Northern Michigan Reformation Society

Join Us on April 9

2011-03-11T21:40:00.003-05:00

We will next gather on Saturday, April 9, 2011, 10:00 a.m. to noon, at Glen Memorial Baptist Church in St. Ignace, Michigan.

The text for everyone to study beforehand will be Ephesians 2:11-22, continuing in the passage we began at our last meeting.

The presenters will be Bruce Buchanan (Chain-O-Lakes OPC in Central Lake), Mike Stark (former pastor of Curtis Baptist Church in Curtis, seeking God's direction for future pastoral ministry), Mike Lane (Glen Memorial Baptist Church in St. Ignace). The moderator will be Jeff Peterson (Indian River Baptist Church).

Join us for a morning of fellowship and Bible study, encouraging one another in the gospel and Biblical reformation.

Soli Deo Gloria

View Our February 26 Meeting on Ephesians 2:1-10

2011-03-08T10:17:00.002-05:00

Part 1: Jeff Ryan on Ephesians 2:1-3.

Part 2: Jeff Ryan continues, then Tom Penner on vv. 4-7.

Part 3: Tom Penner continues, then Jeff Peterson on vv. 8-10.

Part 4: Jeff Peterson, vv. 8-10.

Part 5: Jeff Peterson concludes, then the three speakers field questions from the audience.

Part 6: Question and Answer Panel continues.

Part 7: Question and Answer Panel continues.

Part 8: Question and Answer Panel concludes.

Mark Your Calendar for Our Next Meeting

2011-02-28T15:03:00.003-05:00

After a great, encouraging meeting with many brothers & sisters in Christ on February 26, around the glorious gospel of grace declared in Ephesians 2:1-10, we are looking forward to our next meeting on Saturday, April 9, 2011. This meeting will be hosted by Glen Memorial Baptist Church in St. Ignace.

More details regarding Bible text and speakers will be coming soon.

Soli Deo Gloria!

First Meeting for 2011

2011-01-18T11:36:00.002-05:00

I am pleased to announce that we finally have the details in place for our next meeting. We hope that all our past attendees (as well as some new ones) will be able to come as we desire to get back to what our society and the Bible study portion of our meetings are supposed to be about, realizing that we have strayed in some areas in our last two meetings. While the fellowship at our meetings has continued to be wonderful and encouraging (it has been great getting to know more & more brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the area who share similar concerns for the purity of the gospel!) AND while there has been much in the Bible studies that has been edifying, our council has had some long meetings and discussions about the purpose and focus of our Bible studies and getting back to where we should be.

So please consider attending and inviting others to join you. These meetings are for ALL, not just for church leaders. The time of fellowship alone is worth the drive! We look forward to our time together and trust God to work in our hearts and lives for His glory, using it to build up HIS church through our renewed participation in the life of our local churches.

Northern Michigan Reformation Society Meeting
Saturday, February 26, 2011, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Indian River Baptist Church, 6214 Hemlock St., Indian River, MI 49749
TEXT TO STUDY BEFOREHAND: Ephesians 2:1-10

Agenda:

1. Opening welcome
2. Opening prayer
3. Reminder of the purpose and goals of the Reformation Societies as laid out by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
4. Personal testimony of the importance and benefit of our society in encouraging us on the local church level
5. Overview of our Bible study format—purpose, focus, central desires
6. Presentation of Ephesians 2:1-10

Speaker 1: Jeff Ryan, pastor of Calvary Bible Church in Rogers City
Speaker 2: Tom Penner, pastor of Straits Evangelical Free Church in St. Ignace
Speaker 3: Jeff Peterson, teacher from Indian River Baptist Church
Moderator: Bruce Buchanan, pastor of Chain-O-Lakes Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Central Lake

7. Open Q&A/discussion and application of the passage
8. Closing encouragement and prayer

We hope you can make it!

Looking forward to 2011

2010-11-19T23:17:00.002-05:00

We thank God for everyone involved this year in our Northern Michigan Reformation Society and look forward to how He might increase and use our group to encourage His people throughout our area in the new year ahead.

Our leadership council will be meeting soon to plan the next two meetings. If you have any further suggestions or input, please contact one of our council members. God bless your faithful ministry of His Word and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jeff Ryan

NMRS Council Members:
Bruce Buchanan (Chain-O-Lakes OPC, Central Lake)
Mike Lane (Glen Memorial Baptist Church, St. Ignace)
Jeff Peterson (Indian River Baptist Church, Indian River)
Jeff Ryan (Calvary Bible Church, Rogers City)
Mike Stark (Curtis Baptist Church, Curtis)

Looking forward to our next meeting on November 13

2010-10-04T10:02:00.003-04:00

Saturday, November 13, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Glen Memorial Baptist Church, St. Ignace, MI
Bible Study: Luke 24:44-49
Speakers: Allen Ballard (Pigeon River Baptist Church in Vanderbilt and The Connection Church in Gaylord), Larry Kirby (Liberty Baptist Church in Lachine), Paul Gardner (Director of Camp Barakel in Fairview)

We had a blessed time in Indian River on October 2. Praise God for how He is using this group as a means of encouraging fellowship and networking among like-minded brethren in our area--as well as a means of providing Biblical challenge to remain faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We will be having our first general meeting in the Upper Pennisula. The focus of our gatherings is fellowship and mutual encouragement around the Word of God. We encourage everyone to study the text (Luke 24:44-49) beforehand and come prepared to discuss its meaning and application. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING.

Next Meeting in Indian River

2010-08-20T12:17:00.002-04:00

Saturday, October 2, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Indian River Baptist Church, Indian River, MI
Bible Study: Matthew 11:25-30
Speakers: Bruce Buchanan (Chain-O-Lakes OPC in Central Lake), Cliff Miller (Parkland Baptist Church in Sault Ste Marie), Mike Lane (Glen Memorial Baptist Church in St. Ignace)
Moderator: Jeff Ryan (Calvary Bible Church in Rogers City)

Please mark your calendar and pass on this invitation to other individuals and pastors you know who might be interested. We are meeting in Indian River as a central location with the desire that God will use us to encourage pastors and churches all over the northern part of Michigan along I-75—and into the eastern U.P. The main purpose of our meeting will be fellowship and mutual encouragement around the Word of God, and we encourage everyone to study the text (Matthew 11:25-30) beforehand and come prepared to discuss its meaning and application. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING.

Mark Your Calendar for Our Next Meeting on October 2

2010-06-08T11:23:00.004-04:00

We had a wonderful, God-blessed council meeting in St. Ignace last Saturday. Most of the meeting was filled with each one sharing testimony of God's saving grace and God's leading to our present ministries for Christ.

In planning out future meetings (and trying to align our schedules), we departed with a tentative date of Saturday, October 2, as our next Reformation Society meeting for all. We will be following the "Reformation Bible Study" format with three speakers dealing with the same text and a time of Q&A and discussion, where everyone attending will be encouraged to study the text ahead of time.

More details will come, but at this point we are planning to meet on October 2, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at Indian River Baptist Church in Indian River.

Blessings!

Jeff Ryan
Calvary Bible Church
Rogers City, MI

Praise God for Bringing Together Our New Council

2010-05-06T20:38:00.002-04:00

After weeks of correspondance and prayers and contemplation, God had led in the formation of a team of five men to lead our new branch of the Reformation Societies in northern Michigan. I will serve as the pastor chair for the time being (as required by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, our parent organization), but I view this as a team of five equals working together to seek God's will for our society.

Our council is made up of:

Bruce Buchanan (Chain-O-Lakes Presbyterian Church, Central Lake)
Mike Lane (Glen Memorial Baptist Church, St. Ignace)
Jeff Peterson (Indian River Baptist Church, Indian River)
Jeff Ryan (Calvary Bible Church, Rogers City)
Mike Stark (Curtis Baptist Church, Curtis)

We will be meeting soon and will be planning the future meetings of our society. Your prayers are appreciated.

Jeff Ryan

Society Update

2010-04-23T13:01:00.002-04:00

For anyone wondering the status of our group and information on future meetings, currently we are seeking the Lord's direction in the formation of a council of leadership.

As a new branch of the old NE Michigan Reformation Society, we are having to form a new group of leaders who will work together to oversee the direction and planning of our society and its meetings. While I am presently serving as the pastor chair, this is designed to be led by a team of leaders, not one individual.

So please pray for God's will in this matter. Once we have a team in place (and there are several men presently considering this--three of whom have already agreed to serve), we will meet to begin forming our vision and planning future meetings.

Be looking for a possible meeting this summer focusing on prayer for our local churches and for two meetings this fall focusing on Bible study, using the "Reformed Bible Study" format as at our last meeting.

For God's Glory in Northern Michigan,
Jeff Ryan

Calvary Bible Church
Rogers City, MI

Next Meeting in Indian River

2010-03-02T13:03:00.002-05:00

Saturday, March 27, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Indian River Baptist Church, Indian River, MI
Bible Study: Mark 10:17-27
Speakers: Mike Stark (Curtis Baptist Church), Jeff Peterson (Indian River Baptist Church), Jeff Ryan (Calvary Bible Church of Rogers City)
Moderator: Josh Gelatt (Indian River Baptist Church)

Please mark your calendar and pass on this invitation to other individuals and pastors you know who might be interested. We are meeting in Indian River as a central location with the desire that God will use us to encourage pastors and churches all over the northern part of Michigan along I-75—and into the eastern U.P. The main purpose of our meeting will be fellowship and mutual encouragement around the Word of God, but we will also be discussing what is entailed in forming our northern group as its own Reformation Society. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING.

Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain

2009-12-24T12:04:00.007-05:00

In Revelation 5, the One who sits on the throne holds a scroll in His right hand, a very important scroll, sealed with seven seals. This scroll contains His sovereign decrees for the destiny of the world, His plan for judgment and redemption. Who is worthy to open this scroll and to break its seals (and thus put it into effect)? The question goes out to all the universe, and NO ONE is found who is worthy and qualified.

John weeps greatly because no one is found. What would happen to God’s plan and all His promises? Would sin and death and Satan win? Is there any purpose to the suffering that Christians are going through? Is there any ordained end to human history? John had very good reason to weep!

Then John is told to stop weeping? Why? Because the triumphant, ascended Christ now enters onto the scene. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, the rightful one to rule over God's people forever--and He has overcome the enemies of God and His people!

When John turns to see this victorious Lion, He sees Him instead as a Lamb standing as if slain (or slaughtered). But He is no helpless victim. He is all-powerful (7 horns) and all-knowing (7 eyes), sending out His Spirit into all the earth just as He had promised His disciples. Through His sacrifice, He has conquered and rules from heaven above.

And as the worthy One, He takes the scroll from the right hand of the Father--to break its seals and put into effect God's decress for judgment and redemption. And when He takes the scroll, the entire universe breaks out in praise...PRAISE OF THE LAMB.

This praise begins with the new song of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

This Christmas...let us worship the Lamb that was slain!

Jeff Ryan
Calvary Bible Church
Rogers City, Michigan

Unholy Trinity

2009-12-12T18:37:00.003-05:00

The following link is to John MacArthur's scathing indicment of the health, wealth, and prosperity preachers, who are broadcast on TBN almost 24/7. Unholy Trinity

Can Baptists be Reformed?

2009-12-06T20:40:00.016-05:00

I recently had a discussion on facebook with a friend about whether or not Baptists can rightly claim the adjective reformed. I am sharing our discussion here to get further insight [1]. I do not want a debate about the merits or demerits of reformed theology. Please, stick to the subject at hand in your comments. No off topic comments will be posted.

Seth Miller:I do not understand the phrase "Reformed Baptist". Aside from believing predestination in the Augustinian sense, what is so "Reformed" about you? Most, if not all, Reformers practiced paedobaptism and persecuted those who did not. Most, if not all, Reformers did not believe in religious liberty but rather ruled through synods and councils rejecting the idea of the autonomy of the local church.

Jeremy Lee: I've been thinking about this lately although from a different angle. Some Reformed people think it is inappropriate for Baptists to use the adjective reformed because they reject paedobaptism. My opinion on this is that Baptists who believe as you say in Augustinian predestination are accurately called Reformed. The reason for this is that while there are disagreements between the Reformed and Reformed Baptists, Reformed Baptists are within the Reformed tradition.

The question you are asking is not a new one and seemed to be the question that motivated Baptists in London to write the 1689 London Confession. The 2nd London is based on the Westminster Confession in order to show that these Baptist were not Anabaptists as they were accused of being. They wanted to demonstrate they were in agreement for the most part with Reformed theology. This history suggests that reformed is appropriate to use in reference to Baptists who believe in Augustinian predestination.

Seth Miller: It is interesting to see you appeal to the events surrounding the construction of the LCOF to defend the usage of the phrase "reformed." Seeing that none of the Baptist involved used it. They called themselves Calvinistic or Particular Baptist. It was actually the "Reformed" part THEY WERE trying to distant themselves from. Hence, the removal of paedobaptism and church censures when they referred to the Westminster Confession as basis for LCOF. Both of these doctrines are distinguishing marks of Classical Reformed Theology and very anti-Baptist. How can one claim the name "Reformed" and yet deny two major tenets of it?

Jeremy Lee: I still think the point of the LCOF was to demonstrate agreement more than distance themselves. Although, your point that they did not call themselves reformed is telling.

The question is what is the definition of reformed? Is it defined soteriologically or both soteriologically and ecclesiologically? Since I believe the most important aspect is the gospel, I would define it soteriologically and call myself reformed. I have a friend who suggested that Baptists are truly reformed because they alone took Sola Scriptura to its logical conclusion and rejected paedobaptism.

Seth Miller: I was actually thinking the same thing when I was writing: What is the definition of Reformed? I would say that both soteriology and ecclesiology are crucial to the definition since these were the major issues that the Reformers faced. They challenged the Roman Catholic view of salvation and how church is to be. I would agree to what your friend said in that sense: Baptists finished what the Reformers started.

Michigan Reformation Society Meeting

2009-12-04T21:55:00.010-05:00

Bob Brady, the Executive director of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, will join us January 9, 2010, for a meeting of all Michigan Reformation Societies. Bob will be discussing current trends in the church and how local Reformation Societies are a key for reformation in the church. The meeting will be held at Heritage Baptist Church, 1841 Hartwick Pines Rd., Grayling, MI from 1:00 - 3:00pm.

In addition to Bob Brady's message, we will conduct a Reformation Bible study with local pastors. The text for this study is Isaiah 30:8-18. Please, carefully study this passage for the meeting because this type of Bible study involves everyone.

For further information please contact Pastor Jeremy Lee 989-867-4451, jlee@avci.net or Ken Clouse 989-735-2262, 5700ken@centurytel.net

Cultivating Holiness

2009-11-26T19:45:00.003-05:00

Our friends at the Mid-Michigan Reformation Society recently hosted a meeting with Dr. Joel Beeke. Follow the link to hear "Cultivating Holiness." Dr. Beeke is the pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Church and president of Puritan Reformed Seminary Puritan Reformed Seminary both in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Accepting Those Who Differ: Lessons On Unity From Romans 14 And 15

2009-11-23T12:00:00.002-05:00

One of the issues that I have longed struggled with is how to maintain unity among believers. Because Christians believe in absolute truth, we often struggle to get along when we disagree on what the truth is. Doctrinal disagreement has long separated believers from one another.

Unfortunately, one of two wrong responses to doctrinal disagreement is often chosen: accepting everyone regardless of their beliefs or separating with everyone who does not agree with you in entirety. My position has been that unity is achieved when believers agree on the essentials of the faith, that is, those truths which define Christianity (the authority of the Bible, Christ's atoning death, physical resurrection, salvation by grace and faith alone, etc.). Other doctrinal disagreements while important do not destroy unity; however, I have had a difficult time establishing this view from Scripture. This link was helpful in providing a biblical foundation for dealing with those whom we disagree. Footnote number 12 is especially helpful.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

The Jesus You Can't Ignore

2009-11-19T15:21:00.009-05:00

Too often today Jesus is pictured as peace loving hippy who traveled around preaching love. While Jesus certainly loved peace and was the most loving person who ever lived, the contemporary portrayal of Jesus is myopic. In light of this, John MacArthur's book "The Jesus You Can't Ignore" provides a much needed biblical balance.

Jesus resembles in MacArthur's book an Old Testament prophet. He confronts the religious elite of his day with passion, zeal, and often with harsh words. MacArthur develops his portrayal from the many confrontations that Jesus faced in the Gospel accounts of his life. Twice Jesus forcefully cleansed the temple in Jerusalem. When accused of breaking the Sabbath, Jesus did not back down or alter his ministry in any way; rather, he boldly claimed to be Lord of the Sabbath. Even Jesus most beloved sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, was a severe polemic against Pharisaism.

MacArthur argues that "the practical lesson regarding how we should conduct ourselves in the presence of false religion is consistent throughout: corruptions of vital biblical truth are not to be trifled with, and the purveyors of different gospels are not to be treated benignly by God's people. On the contrary, we must take the same approach to false doctrine as Jesus did..."

I recommend this book highly. It is an easy read, a sober reminder of the need to stand for the truth, and a biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus and his ministry.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

"The Jesus You Can't Ignore" is available for purchase @ http://www.gty.org/Shop/Books/451166

In Defense of Pastoral Leadership

2009-11-02T21:26:00.000-05:00

Recently, a friend, Arthur Sido at "A Voice Crying in the Wilderness", has posted on his blog his own views and the links to others supporting the view that there is to be no human authority within the local church. The NEMRS affirms the view of church leadership expressed in the Westminster and London Baptist Confessions concerning the leadership of the local church. While these confessions differ in the details concerning church leadership, they both agree that the elders of a church are its leaders appointed by Christ to govern the local church.

Two words of caution are in order. First, ecclesiology is not something that Christians ought to divide over. It does not rise to the same level of importance as other doctrines such as theology proper or soteriology. In these areas of theology, we are in full agreement with Arthur, and we consider him a fellow laborer. In addition, many of his critiques of modern church methodology are valid and very much worth listening to (Hence the reason we have a link to his blog). Second, we do not affirm the traditional view because it is traditional nor do we affirm it because it is in our confessions. We affirm this position because we believe that it is the biblical view.

We believe that elders have been given the responsibility to lead the congregation God has placed them over. Paul describes elders as those "who rule" (1 Tim. 5:17). The Greek word used here is defined by BAGD to mean "1. to be the head of, rule, direct 2. care for, be concerned about, give aid." One may be tempted to argue that the second meaning is the one Paul intended. However, this same word is used in 1 Tim. 3:4, 5 to describe the duty of a father in his home. I doubt our friend would be willing to argue that men are only to care for their homes rather than lead their homes because he believes in male leadership in the home. In addition, the term elder itself was used to describe the leaders of Israel. These passages make it obvious that elders are to lead the church similarily to the way fathers are to lead the home.

The writer of Hebrews also says: "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God" (13:7). The word translated leaders is defined by BAGD as "a leader, guide...leaders of religioius bodies." In Acts 15:22, this same word is used of Paul and Barnabas, who were obviously leaders in their local church.

Other biblical evidence includes: the term bishop or overseer implies spiritual oversight, Timothy and Titus are both commanded by Paul to command their congregations (1 Tim. 4:11, Titus 2:15) implying authority, Paul told Timothy that he did not allow women to teach or exercise authority over men (This passage is used to rightly disqualify women from being elders), and Peter refers to elders as shepherds, which was a term used for a leader of Israel.

Bbilically, it is clear that elders are the persons Christ has apppointed to govern his church. Of course, no elder has the right to lead any congregation contrary to the rule of Christ, the Head of the Church. Therefore, elders are not the absolute authority in a church. Elders must submit to the absolute authority of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

The Idolatrous Religion of Conscience -- A Lutheran Lesson for Us All

2009-10-27T09:23:00.001-04:00

The Idolatrous Religion of Conscience -- A Lutheran Lesson for Us All

The above link is to Al Mohler's blog where he discusses the recent action of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's regarding ordaining homosexuality. If you do not have Dr. Mohler's blog bookmarked you need to.

First Meeting of the New Northern Branch on Monday, November 9

2009-10-26T13:27:00.003-04:00

All are invited to join us for the inaugural meeting of the northern branch of our society on Monday, November 9, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Indian River Baptist Church, 6214 Hemlock Street, Indian River, MI (directions may be found at www.indianriverbaptistchurch.org). This will be a good time of fellowship with other northern Michigan churches--and a time of encouragement in Scripture and in holding fast the historic gospel, as expressed in the Five Solas of the Reformation (the authority of Scripture alone; salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone; all to the glory of God alone). With this group, we are looking to connect and encourage churches in an area covering the eastern U.P. to the north, the Petoskey area to the west, the northern I-75 corridor to the south, and the Cheboygan area, all the way to Alpena, to the east. All are welcome.

We are experimenting with a Monday morning time, as opposed to our traditional Saturday morning time, to see how effective this might be. If you are interested but unable to make it for the Nov. 9 meeting, please contact us with your availability and interest so that we might know for future planning.

Help us get the word out! We pray that God will use and expand this fellowship according to His will and for His glory.

Jeff Ryan
Calvary Bible Church, Rogers City
(989)734-3916 or cbcrc@i2k.com

Enjoying the Good Things of Life

2009-10-19T14:48:00.012-04:00

The Bible teaches that material blessings are gifts from God (Deut. 8:18). Since they are a gift from God, they are good (James 1:17). This makes “excessive austerity” an unbiblical extreme to be avoided. However, the rejection of excessive austerity should not lead to the other extreme, which is license. John Calvin provides a biblical balance between the above extremes [1] .

Some believers throughout church history have argued that one may only use material things as they are necessary and must avoid using material things for pleasure. Calvin arguing against excessive austerity suggests that we do not make a mistake when we use material things for the purpose for which they were created. He quotes Psalm 104:15 to prove that God gives material things for both necessity and pleasure.

