenants to what the New Testament calls "the kingdom of God." Jesus indicated the importance of God's kingdom in the opening words of the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:9–10). Jesus' words first indicate that the foremost goal of history is the glory and honor of God Himself. Yet, His words also indicate that God will receive this glory through the coming of His kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. God's goal has always been to receive the eternal praise of every creature by establishing His glorious kingdom on earth. To borrow from the well-known praise of Revelation 11:15, at the end of history "the kingdom of the world [will] become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."

Recent archaeological discoveries have shown how God's covenants related to His earthly kingdom. In the days of the Bible, many kings of nations surrounding Israel administered the expansion of their kingdoms through international treaties. Biblical scholars have noticed remarkable parallels between these ancient treaties and the biblical covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Christ. These similarities indicate that the Scriptures present covenants as God's way of administrating the expansion of His kingdom on earth.

Biblical covenants emphasized what was needed at specific stages of God's kingdom by furthering the principles of previous covenants. God started with Adam to reveal His own kingship, the role of humanity, and the destiny He had planned for the earth (Gen. 1–3). These principles were then carried forward as God promised stability in nature for humanity's service in Noah's covenant (Gen. 6, 9). God enhanced His previous covenants by promising that Abraham's descendants would become a great empire and spread God's blessings to all other nations (Gen. 15, 17). God built on these covenants by blessing Israel with His law in the days of Moses (Ex. 19–24). Every previous covenant was taken to new heights as God established David's dynasty and promised that one of his sons would rule in righteousness over Israel and over the entire world (Pss. 72; 89; 132). All Old Testament covenants were then furthered and fulfilled in Christ (Jer. 31:31; 2Cor. 1:19–20). As the great son of David, His life, death, resurrection, ascension, and return eternally secure the transformation of the entire earth into God's glorious kingdom.

Many evangelical Christians today find it difficult to believe that everything in Scripture after Genesis 3:15 concerns God's kingdom administered through the unfolding of one covenant of grace. The majority of American evangelicals view Scripture as divided into periods of time governed by substantially different theological principles. When Christians follow this popular approach to Scripture, it is not long before they become convinced that the new covenant of our day is actually at odds with many aspects of the Old Testament.

At least three issues often move to the foreground: works and grace, corporate and individual faith, and earthly and spiritual concerns. First, many evangelicals believe that the Old Testament's emphasis on good works is incompatible with salvation by grace through faith in Christ. Second, Israel's corporate relationship with God as a community appears to have been replaced by a focus on the individuals' personal relationships with God. Third, many evangelicals believe that the Old Testament call to establish an earthly kingdom for God stands in contrast with the New Testament emphasis on a spiritual kingdom in Christ.

Covenant theology has enabled Reformed theologians to see that the New Testament is actually quite similar to the Old Testament in these three areas. First, in this view salvation by grace through faith in Christ was the only way of salvation in both Testaments. The entire Bible calls for good works because saving faith always yields the fruit of obedience to God. Second, covenant theology helps us see that both Testaments speak about individual and corporate relationships with God. All of God's covenants deal with people on both levels. Third, covenant theolog y has shown that God's kingdom has always been earthly and spiritual. The Old and New Testaments focus on our service in both realms. In these and other ways, covenant theology has much to offer the broader evangelical community.

At the same time, there is also a growing need for covenant theology to be strongly reaffirmed in contemporary Reformed circles. In recent decades, many newer advocates of Reformed theology have neglected covenant theology.

More and more, we find that Reformed theology has been reduced to what we often call the doctrines of grace — familiar beliefs such as total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints. Of course, we should value these truths of Scripture, but when we fail to stress the larger framework that covenant theology provides, our understanding of the Bible soon begins to suffer in the same three areas.

First, the doctrines of grace without covenant theology have led some to believe that Reformed theology is primarily concerned to teach that God's grace sustains the Christian life from beginning to end. Of course, this is certainly true. Yet, the covenants of both testaments consistently teach that God has always required determined effort from His people in response to His grace and that He will reward obedience and punish disobedience.

Second, apart from covenant theology, many people in our circles seem to think that our theology is all about finding uniquely Reformed ways for individuals to improve their relationships with God. In our day, a number of paths toward personal holiness and devotion have been treated as the central features of Reformed theology. As important as individuals are in the Bible, covenant theology highlights our corporate relationship with God as well. No biblical covenant was made with just one person. They also involved God establishing relationships with groups of people. For this reason, both testaments teach us that the families of believers are covenant communities within which God's mercy is passed from one generation to another. Moreover, the visible church in both testaments is the covenant community within which we receive the gospel and the ordinary means of grace.