"and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to
strengthen man's heart" (ESV).

He asks rhetorically is it unlawful to enjoy the beauty and odor of a rose? Calvin answering his own question suggests that food was given both to provide nutrition and to enjoy and clothing is provided both for protection and to look honorable. These things are blessings from God, which if we have, we should gratefully enjoy. To be unthankful and not enjoy God’s blessings is certainly sinful.

However, material things should not be one’s highest priority. Other things are more important than material things: God, faith, wisdom, eternal things, people, etc. The Bible teaches that believers should love God supremely (Deut. 6:5), that he cannot serve both God and wealth (Matt. 6:24), and that the love of money leads to many evils (1 Tim. 6:10); therefore, anyone who loves material things more than God is an idolater. Consequently, the second extreme believers must avoid is license, that is, using material things to pursue pleasure as an end in itself. Believers should gratefully enjoy God’s gifts but not to the point that one loves the gift more than the giver.

Calvin suggests that one way to avoid license is to remember that God created everything so that one may know God and feel gratitude for him. In other words, when one sees the beauty of a flower, he ought to think how wonderful and beautiful the God who created this must be.

Another rule Calvin gives is the believer should despise this life and aspire to the next life. Believers should view this life as a pilgrimage using its blessing as they assist us on the way to eternal life and avoiding those things which would hinder one’s heavenly pursuit. His point is that believers should hold loosely to their material blessings and possessions realizing they will not last forever (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) Believers like the Apostle Paul must learn to be content with a little and be moderate in prosperity (Phil. 4:12).

Believers must used their material blessings wisely and morally (1 Tim. 6:17-19). Hence, the reason Calvin says believers should remember that they are only stewards of the gifts of God and will be judged for their use of these gifts. One’s material goods should be used to meet the needs of his church (elders and missions), family (1 Tim. 5:8), those in need (Eph. 4:28), and government (Rom. 13:6, 7). Moreover, wealth is properly earned through hard work. Gambling and lotteries are not legitimate means to earn wealth. In addition, those who are capable of working must work to provide for themselves so that they do not burden the church or the government (1 Thess. 3:10, 12). Only those who are unable to care for themselves or are facing temporary misfortune should be cared for by the church or government (See 1 Tim. 5).

Enjoy life for the glory of God.

Pastor Jeremy Lee

Twining Baptist Church

[1] This is my adaptation from Calvin Institutes of the Christian Religion trans. Henry Beveridge (Hendrickson 2008) 3.10

Also see the following blog http://drjamesgalyon.wordpress.com/2009/10/17/proof-god-loves-us/

Another Reminder of the Relevance of Sola Scriptura

2009-10-05T13:46:00.005-04:00

Recently in a youth study that covered some great and wonderful truths in the Creation/Evolution discussion, one of our teens raised his hand and simply asked, "But what happened to the dinosaurs?" In doing some research to answer his question, I came across an excellent article by Ken Ham entitled, "What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs?" As I read the following, a small excerpt from the article, I thought of how crucial this is to the authority of Scripture. (You can access the entire article at http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/nab/what-happened-to-the-dinosaurs.)

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Although dinosaurs are fascinating, some readers may say, “Why are dinosaurs such a big deal? Surely there are many more important issues to deal with in today’s world, such as abortion, family breakdown, racism, promiscuity, dishonesty, homosexual behavior, euthanasia, suicide, lawlessness, pornography, and so on. In fact, we should be telling people about the gospel of Jesus Christ, not worrying about side issues like dinosaurs.”

Actually, the evolutionary teachings on dinosaurs that pervade society do have a great bearing on why many will not listen to the gospel, and thus why social problems abound today. If they don’t believe the history in the Bible, why would anyone trust its moral aspects and message of salvation?

If we accept the evolutionary teachings on dinosaurs, then we must accept that the Bible’s account of history is false. If the Bible is wrong in this area, then it is not the Word of God and we can ignore everything else it says that we find inconvenient.

If everything made itself through natural processes—without God—then God does not own us and has no right to tell us how to live. In fact, God does not really exist in this way of thinking, so there is no absolute basis for morality. Without God, anything goes—concepts of right and wrong are just a matter of opinion. And without a basis for morality, there is no such thing as sin. And no sin means that there is no need to fear God’s judgment and there is no need for the Savior, Jesus Christ. The history in the Bible is vital for properly understanding why one needs to accept Jesus Christ.

Posted by Jeff Ryan
Pastor of Calvary Bible Church in Rogers City, MI

September 19 Meeting Open to All

2009-08-29T11:46:00.004-04:00

All are encouraged to join us on Saturday, September 19, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Christ Our Life Church in Curran, MI (located right on M-65 in Curran...you can't miss it).

We will be (1) presenting and discussing the formation of new, more localized groups meeting in the northern and southern parts of our area, beginning this fall; (2) having an extended time of prayer for one another and our churches; (3) being challenged from God's Word by Josh Gelatt, pastor of Indian River Baptist Church; and (4) enjoying fellowship and mutual encouragement in the Lord's work of reformation in our lives, homes, churches, and communities.

We hope and pray you will join us and be richly blessed!

Jeff Ryan
Calvary Bible Church
Rogers City, MI

Christianity in Crisis 21st Century

2009-08-20T22:06:00.004-04:00

The original edition of Christianity in Crisis changed my thinking about the Word of Faith movement. I used to believe that these televangelists (Hinn, Hagee, Meyers, Osteen, etc.) believed and preached the same gospel I believe in and preach and that we simply disagreed over whether God wants every believer to be in perfect health and be rich. However, Hanegraaff’s thoroughly documented book helped me to realize that the Word of Faith movement is heretical and that my disagreements are profound. Hanegraaff makes it clear that that his book is not about secondary issues like speaking in tongues, modes of baptism, and millennial views. He argues, “The Faith movement has systematically subverted the very essence of Christianity so as to present us with a counterfeit Christ and counterfeit Christianity.”

There are five overarching theological mistakes that Word of Faith preachers teach. Hanegraaff uses the acronym FLAWS as a mnemonic device to assist in remembering the fatal errors of the Word of Faith movement. Hanegraaff does caution that the Word of Faith movement is not monolithic and that not all of them teach the exact same errors, but all of them teach these five errors to one degree or another.

“Faith in faith” is the first error. Popularly this is known as “name it and claim it.” The basic idea is that words have power to affect one’s life either positively or negatively. Therefore, if one speaks positive things, he will create the positive reality of which he speaks and vice versa for negative confessions. Further, they teach that even God is bound by this “spiritual law”, and he cannot do anything for a person until he speaks positively. Of course, this teaching makes men sovereign and God impotent.

The next error is “little gods.” The Word faith teachers teach that being created in the image of God means that we are gods just like Jesus was. The effect of this teaching is to diminish the uniqueness and deity of Christ. In addition, this teaching deifies man. While one may be able to argue that the “faith in faith” is not a critical error, certainly, this error and the next error are fatal. That is, the Word of Faith teachers teach both a different Jesus and a different way of salvation.

“Atonement Atrocities” is the title for the next error. The Faith teachers teach that Jesus paid the punishment for sin by descending into Hell, suffering at the hands of the Devil, and battling the demon hordes. However, the Bible teaches that Jesus paid the full price for sin on the cross. Further, they teach that Jesus became sin on the cross. Some even teach that Jesus became “one in nature with [Satan].” Then, he was “born again”, that is, he became divine again in Hell before finally defeating Satan. This teaching rests on distortions of Scripture and supposed new revelations. These teachers would have us believe that the second person of the Trinity ceased being God became one with Satan and then turned back into God. This is sheer blasphemy, which if true destroys the work of Christ.

The final two errors are “Wealth and Want” and “Suffering and Sickness.” This is the health-wealth-prosperity gospel. While these views are problematic, they are minor compared to the previous three. Especially troubling is the constant misuse and distorting of Scripture to force it to teach the prosperity gospel.

Two criticisms I have are that the book is sometimes repetitive and the language Hanegraaff uses. One of the new features of the book is a chapter entitled “Cast of Characters.” In this chapter, Hanegraaff gives a short overview and critique of individual Word of Faith teachers. This is generally very helpful; however, much of the material found here is repeated later in other relevant areas. Secondly, Hanegraaff often calls the followers of Word of Faith teachers “devotees.” This word makes me think of a mindless follower of a religion, which makes this word emotionally charged. I know Hanegraaff does not mean it this way because he is careful to make a distinction between Word of Faith teachers and their followers. He says that “there are many sincere, born-again believers in the movement.” A more neutral word choice would have been better.

Truly, the Word of Faith movement is creating a crisis in Christianity. Their views are clearly more than a small difference of opinion. They articulate an alternative Jesus and different gospel. You need to read this book.

Pastor Jeremy Lee

Twining Baptist Church

This book is available at http://www.christianbook.com/christianity-crisis-21st-century/hank-hanegraaff/9780849900068/pd/900069?show_all_cr=1&event=ESRCN

Additional Language Resources

2009-08-14T08:53:00.004-04:00

As a follow-up to yesterday's post I thought you might find the following sites helpful. Both sites offer the full text for free on-line.

Hebrew-English Interlinear (Leningrad Codex w/ vowel markings)

Septuagint Greek-English Interlinear (this appears to be an eclectic text)

For those not familiar with the Septuagint (or rather, the "Septuagints" plural---for there are several versions), a handy printed resource is a book called The Invitation to the Septuagint by Karen Jobes (published by Baker).

Septuagint Study Resource

2009-08-13T20:26:00.001-04:00

The Septuagint is a rich resource for those studying the Old Testament. For many of the writers of the New Testament, the LXX was the preferred translation (for example, that is all the author of Hebrews uses in his OT quotations).

The problem for the modern minister, who perhaps isn't as sharp in Greek as he would like to be, is in finding a reliable translation. Back in 2007 the New English Translation of the Septuagint (NETS) was published as is available for free online. While I am not always thrilled with its renderings, it is nevertheless a valuable resource when studying an Old Testament passage--even more so when studying a New Testament passage which quotes the Old Testament. In most instances, our modern English Bible's follow the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament (for good reason, I would add). But having a reliable text for comparison is essential for in-depth study.

The following link will get you to the NETS site where you can view the text online for free. http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/nets/edition/

The Holy Catholic Church

2009-08-10T01:47:00.007-04:00

For some time now, it has been my intention to write about the catholic church "The Church is catholic" Not Roman Catholic but catholic i.e. universal. Below is a message by a pastor that fits my thinking. You may remember an earlier post regarding the Apostles Creed. Pastor Stewart in the article below explains more fully the meaning of the phrase in the Apostles Creed " I believe in the holy, catholic church" This is important because it's Scriptural and the Church of Jesus Christ is not a denomination. His church is made up of His elect.

Ephesians 4:4-6 declares, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” The outstanding feature of this text is its repetition of the word “one.” Seven times that numeral is used: thrice in verse 4, thrice in verse 5 and once in verse 6. Not once does this text use dualities or pluralities. It does not speak of two hopes or three faiths or four baptisms. It is “one” and only “one” right the way through: “one body,” “one Spirit,” “one hope,” “one Lord,” “one faith,” “one baptism,” “one God and Father of all.” This is a remarkable emphasis on oneness.

But what is the main thought which forms the organizing principle of these seven “ones”? It is the first “one” of the text: “There is one body” (v. 4). The one body is the church, as the context teaches. Moreover, the “one body” is to be taken together with “one Spirit.” Not only is “one Spirit” prominent in the preceding verse (v. 3) and next in the text (v. 4), but it is also joined to “one body” by the conjunction “and”—the only “and” between any of the seven “ones.” Moreover, “one body, and one Spirit” is somewhat separated from the five later “ones.” So it comes down to this: the main idea is the “one body, and one Spirit” (v. 4), which is further developed by the five succeeding “ones” (vs. 4-6).

In what sense is the church spoken of as “one body” in Ephesians 4:4? It is not referring to the various instituted churches. They are not numerically one; they are many. They are not doctrinally one; they differ among themselves. The “one body” in the text is the invisible organism of the church—all those who live out of Jesus Christ crucified, all the elect of all ages and nations, who are beloved of God who alone sees the heart. This invisible organism—the “one body”—is what we confess in the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe an holy, catholic church; the communion of saints.”

The invisible organism of the church is called a body because it consists of many parts with various roles and functions, like a human body which has tendons and ears and knuckles and kidneys and a duodenum, etc., with all its multitudinous parts joined together into one harmonious whole. The body of the church is alive, like a human body, for it is united to Jesus Christ, the head. God’s invisible church is one body—and must be one and can never be two or more— because it is predestinated as one body, with all the elect having their own particular role, you included, believer. It is redeemed as one body, for Christ died for the church and gave Himself for her (5:25). It is glorified as one body forever and ever in the new heavens and new earth.

Ken Clouse
NEMRS Lay Administrator

The New North East Michigan Reformation Society

2009-07-29T17:28:00.011-04:00

Some exciting things are happening with the North East Michigan Reformation Society. First, our next meeting will be in September. More information will be forthcoming when the details are solidified.

Another exciting occurrence is that the council of the NEMRS has decided to have separate meetings in the north and south of our region. We felt that because we were so spread out that participation was difficult. Hopefully, this will encourage more participation and reaching greater numbers. At some point, we will probably form two separate societies, but for now, we remain one with separate meetings.

In addition, Arthur Sido, someone who attended one of our meetings, has started a reformation society in the Lansing area. Their first meeting is August 1 for more information see their blog. Then, in November, Dr. Joel Beeke will be speaking .

Finally, the NEMRS has been instrumental in getting Dr. James Boice on the radio in our area thanks to the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. Dr. Boice can be heard on WJOJ 89.7 at 7:30am every Sunday morning. See the station's web site for listening areas.

We are excited that the Lord has used us to encourage reformation in Northern Michigan.

Is Our Attitude Betraying Our Beliefs?

2009-07-27T10:42:00.004-04:00

As those who understand and uphold the wonderful doctrines of God's sovereign grace in our salvation, we should be the most humble people on earth. But, sadly, we don't always believe these truths in our practice. We have often heard that an arrogant person who claims he believes in total depravity, unconditional election, definite atonement, effectual grace, and perseverance of the saints evidences that he does not truly understand these doctrines--or else he would not be arrogant!

Stuart Scott is his helpful booklet, From Pride to Humility: A Biblical Perspective (2002, Focus Pubishing, Bemidji, MN), lays out thirty manifestations of pride that we do not readily see in ourselves. Let us take a few moments to look through this list and examine our words and behavior and see where we might be betraying our so dearly held beliefs in God's sovereignty and grace. (See the book for a good description of each one, including Scriptural references.)

1. Complaining against or passing judgment on God
2. A lack of gratitude in general
3. Anger
4. See yourself as better than others
5. Having an inflated view of your importance, gifts and abilities
6. Being focused on the lack of your gifts and abilities
7. Perfectionism
8. Talking too much
9. Talking too much about yourself
10. Seeking independence or control
11. Being consumed with what other think
12. Being devastated or angered by criticism
13. Being unteachable
14. Being sarcastic, hurtful, or degrading
15. A lack of service
16. A lack of compassion
17. Being defensive or blame-shifting
18. A lack of admitting when you are wrong
19. A lack of asking forgiveness
20. A lack of biblical prayer
21. Resisting authority or being disrespectful
22. Voicing preferences or opinions when not asked
23. Minimizing your own sin and shortcomings
24. Maximizing others' sin and shortcomings
25. Being impatient or irritable with others
26. Being jealous or envious
27. Usuing others
28. Being deceitful by covering up sins, faults, and mistakes
29. Using attention-getting tactics
30. Not having close relationships

Matthew 18:1-4, "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, 'Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, 'Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

Let us demonstrate our beliefs in words and actions that are consistent with sinners who have experienced God's free grace that has transformed their lives.

Jeff Ryan
Pastor of Calvary Bible Church
Rogers City, MI

The Early Church & Creeds

2009-07-18T00:54:00.008-04:00

It has been said of early Christianity and up to and including the 15th century that the Church chained the Scriptures securely in the place of worship. Only Church leaders could read and handle the scriptures. There were no Bibles in the homes of the laity. Can it be imagined that for 14 centuries the invisible church existed and thrived with no KJV, NIV, ASV, and NKJV or other Bibles?

Not until the printing press were copies of any books available to the general public. The exception being hand written books, very rare and expensive. Around 1439, Johannes Gutenberg invented the mechanical printing press. Later he invented removable type speeding up the production process. His major work was the Gutenberg Bible.

There are a lot of trails that can be taken here. Which Bible is most accurate? How could hand written copies of Scripture be accurate over centuries? How could Christians in the early church hide the Word in their hearts? How could people demonstrate from Scriptures their security in God? How could Scriptures be memorized? How was it possible that so many Christians through the centuries knew the Scriptures so well? Answers to these questions are for another time.

The Church and Creeds

The early Church was made up of people who knew the Scriptures, Peter, Stephen, Paul, Timothy, Phillip and all the others.In Acts 8:26-40, The Lord spoke to Phillip, “Arise go south" The angel of God is very specific. He tells Phillip where to go. Phillip was directed to a man who was reading the Scriptures a rich man; he was in charge of the treasury of Ethiopia. Phillip is directed to overtake the chariot of the Ethiopian who was reading from the prophet Isaiah.

"Do you understand what you are reading," asked Phillip?

"How can I," the Ethiopian asked, "I need some one to guide me." He asked Phillip to sit down with him. The place where he was reading was"

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter and as a lamb before its shearer is
silent, so He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken
away, and who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the
earth.”

"Who is this talking about?" asked the Ethiopian. Phillip began at this Scripture and preached to him Jesus.

Phillip knew the Scriptures and preached Jesus using the Older Testament Scriptures. The Newer Testament of God’s Holy Word, not yet written, took about 400 years after Christ to be settled (another subject, and worth studying, the canonization of Scripture).

The Apostles Creed is a short confession that early Christians used (these were the Christian laity), they had no Bible to carry or Bible text to read. I remember well my first encounter with the Apostles Creed. It was in an Assembly of God Bible School. Like the early church Christians, I knew very little of Scripture; I had no background in Christianity. When asked to memorize the Apostles Creed in Bible school, I discovered knowledge of God that sustained me until I would become more familiar with the whole of Scripture. I am still learning 50 years later.

My amazement for the last 50 years is the abandonment of the creeds in worship and especially the failure to teach the creeds to new Christians. Let me suggest that parents teach the Apostles' Creed to their children. Sunday School teachers teach this creed to your students. Pastors teach this creed to your congregations especially to new converts.

History of the Apostles Creed

The origin of the creed is thought to have been a baptismal confession made by converts. The original confession may have been no more than “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God”. It is believed this became enlarged. Paul speaks of the “form of teaching” delivered to converts:

"But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered" (Romans 6:17)

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1Tim. 6:12).

Confessions were a part of early Christianity and used through the many centuries of the Church.[1] The cannon of Scripture were not settled until 367AD. “These are fountains of salvation, that they who thirst may be satisfied with the living words they contain. In these alone is proclaimed the doctrine of godliness. Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from these.” [2]

The Uses of The Creed

1. The Creed was a public statement of faith, a standardized way in which new people could confess their faith in Jesus Christ.
2. The Creed anchored Christian faith to a tradition, to make it difficult for people or churches to be led astray by strange doctrines.
3. The Creed was a preaching and teaching tool, giving an outline for further discipleship.
4. The Creed was memorized through frequent repetition, which helped the many believers who could not read.
5. The Creed provided a doctrinal basis for different churches to accept one another, and to reject those who did not accept the basic truths.

The Apostles Creed contains the words “Holy Catholic Church” here is the explanation of that remark. The Gnostics believed that the most important Christian doctrines were reserved for a select few. The orthodox belief was that the fullness of the Gospel was to be preached to the entire human race. Hence the term "catholic," or universal, which distinguished them from the Gnostics.”

The Apostles Creed (Say it with me.)

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

It seems to me, having a problem with this creed is not a problem with the creed but with one’s self.

Christian What Do You Believe?

Ken Clouse
NEMRS Lay Administrator

[1]www.reformed.org/documents/ Other creeds like The Nicene Creed , The Athanasian Creed, The Definitions of Chalcedon, and The Anathemas of the Second Council of Constantinople (553 AD) area available here also.
[2] Athanasius speaking of the 27 New Testament Books. Available at http://www.bible-researcher.com/canon.html

How will you celebrate Calvin's Birthday?

2009-07-10T12:47:00.011-04:00

Well....by buying books of course! Below are a few great deals you should take advantage of:

Portrait of Calvin, by T.H.L. Parker.
A classic reference work on Calvin long out of print. Now made available once again by Desiring God.

Special price for today only (July 10, 2009) is $2.00

www.desiringgod.org.

Tracts and Letters of John Calvin (Banner of Truth).
Seven Volumes. Also long out of print, this are wonderful short theological articles (tracts) and personal correspondence (letters) of Calvin. Banner of Truth is running a special for the entire year ($89.00), but it is slightly cheaper from CBD.

www.christianbooks.com

Sermons on Genesis 1-11 (Banner of Truth).
Available for the first time in English. Beautiful bound in typical Banner of Truth fashion.

The most valuable of all of Calvin's writings are his sermons. While I value his commentaries, his sermons are pure gold! If you don't read Calvin's sermons, you don't understand Calvin! Read these works and witness a masterful intersection of doctrine and application.

Sermons on Acts 1-17 (Banner of Truth)
Also available in English for the first time (sadly, the remaining portion of his sermons on Acts have been lost to history).

Truth for All Time (Banner of Truth)
A wonderful little primer on the Christian Faith. Though overshadowed by his later institutes, this little booklet contains core ethical and doctrinal Christianity. Also available in a paperback edition, but the gift edition is much better.

5 Dumb Reasons to Reject Calvinism

2009-06-28T21:52:00.011-04:00

As with any debate, some arguments against a position are better than others. The following are five dumb arguments against Calvinism. Please, feel free to share more if you have them. Note, I am not calling any person dumb only their arguments.

1. Calvinism is divisive.

Yes, Calvinism is divisive, but one should not reject something simply because it is divisive. Quite a few things are divisive precisely because they are true, and anyone who disagrees with the truth is by default divided against it.

The gospel’s exclusivistic claims divide persons into believers and unbelievers. Are Christians willing to embrace other faiths as alternative routes to the same God because to insist otherwise is divisive? The church is divided over the mode and meaning of baptism, church government, eschatology, etc. Is each of us willing to give up our traditions in these areas to avoid division?

Truth by its nature is divisive; however, this is not an excuse for a party or divisive spirit. Christians should realize that some theological issues are quite complex and answers do not come easily. Consequently, we should strive together with love and humility towards one another to come to an understanding of our great God and Savior.

2. If Calvinism is true, evangelism is unnecessary or meaningless.

How many examples that contradict this argument are non-Calvinists going to have to hear to finally stop suggesting this as a reason to reject Calvinism? The Southern Baptist Convention was founded primarily by Calvinists, many of the early Baptist missionaries were Calvinistic (Carey, Brainerd, and Judson), D. James Kennedy (a 5 point Calvinist) created Evangelism Explosion to teach lay people how to evangelize lost people, Calvin’s own missionary enterprises refute this, Charles Spurgeon (a 5 point Calvinist) is considered by both Calvinists and Arminians to be a great evangelist. The list could go on and on. Calvinism in no way minimizes the importance of evangelism or missions.

3. Just because the Southern Baptist Convention used to be Calvinistic does not we should be Calvinists today.

This argument makes those involved in the Founders ministry sound like a bunch of idiots. Does anybody really believe that these guys just want the SBC to be Calvinistic for tradition’s sake?

4. All this arguing hinders the church from fulfilling the great commission.

There are two problems with this argument. First, I have heard this argument used any time a serious discussion of doctrinal issues begins no matter what the theological issue is. Some use this as an excuse because they have an aversion to theology. God has gifted the church with teachers and evangelists so that we can be both theologically accurate and practice evangelism. Theological reflection does not take away from evangelism; rather, it enhances it.

Second, the great commission commands the church to make disciples by doing two things baptizing them and teaching them all things that Jesus commanded. Certainly, all things would include teaching the total depravity of man, God’s gracious election, and the meaning of the atonement.

5. You follow a man (John Calvin); I follow Christ/the Bible.

No one is a Calvinist because they treat John Calvin as a Christian celebrity. Calvinists follow Calvin because they believe that Calvin articulates the biblical view of God and salvation. It is Christ and the Scriptures which Calvin and those like minded with him follow not the man himself.

In addition, whether a person realizes it or not, he is a follower of someone else’s theology. Since there can only be a limited number of viewpoints concerning the depravity of man and God’s grace in salvation and most of those have been named after its originator or major proponents, every Christian follows James Arminius, Moses Amyraut, Luis de Molina, John Wesley, Pelagius, John Calvin, or Augustine to some degree or another. At least, Calvinists know the major proponent of their theology.

Pastor Jeremy Lee

Twining Baptist Church

Theology Is Relevant

2009-06-23T22:07:00.009-04:00

After reading Morris Chapman's caricature of Calvinism at the SBC annual meeting, I decided to repost this blog as a response. There is more I would like to say, and maybe, in the future, I will add more. Until then, this blog will suffice. Read Morris Chapman's speech here. In addition, read the following response.

Relevance is a popular buzzword today in Christianity. So important is relevance, we are taught that the cardinal sin in preaching today is being irrelevant. It no longer matters if a sermon is biblically or theologically accurate. Relevancy is the sole standard for measuring the quality of a sermon. Nothing is thought by our contemporary world to be more irrelevant than theology.

This is why it was no surprise to read Charles Swindoll say that debating the meaning of grace is an alternative for “[t]hose who aren’t comfortable denying it.” Moreover, he states, “Grace was meant to be received and lived out to the fullest, not dissected and analyzed by those who would rather argue than eat…It’s time for grace to be awakened and released…to be enjoyed and freely given, not debated. ”[1] He even implies that the Protestant Reformation made this same mistake debating grace and not living it out. The bottom line it seems for Swindoll and too many others is theology engenders debate, and it keeps believers from living out their faith making theology irrelevant because it is impractical.

The problem with this idea that theology is irrelevant because it is impractical is that one’s practice must be built on a solid theological foundation, or he will go astray in his practice. For example, if one has a theologically low view of sin, he will tolerate sin in his practical life. Another example, if one is a theological universalist, he will not practice evangelism. (Why go through all the trouble if every one will be saved in the end regardless of what you do?) The examples could be multiplied endlessly, but these should suffice to prove the point that practical living must be based on solid theological thinking.

Kistler understands the practical relevance of theology. He argues, “We will not live any better than our theology; we may not live as well as our theology, but we will never live any better."[2] If Kistler is correct, then theology is more relevant than the practical aspects of Christianity because in order to practice correctly we have to think correctly about God, which is in reality that with which theology is concerned. Correct theology is the foundation for correct living. Consequently, one must give every effort to make certain that his theology is correct.

Unfortunately, as fallible humans, we often fail to see the fallacies in our own thinking. One way to refine one’s thinking and uncover blind spots in thinking is debate. “Monologues seldom produce refined thought,” argues Geisler in his evaluation of atheism. He continues, “Without atheists, theists would lack significant opposition with which to dialogue and clarify their concepts of God.”[3] Debate or dialogue is an important tool for a theologian to sharpen his thinking. If believers rule out debate altogether, theological thinking will lack clarity and practically living out one’s faith will suffer as a result.

I am not suggesting that theological debate should be a Christian’s only concern, for truth must be lived out. I am suggesting, however, a balance. Believers should concern themselves with both theology and practical Christian living. Both are relevant, and these are not mutually exclusive concepts. Far from it, they are actually dependant on each other. Let us make every effort to pursue both correct thinking and correct living.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

[1] Swindoll, Charles R. The Grace Awakening Devotional A Thirty- Day Walk in the Freedom of Grace. (W Publishing Group 2003) pgs 1-2.
[2] www.donkistler.org
[3] Geisler, Norman L. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. (Baker 1999) p. 58.

Calvin's Evangelism

2009-06-19T08:15:00.004-04:00

One of the constant charges against Calvinism is that it hinders evangelism and missions. This is not true as can be demonstrated by Calvin's own ministry as you will discover from this link.

Praying Together

2009-06-14T22:37:00.010-04:00

Recently, during our Wednesday night Bible Study, I preached a series of messages on prayer. This series was in response to some questions about prayer that the men in our church were struggling with. One of the questions involved praying together corporately. As a result of my searching, I realized that there does not seem to be much written about corporate prayer that is practical in nature. I hope this blog will help believers to think more deeply about how to practice corporate prayer and encourage more of it.

The fact that believers should pray together can be demonstrated in many ways, but Paul’s command that men everywhere should pray seems to suggest corporate prayer (1 Tim. 2:8). The apostolic church modeled it (Acts 2:42, 4:23ff). Finally, the Lord’s Prayer uses no singular pronouns in its petitions (Matt. 6:9-13). Thus, corporate prayer is commanded and modeled by both the early church and the Lord’s Prayer.

Praying together of course means more than just being present in the same space. We should pray together with the same purpose. The phrase “in one accord” (Acts 1:14; 2:1, 46; 4:24) points to this truth. “In one accord” means literally with the same passion, with one mind, purpose, or impulse. [1] To pray together in one accord means to share the same purpose. While there may be other minor purposes that believers can unite around, the overarching purpose for which we do everything including prayer and under which all minor purposes are subsumed is God’s glory. Praying together necessitates sharing the same purpose especially the glory of God.

So how do we accomplish this in a practical way? First, we should actively think and listen while others are praying. This can be accomplished by saying, “amen”[2]or “Yes, Lord” either in one’s heart or audibly. JI Packer warns, “When another person is praying aloud, the temptation is to do no more than passively listen, but the proper task is actively to think and pray in our heart along with the leader, making the petitions our own as we hear them spoken. To form and maintain this habit takes effort, but we are not joining in according to the will of God, save as we labor to do this.” [3] Another writer comments, “[A] biblical theology of prayer teach[es] we who sit in the church pew, or folding chair, or stadium seating, or couch…to listen intently to the person leading prayer, while repeating to God, ‘Yes, yes, that person speaks for me and all those around me.’”[4]

Secondly, we can also use the same words, i.e., praying pre-written prayers (the Lord’s Prayer, other scriptural prayers, or hymns). Most Christian seem to be opposed to this thinking that only spontaneous prayers are truly spiritual; however, this cannot be proven either biblically or historically. The Bible nowhere forbids praying form prayers. In fact, Luke’s version of the Lord’s Prayer seems to using the Lord’s Prayer in this manner: “When you pray, say.”[5] In addition, the church has traditionally used the Lord’s Prayer as form prayer. Certainly, there have been abuses with repeating the Lord’s Prayer and other written prayers, but we should not allow the abuse of a healthy practice to discourage from the practice altogether.

Not only can the Lord’s Prayer be used in this manner, but there are other biblical prayers believers should make use of by making the words our own. For example, Psalm 51 can be used as prayer of confession, and Habakkuk 3:2 is an excellent prayer for revival.

The Bible directs believers to practice corporate prayer with the same purpose, the glory of God. I have suggested two ways believers can practically accomplish this by actively participating when others pray and often by using the same words in prayer. Please, visit the links cited in the notes, and feel free to offer any feedback. The above ideas are my initial thoughts on a subject upon which I would like to expand my thinking.

Pastor Jeremy Lee

Twining Baptist Church

[1] BAGD
[2] See 1 Cor. 14:16 where this is not commanded, but it is the practice of the church, which Paul is affirming.
[3] Paker, JI and Carol Nystrom. Praying Finding Our Way through Duty to Delight (IVP 2006) pg. 256 italics mine
[4] Hamilton, James M. Jr. and Jonathan Leeman. A Biblical Theology of Corporate Prayer. available @ http://www.9marks.org/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID314526%7CCHID598014%7CCIID2386892,00.html
[5] Luke 11:2 NKJV

Can an Episcopalian be Christian?

2009-06-04T23:29:00.012-04:00

Last Sunday while listening to the preaching of Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Dr Lutzer told this story. Upon my approach to the airport, I looked out the window of the air plane to see if I could see Moody Church. "Wait a minute," I said, "that building is not the church! What an awakening I had at that moment. The church is not of bricks and mortar, the church is people, the church is invisible"

Of course, we do have a visible church, yet still the church is the people. The church extends far beyond denominationalism. To quote a Nigerian bishop of the Anglican Church, "Let the bishop have the stones." Stones are not the Church!

To all the Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Pentecostals etc. Are you aware that the church is catholic? The invisible Church of God is catholic? Do you understand the church is universal?

Oh, to say the word catholic, not me say’s the Baptist, not me says the Presbyterian, not me says the Lutheran, not me says the Pentecostal or Methodist. Well, all Christians are catholic (not Roman Catholic). We are catholic relating to the historic doctrines of the church. I realize there are some Christians who want to be separated from other Christians but it just cannot happen. Who saved you? Who called you? It is by Christ we are saved, regenerated, and sanctified. Our salvation is of God not of our selves. So tell me how can you separate yourselves from others whom God has called? To quote another, “Who do you think you are, it is God who calls.”

The term “Catholic Church” was used first by St. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 100 A.D.) who in his letter to the Smyrnaens wrote: “Where Jesus Christ is, there is the catholic Church” (As a side note, too bad the stake driven in the ground on baptism, baptist etc. of this time period didn't include the catholicity of the church.) Where Jesus Christ is there is the Catholic Church, the Universal Church of God.

All this is said to introduce the article I am posting below. Can a member of an Episcopal Church be Christian? Baptists, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, and some Reformed would ask this question. Can a person be Episcopalian and be part of the invisible church? Read the article below. Let us know what you think.

Please allow me to introduce you to the Christian character of the congregation of Holy Trinity Anglican Church and help you understand the exemplary caliber of the congregation, witnessed by their love for God, for each other, and for their church. I sincerely believe that this is a body of believers that you—in particular those of the Anglican communion, will be pleased and blessed to be associated with.

Holy Trinity was officially established on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007 when the rector and the entire congregation formally aligned with the Convocation of Anglican in North America (CANA). The congregation, historically known as Trinity Church Society of Bristol, Connecticut, was a pre-revolutionary war parish, established in 1747 and had a long and proud history of Anglican worship, ministry and mission in the Bristol area. Remaining associated with the Episcopal Church USA became increasingly untenable and decision to disassociate from the Episcopal Church was made. However it was the strong desire of this 253-year-old parish family to continue in the Anglican tradition, but under the leadership of orthodox (meaning not revisionist), godly, leadership. Hence alignment with CANA.

A question often asked is why was the realignment deemed so important to this congregation? The Senior Warden, in response to a similar question, offered the short and most succinct answer. He wrote: “We undertake this move in response to the Diocese of Connecticut and The Episcopal Church abandoning core teachings of the Bible and of the historic Anglican Faith regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ and the authority of Holy Scripture in the ordering of our lives together in the Worldwide Anglican Communion.”

A more detailed response is that we, as many throughout the country and, indeed, the world, have observed the continual slide of the Episcopal Church into ungodly belief and practice. Please pray for repentance and return to the historic faith handed down in the Anglican Communion for centuries were, and continue to be, ignored and even scoffed at.

One example of the depth and destructive nature of revisionist belief and teaching is this: Many in the Episcopal Church, including the Presiding Bishop, openly and publicly deny the assertion of Jesus, recorded in John 14:6, where he says “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In the Episcopal Church, at the very top of it’s clergy leadership and in direct contradiction to Scripture, Jesus is now being presented as one of several ways to reach God. This assertion flies in the face of long-held Christian beliefs and could not be overlooked by this body of Anglican believers.

Yet that is but one of several examples of a church that has abandoned the historic, orthodox faith and was increasingly pressuring everyone to adhere to these ungodly teachings. Another example—and a particularly insidious one—is the Bible being presented and augured as a man-written book, which can be modified as the church sees fit. Again, from some in that church leadership, we read comments such as “Man wrote the Bible, man can change it.” This is a gross misunderstanding of Holy Scripture and is unacceptable teaching in the Christian belief system. This congregation, now Holy Trinity Anglican Church, continues to receive the Holy Scriptures as “God-breathed and inspired by God Himself. Not only do we, this congregation, make that assertion but our own Articles of Religion state that “Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation.”

Again, from leadership of our congregation, “These two key shifts show that the Diocese of Connecticut and The Episcopal Church have chosen to walk apart from foundational teachings of orthodox Christianity and Anglican tradition. We at (now Holy Trinity) Trinity Church believe that denying these long-held teachings strikes at the very heart of what we believe as disciples of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To embrace such false teaching would undermine both our witness to the world as Christians and our integrity as believers of the truth of His gospel message to that world.”

Yet this chosen realignment, in order to place ourselves under godly leadership, came about only after several years of struggle and numerous attempts to identify ways we could in good Christian conscience, remain associated with The Episcopal Church USA and more specifically, in the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. It is now a matter of history that the realignment resulted in much sacrifice by the congregation, perhaps most notably being forced to leave behind a beautiful sanctuary and historic worship space where so many of them, or their parents or grandparents, had been baptized, worshiped, married, even buried. The building, as of this writing, stands empty and will soon be put up for sale to used for what purpose only God knows. Cremains of family members and loved ones interned in the Rose Garden will be removed. The place is no longer a sanctuary because there is no congregation to worship there or to call it home.

So yes, there has been struggle and sacrifice by this congregation. But, nearly to a person they have willingly paid the price to be free from such—what we see as apostasy and religious tyranny. But don’t expect despair and gloom when you come into the presence of the people of Holy Trinity Anglican Church. In our conversations we used to hear comments like “A church is not the stones,” or “the church is the people, not the steeple,” or to quote one Nigerian bishop, “let the bishop have the stones.”

Now you will encounter people who have as their personal vision to become Galatians 2:20 Christians who can boldly proclaim “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” You will encounter people whose mission in life is “To Know God and Make Him Known” to a community and society—even churches—who often don’t know God or who He is. Now you hear proclamations such as “We were delivered, not evicted,” and, “The best (for this body) is yet to come.” With this attitude and devotion to having Christ be the head of our church, this is a body of believers that cannot be defeated. They are building a church, with Jesus Christ at the center—the very core, that the “gates of hell will not prevail against.”

Perhaps this will give you somewhat of a flavor for what to expect in and of Holy Trinity Church. Perhaps these are people that you would like to learn more about and a church you would like to be associated with.

We will answer any question to the best of our ability and we will assist you in any way we can. [1]

God Bless!

Ken Clouse
Lay Administrator NEMRS

Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Soli Deo Gloria

[1]Fr. Don Helmandollar. Why We Left the Episcopal Church

Grieving the Holy Spirit

2009-05-27T10:38:00.025-04:00

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30 NKJV).

Forever I think, I have disagreed with the remark don't grieve the Holy Spirit. I realize Scripture instructs: "Don't grieve the Holy Spirit." Can this remark stand on it's own? Is there something more to this Scriptural text than meets the eye? God knows everything from beginning to end; it is by Him we exist. Can God be disappointed? Can God be surprised?

God the Holy Spirit lives in all the regenerated. He brings us unmarked by sin to God. We will live with God forever in purity. Finally, in my life, I have come across some teaching on the subject grieving the Holy Spirit.

It is not only corrupt speech (Eph. 4:29) that grieves the Holy Spirit (30). Lying (25) grieves the Spirit, for He is the Spirit of truth. Sinful anger (26-27) grieves the Spirit, for He is the Spirit of self-control. Stealing (28) grieves the Spirit, for He is the Spirit who works and enables us to labour honestly.The verse after our text lists other sins which grieve the Spirit: "bitterness," "wrath," "anger," "clamour," "evil speaking" and "malice"(31). These things are abhorred by the heavenly dove and drive Him away from our breasts.

Notice that these sins are sins against our brothers and sisters in the church. Do not lie, "for we are members one of another" (25). Do not steal but work in order to help those who are in need (28). Use wholesome, not corrupt, speech "that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (29). Instead of "bitterness," "malice," etc., we must be "kind one to another" (31-32). Thus the prohibition of sinful anger (26-27) especially deals with our fellow saints in the church. If you go to bed at night without confessing the evil of wrath against your brother or sister, you are not only giving place to the devil (26-27), you are also giving him room to work destruction through you in the church, the body of Jesus Christ. And you are grieving the Spirit, the Spirit of love and communion.

At this someone might protest, "I was bitter only towards my sister; I spoke harshly only to my brother; I sinned only in a particular area of my life. I did not realize that the Holy Spirit was involved. I did not intend to grieve Him!" You did not intend to, but you did. We must use the truth of Ephesians 4:30 (in its context) to fight against our iniquities, realising that it is not only that "corrupt speech" and all these other things transgress the law but also that they grieve the blessed Spirit. Surely, we do not wish to treat the Holy Spirit unkindly or disrespectfully, or displease Him. We do not want Him to withdraw or depart from us with the comforts of the gospel of Christ. We need Him. We pray for His presence with us. We love Him as God’s Spirit and Christ’s representative, who makes us enjoy the blessings of the covenant of grace.

The result of grieving the Holy Spirit is not the loss of salvation, for this would overthrow the preservation and perseverance of the saints. We are God’s inviolable property—past, present and future—"ye are sealed unto the day of redemption" (30). The Spirit, personally, is this seal.

The result of grieving the Holy Spirit is the loss of our assurance. This is the rationale of the text: "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." Grieving the Spirit results in His withdrawing from us His gracious operation of assurance as a seal (cf. Covenant Reformed News XII:8-9). Thus lying (25), sinful anger (26-27), stealing (28), corrupt speech (29), "bitterness," "wrath," "anger," "clamour," "evil speaking" and "malice" (31), as well as other sins, especially those against our fellow believers in the church, grieve the Spirit and cause us to lose our assurance.

Do you have assurance that you belong to Jesus Christ, that He died for your sins, that you were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, that you are His forever? If you do not, there is something wrong. Have you been grieving the Spirit by sinning against the saints? Repent, child of God, and believe in the power of the cross of Christ for forgiveness and sanctification!

When we grieve the Spirit, the Spirit grieves us; we are grieved too. You respond, "But Ephesians 4:30 does not say this!" Ah, but it logically follows. When we grieve the Spirit, He withdraws from us. Remember that He is the Comforter! Withdrawal of the Comforter means we lose comfort and thus experience sorrow and pangs of conscience—grief! Loss of assurance is itself grief. No longer convinced of the Father’s hearty love for you; not sure if you are His child; walking in spiritual darkness and coldness; what else is this but grief! It is grief too for your family, your fellow saints and your church’s office-bearers, who are to look after your spiritual health. Ultimately and by sheer grace, the Spirit brings us to the wholesome grief of true
repentance!

When Christians become deeply backslidden, especially if, for example, they sinfully stop attending church for some time, their whole lives become ones of grief. The Bible remains unread; they lose all joy from the communion of the saints. They are filled with guilt, losing all comfort and becoming deeply miserable. Sometimes they even waste their time and make things worse by going to secular psychologists, who try to alleviate their guilt in humanistic ways rather than pointing them to the cross of Christ. The grieved Christian may even sink to the depths of blaming God: "Look at the mess I’m in, and He does not do anything for me!" What about the atoning death of His Son? Is this not the central thing that He has done for us? "Why does He not assure me of His love?" He has written it in blood in the Scriptures, which tell us that His love is experienced as we walk in the light. "But He does not hear my prayers!" But what are you asking for? What about coming to Him with words such as these: "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee." The Father’s arms are stretched out for you; the fatted calf is ready; you will experience once again the formerly grieved Spirit as a seal of assurance and the blessed Comforter![1]

The remarks above do indeed bring some sense to, "Can a Christian Grieve the Holy Spirit?" Christians are not always obedient. God can never be pleased or disregard disobedience. Disobedience can only Grieve God the Holy Spirit.