Third, the doctrines of grace easily give us the impression that Reformed theology is only concerned with spiritual matters. Many people in our circles are deeply concerned with inward transformation by a true understanding of Scripture. Yet, we often neglect the physical and social effects of sin and salvation. Covenant theology gives us a far larger and more compelling vision of our hopes as Christians. In both testaments, believers extend God's kingdom both to spiritual and earthly realms. We are to teach the gospel of Christ to all nations so that people may be transformed spiritually, but this spiritual renewal is for the sake of extending the lordship of Christ to every facet of culture around the world.

All of this is to say that covenant theology has much to offer every Christian. So when we ask ourselves, "What is Reformed theology?" it will serve us well to respond, "Reformed theology is covenant theology."

Philippians 4:4

 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus/".   Philippians 4:4-7 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians4:4-7&version=ESV

Discernment Part#2

http://joedallas.com/blog/index.php/2016/05/11/discernment-the-dying-dinosaur-discerning-the-times-part-two-of-three-part-series/

Where’s Your Heart? - Blog - Eternal Perspective Ministries

http://www.epm.org/blog/2016/May/11/wheres-your-heart

A Secret Way to Kick-Start Your Theological Library

http://www.challies.com/resources/a-secret-way-to-kick-start-your-theological-library?utm_content=buffer2e293&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Ordinary: Christian Living for the Rest of Us

http://www.challies.com/christian-living/ordinary-christian-living-for-the-rest-of-us?utm_content=buffer58bea&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Books I want to read


David J. Engelsma
Hyper-Calvinism and the Call of the Gospel
Anchored in Grace Jeremy Walker
Mealtime habits of the Messiah Conrad Gempf
Dylan goes Electric
The God who Justifies James White
Matthew L Jacobson author
Team Us Marriage Together Ashleigh Slater
Mahaney Humility
Dave Willis author
The potters freedom James r White
Living the Cross Centered Life Mahaney
Systematic Theology Robert Culver
Packer on the Christian Life - Sam Storms
Sinclair Furgeson
Ashamed of the Gospel John MacArthur
God for the rest of us Antonucci
Thomas Watson Exposition of the Beatitudes
Chosen but Free Norm Geisler Green cover 3rd Edition
To be continued Waldron
The Church Mark Dever
Restoring all things stonestreet daly
Fabric of Faithfulness Garber
GK Chesterson Orthodoxy
Apologetics John Frame
Preaching Timothy Keller
This Momentary Marriage - Piper
John Frame Salvation belongs to the Lord
Expository Apologetics Voddie Baucham
Luther on Vocation Gustaf Wingren
Desiring the Kingdom James K. A. Smith
The Reason for God Timothy Keller
Undivided Mitchell and Rhonda Owens
Piper This Temporary Marriage
Quitter John Acuff
What do they believe Andrew Rappaport
Book of Life System Bible Study
Living the braveheart life Randall wallace
Timothy Keller Romans for you
Made for More Hannah Anderson
Fools Talk Os Guinness
Writers to Read Doug Wilson
Greg Forster the joys of Calvinism
Rico Tice
Friendship Redeemed Holland
So what's your point Scallia
Body of Divinity Thomas Watson
David Hazelton A Simplified guide to Paul's Letters
Stephen Altrogge
Reformation Readings of Paul from IVP academic
Preparing for ministry Allan Harman
Banner of Truth
A way to pray. Matthew Henry
The Joy Project Piper
Ashamed of the Gospel, worship, the power of integrity John MacArthur's
Jesus Unmasked Todd Freil
                  Progressive revelation
                  Typology
Uncensored  Brian Cosby
A History of Western Philosophy and Theology John M. Frame
Let the earth hear His voice Greg R. Scharf
Guild guitar book Hans Moust
Anointed Expository Preaching Stephen Olford
For Calvinism Michael Horton
The Next Story Tim Chillies
Awe Paul David Tripp
Expository Apologetics Voddie Vauchman
Ulrich Zwingli
The Big Question Alister McGrath
Wisdom and Wonder Kuyper
Thinking fast and slow
Gospel according to Jesus John MacArthur
Where do we stand Harry Blamires
Melvin Tinker Intended For Good
Paul Helm The Last Things
God in the manger John MacArthur
Gospel According to Jesus John MacArthur
The Unquenchable Flame Reeves
Assured by God Burk Parsons
We Can Not Be Silent R. Albert Mohler Jr.
An Absolute Sort of Certainty Stephen J Nichols
God the Evangelist David F Wells
The Triune God edited by Kohl
Author Carl Trueman
Margo Todd The culture of early modern Protestantism in early modern Scotland
The Death of death in the death of Christ
Packer
Classic Christianity Bob George
Christ's Call to Discipleship    Boice
Return to authentic Christianity Chuck pierce
Humility CJ Mahaney
Sam Storms esv mens devotional Bible
Second and center cafe Weston, WV
Mathison approach go science
Mahaney Cross centered life
The overview effect Frank White
Renewing your mind in a mindless world
James Montgomery Boice
Mathison Keith  Reformed Approach to science and Scripture
Note to self Joe Thorn
Holiness JC ryle
Raising grateful kids in an entitled world
Kristen Welch
Covenental Apologetics Oliphint
Sharnock the existence and attributes of God
Originals Adam Grant
Author R Kent Hughes
Respectable Sins Jerry Bridges
Do more better Tim Challies
Truth Endures John MacArthur
God's Love RC Sproul
Disciplines of a Godly Man R. Kent Hughes
David Pogue Pogues basics life
Wayne Grudem Business for the glory of God
Kevin deyoung just do something
What about free will? Scott Christesen
A Peculiar Glory John Piper
The inerant word edited by John MacArthur
The Whole Christ Sinclair Furgeson
Twelve What Abouts
Rocking father hood Chris Kornelis