We know Christians don't always love their brothers in Christ. They are not always honest. They don't always show compassion etc. Yes, God is not pleased! it is true Christians who continue in sin do indeed drift away from the sweetness of the presence of the Holy Spirit!

Was God pleased with the children of Israel who complained to Moses and God about being led into the wilderness, "We would have rather been left in Egypt as slaves, at least we had food they ranted"? God was very displeased with them, his people, the people of Israel, God was grieved by them! After we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of our redemption we can grieve the Holy Spirit.

Ken Clouse
Lay Administrator NEMRS

[1] Stewart, Angus. Grieving the Holy Spirit. Covenant Reformed News. Volume XII, Issue 13. May 2009

Free Sermon Downloads from Alastair Begg

2009-05-13T18:17:00.004-04:00

Alastair Begg's Truth for Life is offering free sermon downloads. Begg is an outstanding expository preacher. You will be challenged and encouraged.

https://store.truthforlife.org/index.php?main_page=advanced_search&multicat=1&categories_id=13,14&noprice=1

The Layman's Prayer Revival

2009-05-08T08:16:00.009-04:00

“Lord what wilt thou have me to do?” prayed Jeremiah Lanphier out of his passion for the salvation of the residents of New York City. On September 23, 1857, he knelt in prayer, alone, shortly after the noon hour. Lanphier’s intercession ascended from the upper lecture room of the Old North Dutch Reformed Church. His heart was broken for the purposeless, despondent masses of New Your. A single lay missionary, he had been wed to his ministry of personal evangelism, street preaching, and door-to-door witnessing. His burden for the throngs of people had forced him to his knees. Could he have ever imagined what would soon come about? Within a matter of months, more than fifty thousand people would gather daily for prayer! The Layman’s Prayer Revival proves Matthew Henry’s old saying: When God desires to do a fresh work, He sets His people to praying.

The power of prayer was demonstrated in the union prayer meetings inaugurated by Jeremiah Lanphier. Calls to prayer had begun in some denominations before the New York union meetings, but the most significant meeting began at the North Dutch Reformed Church on Fulton Street.

New York City was in deep spiritual decline. The old North Dutch Reformed Church downtown employed Jeremiah Lanphier to influence their area for the gospel. He had bee converted in the year 1842. He was a forty-year-old single businessman filled with enthusiasm. Like most leader of this revival Lanphier was primarily a layman.

Lanphier began his assignment on July 1, 1857. He put together a folder describing the church and commending his lay missionary work. He gave the folder to everyone he met. He passed out Bibles and tracts. While he found some success, he was overwhelmed at the enormity of the task. Thus, he prayed, “Lord what wilt thou have me to do?” This led him to a novel approach.
Lanphier had found prayer to be a great source of comfort. He had noticed how the businessmen were “hurrying along their way, often with care worn faces, and anxious, restless gaze.” He presented to the church board the idea of a prayer meeting for businessmen. Their response was less than enthusiastic, but they agreed to allow Lanphier to proceed. Determining that the noon hour was the most feasible time for prayer meeting, he printed and distributed a handbill publicizing the meeting. He promoted the meeting with great zeal.

Lanphier began praying alone at noon September 23, 1857. Soon one more joined Lanphier until by the end of the hour there were six. The following Wednesday there were 20, and on the third, 30-40. Those present determined to meet daily rather than weekly. On October 14 over 100 came. At this point many in attendance were unsaved persons, many of whom were under great conviction of sin. By the end of the second month three large rooms were filled. Prayer meetings were springing up all over the city and in other cities across the nation. The prayer meetings led to many conversions, and the revival was so popular that local papers reported the conversion numbers.

One of the most moving accounts came from Kalamazoo, Michigan:

At our very first meeting someone put in such a request as this: “A praying wife requests the prayers of this meeting for her unconverted husband, that he may be converted and made a humble disciple of the Lord Jesus.” All at once a stout burly man arose and said, “I am that man, I have a pious praying wife, and this request must be for me. I want you to pray for me.” As soon as he sat down, in the midst of sobs and tears, another man arose and said, “I am that man, I have a praying wife. She prays for me. And now she asked you to pray for me. I am sure I am that man, and I want you to pray for me.” Five other men made similar statements.

“The only place you’ll ever find power coming before prayer,” commented one elderly saint, “is in the dictionary.” The Layman’s prayer revival of 1857 bears this out. If God is stirring your hearts, pray for revival.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

This story comes from Malcolm McDow and Alvin Reid. Firefall How God has Shaped History through Revival (Wipf and Stock Publishers 1997)

Paul Helm's Blog

2009-05-02T13:11:00.006-04:00

Paul Helm is a Calvinist theologian and Teaching Fellow at Regent College in Canada since 2005. Helm is also a professor at Highland Theological College since 2007. He was the J.I. Packer Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Regent College from 2001-2005. Prior to these positions, Helm was Professor of the History and Philosophy of Religion, King's College, London, from 1993-2000. Helm earned his BA and MA from Oxford.[1]

Helm's blog is not your typical blog. His blogs are lengthy and substantive covering many subjects under the heading philosophical theology. Read, think, and enjoy: http://paulhelmsdeep.blogspot.com/

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

[1] from http://www.theopedia.com/Paul_Helm

A Clarification

2009-04-27T11:13:00.002-04:00

F.I.R.E. (Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals), which is a fellowship of churches like-minded with the Reformation Society, is not in any way affiliated with the Fire Conferences of Benny Hinn Ministries. It is just a strange coincidence (under God's providence, of course) that Benny Hinn is holding a "Fire Conference" in Indianapolis close to the FIRE National Conference in the Indianapolis area on May 18-20. For more information on FIRE, go to www.firefellowship.org.

God's Blessing

2009-04-26T20:02:00.010-04:00

My daughter sent this to me, I have decided to post it. Christian parents are a blessing, but Christian siblings(adult children) are a very big blessing.

The blessing of the Lord, it makes me rich and adds no sorrow to it.

I always thought of that as material or temporal. My brain rarely traveled beyond into the eternal or even in the emotional...until lately. Today is no exception. In fact, today is as an exclamation point on the fact that the Lord has blessed me.

My son, who is 8 years old (going on adult) helped the neighbor across the street, gathering flowers from an empty lot and planting. The neighbor paid Jason for his help by giving him whatever flowers he found he did not need.

Jason ran in with all the energy and excitement of 10 children, "Mom, Mom, guess what I got you..." he grabbed my hand and pulled me outside to show me his treasure.

That was a few days ago, yesterday, he brought home more flowers and an onion plant. Where I live, I am not permitted to have a garden, but an onion mixed in with the flowers probably won't be a problem. He wanted to know where I wanted the flowers. He decided on a spot, which I said would not work because of the clay all around. Besides, I was busy with other things and was not prepared to find a home for those plants.

This brings me to today, when he went to his neighbor and asked for help. With neighbor recruited and shovel in hand, Jason set about the job of planting my flowers and onion. Along with this, he and the neighbor weeded my front flower garden and pulled a couple bushes that I couldn't stand. My flower garden in the front is now ready for planting.

The blessing of the Lord truly does make rich. I am truly blessed.
written by Karlen Ann (Clouse) Jacobsen

Ken Clouse
Lay Leader
North East Michigan Reformation Society

The Christian Life

2009-04-22T00:31:00.006-04:00

I sure hope during my life as a Christian I am a blessing to those I meet. I read an article not long ago about the offices of the Church, the invisible and visible church. The writer claimed the gospel is properly proclaimed by pastors, teachers, evangelists and missionaries. The effects of the Gospel is lived out by Christians living in their neighborhoods and are not preachers of the Gospel. The writer made this claim, (I am still thinking about it,) he said “it’s not a requirement of members of the local church to preach the Gospel; it is required of local church members to live and be a testament of the Gospel.” This sure is different from what I have heard all my life. It’s been taught we are to know the Romans Road, to memorize verses for witnessing, to pass out tracts, to invite friends and neighbors to church etc.

Not so the writer claimed, Christians of the local church are to live a life demonstrating the characteristics of Christianity (regenerated men), of Godliness, of humility, of worship, of benevolence. We are to treat our neighbor as we treat our selves. We are to raise our children in godliness. We are to serve the body of Christ in humility.

How off the mark I think we may be, we the local church people. We have given up living the Christian life for the promoted activity (nearly every ministry promotes this) of carrying a big Bible telling everyone how they need Jesus. We are more than happy to point these folks to the correct place of worship, "now bow your head and repeat after me, and I will see you Sunday." It’s no wonder no one listens to us.

I think the writer may be correct it's not the job of the church member to be the minister, the evangelist, the missionary. The job of the church member is to live the Christian life. Seeing acts of godliness/holiness of us in our neighborhoods and our places of worship just might be the calling of the local Church/Christian (regenerated). My goal in life is not to be a good reader (I am not) or be anything else good. No, I desire not even to be a great soul winner. I do plead with God that He will make me a blessing, a caring person, and in my community a known God lover. To my church family, my friends, and most of all my wife, children, and siblings I pray God will keep me from falling so I may full fill the calling of a Christian. Note, I am not asking for God's help as if I can start and keep it up as best I can as if I may or may not need Him. No, I need God from beginning to end.

Here it is, My thinking altogether, I need Him (God) more and more.

You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?(Psalms 139:3-7)

Oh, Lord you have hedged me behind and before, You have laid your hand on me

Ken Clouse
Lay leader
North East Michigan Reformation Society

MacArthur's Sermons Available Online

2009-04-21T16:52:00.006-04:00

I was not sure if everyone knew this or not. John MacArthur's sermons are available online at http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons. You can read, listen, download, and purchase his sermons. This is an excellent biblical resource.

Blogging the Institutes

2009-04-21T16:35:00.010-04:00

I know we are behind on this, but I just found out that the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is blogging the Institutes. They have a reading for each day and a blog from various writers summarizing the reading. The blogs are good reading on their own.

You can find this blog either by following the link to the right for the Alliance blog or start on todays reading here http://www.reformation21.org/calvin/2009/04/blog-76-21110-21114.php.

Pursuing Holiness 2

2009-04-16T12:07:00.009-04:00

“Pursue holiness…without [holiness] no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14
NKJV).

In an earlier blog, we discovered that the above verse functions as a warning to believers not to give up the pursuit of holiness. The pursuit of holiness becomes an indicator of one’s spiritual life. If one gives up the pursuit of holiness he is revealing his lack of faith in Christ. But, the person who continues this pursuit in spite of the difficulty shows that he does have faith in Christ. However, still another question arises from this verse, that is, if I am going to pursue holiness, what is holiness?

The technical theological term for pursuing holiness and the process is sanctification. The Westminster divines address this question in question 36, “What is sanctification? Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.”[1] This definition implies that sanctification is a process that takes place over one’s entire life and affects one’s whole life. It is “both a status and condition”[2] The believer's status before God is perfect righteousness because of Christ’s death. “However, this status does not mean that the believer is in a wholly sanctified condition.” Martin Luther expressed this truth with the Latin phrase simul justus et peccator (“at once righteous and a sinner”). Believers will remain in this condition until they reach heaven because “sanctification is never complete in this life…Yet, as Thomas Boston notes, the work of sanctification will progress in us because ‘of the continued application of the blood of Christ to the believer by the Spirit.’” Thomas Watson adds, “’If [sanctification] does not grow it is because it does not live.’”

The Puritans used the term universal to describe the complete change that sanctification effects. “Everything is to be sanctified. Holiness…affects our privacy with God, the confidentiality of our homes, the competitiveness of our work, the pleasures of social friendship, and our Lord’s Day worship. No time is exempt.” The change is not only universal, but it is also “inward” and “moral” as 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Galatians 5:22-23 suggest.

Sanctification involves both “[dying] unto sin” or mortification and “living unto righteousness” or vivification. “Mortification… involves putting to death every form of sin…watching and praying against any sinful habits in such a way that, whenever a bad impulse arises, you immediately recognize what is happening and ask the Lord for strength to refuse it.”

“Vivification is being quickened from the heart to do God’s will” (See Heb 13:20, 21). In other words, one is seeking grace to live in obedience to God’s Law, which is received through the means of grace (the Word, prayer, and worship) both privately and corporately. Perfect righteousness or holiness is described in God’s Law. Therefore, one must perfectly follow the Law of God to be righteous or holy. However, we must remember that God’s Law does not make us righteous or sanctified. Only Christ through faith makes one righteous, and a believer behaves righteously because of being made righteous. Thus, one’s status affects his condition.

If we are going to pursue holiness, we must seek the grace from God and mortify every sin that creeps into our lives so that every area of our life is holy to the Lord. The Word of God, prayer, and worship are the ways God works to apply grace to the hearts of his people. To be holy, we must make use of these means of grace on a regular basis both privately and corporately.

[1] Westminster Shorter Catechism. Q.35 available @ http://www.reformed.org/documents/wsc/index.html
[2] This blog is a summary of two chapters entitled Sanctification in Puritan Thought and Practice from Beeke, Joel R. Living for God’s Glory An Introduction to Calvinism (Reformation Trust 2008) all quotes unless otherwise noted are from Beeke. This excellent introduction to Calvinism is available @ http://www.heritagebooks.org/bookstore/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9347

A Christian Musician Explains the Importance of Theology!

2009-04-12T18:00:00.012-04:00

I have been a fan of Steve Green, the Christian recording artist, for a long time. I appreciate and have been greatly blessed by his music. To my surprise [1], Steve Green on his online journal was discussing a question from Michael Horton's book Christless Christianity. One person responded that "Paul condemned theology. What has theology produced? It has produced nothing but confusion, divisions, and denominations. What has theology produced in you? Only distractions from Jesus." The following is Steve Green response.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. To some of your ideas I would say a hearty ‘amen’. You are right in suggesting that much of the church has shied away from the simplicity of the gospel, the message of the cross. John Stott wrote a great book calling for a return to the centrality of the cross.

Where I would differ with you is in your opinion about theology. Historically, theology has included faithful knowing, thinking and acting. Bromiley wrote that, “theology is that which is thought and said about God. True theology is thus given by the Bible itself as the revelation of God in human terms.” While God’s Word is objective, our reflections of God’s Word are always human and thus relative and not infallible or inspired. Still, we must wrestle with the difficult questions of life, thinking through our faith. It is true that some theological environments have been sterile and cold. Others have specialized in questionable and secondary concerns. There are also those who think it’s all just subjective interpretation and no one really knows. These objections should remind us of our utter dependence upon God, the need to hold our views lightly and humbly, but at the same time, not deter us from the hard task of diligent study. Martin Luther stated, “The primary purpose of the truth of theology is not to divide, nor to unite, but to discover and protect the truth.”

Our faith is in Jesus, but when we talk about Him we are concerned with doctrine. Doctrine is not about ideas, but about realities, persons and events. As we study God’s grand story as revealed in the pages of Scripture, we are bound to reflect on God’s declaration of His character, will and ways. While my theological perspective must be open to correction, I still hold that theology is a disciplined study that seeks to proclaim the truth about Jesus, but also studies the proper response to who Jesus is [2].

Amen.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

[1] I was surprised because in my limited experience it is normally Christian artists who are decrying doctrine and theology. Steve's response is refreshing.
[2]Read this journal entry and others here: http://stevegreenministries.org/journal/?p=91#comments

Pursuing Holiness

2009-04-08T15:07:00.005-04:00

“Pursue holiness…without [holiness] no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14 NKJV).

This passage of Scripture could very easily cause many Christians to despair of ever making heaven his home because we know intuitively that no person is absolutely holy. The Christian life is fraught with dangers, which trip up even the best believers. In light of this verse, how can one have any assurance of his eternal destiny?

The first clause in this verse is the command to pursue holiness, and the second clause gives the reason one should follow the command. Consequently, the function of the passage is not to suggest that one must earn his right to eternal life by pursuing a life of holiness; rather, it functions as a warning to believers not to give up the pursuit of holiness. The pursuit of holiness becomes an indicator of one’s spiritual life. If one gives up the pursuit of holiness he is revealing his lack of faith in Christ. But, the person who continues this pursuit in spite of the difficulty shows that he does have faith in Christ.

However, understanding this does not necessarily solve the dilemma because believers are often blind to their progress in holiness. John Calvin encourages those who do not see much progress in holiness though they pursue it: “But seeing that, in this earthly prison of the body, no man is supplied with strength sufficient to hasten in his course with due [eagerness], while the greater number are so oppressed with weakness, that hesitating, and halting, and even crawling on the ground, they make little progress, let every one of us go as far as his humble ability enables him, and prosecute the journey once begun. No one will travel so badly as not daily to make some degree of progress. This, therefore, let us never cease to do, that we may daily advance in the way of the Lord; and let us not despair because of the slender measure of success. How little soever the success may correspond with our wish, our labour is not lost when to-day is better than yesterday, provided with true singleness of mind we keep our aim, and aspire to the goal, not speaking flattering things to ourselves, nor indulging our vices, but making it our constant endeavour to become better, until we attain to goodness itself. If during the whole course of our life we seek and follow, we shall at length attain it, when relieved from the infirmity of flesh we are admitted to full fellowship with God.”[1]

Let us not forget, as well, that while believers must pursue holiness, attaining it is not ultimately dependent on human effort but on Jesus Christ. Paul informs believers that “[Jesus Christ] became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification [or holiness] and redemption.”[2] Believers become holy through faith in Christ through the use of the means of grace (prayer, Bible, and worship); therefore, pursuing holiness is actually pursuing Christ. This is the reason the author of Hebrews charges believers to “fix… [their] eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.”[3]

A believer should not despair of making heaven his home if he is not perfectly holy. One may rest assured of his heavenly destiny if he is pursuing holiness through faith in Christ even if his progress is minimal. However, beware that assurance does not turn into complacency and so turn one from the pursuit of holiness without which he will not see the Lord.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

[1] Calvin, John. The Institutes of the Christian Religion (Hendrickson 2005) 3.6.5 A special thanks to John Botkin for pointing this passage from Calvin out to me and inspiring this post. See his article @ http://deadtheologian.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/the-slow-steady-fight-for-holiness/
[2] 1 Corinthians 1:30 NKJV
[3] Hebrews 12:2 NASB

Labels

2009-04-07T02:21:00.004-04:00

I don’t like labels. One of the most notable labels in the Protestant church is Arminanism and Calvinism.But I don’t like labels many say; well that’s not the point. What we like or want is not what it’s all about. Whether we like it or not we all take a position doctrinally if we read Scripture. We become labeled. Protestants whether we like it or not live with the attachment of the two words above Arminian or Calvinist.

One of the most popular arguments for not being a Calvinist is "I don’t follow man". My doctrine is not man made. Following Calvin makes me a Calvinist. I am Bible that’s all. That’s it. This is a nonsensical statement. Interestingly, Arminians never claim to follow man but do in fact follow the doctrines of Arminius, James Arminius.

Also, it is more spiritual to be Arminian than Calvinistic. The reason is, it is more spiritual to choose God, to fight for God, and to keep following God on our own by our will. Calvinists who are less spiritual actually believe man cannot come to God of his own will, cannot follow God on his own, and that God helps man by the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit giving man the power to do the will of God. And, Calvinists believe God preserves man until the end of his life. That it is by the power of God that man is brought into eternal life. This is considered by Arminians to be less than spiritual. Can it be imagined?

I have often heard the remark, I wouldn’t consider myself a Calvinist. I am just a Christian. There seems to be an embarrassment calling oneself a Calvinist. In the end, one cannot escape the fact that protestants are one or the other, Arminian or Calvinist(By the way, there are no 4-point Calvinists).

Now here is what it’s all about. In the year of 1618 the remonstrants (a strong expression of protest, a formal statement of grievances) were made by James Arminius a Dutch seminary professor and his followers. They insisted that the Belgic Confession of Faith and the Heidelberg Catechism be changed to conform to the the Remonstrants. Now here it is, the five points of Arminiansm. This is how the five points of Calvinism originated.

The five points of Arminians are as follows:

1. God elects or reproves on the basis of foreseen faith or unbelief
2. Christ died for all men and for every man although only believers are saved.
3. Man is not so depraved that divine grace is necessary unto faith or any good deed.
4. Grace may be resisted
5. Those who believe and are truly saved can lose their salvation by failing to keep up their faith. (Some Arminians believe in eternal security)

The Synod of Dort in 1618 rejected the five points of the Armenians as heretical teaching. The remonstrants were rejected. The Synod of Dort reaffirmed a system of theology in response to the five points of Arminius submitted by the remonstrants and has been since known as the five points of Calvinism. John Calvin did not write the five points of Calvinism (John Calvin 1509-1564 note his date of birth and death). Fifty-four years after the death of John Calvin the five points of Calvinism come on the scene. So, don’t blame John Calvin for the five points of Calvinism. Usually this long after the death of a person, he is long forgotten. Evidently, a standard was set by the teaching of John Calvin among those refuting the remonstrants of Joseph Arminius.

The five points of Calvinism issued by the Synod of Dort in 1618 are as follows

1. Total depravity - The Sinner is spiritually dead, blind, and deaf to the things of God; his heart is deceitful and desperately corrupt. His will is not free but is in bondage to his sinful nature.
2. Unconditional Election - God chose individuals unto salvation before the foundation of the world. The complete choice was based upon God’s own sovereign will. The choice was not based upon foreseen faith or repentance but was a gift to those whom He selected. This glorious election was determined not by any condition or virtue in man but entirely upon the good pleasure of God’s grace.
3. Limited Atonement - Christ’s redeeming work was intended for the elect alone. The substitutionary work of Christ upon the cross endured the penalty for our sin.
4. Irresistible Grace - The Holy Spirit extends the call to the elect, a special work of grace that brings salvation. The Spirit irresistibly draws sinners to Christ to be saved. The spirit is not dependent upon man’s response or cooperation at all.
5. Perseverance of the Saints - All those who are redeemed by Christ have been given faith by the power of God and thus preserve to the end.

J.I. Packer clarifies, "The difference between Calvinism and Arminianism is not primarily one of emphasis, but of content. One proclaims a God who saves, and the other speaks of God who enables man to save himself. Calvinism presents the three great acts of the Holy Trinity for the recovering of lost mankind. Election by the Father, redemption by the Son, calling by the Spirit as directed towards the same persons, and as securing their salvation infallibly."

Packer continues, "It is very important not to equate Calvinism with merely five points because it tends to obscure the organic character of Calvinistic thought on this subject. Although the five points are really inseparable, they stand together. If you reject one you are really rejecting them all. The major point of Calvinistic soteriology is concerned with the fact that sinners do not save themselves in any sense at all. To God be the glory; Amen."

I wish for all reading this to really look at the five points of Calvinism and ask are these arguable points in my life? I believe after giving careful thought each Christian would say yes they are. Who can truly say, I saved my self by my decision, and I keep my self by my merit. Who is good enough? Who truly seeks God? Scripture teaches there is none righteousness no one seeks after God.

I am not saying I want people to become Calvinists. I am saying if anyone wishes Bible doctrine that is tight and beautiful and holy and God centered then check the two five point systems out. Do you want a God that saves by His power or a God that is dependant on man?

This is the God that saves to the uttermost.

And as Isaiah said before: “Unless the LORD of Sabaoth had left us a seed, We would have become like Sodom,And we would have been made like Gomorrah” (Rom. 9:29)
Meaning, He is the Lord of the hosts of armies of the heavens. He rules the world and He will reign. He alone saves by His power, by God the father, by God the Son, and by God the Spirit. Thus the doctrine of the Arminians were labeled as heretical and rightly so.

Ken Clouse
Lay leader
North East Michigan
Reformation Society

Arminian Version of Amazing Grace

2009-03-27T10:47:00.007-04:00

I found this on The World from Our Window blog. You can access this site by means of the link to the right under the heading Sites Worth Seeing. Steve Camp is the author of this revision of Amazing Grace.

Amazing Graceworks! How sweet the sound
that saved a blissful bloke like me
I was kinda lost, but now I'm found
Was a bit blind, but now I see

Twas graceworks that taught my heart to cheer
the best that lied within;
And it was graceworks that calmed my fears
And conquered all my sin

Both God and I have done our part
To make redemption mine
My freewill faith removed my stoney heart
And earned me eternal life

So when we’ve been there ten thousand years
'Cause of all the graceworks we have done
We’ve no less days to share God's praise
Than when we first begun

2009-03-24T08:13:00.002-04:00

The following is taken from Arthur Sido's blog: (FYI, I will be attending the pre-conference as well as the main PCRT conference).

As a sponsor of CALVIN 500, an international event honoring Calvin in Geneva this July (see here), Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary will also be hosting a follow-up conference August 27-29 on the theme, "Calvin for the 21st Century." The conference will be held at the Prince Center in Grand Rapids, which offers first-class accommodations. The conference will feature nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers such as Jerry Bilkes, Ligon Duncan, Michael Haykin, Nelson Kloosterman, David Murray, Joseph Pipa, Neil Pronk, Donald Sinnema, Derek Thomas, and Cornel Venema. They will be addressing a variety of ways in which Calvin can assist us in understanding the Word of God, the love of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, redemption, reforming the church, ethics, the benefits of salvation, and reprobation.

Joel Beeke is also speaking. Should be a good one, and the price is right at $65 if you register by June 26th. I wonder if I can talk my wife into another conference this year?

As a special treat for book hounds, they are having a deal on books at the conference as well...

Our non-profit conference bookstore - Reformation Heritage Books - will sell many substantive titles at low prices. All RHB and Soli Deo Gloria titles will sell for 50% off the retail price! Don't forget to budget for books! Not only are you be able to purchase books at the conference center, you are welcome to visit RHB at their store located just minutes away.

JG

A NORTH EAST MICHIGAN REFORMATION SOCIETY

2009-03-21T08:57:00.005-04:00

A PRESENTATION OF JOHN CALVIN‘S INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION By Gary Meharg, Elder

APRIL 25, 2009

CHRIST OUR LIFE CHURCH

(Formerly Curran Baptist Church)

2125 North M-65

Curran, Michigan

11.00 am - 3:00 pm

Lunch will be at 12:00 noon

There is a suggested donation of $10.00 each person to cover materials and lunch.We will need an actual count of those planning to attend.Conference materials and food need to be planned for. Please RSVP to:5700ken@centurytel.net

"Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct" (Heb. 13:7).

An excellent quote from Piper

2009-03-15T03:00:00.000-04:00

. . .a Reformed position mainly means, God is really big, really strong, really powerful, really knowledgeable, really wise, really great, really weighty, and he is going to be big in this service, and we're going to make a big deal out of God here. There are a lot of born-again Arminian people who like that. It's because they don't see the implications of their theology.

- John Piper

(This quote is from a larger article responding to the question of how a Reformed-leaning pastor can function in an Arminian-leaning environment. I commend the entire article to you).

New Reformed Search Engine

2009-03-14T10:01:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to make everyone aware of a new internet resource. This link was just sent to me, and I haven't fully investigated it (nor am I sure how it exactly works). Essentially it appears to be an internet search engine specifically for all things "Reformed".

Use and enjoy!

http://reformedsearch.solideogloria.com/

- Josh Gelatt

He is Precious

2009-03-09T02:02:00.007-04:00

Last week my wife and I had the pleasure once more of taking in an opera. As operas go except for only a few, they are tragic love affairs. Madam Butterfly, the opera we saw, is no exception it is a tragic love affair. A 15-year-old Japanese geisha girl is betrothed to an American Naval officer while stationed in Japan. She innocently accepts this American Consulate arranged marriage as an honorable union. A friend warns the naval officer “be careful she trusts you,” two times he is warned, “be careful she trusts you.”

Well, the naval officer ships off back home to the USA leaving his betrothed promising to return. For four years, this young woman now age 19 with a son waits for the return of her husband. She checks the harbor for American ships, visually she checks for the red, white and blue flag, the American flag. She has been blessed to be married to an American. Americans are honorable, and they don’t leave their wives.

Her marriage cost her dearly; her family disowned her when she chooses the religion of her husband and the customs of her husband. Struggling to provide food for herself and her child, her old profession comes to mind. No she says. She will not be anything but honorable. She will not return to dishonor. She has been freed from that. She will die of starvation before she will return to the geisha’s.

One day a ship arrives with an American Flag; it’s a naval ship. Excitedly, she gets her home ready for the return of her American husband. The wait was worth it after all. When the officers friend (the friend who warned “be careful she trusts you”) came from the harbor ahead of her husband and found her (former geisha girl) joyously busy being ready. The commonly accepted news (in the past) was horrifying for him to give. She was so innocent, so honest, so devoted. Madam Butterfly is confronted first by the wife of her American husband (The naval officer went back to America and married an American girl). The marriage of the geisha girl to the American Naval Officer meant nothing to him; this was convenience only. There is now no home for her son with his father. She, the geisha girl, takes her own life so her son can go with his father and have a mother and father.

Now, how on earth could any one be so cruel, so thoughtless? That poor geisha girl, but who really suffered here? My opinion is the real tragedy is about the deceiver. How can he live with what he did? How can he make it right? How many apologies can he give and everything be made okay? It can never be made okay in his case. His guilt resides with him forever. If his heart is so cold he has no guilt, then he is a wasted miserable man.

What happened to the girl is horrible; it is true, but she had honor. The man had no honor. To live without honor, I cannot imagine.

Sitting watching the end of this opera, my mind went to Peter. Check these words out:

Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, "This man was also with him." But he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly (Luke 22:54-62).

This is a well-known story; you know it I am sure. Check out the reaction of Jesus, “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” What do you suppose went through the mind of Peter? Did Peter have a soft heart? What miserable disappointment he must have had in his heart. How horribly cowardly Peter turned out to be (a coward like the sailor). How could he be forgiven for such a betrayal? Their eyes met. He promised so many times. He said I love you; you are the Christ he claimed. I will go with you to death Peter promised. What could Peter say looking into the eyes of Jesus? Horrified, I suppose. I would be.

Is there any way for Peter to be redeemed? I wonder if Peter thought so. I would imagine he thought he was finished. He did go away and wept bitterly. I am sure he thought he was finished. I am sure he thought he would have to live with this guilt for the rest of his life, and he would have except the one Peter was dealing with had the power to forgive, regenerate, and cleanse. He cleanses from all unrighteousness. I believe the reaction by most to the Peter denying Jesus history is "poor Jesus." Peter treated Him unfairly. I think it was much different than that. I believe that Peter was the victim. He had no escape from his failure. He turned against the Lord, and Peter lost all creditability. Peter must have felt there was no hope for himself.

Here is what Peter learned in his bitter weeping:

Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” and“A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy (1-Peter 2:7-10 ).

Peter in his weeping found Jesus to be precious; he believed. No longer was he disobedient. He no longer rejected Jesus. No longer was Jesus an offense. No longer was he disobedient to the Word. He became supported by the Word of God. He could now say he was a chosen generation, a royal priesthood of a holy nation, even God’s own special person, who was called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Jesus sees all of us. We all are in or were in darkness. We need to repent and trust Him. Not as one who is offensive, but trust Him as the Savior who promises forgiveness of all sins and promises life everlasting. A new life not free of hardship but a life of unbelievable joy.

Always love Jesus.

Ken Clouse
Lay Leader
North Michigan Reformation society

Do we need 2 Chronicles 7:14?

2009-03-02T00:47:00.006-05:00

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

One of the first verses of Scripture I learned early in my Christian life was the one above. It was in Bible School, Central Bible College, Springfield, Mo. (1959) This verse was drilled home to everyone, everyday, all the time. I, a new Christian, wondered what this was all about. Why the emphasis? I could not imagine a Christian needing this verse of Scripture tattooed on their forearm, their forehead, their hand, their tongue, on their brain and everywhere else.

A Christian being delivered from death and brought to life surely doesn't need to be reminded of the saving power of our Lord Jesus every day all the time does he?
Since those days I discovered the preciousness of the above Scripture. Many, many times I have used the verse above. Many, many times I have turned to God when I felt like doing the other. Thank God, by His power, His providence, I called upon him again and again. Believe me, He has always been there (I know, some would say "right He is there", well, yes He is there, He is really there, for sure).

No book on positive thinking, of bondage breaking, of a great awakening, of post modernism, of the next reformation, of being purpose driven, or an emergent manifesto has had an effect on my life like 2 Chronicles 7:14 has. Yes I am His; yes, He has healed me, and yes I have had to humble myself, pray, and call on His Name. And, yes, He has made me well from my sickness this fallow ground, this heart that still needs work on.

This I know for sure, I would not trade being a Christian. I would not trade knowing God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit even if it meant adding one moment to my life here.

I drive by the spot where I became a Christian periodically. Each time a joy, a tearful joy comes to my heart. I cannot speak. I am overwhelmed at this regeneration I received that day. The day I first talked with God I remember like it was yesterday.

The following is an alert from a man burdened over the direction of the Assemblies of God denomination, the denominational school where 2 Chronicles 7:14 was drilled in my head.

This is hard to believe. A denomination committed to the Scriptures has decided being committed to Scripture is not enough or necessary. Should 2 Chronicles be tattooed on our hand, forearm, forehead, tongue, our brain? Yes, very definitely, it should. God forgive us of our sins, our churches, our pastors, our seminaries. Our theologians have disregarded Your Word. The Assemblies of God, full of the Holy Ghost people, are dependent on anything but the Holy Ghost today.

Contemplative Prayers Seminars at Central Assembly

Greetings in the Name of Our LORD Jesus Christ,

It has been reported to me by very recent members of Central Assembly of God, our flagship church, the church where many of the A/G bigwigs attend, that Pastor Jim Bradford has hosted a Willow Creek 40 Days of Prayer seminar AND that he has scheduled a highly visible proponent of contemplative prayer to speak at Central Assembly. In fact, I verified with Central Assembly's own web site that Pastor Bradford is "so excited" to present Brennan Manning in conference starting January 30th , 2009. Just pay 25 bucks and you too can be part of this exclusive event!

NOTE: Brennan Manning's engagement at Central was cancelled 'due to [his] eye surgery.' You can verify this at Mr. Manning's own web site, BrennanManning.com. I have a screen capture of Manning's event web page as proof. And the point is not whether the event was held at Central but that it was even scheduled in the first place.

I can only logically conclude one of two things here: first, I would have to question Jim Bradford's discernment, or second, I would wonder whether Jim Bradford is not a dupe of the Rick Warrens, Brian McLarens and Earl Crepses out there, but rather a fellow disciple of the New Age (Old Hinduism). Neither alternative would be good. In the first case, a shepherd who has no warning bells go off when a wolf is near, is a danger to his flock and ought to be replaced. But, in this instance, Jim Bradford is inviting the wolf right into his sheepfold. In the second case, we have a hireling fattening his flock for the wholesale kill by Satan himself. God will not allow the introduction of Hinduism (an age old practice of inviting demons to enter into one's empty mind and daily activities) into our churches without punishment.

Why do I say Hinduism? Because contemplative prayer is simply a 21st century renaming of Transcendental Meditation, the Hindu practice of clearing one's mind to allow demons to enter in and "speak" Contemplative prayer (CP) is putting oneself into a trance. NOWHERE in the Bible is there any mention of putting oneself into a trance. The ONLY trances mentioned are those induced by God Himself! In CP, the practitioner EMPTIES their mind. When God puts us into a trance, He FILLS our mind with His thoughts and His WORD. Think on this: in nature, whose boundaries were set by God at Creation, any empty vessel makes itself prone to be filled by the next and nearest opportunity. For instance, a city built below sea level is fine as long as the levies that surround it hold. But, as in Katrina and New Orleans, when the levies broke, the sea rushed in and mixed with the sewage creating uninhabitable space. And finally, emptying our minds is disobedience to God's command in Philippians 4:8 to "THINK on these things" referring to a list of traits which concretely describe the character of God Himself. Scripturally, I could go on and on.

Jim Bradford, you have polluted God's house and for that you will be judged. There will be consequences just like those listed in several places in Jeremiah for the pastors who lead His people astray. Please repent before your soul is required of you. I'd hate to be in your shoes if you died without repentance. And then God listed all the souls who were making Hell their eternal abode because you chose to follow another gospel besides the one outlined by Jesus Christ and Paul. And you influenced those souls into Hell.

What is it Jim? A big job or a bad judgment? Heady numbers or Hell next? Leadership books or learning your Bible? Read the story of Nathan the prophet talking to King David about murdering Uriah so he can commit adultery with Uriah's wife. Nathan's punchline to King David is eternally applicable to the man who has everything from God but decides that isn't good enough and gets sloppy in his walk. Jim Bradford, YOU are the man!

Members of Central Assembly, are you going to allow a man who converses with demons (Brennan Manning), and will be encouraging you to do so as well (clever servant of the Serpent [Mr. Manning won't say that is what he is doing or that you will be doing] he'll wrap his whole speech around Jesus, love and peace and emotionally appealing stories--all the while telling you damnable lies), to enter Central Assembly? Are you going to continue to retain as your pastor someone who either can't discern the truth from a lie or is living a lie right from your pulpit? God will not hold you guiltless if you do nothing! And for some of you, walking away without saying anything to the board, the pastor, and your pew neighbors is tantamount to doing nothing since you will be feeding your fellow congregation members to the wolves. I'm not saying don't leave. Central was way down the New Age path even before this. I'm am saying, if God is speaking to you to speak to "them" before you leave, then you must obey. Are you even listening for God's "still, small voice"? Or are we all more loyal to our churches and our A/G leadership than to God?

Even So Quickly Come LORD Jesus!

Brother
Mike http://savetheag.com/2009/a_conprayersca.html

Ken Clouse
Lay Leader
N.E. Mi. Ref. Soc.

Considering Converting to Arminianism

2009-02-18T22:14:00.003-05:00

I found this at the following link. One of the comments provides an explanation for this very odd statement. http://www.reformationtheology.com/2009/02/bill_clinton_the_calvinist.php

Reformation Society Meeting

2009-02-12T14:51:00.006-05:00

February 27th at 6 pm

Calvary Baptist Church

2902 E. F-30. Mikado, MI

The North East Michigan Reformation Society will meet at Calvary Baptist Church for our Reformation Bible Study. For further information including phone number and email adress go to Calvary Baptist's web page http://www.cbcmikado.com/.

The Scripture passage we will be studying together is Hebrews 6:1-8. Everyone will participate by asking questions of the three presenters and coming to conclusions (application) together; so, everyone should study this passage to be prepared. If there are any who cannot attend but would like to ask questions, please, feel free to email me. I will be sure your questions are brought to the pastors. The teachers for this Reformation Bible study will be Pastor Dave Sarafolean of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church, Pastor David Dee of Christ Our Life Church, and Pastor Gary Page of Edwards Community Church.

Everyone is welcome pastors, elders, deacons, their wives, and all who love the Scripture's.

Soli Deo Gloria
Ken Clouse
5700ken@centurytel.net.

John Calvin

2009-02-02T03:00:00.005-05:00

This year 2009 is the 500th birthday of John Calvin. Calvinism seems the rage of today. Maybe it’s because of Calvin‘s 500th birthday. A birthday gift I guess, an honorable mention maybe, this year we all will be Calvinists! Let me warn everyone though not all Calvinists are Calvinists!

I have read remarks by newspaper columnists “this pastor has taken the doctrinal position of Calvinism, he is preaching Total Depravity.”Another TV preacher openly claims, "I am a Calvinist." Total depravity is his total description of Calvinism “I am a Calvinist” he is void however of Calvin‘s convictions in his ministry.

To be an adherent of Calvinism some believe it is essential to subscribe to the following acrostic T.U.L.I.P: total depravity of man, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints. When thinking of Calvinism men stumble at these five points. They loose their footing at the very beginning of Calvinism. Wow, do they have problems with the 5 points above, especially with limited atonement. Going through these five points is like a runner jumping the hurdles. On one or more of the five points it’s easy to catch your foot on the obstacle of humanism (human based morality).

In my opinion, there is no Calvinism with out "all" the five points above. But even so, this is still just a small beginning (part) of Calvinism, believe me the five points of Calvinism is not Calvinism totally. One must read the Institutes of the Christian Religion and Calvin‘s Commentaries of the Holy Scripture. Calvinism is a total love for God breathed Scripture. Calvinism is a total lack of fear of Scripture. Calvinism is holiness toward God. Calvinism is "God Supreme."

Read Calvin's commentaries on the Scriptures, read his Harmony of the Law. Read his Institutes of the Christian Religion. Read his Of Prayer-A perpetual Exercise of Faith. Calvinism is more than the five points. Read it all. You will love Calvinism i.e Bible Theology. You can find Calvin's writings at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/?show=works.

Ken Clouse

Resources from the Gospel Coalition

2009-01-15T09:37:00.003-05:00

The Gospel Coalition has made available several hundred sermons, conference lectures, interviews, and articles by dozens of conservative Evangelical pastors and scholars. Many are names familiar to us all (Carson, Duncan, Piper, Dever, Driscoll, Lutzer, Begg, etc), and many were completely new to me. The sermons are indexed both by topic and scripture reference. They are also downloadable (for you ipod guys).

5 Solas RC Sproul

2009-01-13T18:55:00.005-05:00

Dr. Sproul is currently doing a series on the five solas entitled God Alone. You can listen to this series on the Ligonier ministry website: http://www.ligonier.org/.

Reciting the Prayer Jesus taught His disciples and creeds

2009-01-10T23:17:00.006-05:00

"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our
daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
(Matthew 6:7-13 NKJV)

Here it is “do not use vain repetitions”. Well at least don’t be repetitive. This is why we don’t recite the prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray in our worship services. These words will become commonplace and we have been warned about being repetitious. We will not recite this portion of Scripture. Could it be it sounds too high church?

Sometimes we recite the Psalms, or read the dark black and the lighter words from the back of the hymnal, this is fine. As for Matthew 6:7-13 no way! Christian assemblies who don’t recite Matthew 6:7-13 interestingly don’t usually recite the Creeds either.

I wonder what’s the real objection for not praying the prayer Jesus taught His disciples, or the Creeds? It’s not the prayer nor the creeds; it must be the person reciting. He is in disagreement with the statements below evidently.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and
earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell. [See Calvin] The third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

The following is used by permission of David Dee, pastor of Christ our Life Church, Curran, Michigan.This is a part of the constitution of this assembly of believers and is directly quoted from it. Here is the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray:

As we go throughout our life as a Christian on Earth in this present World, wanting and needing to know and experience the character and capabilities of God in our moment by moment walk with Him as our Creator, Lord and savior;-remember that Jesus has taught us to pray in such a way so that as we “hallow” our Heavenly Father’s Name, we will always be able to trust and rest in the “fullness” of the true and real “meaning” of all that God is, and all that God does, in our life as His Child!

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, (Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV) "Jehova-Nissi” The-Lord-Is-My-Banner (Exodus 17:15)
Hallowed be Your name. (God’s character is holy).

Your kindom come. “Jehovah-shammah” The-Lord-is-There (Ezekiel 48:35)

Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. “Jehovah-shalom” The-Lord-is-Peace (Judges 6:24)

Give us this day our daily bread. “Jehovah-Jireh” The-Lord-Will-Provide (Genesis 22:14)

And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. “Jehovah-Rapha” The-Lord-Who-Heals (Exodus 15:26)

And do not lead us into temptation, “Jehovah-ra “Ah” The-Lord-Is-My-Shepherd (Psalms 23:1)

But deliver us from the evil one. “Jehovah-Tsidqenuw” The-Lord-Our-Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. God’s capabilities are kingly, [God is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords]; - and, God’s capabilities are all powerful, and infinitely glorious.