Election and Free will Robert Peterson
Absolutely Free Zane Hodges
Free to Learn Peter Gray
A particular glory Piper
Booked and paid to speak Grant Baldwin
Mindset Carol s dweck
With my eyes wide open Brian head welch
Willing to Believe RC Sproul
Prepared to stand alone JC Ryle

A Rebuttal to 7 Reasons Why I am not a Calvinist - The Dirty Christian

http://thedirtychristian.com/2016/04/21/rebuttal-7-reasons-not-calvinist/

Discernment: The Dying Dinosaur? (Part One of a Three Part Series) | Joe Dallas Online

http://joedallas.com/blog/index.php/2016/05/10/discernment-the-dying-dinosaur-part-one-of-a-three-part-series/

Monday, May 9, 2016

What is the Gospel?

"What is the Gospel? Is it a message of glad tidings from Heaven to make God-defying rebels at ease in their wickedness? Is it given for the purpose of assuring the pleasure-crazy young people that, providing they only "believe" there is nothing for them to fear in the future? One would certainly think so from the way in which the Gospel is presented—or rather perverted—by most of the "evangelists," and the more so when we look at the lives of their "converts." Surely those with any degree of spiritual discernment must perceive that to assure such that God loves them and His Son died for them, and that a full pardon for all their sins (past, present, and future) can be obtained by simply "accepting Christ as their personal Saviour," is but a casting of pearls before swine."
                                                                 - A. W. Pink - Studies on Saving Faith


This sounds like it could have been written today about what is going on in some churches right now.  A. W. Pink lived from 1886-1952.

STUDIES ON SAVING FAITH by A. W. Pink

https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/studies_saving.html

Check out this verse on Bible Gateway

 You keep him in perfect peacewhose mind is stayed on you,because he trusts in you. - Isaiah 26:3 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah26:3&version=ESV

Make what noise you will


"Make what noise you will to attract the careless if you afterwards give them sound instruction in the truth, and make them to know the meaning of the Word of the Lord; but if it be mere stir, and song, and swagger, what is the good of it?

If Gospel truth is not taught, your work will be a building of wood, hay, and stubble, soon to be consumed. Quick building is seldom permanent. Gold, silver, and precious stones are scarce material, not easily found; but then they endure the fire."
                               - Charles Spurgeon

Basics Conference '16 – The official site of Basics Conference at Parkside Church with Alistair Begg

https://www.basicsconference.org/

Where Writers Find Ideas | The Blazing Center

http://theblazingcenter.com/2016/03/where-writers-find-ideas.html