Now folks, really what is the problem? The prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray is not the problem.

The argument that either is vain or repetitious is unacceptable, remembering: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You" (Psa. 119:11).

Really, this is about the dumbest statement of a Christian “I have repeated it so often it (the Word) has become commonplace and has lost it’s meaning.” If anyone feels reading Scripture repeatedly looses it’s power and effectiveness check out Hebrews 4:12 and Psalms 119:11.

In public worship, please, find another argument for omitting the prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray and the lack of reciting the Creeds.

Ken Clouse

The Pope, Global Warming, and Homosexuality

2008-12-24T07:59:00.004-05:00

"The tropical forests do deserve our protection. But man, as a creature, does not deserve any less," [Pope] Benedict told scores of prelates gathered in the Vatican's Clementine Hall.

"What’s needed is something like a ‘human ecology,’ understood in the right sense. It’s not simply an outdated metaphysics if the Church speaks of the nature of the human person as man and woman, and asks that this order of creation be respected." [1]

I do not know whether to laugh, cry, or say amen to the above quotes. It is good to know that the Roman Catholics are following the Scriptures in condemning homosexuality. However, I wonder is the Pope comparing homosexuality to destroying the environment because he is attempting to communicate the horribleness of sin to a culture which has little understanding of sin and believes environmental destruction is the cardinal sin. Or, does the Pope really believe that destroying the environment is comparable to the sin of homosexuality? Either way the effect is the same biblical truth has been compromised. The Pope has altered biblical truths to communicate to the culture, or the Roman Church has caved to the culture.

Certainly, everyone would agree that we should be good stewards of the blessings God has given us, including our planet. However, to equate homosexuality and environmental irresponsibility seems to trivialize the sinfulness of homosexuality.

Sexual immorality in general and homosexuality in particular are pointed out in Scripture as exceptionally sinful because they are sins against one's own body (1 Cor. 6:18). God calls homosexuality an abomination and in the Old Testament economy death was the punishment [2] (Lev. 20:13). No where in Scripture will one find such condemnation of polluting the environment. Clearly, there is no biblical warrant for equating environmental issues and homosexuality. Homosexuality is absolutely more sinful than polluting our environment.

While believers need to clearly articulate biblical concepts to a biblically illiterate culture, we must communicate in a way that does not alter the message. In addition, the church must never compromise biblical truth to get along with the culture. What the Bible condemns as sin, we must condemn as sin even if our culture calls it good. Let us be faithful to God and his holy Word.

Pastor Jeremy Lee

Twining Baptist Church

[1] story available @ http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,471426,00.html

[2] The gospel is universal as such many of the laws that were for the nation of Israel are no longer directly applicable such as the death penalty for homosexuality. My point here is not that we should institute the death penalty for homosexuality but to point out that it was one of the few sins punished by death. Since the punishment is more severe, the sin is more severe.

CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T02:55:00.003-05:00

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:5-11 NKJV).

I have been thinking lately about the birth of Jesus as it is recorded in the Gospels. Luke records in his gospel the words of Elizabeth the soon to be mother of John the Baptist v. 43-44 chapter 1. "And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy" (ESV).

Here are the familiar words of the “Christmas story.” "And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7). In verse 8 there were shepherds watching their flocks, an angel came to them telling them news that would bring great joy to all people. Verse 11 says "for unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the Lord." Verse 13 "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God and saying. 'GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH PEACE AMONG THOSE WITH WHOM HE IS PLEASED.'” (ESV)

Christmas: “X-Mas”, (do you remember the ranting over the term X-Mas in years past?) Trees, gifts, food, plays, manger scenes, candle lightings in churches and the plays using the scriptures above, Luke chapter 2. We never learned much about He who was born. He was the son of Mary, the carpenters son, the baby in the manger, this is as good as it gets. In days gone by there was outrage about the use of “X-Mas” in place of Christmas, no outrage for the lack of telling who this baby was however.

Elizabeth knew who this baby was, she called him “my Lord”, John the Baptist in the womb knew who this baby was “he leaped for joy” in the womb of Elizabeth.

Isaiah, had he lived at the time of Christ would have know who He was.

"And one cried to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!' And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: 'Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.' Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: 'Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away,
And your sin purged.'" ( Isa. 6:4-7 NJKV)

Isaiah knew Him who purged his sins.

Remember God is, God, the Son, the Holy Spirit, they are one, when we mention Jesus we are talking about God, Old Testament references to God include Jesus and Holy Spirit.

As stated in the Athanasian Creed Lines 13-16:

“And yet they are not three almighties, but one almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God; And yet they are not three Gods, but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit Lord;”

In Matthew 2:16, Herod kills all the male children in Bethlehem two years old and younger attempting to kill the baby Jesus who has fled to Egypt, his parents being warned in a dream to flee. These little babies knew who this baby was; one commentator remarked “they gave their life so He may give them eternal life.” This was (hopefully this isn’t a stretch) their worship. These babies I believe knew who He was.

Here is the baby Jesus,

"[God Himself] who made Himself no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men, and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. He is exalted, and given a name above every name. Every knee shall bow to Jesus, in the heavens, on the earth and under the earth. Everyone would confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:6-11).

Here is Jesus He is the Lord of hosts, the Lord God Almighty: "And one cried to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!'" (Isa. 6:3 NKJV)

"The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!'" (Rev. 4:8 NKJV)

Christmas isn’t about X-Mas, food, trees, lights, candles etc. Christmas is the time to worship the King of Kings who became man; He came to be wounded, bruised and stricken for us: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed" (Isa. 53:5 NKJV).

My friend if you can live without a sense of the Lord’s presence and are satisfied with mere outward Christianity, you are lost in your sins. Don’t be deceived. Jesus must be more than a baby in a manger. He must be your Lord and Savior, the Lord of hosts He Is.

"For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him" (Heb. 2:2, 3 NKJV)

Ken Clouse

Jonathan Edward's Work Available Online

2008-12-22T05:06:00.000-05:00

Many of the readers of this blog may have already heard this announcement from other sources, but a new treat is available online for Reformed-minded folk.

Yale University has for some time been engaged in the Jonathan Edwards project--an attempt to bring the majority of Edwards writings into print. While a wonderful resource, the price tag of this multi-volume series (well over 25 volumes) has proven prohibitive (generally over $100 per book).

In a rare move, the Jonathan Edwards Center has endeavored to put all of Edward's works online in a searchable format. Of particular value for preachers is his sermons and the notes from his blank bible.

This is an excellent resource that should be added to your Favorites list immediately.

JG

ESV Bibles & Cambrdige Craftmanship

2008-12-20T05:00:00.001-05:00

The acclaimed English Standard Version is now available in quality Cambridge bindings. Looks like more editions/options are also on their way.

Click on this link for a better look at the picture.

As with all Cambridge products, the prices are high--but what a wonderful treasure!

Preaching Hell to Postmoderns

2008-12-17T19:07:00.002-05:00

Have you ever found it challenging to speak about hell? I recently ran across a wonderful article by Tim Keller on this very subject. He urges the necessity of preaching this message, despite its unpopularity. Keller writes,

"The loss of the doctrine of hell and judgment and the holiness of God does irreparable damage to our deepest comforts—our understanding of God's grace and love and of our human dignity and value to him. To preach the good news, we must preach the bad."

Yet he also maintains that two different groups--traditionalists & postmoderns--"hear" hell-language very differently. He urges pastors to take our hearers' starting points into consideration as we preach about eternal torment. This is an excellent document with wise advice on how to discuss the reality of Hell in a postmodern age.

Tim Keller on Preaching about Hell.

More info on Keller with links to other articles.

JG

The Doctrines of Grace - Total Depavity

2008-12-16T11:17:00.008-05:00

TOTAL DEPRAVITY

Sometime ago I was invited to speak at a college-age Christian retreat. My discussion had nothing to do with Calvinism, but during one the breaks several college students invited me to participate in a ‘round-table’ discussion. They had several theological/biblical questions they wanted to discuss. As I sat down, a young lady jumped right to the point, “I hear you’re a Calvinist. How can you believe that sinners can’t choose God?” I smiled and gently said, “Where did you hear that? Calvinists do believe people choose God.” Quite intelligently, she replied, “But you don’t believe people choose God by their own ability”. “That’s right”, I said, “because without God’s intervention how can something that is evil ever choose a good God?” I continued to ask her questions: “Do you believe all people are born sinners?” Yes. “Do you believe sin makes us an enemy of God?” Yes. “Do you believe sin affects our hearts, souls, bodies, and minds? Yes. “Do you believe sin makes us unable to save ourselves? Yes. “Do you believe it makes us unwilling to be saved?” Well, not always. I think many people recognize their sinfulness and turn to God. I replied, “Therein lies your problem, you rightly recognize the reality of depravity, but not its totality.”

The spectre of Pelagius still haunts the majority of Christendom. Radical Pelagianism denies the inherent evil of mankind. It claims whatever effects sin may have had, many exist for who salvation is not necessary. Even if someone has fallen into sin, they are both able and (many times) willing to save themselves.

While orthodoxy has rightly claimed such a teaching heretical, Roman Catholicism and much of contemporary Evangelicalism has never fully moved away from this idea. All Christian groups today teach the reality of depravity—that doctrine which states that mankind is born into sin and separation from God. Our hearts are inclined to evil and at enmity with the Lord. They strongly disagree with Pelagius’ assertion that human beings are able to save themselves, but they agree with him that many are willing to be saved.

If sin has truly distorted every dimension of the human person, it must have also affected our wills (what we want) and our minds (what & how we think). In other words, we do not desire God, we do not want God, and we will not allow our minds to turn us toward God. There is no such thing as the ‘noble pagan’ who, of his own power, recognizes his sinfulness and cries out to God for assistance. Certainly pagans do cry out to God, but it is by God’s power alone that this is possible.

Both Arminians and Calvinists recognize the reality of depravity, but only Calvinists recognize its totality.

Update: Thanks to those who noticed the error in the post graphic (which referred to the 5 solas). It's a sad day when a Reformed pastor can't tell his solas from his Tulips. LOL.

Celebrating Christmas with the Puritans

2008-12-13T09:36:00.008-05:00

For some time now I have been an avid reader of Puritan literature. Their reformed understanding of Scripture was deeply held and sincerely lived out for the glory of God. Yet today the Puritans are considered "killjoys" and prudes because of their negative stance towards entertainment.

The issue of Christmas was particularly troublesome for the Puritans. They objected to the holiday for several reasons. First of all, it has no biblical mandate. Firmly adhering to the Regulative Principle in regards to worship, the Puritans recognized this celebration was not ordained by Christ and therefore maintained it should not be part of our Christian worship. Second, Christmas contradicts the historical record as Christ certainly wasn't born on December 25th. Third, the holiday has pagan roots. The Catholic Church had invented Christmas to compete with the ancient Roman festival honoring the bull-god Mithras. Its pagan roots was clearly evident by the fact that most only gave lip-service to Christ and instead used the holiday for self-indulgent revelry. Fourth, it reminded them of the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church, which they were trying to escape. Fifth, the holiday celebration usually included drinking, excessive feasting, and playing games - all things which the Puritans understood as being antithetical to true worship. One such tradition, "wassailing" occasionally turned violent. The custom entailed people of a lower economic class visiting wealthier community members and begging, or demanding, food and drink in return for toasts to their hosts' health. If a host refused, things could occasionally turn violent (and even if it didn't, the custom would most certainly end in drunkenness).

Yet today conservative Christmas are the most vocal advocates of Christmas. We hear repeated refrains to "put Christ back into Christmas". Isn't it odd that faithful Christians of one century would almost universally oppose Christmas while those of another would unanimously promote it? Pity the poor pastor today who would dare to challenge celebrating this merry-making holiday.

Personally, I find the Puritan's arguments convincing. Don't misunderstand--my family still celebrates Christmas. Three days ago we set up the Christmas tree and took our yearly trip to a little outlet store where each of our three children picked out an ornament. We purchase a gift for each of kids and a few more for the entire family. On Christmas day we will gather for a gigantic feast and spend much of the day as a family. I just paid 20 bucks to the local Boy Scouts troup for a wreath to hang on the garage.

Yet, I cannot shake the Puritan viewpoint. It's too logical and too biblical to be simply ignored. The fact is that Christmas was and is a pagan holiday. In my own sketch of church history I cannot find a period in which Christmas was ever truly celebrated (universally) as a day of faithful worship to the King of kings. It was always tainted with self-indulgence and debauchery.

For the past few years we have celebrated Christmas with the Puritans. By that I mean that my wife and I consciously make the effort to mimimalize ourselves and maximize Christ. Each child receives only one present, which we open on Christmas eve (keep in mind that we cannot control the grandparents, so the kids usually receive more). The day of Christmas is reserved soley for Christ. In the morning we assemble at the "family altar" for prayer, worship, bible reading. At the meal we spend most of our conversation talking about Christ. Here we ask the children questions from the catechism and inquire what they have been learning about Jesus from Sunday school. We explore ways to make Christ the center of our lives in a variety of areas. In the evening, we assemble together again for worship and a sermonette that covers the Gospel story (creation-fall-redemption).

To be honest, neither the Puritans nor most contemporary Christians would approve of what we do as a family for Christmas. But the reason for disagreement is very illuminating: many Christians would object that we have taken the fun out of the holiday. The Puritans would object that we risk displacing Christ by having any fun at all.

We have chosen a middle path--but if forced, I would side with the Puritans.

- Josh Gelatt

Sproul Interviews Ben Stein

2008-12-08T13:19:00.002-05:00

Sproul Interviews Ben Stein: http://www.chalcedon.edu/blog/2008/12/sproul-interviews-ben-stein.php

"What a great interview. Watch until the end. You'll enjoy the praise Stein heaps on our own R.C. Sproul. Bahnsen may have passed on, but R.C. is still on duty. Let's always pray for him."

This is a worthy post even if it is not from me personally.

Ken Clouse
Glennie, Mi.

ABORTION

2008-11-23T01:57:00.004-05:00

"I was 16 years old when I found out I was pregnant. I hadn’t had my period and I was so scared. I told my 15-year-old boyfriend, and he said we should get a pregnancy test. When I walked out of the bathroom I started crying, and he knew that meant I was pregnant. I did not tell my mom. I told my aunt, but my aunt told me I was going to have to tell my mom so I could get help. "

"When my mom finally found out I was 8 weeks pregnant. She set up an appointment for me at Hope Clinic for Women. My boyfriend and I did not want to have an abortion, but my mom refused to let me live in her home with a baby, so at the time I thought I had no other choice. "

"When I got to the clinic I had my ultrasound, and that is when it hit me that I was pregnant!! It was so emotional for me. After the abortion I was so depressed, and I could not believe that I killed my own flesh and blood. I asked God to forgive me and to bless me with another child in the future, and I promised to love it and care for it. It is now two years later, and I still go to sleep dreaming of what it would have been like to wake up at 4:00 AM to feed my baby, to love it, and for my baby to love me. The father and I are no longer together. I broke up with him three months after my abortion. I was depressed and angry and was taking it all out on him. "

The short story above I found on the net, this story was the very first reference about abortion I came to when beginning my search for more information about abortion, it is doubtful I should proceed any further. My search about abortion was prompted by an article that appeared in the USA Today newspaper

Here are some quotes from the article. Dated November 21, 2008 “COMPROMISE EQUALS BETRAYAL” By Joseph M. Scheidler, national director of the Chicago-based Pro-Live Action League.

“I challenge anyone who wants to help pregnant women to actually go to an abortion clinic.”

“You will see the young girl who doesn’t want an abortion, but whose family doesn’t want to be burdened with a baby. She is not making her own choice; she is making someone else’s choice."

“There is no evidence that increasing social programs-such as low-cost health care and daycare, college grants and maternity homes-will impact a woman’s abortion decision”.

It’s the law, abortion is legal, let’s simply work on reducing the number of abortions.

The writer goes on to say, “ABORTION IS INTRINSICALLY EVIL, SO SEEKING COMMON GROUND IS FUTILE.”

I have had my own juggling with the abortion issue. Years i.e. decades after I became a Christian I let the issue of abortion fly by, right over my head, I had little interest and definitely no opinion on the subject.

1973 was the year abortion became legal in the United States, by then I had been a Christian for 15 years, when the subject came up, “I thought, so what” not out loud of course. Little by little I heard the term “abortion” generally from preachers. “We don’t believe in abortion they would say.” After a time, I didn’t believe in abortion either with no reason except Christians don’t believe in abortion. During this time I struggled, what about the birth of a crippled, deformed, sickly child, is it more humane to abort? If possible no one should live with a deformity, I reasoned. I let all this go for a long time not giving much thought. After all I am not involved, what is all the fuss about I thought to my self. Can’t we just all get along?

Then came the first encounter forcing me to make a decision. I read Dale Evans Rogers book “Angel Unawares” (everyone get this book) Amazon.com has several copies (used) from $1.99-$10.00. (EVERYONE NEEDS TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT ABORTION!!)

After reading Angel Unawares, I discovered my need to make a decision about the abortion issue. The argument against abortion is not “I am a Christian; therefore, I don’t believe in abortion” (don’t be thrown by this statement please read on). I now began a quest for a conviction one-way or the other.

In my study, I first considered the arguments of the abortionists.

1. A woman has a choice over her own body. This is not an argument for anything; if a woman has a choice over her body, she had a choice not to get pregnant. This is quite logical. So, what is the choice? The choice is Abortion is a contraceptive. This argument is a lie; it’s not about a choice over the woman’s body.

2. I believe in abortion in the case of incest or rape. (Interestingly many Christians believe this argument is valid.)After researching many books and articles by doctors on the rape and conception issue, doctors stated unanimously it was nearly impossible for a rape victim to conceive due to the trauma of the rape. This does not include claimed rape of a non-traumatized situation in this case a D&C is usually immediately preformed. In the case of conception from rape, doctors claimed it is so rare it is not worth considering in the abortion argument.
What about incest, this is a non-argument also since what woman is going to rush to the Abortion clinic (women’s health centers) after an ancestral incident? This would come under the heading of rape not incest any way. Unless I live in a fictional world I cannot believe this is the normal everyday event. I discount this as an argument.

3. For the health of the Mother. (Most Christians really believe this lie)
This is a real dumb reason especially today. I doubt there is a woman in the US in the last year who has died in childbirth. Some don’t even give birth in hospitals as my daughter can attest to. Her last two children were born at home. When this argument is mentioned, my mind goes back to all our grandmothers and great-grandmothers. How did they do it? They had children (more than one) with out the fear of death. Some did die but there were few . My wife and I researched death certificates of the county of Iosco in Michigan for the years 1900, 1953, 1973 and 2,000; there was not one mother who died during childbirth in any of these years. Now here is a question: has anyone ever heard of an animal dying in the birth of her babies?

As far as I know these are the arguments for abortion. I accept them as nonsense (garbage); there is no logic to these arguments. It makes me wonder what the real motive of the abortionists is?

In my quest for a conviction in the abortion argument, I discovered I had no argument for the performance of an abortion. I conclude Abortion is illogical; there are no sound arguments for the procedure under any circumstance. Logically, when I read about a 16-year-old girl, the horror she endured how can there be any logic in that abortion? She is more the norm of mothers that have aborted than the exception; I have yet to heard a mother testify she was glad she had an abortion.

The logic above is for everyone. What about Christians. Why should Christians be opposed to abortion? It’s much more than “The preacher says it’s wrong.”

"Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:28; See also for context Acts 19:23-41 ) [Diana the god of the Ephesians was worshiped, the Gospel threatened this worship, the same is true of the abortionists who are of the city of destruction, their belief systems are not found in Scripture]. They are threatened by the Christian’s Biblical position

“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone" (Luke 11:42). Christians must exercise justice and love of God. Christians cannot act with a lack of concern. Christians must act on the subject of abortion i.e. practice justice.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. A workman [Christian] that needeth not to be ashamed" (2Tim. 2:15). A man faithfully performing his duty, so that when he looks over what he has done, he may not blush.

"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" (Gen. 1:27). God creates man for Himself.

“Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man" (Gen. 9:6). God condemns taking another person’s life. The capital punishment argument is for another time.

“You shall not murder" (Ex. 20:13). Don’t depend on philosophers i.e. when life begins, depend on Scripture to answer that question.

“He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death" (Ex. 21:12).

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:5).

Check this Scripture out: “If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe" (Ex. 21:22-25).

Glorify God in our bodies. "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s" (1Cor. 6:19-20).

This is my story, this is not the whole story however there is much more in Scripture that insists life begins at conception and God is in charge of life and death. The issue of abortion is not a legal one or a women’s rights issue or even a constitutional issue. The abortion issue is a spiritual issue: it’s about Godliness and ungodliness. Remember, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit" (Rom. 8:5).

" Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:12). The Christian must abhor (regard with disgust) abortion. A good book to get on the subject is Abortion by R.C. Sproul. Available at Ligonier Ministries, Orlando, Fla. www.ligonier.org/

The 16 year old girl should have been shown the love she deserved. I just cannot image being her. How horrible! How irresponsible! We as adults are to our children sometimes.

In our Christian community the Abortion subject needs to be addressed Biblically. We don't get involved in politics it is said, well this is not about politics, it's about righteousness and unrighteousness a worthy criteria for preaching? So far it's pretty much left off the list of teachings of the protestant church (some kind of pro-testant): this may not be true of Roman Catholics though. Roman Catholics really are out in front on this issue. With this I end, may we all follow God's word and "be ye holy for I am holy."

Ken Clouse

A Memorial Service

2008-11-20T09:52:00.003-05:00

As most of you know, Pastor Tom Burbridge's wife Joanne is now at home with the Lord after her battle with cancer.

This Sunday afternoon, November 23, Grace Community Church in Oscoda will have a memorial service in honor of Joanne. The service will begin at 2:00pm with refreshments following the service. Grace Community Church is located at 6021 Skeel Ave., Oscoda, MI.

Please, pray for our friend Tom and his family.

"May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with... you" (2 Thess. 3:16 NIV)

In Christ We Can Choose to Rejoice Always!

2008-11-05T11:58:00.004-05:00

Philippians 4:4,6 commands us as believers in Christ, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!...Be anxious for nothing...”

“But what if my candidates all lose? (and they did!) What if the country continues to morally decline? (and it is) What if I lose my job or get laid off? (that could realistically happen in the near future) What if I am not sleeping well and not feeling well? (and at times I'm not) How can I NOT worry or be anxious? How can I NOT be more irritable and restless…even depressed? How do I rejoice then?"

But is joy/rejoicing merely a feeling—a feeling that depends on our outward circumstances? Or is joy a state of mind that in the Lord we can choose at any time to enter into—based not on our outward circumstances, but based on spiritual realities, on what the Lord Jesus Christ has bought for us at the cross?

Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” That’s an amazing promise Jesus makes! Knowing the truth about Jesus Christ and what He has done for us, knowing His plan and His promises, will set us free from anger and anxiety and depression--and enable us to rejoice always.

John Piper has often said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” And we must CHOOSE to be most satisfied in Him, like the psalmist in Psalm 73 who chooses to desire God more than anything on earth and be satisfied in Him. And God is glorified especially when we choose that in the midst of suffering, loss, and hard times. Rejoicing in the Lord always in our duty, our calling, and our privilege. It is a choice we can make through Christ who strengthen us.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 simply says, "Rejoice always." How, Paul? For one, Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose...” (and keep reading!). There is something we can always rejoice in, that even the most difficult and trying times in our lives have a good purpose in God’s plan for us. And this is only one of many promises of God to His elect people, purchased by the blood of Christ.

So on this day after the election, REJOICE, BROTHERS!

Pastor Jeff Ryan
Calvary Bible Church
Rogers City, MI

Update for November Meeting

2008-10-28T17:10:00.012-04:00

November 8, 2008

10:00 AM-12:00 Noon

Camp Barakel

located on M-72 west of M-65 east of M-33

Fairview, MI

Speakers - Pastor Brian Tidd, Big Rock Church, Atlanta, Michigan

Pastor Tim Steiner, Calvary Baptist, Mikado, Michigan

Pastor Jeremy Lee, Twining Baptist, Twining, Michigan

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

Camp Barakel will be providing lunch for us at this meeting. There is no charge for attending any Reformation Society Meetings, and we do not take offerings. However, donations for the lunch Camp Barakel will be preparing would be welcomed. All donations will go to Camp Barakel. Please, let us know if you will be attending and how many will be with you so that we have an accurate count for food preparation. This meeting is open to all: pastors, elders, deacons, and lay persons. Please, send your RSVP to 5700ken@centurytel.net or call 989-735-2262.

In additon, this session will be video recorded. CD’s will be available at $7.00 each. Please, see Chuck Peterson (the man behind the camera) for orders and payment.

The format at this meeting will be the Reformation Bible Study where each speaker is expected to faithfully exegete and explain his exegesis to the group in the allotted time without collaborating with the other speakers. The point of this exercise is not to proclaim our own opinions or debate but to unfold the mind of God from the Scriptures. Since this Bible Study is not meant to be preaching, the speakers must avoid all exhortations and admonishments. After all three speakers finish, those in attendance will question the speakers but not debate or argue. All attendees are expected to study the text (Romans 10:17) before our meeting. Finally, we will arrive at conclusions (application) as a group.

Directions: The meeting will be at the East Side Dining Hall at Camp Barakel. For directions to Camp Barakel go to http://www.campbarakel.org/. Once you are on our property proceed north for a half-mile. The first building you'll come to is the camp office. Go past the office and proceed down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, take an immediate right. You will pass a house on the left. Continue going forward; the road will curve sharply to the left. Following the curve, you can either proceed up the hill and park in the circle drive, or you can follow the lower road around the back and park in the small lot behind the building. The first big building will be the dining hall. We will be meeting in the upper level.

North East Michigan Reformation Society Council and contact people.

Pastor Jeremy Lee Pastor Chair jlee@avci.net

Pastor Jeff Ryan cbcrc@lhi.net

Chaplin Larry Teal dlteal1@verizon.net

Lay Leader Ken Clouse 5700ken@centurytel.net

A Biblical Defense of Monergism

2008-10-17T16:25:00.002-04:00

Baptists bristle at the teaching of baptismal regeneration (i.e. baptism is necessary for salvation). It is inimical to our cherished belief that we are saved by faith alone. But, does the popular Baptist viewpoint on regeneration fare any better than baptismal regeneration?

The popular belief amongst Baptists is that a person is (regenerated) born again after or simultaneous to the time he places his faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Thus, one’s faith is the cause of regeneration. Some opponents of the popular Baptist view point call this “Decisional Regeneration.” Thiessen expresses this point of view well: The new birth is conditioned on faith in the crucified Christ.[1]

However, “Decisional Regeneration” fares no better biblically than baptismal regeneration. The Bible nowhere teaches that regeneration is conditioned on faith. In fact, it teaches that God alone apart from the will of man, whether by faith or baptism, causes the new birth.

John 3 is one of most well known passages on regeneration. In this text, Jesus explains to Nicodemus the necessity of the new birth: No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (John 3:3 NIV). Born again could also be translated born from above as well as born again. Leon Morris argues that John wants us to understand the word in both senses. Obviously, if one is born the first time, then he also experiences a birth from God, he is born again. John apparently wants us to understand both ideas in this one word. In other passages where this word is used, it is translated as above and is clearly referring to God (See John 3:31, 19:11; James 1:17). From this, one may conclude that being born from above means that the source for new birth is from God, which is the expression that John uses in John 1:13 to describe the new birth.

In this verse, John makes absolutely clear that the human will is not involved in the new birth but that it is brought about by the work of God. Some may attempt to argue that verse 12 teaches that receiving Jesus is the cause of the new birth. However, verse 12 says no such thing. It only affirms that those who received him will become children of God. It does not comment on how the birth of the child of God occurs. John saves his explanation for this in verse 13. It is here that John teaches man’s will is not involved in the process of the new birth. Moreover, James adds that God is the one who chooses to give us the new birth (James 1:18). Since God causes the new birth and chooses to give birth to persons apart from their will, faith cannot be a condition for regeneration because faith involves the human will.

Because most Baptists believe that born again and saved are synonymous terms, they also think that regeneration is synonymous with being saved. This mistake causes most of the misunderstanding about regeneration and it cause. However John 3:3 aids in clearing up the confusion. Jesus says here in order to see the kingdom of God one must be born again. Unger’s Bible dictionary defines the kingdom of God as “all created intelligences…who are willingly subject to God and thus in fellowship with him.” One could easily sum up this definition: the kingdom of God is all who are saved. If this is the true meaning of the phrase in this context, then Jesus is telling Nicodemus that in order to be saved one must first experience the new birth. In addition, Titus 3:4 teaches that regeneration is the means to salvation when it says “he saved us through the washing of the new birth.” Clearly, regeneration cannot be the same thing as salvation if it precedes it and is the means to salvation.

Regeneration is only beginning of the blessings of salvation purchased by Christ. Salvation also includes justification, sanctification, glorification, adoption, conversion and union with Christ. While the other blessings of salvation may be conditioned on faith, regeneration is brought about by God and not the human will. Regeneration is the initial act of God whereby he imparts a new nature in a sinner; as a result of regeneration, the regenerate person accepts the Gospel and is saved. Thus, properly speaking regeneration has no condition; however, salvation is conditioned on faith.

Thus, whether one teaches Baptismal or Decisional Regeneration, he is in error. The correction for both of these errors is to accept the biblical view of regeneration that God acts on the heart of man independent of his will in order to change his sinful will so that he savingly repents and believes, and by this means God saves him.

[1] Theissen, Henry C. Lectures in Systematic Theology (Eerdman’s 1999) pg. 280

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

A New Response to Dr. Malcolm Hester

2008-10-05T14:30:00.005-04:00

I want to share a letter with everyone that I wrote to the Dr. Fox and the CCCBBC administration today. I realized that the way I said things in my initial letter was wrong. Since I posted that letter for everyone to read, I want everyone to see my apology.

Dear Dr. Fox and CCBBC administration,

Because of the Conference on the Challenge of Calvinism, I sent a response to you requesting that you be more considerate of others with different opinions. Since I sent that response I have been involved in discussion online about the conference with others including Dr. Hester, He pointed out in one blog that accusing CCBBC of unfaithfulness to its confession was offensive; consequently, I went back to read what I wrote and realized how harsh the wording of my critique was.

Just as I was quick to respond to the conference initially, I want to apologize to the administration, faculty, and specifically, Dr. Hester for those remarks. Unfortunately, I did not realize at the time how harsh this section of my letter was. I had often wondered why CCBBC was so averse to Calvinism, yet held to a moderately Calvinistic confession. Instead of asking about what seems to me like an inconsistency to be cleared up, I accused and was not slow in passing judgment. I look forward to further discussion on the New Hampshire Confession with Dr. Hester online to clear this matter up.

Again, I am sorry for calling into question the integrity of the administration and faculty at CCBBC. I cannot expect tolerance for myself when I use such accusatory language.

To those who may not be familiar with the New Hampshire Confession a link to it is provided: http://www.reformedreader.org/ccc/1833newh.htm.

For background on the confession see: http://www.reformedreader.org/ccc/abcon.htm

Also, consider Mark Dever's article on this confession: http://www.founders.org/journal/fj61/article1.html.

Read the original story: http://www.founders.org/blog/2008/09/concerns-about-challenge-of-calvinism.html, http://nemireformationsoc.blogspot.com/2008/09/disturbing-news-from-my-alma-mater.html

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

About the N.E. Michigan Reformation Society

2008-09-29T12:45:00.003-04:00

It’s been about two years now that a gathering of a half dozen men met at Grace Community Church in Oscoda, Mi. It was the desire and passion of these men to see the doctrines of Grace proclaimed to the Christian community of northern Michigan. Pastor Tom Burbridge was our first pastor chair. Pastor Jeremy Lee for the past year has been our pastor leader. Beginning in January '09 Pastor Jeff Ryan will officiate as pastor chair.

This is the crux of the matter:

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ" (Col. 2:8).

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6).

" Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ "(Rom. 5:1).

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17).

Our pastor in church on Sunday prayed a prayer I believe I have never heard in a congregational meeting. He prayed a prayer of repentance for himself and his congregation. It was not a short prayer of repentance; it was quite long and thorough. I bowed my heart feeling as though the pastor’s passionate hands were on me personally.

This is the ministry of the NE Michigan Reformation Society. We are a Para-Church organization. Our goal is to be a help to local churches.

We are not a society that meets for coffee to talk politics, church growth methods etc. We meet to encourage all of the sufficiency of God’s Holy Word in every ministry and walk of life God into which God leads us. We meet to repent of our worldliness, and to seek the knowledge of God as led by the Holy Spirit through Bible studies and encouragement. We pray for the reformation of churches, for His guidance through His Word; we pray that Congregations everywhere will use Scripture Alone as their only rule for faith and practice. Our passion is the reformation of all Northern Michigan.

"My neighbor came by a couple days ago. He is a "twice immersed, hand raised convert after singing the song ten times unbeliever." He has a telescope that he has invited me to use to visit the heavens more closely. I mentioned that the Milky Way was so large that it would take 4 million light years to cross it traveling at the speed of the shuttle at 18,000 mph. He said that that was proof God didn’t make the stars and the universe because God could not possibly make anything that big. To a screeching halt I came. "Who do you think God is? Is He a man like you and I? Is He a human being? No, God is a spirit." He is all powerful and everywhere. God made everything. Harold Camping made this serious mistake on his Christian radio program. He didn’t know how God could hear the prayers of millions; he just trusted that God heard. Wow! What does the Scripture say?

"He who comes to God must believe that He is."

"We are justified by faith, faith comes by hearing, hearing comes by the Word of God."It is the Word of God that saves.

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12).

What about Psalms 139, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me" (vs. 7-10).

God is everywhere all the time in every event. Nothing escapes Him. We call Christians everywhere to repentance, worship, and total dependence on His Word, thus all will be saved who repent, worship, and depend upon Him.

The NE Michigan Reformation Society will soon be in its third year as a presence in NE Michigan. I have been very blessed to have met many pastors and lay people who have a heart for the message that the Cambridge Declaration brings, ie, the five Solas of the Christian reformation: Scripture Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, to the Glory of God Alone. I want to express my appreciation for the love each brother has shown me. I trust I can reciprocate in like manner. This note is a thank you.

"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen" (Hebrews 13:20, 21).

Ken Clouse
Lay Leader
NE Michigan Reformation Society

Encouragement to Proclaim the Gospel in All Its Fullness

2008-09-22T13:31:00.004-04:00

The need is great for Christians to proclaim the full truth of the Biblical gospel and trust God to effectually work in the hearts of people, as sometimes the way we evangelize is far fom what Jesus taught and His apostles practiced.

Why is it that the church has so many who "make decisions" yet so few who are actually committed to Christ, live transformed lives, and deny themselves & take up the cross of discipleship & follow Him? Why is it that so many who have said “yes” to Christ (and who have been told by somebody that they are now eternally saved) will apparently one day stand before Him and hear Him say the words of Matthew 7:23, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness”?

Could it be because too often what these people have said “yes” to isn’t the gospel at all, but an abbreviated form of the truth that has barely mentioned the character of God and the nature of sin? Could it be that in our zeal to reach the lost and save as many as possible we are proclaiming a gospel of our own design--a gospel designed not to offend, a gospel that can be accepted by proud, unrepentant people who don't understand who God is or how grievously they have offended Him with their sin?

We need to be more familiar with the evangelism of Jesus (like with Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well, and the rich young ruler) and the evangelism of the apostles than we are with the current popular techniques to get a crowd and get positive responses. We need to trust the Biblical gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit and not our own persuasiveness. We need to remember that we are like Ezekiel, called to speak God's Word to a bunch of dry bones, trusting God to raise up a great army for His name. We need to be faithful to speak the truth!

Pastor Jeff Ryan
Calvary Bible Church
Rogers City, MI

Disturbing News from My Alma Mater

2008-09-17T13:28:00.004-04:00

I discovered a conference at my alma mater, Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, on Founders Ministry website(http://www.founders.org/blog/2008/09/concerns-about-challenge-of-calvinism.html) and sent the following letter to the president in response.

Dear Dr. Donnie Fox,

I am a 2005 graduate of Clear Creek. I became concerned when I recently saw an article in the Western Recorder advertising a conference at Clear Creek entitled: The Challenge of Calvinism. A conference to address the problem of Calvinism.

I have been disturbed since my time at CCBBC at its response to Calvinism. When I came to CCBBC in 2000, I had no idea what Calvinism was, but I was shortly introduced to the beliefs of Calvinism. However, for most of my time at CCBBC, I was not a Calvinist. I was still bothered at how Clear Creek responded to Calvinism (the firing of Dr. Castleton, especially and falsely accusing Calvinist students of proselytizing). My feeling at the time was that rather than attacking Calvinists as the enemy we should embrace them as fellow believers with whom we disagree.

In my experience, the students of CCBBC were ignorant of Calvinism; consequently, the rejection of it was a rejection of the caricature and not the actual theology. Because of the schools response to Calvinism, students remain ignorant of both Calvinism and Arminianism; therefore, they cannot adequately wrestle with the challenges of God’s sovereignty and humanity’s free will. I feel a conference that would facilitate a dialogue between Calvinism and Arminianism would better benefit students. Rather than, a one sided diatribe against Calvinism.

Clear Creek’s reaction is also bothersome because it is denial of its confession of faith: the New Hampshire Confession. According to Lumpkin (this is the book I used for Baptist Doctrine class at CCBBC), “The New Hampshire confession…sought to restate its Calvinism in very moderate tones.”[1] The New Hampshire Confession asserts both monergistic regeneration and unconditional election, which as far as I know no professor at CCBBC affirms even though they sign this statement of faith when hired. In addition, it is my understanding that at least some of the founders of CCBBC were Calvinists.

Why is CCBBC so concerned that some of its students or faculty might embrace the doctrines that brought about the Protestant Reformation? Would CCBBC have a conference to keep these men from being pastors and missionaries: Adoniram Judson, Charles Spurgeon, BH Carroll, John Broadus, James P. Boyce, and WA Criswell all of whom claimed to be Calvinists?

My problem really is not that CCBBC is not Calvinistic as much as its hostility towards those who are. It is a sad day when my alma mater is holding conferences condemning the beliefs I hold dear.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

[1] Lumpkin, William L. Baptist Confessions of Faith (Judson 1969) pg. 360

Repentance Unto Life

2008-09-16T19:26:00.005-04:00

The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."

Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’

"I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’

"The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’

This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.

"Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’

"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life" (Acts 11:1-18 NIV).

What is repentance unto life?

Contextually, this "repentance to life" is the faith induced by hearing the Good News of God's provision of complete forgiveness in Christ.

The conclusion was forced by undeniable evidence of the Holy Spirit coming to the just-believing Gentiles who did not submit to Jewish regulations in the Law for God's supreme blessing promised to Israel--the Holy Spirit. (They may have supposed that the all flesh portion of the promise meant all flesh which binds itself to keeping God's covenant with Israel.)

It is a summary phrase equivalent to what some today call conversion, accepting Christ, trusting Christ, coming to Christ, et. al.. However, Russian Evangelical Baptists will ask you, "When did you repent?" rather than "When did you accept Christ?"

It describes what God did which brought about the reception of the correct heart attitude (which is repentance). It is the ministry and work of God upon which all preaching relies for effectiveness. So, Paul told Timothy to patiently teach opponents "in the hope that God would grant them repentance, leading to a knowledge of the truth that they may escape the trap of the devil who has taken them captive to do his will." Repentance is a desire to embrace God's truth and the perfection of God. It is what was rejected and abandoned in the garden. This is a gift from God which He must grant to people who have been running from His truth trying to escape reason and reach a demonic fantasy.

Thank you, Father, for your supreme gifts. In Christ's great name, Amen!

Pastor Brian Tidd
Big Rock Congregational Church
Atlanta, MI

A Plea for Faithful Ministry 2

2008-09-08T16:06:00.005-04:00

The first key for the faithful minister is to embrace the gospel. In addition, he must accept the Bible as the standard of truth.

Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:13 NASB).

When sound, which means healthy, is used with doctrine or word, it means correct teaching or doctrine. Some believe that there must exist an authoritative church to maintain pure doctrine. Others hold that Christ is the standard by which all teachings are to be judged. However, Paul is teaching in this text that his teachings are the doctrinal standard for the church. Since Paul's teachings are contained in Scripture, the New Testament Scriptures are the standard of truth for the church. The Apostle Peter also upholds the Scriptures as the authoritative standard: "Remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles" (2 Peter 3:2 NASB). The church should never rule over Scripture, but she should submit to all its teachings and uphold the teachings of the Scripture. Only then is the church and her ministers fulfilling their mission. In addition, one can certainly agree that Christ is the ultimate standard of truth, but this begs the question: how does one know anything about Christ outside of Scripture? Scripture is our only inerrant source of information about Christ; therefore, Scripture, the written Word of God must be the standard of a faithful minister.

When a minister accepts the Bible as the standard of truth, it ought to affect his ministry. He should take diligent care that his teaching matches the teaching of the Bible. This is best accomplished by expository preaching, which enables the pastor to preach"the whole counsel of God." It also enable the pastor to preach authoritatively because he is preaching not the latest fad or opinion poll, but the God inspired, authoritative Word of God.

Men, let us be faithful ministers by embracing the gospel and accepting the Bible as the standard of truth.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

An Odd Look at Saving Faith

2008-08-31T21:40:00.014-04:00

Faith is a term we use daily. We talk about it constantly. We base just about everything in our Christian lives on it. Christian faith is the second most essential thing we can possess (for the most important, see 1 Corinthians 13:13).

The New Testament (KJV) uses the word ‘faith’ a total of 229 times. By contrast, the Old Testament uses the word a mere two times, one of which, Deuteronomy 32:20, is a negative usage.

Let's look at four outrageous statements about faith:

Our faith is our (second) greatest treasure.
It is our faith that keeps us from day to day.
Our faith will bring us salvation and eternal life.
Our faith is the center of our entire life, as a Christian, and everything else in our life is centered around our faith.

Why outrageous? Because every one of those statements is WRONG. They all refer to OUR faith, or we could just as easily substitute MY faith.

The fact is, that faith is not ours. It is not mine. Ephesians 2:8 tells us plainly that the faith that saves us has nothing to do with us. It is the gift of God alone. I thank God that it is His, and not mine. My weaknesses are too great to be entrusted with using my own. That verse demands to be carefully read and fully understood. We are saved by grace – God’s grace, God’s unmerited favor. We are saved by that grace through faith – saving faith, trust, confidence, sure and certain belief. That faith does not originate with us, nor can we attain it by any effort on our part; it is the free gift of God. Verse 9 goes on to say: “Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Faith is substance.
Substance is assurance.
Assurance is a guarantee or pledge.
A guarantee is a promise, beyond simple assurance.
A guarantee is not given by one to oneself.
It is given by a second party; otherwise it is not a guarantee or promise.

Therefore, faith does not originate with man, but is instead given to him by someone else; and the measure of a man’s faith is totally dependent on the generosity of the giver. The one to whom it is given can request more, but he has no control over the quantity given. Consider what Paul says in Romans 12:3: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

If I were gifted with a mind superior to all the world’s greatest thinkers and scientists (I am not), if I had the wealth of all the knowledge of the ages at my fingertips, I would still be possessed of a fallible, limited, incomplete, human mind. My faith, conversely, is not my own. It is God’s, and therefore infallible. I no longer have to take shelter in what I can see and experience with my limited human senses.

In the old hymn, we sing, “Faith is the victory that overcomes the world.” The power of God is the victory, and faith is only the instrument through which that power works. It is God, through His Son, who saves us, then sanctifies us. It is God who gives us the faith that makes that possible. It is God who then overcomes the world on our behalf, because He is pleased with us, because of that faith. God is the source, God is the middle, God is the end. God does it all, and we have no greater duty than to accept His saving grace, and no greater calling than to praise Him and thank Him for his sovereignty, majesty, glory, power, love, and holiness.

Larry Teal

Teaching Elder, Pigeon River Baptist Church

Vanderbilt, MI

God Works All Things After the Counsel of His Will

2008-08-23T12:53:00.003-04:00

Doing some work in the Old Testament book of Esther recently has reminded me of the important--and practical--truth of God providentially working all things according to His ordained will.

Regardless of this compromise with human reasoning that some have come up with in recent years that says that God not only hasn't ordained what will come to pass, He really doesn't know what people will do (how can He, they say, if man is a free creature?)...so God just works things out based on what we do or don't do. If we don't cooperate with His "Plan A", well then He'll come up with "Plan B" and so on. This is called "open theism" and it's blatantly unbiblical! It's purely based on man, in his natural/fleshly thinking, trying to make sense out of man's freedom to do as he pleases and God doing as He pleases.

But the mind of God can only be discerned by the SPIRIT of God, causing us to understand and accept by faith the revealed truth of the WORD of God. And according to the truths and principles of Scripture, God has no "Plan B" and needs no "Plan B." We can know without a doubt that God and His ordained will are at the center of all the events of the book of Esther, as well as all the events of our world today (including all the free choices of man).

Esther records one of the clearest testimonies of God's sovereignty and providence in the Bible. It's one long illustration from Biblical history of the truth of verses like Proverbs 19:21, "Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand" (NIV, "it is the Lord's purpose that prevails") and Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" and Ephesians 1:11, "In Him (Christ) also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will." (See also Genesis 50:20.)

C.H. Spurgeon once said, "Every child of God is where God has placed him for some good purpose." And knowing that God has us where we are in His wise and good providence and knowing His promises to deliver His people (as in Esther), we can wait on Him with confidence, trusting Him to order our circumstances and deliver us in His perfect timing.

Pastor Jeff Ryan
Calvary Bible Church
Rogers City, MI

Eve and Choice

2008-08-18T03:02:00.006-04:00

"The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."

"Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Has God indeed said, You shall not eat of very tree of the garden?' And the woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.' Then the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate" (Gen 2:8 -9, 3:1-6).

Notice, after God planted the garden He made every tree to grow for beauty and food. The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil was also there.

Now comes Satan asking Eve, "Has God really said you cannot eat of the tree of good and evil."

Of Course, Eve said, "Or, we will die."

"You won’t die," advised Satan. "You will become wise, and you will be like God. Your eyes will be opened."

Noticing the tree was pleasant to the eye and would make one wise she (Eve) took and ate the fruit.

Now here are some obvious question?

1. Why did Eve consider anything Satan said? She knew God; she knew God’s command.

2. How could Eve have sinned before she became a sinner, i.e. was she born a sinner?

3. What nature did Eve possess i.e. a sinful nature or a righteous nature?

Now, I do not have the answers to these questions. I do know this however. People by the millions think they can make a decision for God any time they want. This thinking is very inconsistent given the record Eve piled up with Satan. Remember, Eve lost a son to murder, she perpetrated sin via. her husband who also violated God’s law. Does anyone really think they have the moral capacity to choose God, even Eve failed, Eve who was not born in sin.

No man makes a decision for God any more than Adam and Eve did. It even gets worse after Adam and Eve. We are born in sin, we are sinners at birth.

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
(Rom. 3:23).

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him"
(Heb. 11:6).

God does rescue us from the snare of the cunning one, Satan. Yes, He does by His grace alone.

He saves us by His Grace : "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)...For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:4-5, 8).

He saves for His Glory alone: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1Pet. 4:11).

Ken
Clouse

September Reformation Society Meeting

2008-08-11T14:55:00.006-04:00

Saturday, September 13 is the date for our next Reformation Society meeting. The meeting will be held at Twining Baptist Church in Twining, Michigan at 10am.

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Pastor Hal Polk of Calvary Presbyterian Church, Flint, Michigan.

Please, make plans to attend. Pastors, feel free to invite your deacons, elders, other church leaders, and interested lay persons.

Twining Baptist Church

410 W Main St

Twining, MI

(989)867-4451

Pastor Jeremy Lee

"God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph. 2:4-9 NKJV).

A Plea for Faithful Ministers

2008-08-11T14:36:00.007-04:00

“The Nazis said there's a problem with the Jewish body, so let's find a solution. And, these groups are saying there's a problem with the Jewish soul. We have another solution. It's called conversion. You have to be like us or we can't love you. If you're not like us, you're going to go to the eternal barbecue. This is a nefarious, insipid message, which has led to inquisitions, auto-da-fe, pogroms, expulsions, and ultimately the Holocaust.”

What is this is this nefarious, insipid message that this person is condemning? Is it condemning the beliefs of jihadist Muslims? NO! Is it Neo-Nazis? NO! Is it the hate-filled speeches of Ku Klux Klansmen? NO! This is the response of a rabbi to the SBC’s emphasis on evangelizing Jews. He also said, “Racist beliefs lead to racist action, and Christian anti-Judaism leads to racial anti-Semitism. Every historian knows that to be true, and that's why these beliefs are dangerous. Who would have thought that in a new millennium ...we would once again see the prevalence of spiritual dictatorship and totalitarianism?” This rabbi equates Christian evangelism with the atrocities of the Holocaust, and his perception is that we are despots presiding over a new spiritual totalitarian regime.

We should not be surprised, after all, our former Vice-President, Al Gore, delivered a speech in which he called Christians “the extra chromosome right wing.” For years, the mass media has portrayed Christians as red-in-the-face, ignorant, Bible thumpers. Obviously, our culture is a hostile environment in which to minister.

In 2 Timothy, Paul seeks to encourage Timothy to be faithful in his ministry even in troubling times. Paul discloses that many have fallen away from the truth already (vs. 1:15, 2:17, & 4:14, 15). He cautions that more difficult days and evil men are coming, and he predicts a day when pupils will find teachers who “tickle their ears.”

Timothy ministered in culture hostile toward his beliefs. How can we be faithful in a culture whose highest virtues are tolerance and inclusivism when we preach absolutes? How can we be faithful in a culture that reveres secularism and despises Christianity, which teaches that faith must influence every area of life or its not real faith? In 2 Timothy 1:8-14, Paul gives us three keys for a faithful ministry.

The first key is that we must embrace the gospel - "Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord" (2 Tim. 1:8 NKJV).

To be ashamed of the gospel means to be apprehensive over one with whom you are associated with.

At one church that I attended my wife had some concerns about the nursery. She addressed these concerns to the pastor, and I went with her to talk with him. While physically I was there to support her, I shied away when the pastor did not agree and let Shelley go on her own. I held back and did not want to be associated with her complaints. I was ashamed. I did not embrace her ideas or goals.

As pastors and leaders, we can never act this way towards the gospel. We should embrace it whole-heartily no matter the cost. This is true whether the cost is popularity, comfort, or the loss of one's position. After all, Paul endured prison for the sake of the gospel and the salvation of God's elect.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

PS - Other keys will be presented in the future.

Reformation Society Prayer Meeting

2008-08-02T07:32:00.008-04:00

Join us for this time of fellowship, worship, seeking the Lord for reformation and revival.

August 9, 2008 Saturday 10:00 AM

Curtisville Baptist Church

3165 Curtisville Road

South Branch, Michigan48761

Pastor John BarnerHost pastor

Ph. 989-64-8339

Email J_Barner2000@yahoo.com

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Phil. 4:6)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Eph. 3:20)

Prayer

2008-07-27T00:01:00.002-04:00

Prayer

Prayer is Commanded:

Phil. 4:6 ¶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Prayer is to be offered:

To God, Psa. 5:2 Give heed to the voice of my cry,

My King and my God, For to You I will pray.

To Christ, Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Through Christ, Heb. 10:19 ¶ Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,

God hears, Psa. 65:2 O You who hear prayer,
To You all flesh will come.

God Answers, Is. 58:9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;You shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am.’
‘If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

Prayer is described as:

Bowing the Knees, Eph. 3:14 ¶ For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

Looking up, Psa. 5:3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up.

Lifting up the soul, Psa. 25:1 ¶ To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.

Lifting up the heart, Lam. 3:41 Let us lift our hearts and hands
To God in heaven.

Pouring out the heart, Psa. 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, you people Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Pouring out the soul, 1Sam. 1:15 ¶ But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

Calling upon the name of the Lord, Gen. 12:8 And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.

Crying to God, Psa. 34:6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.

Drawing near to God, Psa. 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,
That I may declare all Your works.

Crying to heaven, 2Chr. 32:20 Now because of this King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried out to heaven.
Should be offered up:

In the Holy Spirit, Eph. 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

In Faith, James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

In full Assurance, Heb. 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water

In a forgiving spirit, Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.

With the whole heart, Jer. 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

With humility, 2Chr. 33:12 Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

With truth, Psa. 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

With desire to be heard, Neh. 1:6 please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned.

With a desire to be answered, Psa. 102:2 Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; Incline Your ear to me; In the day that I call, answer me speedily.
Night and day, 1Tim. 5:5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.

Without ceasing, 1Th. 5:17 pray without ceasing,

Everywhere, 1Tim. 2:8 ¶ I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

In everything, Phil. 4:6 ¶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Accompanied With:

Repentance, 1Kings 8:33 ¶ “When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and when they turn back to You and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication to You in this temple,

Confession, Neh. 1:4,7 ¶ So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Neh. 1:7 We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses.

Weeping, Hos. 12:4 Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed;
He wept, and sought favor from Him.
He found Him in Bethel,
And there He spoke to us—

Self-abasement, Gen. 18:27 ¶ Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord:

Fasting, Acts 13:3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

Watchfulness, Luke 21:36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Praise, Psa. 66:17 I cried to Him with my mouth,
And He was extolled with my tongue.

Thanksgiving, Col. 4:2 ¶ Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Prayers are granted:

Through the Grace of God, Is. 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; You shall weep no more.
He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears He will answer you.

Sometimes immediately, Dan. 10:12 ¶ Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.

Sometimes after delay, Luke 18:7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?

Sometimes differently from our desires, 2Cor. 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
2Cor. 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Beyond expectation, Eph. 3:20 ¶ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,

And to present you faultless

Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

Jude 1:25 To God our Savior,

Who alone is wise,

Be glory and majesty,

Dominion and power,

Both now and forever.

Amen.

Ken Clouse,

NE Mi. Ref. Soc. Lay Member

July Reformation Society Meeting

2008-06-28T20:50:00.003-04:00

JULY 12 2008, 10:00 AM- 12:00 NOON

At this meeting, we be having a reformation Bible study. Each speaker is expected to faithfully exegete 2 Peter 3:9 and explain his exegesis to the group in the allotted time without collaborating with the other speakers. The point of this exercise is not to proclaim our own opinions or debate but to unfold the mind of God from the Scriptures. Since this Bible Study is not meant to be preaching, the speakers must avoid all exhortations and admonishments. After all three speakers finish, those in attendance will question the speakers but not debate or argue. All attendees are expected to study the text before our meeting. Finally, we will arrive at conclusions (application) as a group.

The passage we will consider is The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9 NKJV).

We are pleased that the following pastors have agreed to lead our Bible study:

Rev. Josh Gelatt Pastor of Indian River Baptist Church
Rev. Gary Nehring Pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church
Rev. Jeff Ryan Pastor of Calvary Bible Church

The meeting will be held at Curran Baptist Church, Curran, Michigan. Curran Baptist Church is located on M-65/M72, and is between East M-72 and West M-72.

Pastors, invite your elders and/or deacons, and your wives are welcome as well.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Preaching Is Not the Answer?

2008-06-03T07:08:00.003-04:00

I found these videos on Steve Camp's blog: http://www.stevenjcamp.blogspot.com. Please, if you have high blood pressure or heart problems, heed the warning at the beginning of video one.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

Doctrine

2008-05-25T07:50:00.005-04:00

NOW HEAR THIS, Rev. 2:15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

I have about had it, on a reckless roller coaster ride, on which the mainline (church?) denominations find themselves. Away with Scripture and Bible Doctrine. This is the doctrine of the Nicolatians; literally eating of idol-meats, committing fornication, spiritual idolatry to tempt God’s people to idolatry.

It was refreshing to hear the testimony of a Methodist staff member of a church in our area. “For 12 years we were a church that was seeker sensitive, I was a member of the praise team. For 12 years we neglected The people who supported the church with their money, who were faithful in every way to the Book of Order we put aside for those people for 12 years. Finally the 200 people who wanted no doctrine, no pastoral leadership, no Book of Order left and formed their own goup. We now have a solid group of Christian people, finally we have a safe community for the worship of God. Looking back (this staff member told me) the Seeker sensitive movement is a big mistake, to them most doctrine is considered old and not applicable to Christian living. This is simply untrue, Biblical Doctrine, Bible knowledge, and Bible living is necessary in the church today as it has always been" This completed the testimony of a staff member I spoke with of a Methodist body of believers in North East Michigan.

Below are some Verses of Scripture that demonstrate the necessity of Doctrine in the life of the believer.

Prov. 4:2 For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.

Is. 29:24 These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, And those who complained will learn doctrine.”

Jer. 10:8 But they are altogether dull-hearted and foolish; A wooden idol is a worthless doctrine.

Matt. 16:12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

John 7:16, 17 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 5:28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!

Rom. 6:17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

Rom. 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

Eph. 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

1Tim. 1:3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

1Tim. 1:10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,

1Tim. 4:6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

1Tim. 4:13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

1Tim. 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1Tim. 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

1Tim. 6:1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.

1Tim. 6:3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,

2Tim. 3:10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,

2Tim. 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

2Tim. 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

Titus 2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:

Titus 2:7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

Titus 2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

2John 1:9, 10 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;

Rev. 2:14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

Rev. 2:15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

I hear this remark often, “ just say it like it is, tell me the truth.” Scripture is Truth.

Here are lies, “there are several ways to God” “Scripture means different things to different people” Scripture is non-specific” “It depends on how we look at it”, “people deserve God’s love, not His justice” there are many more lies of Satan, he is no friend to anyone, he is a deceiver. Stay close to God by knowing Scripture and Doctrine, thus avoiding the crafty works of the enemy.

P/S The study of Bible Doctrine is a Doctrine of the Holy Scriptures.

Ken Clouse
5700ken@centuytel.net

Prayer for God’s Kingdom

2008-05-13T17:00:00.003-04:00

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”
Matthew 6:10

The Lord teaches us in this prayer to pray for several things. In this particular petition, he instructs us to pray that his kingdom comes. The phrase “the kingdom of God” has more than one referent. Many immediately think of the kingdom of God as the time when Christ will literally rule on earth for 1,000 years. To pray for God’s kingdom to come then means to pray that the end of time will come so that Christ will establish his rule on earth. Therefore, all will live obedience to God’s will. As Christians, we all long for this day when all that is wrong will be set right. We long for the day when all people will live in obedience to Christ. Pray that God’s kingdom will come.

However, this is not the only meaning of this phrase in Scripture. “The Kingdom of God” also refers to the realm of salvation or all saved persons. Consequently, Christ is also teaching us to pray that more persons will be saved. The result of their salvation will be that they submit to the Lordship of Christ. As a result, his faithful followers will do God’s will both on earth and heaven.

Spurgeon points out that this petition is prior to the petition for “our daily bread” suggesting that the prayer for God’s kingdom should be our priority. He warns us, “Do not let your prayers only concern your own sins, your own wants, your own imperfections, and your own trials. Climb the starry ladder and come to Christ Himself. Then as you draw near to the blood-sprinkled mercy seat, offer this prayer continually, ‘Lord, extend the Kingdom of Your dear Son’.”[1]

There are many petitions one could include under the umbrella of God’s Kingdom. The Westminster Larger Catechism suggets the following: “pray, that the kingdom of sin and Satan may be destroyed, the gospel propagated throughout the world, … the church [will be] furnished with all gospel-officers and ordinances … that the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed, and made effectual to… the confirming, comforting, and building up of those that are already converted: that Christ would rule in our hearts here, and hasten the time of his second coming, and our reigning with him forever…”[2]

We should not be so narrowly focused on God’s future kingdom that we overlook the present aspect of God’s kingdom when we pray. We should pray for the extending of the Kingdom through the preaching of the gospel, the strengthing of churches, and that Christ will rule in believers' hearts. May God grant our petition and cause his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

[1] Spurgeon, Charles. Evening by Evening. (Whittaker House. 1984). Pg.95
[2] Westminster Larger Catechism available at http://www.reformed.org/documents/index.html

Theology Quiz

2008-05-08T14:23:00.002-04:00

Basic Theology Quiz (Answer True or False):

Questions About God and Christ

1 Jesus was God, but only appeared to be human.
2 Jesus was the first of all God’s created beings.
3 Jesus had a human body and divine soul.
4 In the Old Testament, God was known as the Father, in the New Testament, as the Son, and after Pentecost, as the Holy Spirit.
5 Mary is the mother of God.
6 God chooses people because he knows in advance they will choose him.

Questions About Salvation

1 The only way we can be saved is by the perfect conformity to the law of God.
2 We are saved by grace after all that we can do.
3 I am saved because of my decision to accept Christ.
4 God is so sovereign, he can change his mind.
5 The Bible teaches that there is an age of accountability, and that children who die before this age go to heaven because they are innocent.
6 If I die with unconfessed sin, I will not go to heaven.
7 The main motivation for holiness is fear of punishment and hope of reward.
8 God cannot hold someone guilty for the sins of another.
9 Justification is the process by which a person, through faith in Christ and sorrow for his sins, receives the gift of the Holy Spirit and so becomes a child of God.
10 God cannot require of us anything which cannot be performed.
11 True Christians believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible.
12 God helps those who help themselves is a biblically sound principle.
13 Though no one is perfect, the Lord looks on the heart to see who really loves him.

the answers will be provided upon request, do the comment thing.

Ken Clouse

The Insurmountable Dilemma of Arminianism

2008-04-14T15:59:00.000-04:00

The Scriptures teach that God predestines persons to salvation. This is an inarguable fact with which all Christians agree. However, Christians have not agreed over how God predestines persons to salvation. There are two basic theological positions on predestination one called Calvinism and the other Arminianism.

Calvinists answer the how of predestination by arguing that God predestines persons to salvation according to his gracious plan without any foreseen merit or faith in the person. In the Calvinistic view, all are men are at the mercy of God’s grace for their salvation.

Arminians answer this dilemma in one of two ways. Most Arminians argue that God predestines those persons whom he knows will choose him. The other answer some extreme Arminians have adopted is Open Theism. Open Theists argue that God does not know the future; therefore, he does not know who makes up the elect. Consequently, they adopt a corporate view of election whereby God elects Christ and all those who believe being in Christ are also predestined. Most Arminians reject Open Theism as unbiblical. But, does predestination according to foreseen faith fair any better than Open Theism?

While most Arminians agree with Calvinists that God is omniscient, they thereby avoid the problem of limiting God’s knowledge. However, their system still limits God. Instead of limiting God’s knowledge, they limit his power to implement his plan. This is because in Arminianism God only forms his plans after he foresees man’s actions. Thus, God’s is unable to act; he can only react to man’s decisions. Therefore, God and his plan are at the mercy of mankind’s choices.

Take for example the Apostle Paul’s conversion: God’s plan for the early church was for Saul to be converted and be his instrument to spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Certainly, someone else could have been God’s chosen instrument, but in the Arminian system there can be no guarantee that someone will be willing. So, God’s plan is ultimately dependent not on himself but Saul. The inevitable conclusion of the Arminian view is that God and his plan are limited by man’s will.

An Arminian may rejoin: granted God’s plan is limited by man’s will, but the sovereign God chose to limit himself so that man would freely choose him. A self-impose limit is still a limit, and the effect is the same whether the limit is self-imposed or not. Man’s free will limits God and his plan.

The insurmountable dilemma of Arminianism is that their God is limited either in knowledge or power. To be fair, the Calvinist position is not free from difficulties. But, the difficulties are not as fundamental as God’s omnipotence and omniscience. Calvinism affirms that God is both almighty and all-knowing; consequently, his plan is certain. Furthermore, men are at the mercy of a gracious God.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

The Faith of God's People "in Prosperity and in Adversity"

2008-04-07T15:22:00.003-04:00

Part of traditional wedding vows include the phrase, "In adversity and in prosperity." Twelve years ago, I stood before many people and said to my bride, "In adversity and in prosperity, I vow to be your husband, to work towards oneness in this marriage, to be faithful to you, until death should separate us." True unconditional love for our spouse isn't dependent on our good health or on our financial situation or on what happens with our children. Our covenant love for our spouse should be just as true in times of adversity as in times of prosperity. And isn't the same true in our "wedding vows to Christ" (so to speak)--in His covenant love for us and ours for Him as His people?

One passage of Scripture that clearly demonstrates this is Hebrews 11:32-40, the close of the great "faith chapter," the chapter that defines and demonstrates for us what is true, living, enduring faith in God and His promises. As we look at this passage, we see that there were times when God ordained earthly abundance and victory and deliverance for His faithful people AND times when He ordained earthly adversity and affliction and suffering, even death, for His faithful people (they were all living "by faith"!).

The way these two things are brought together in the text without even a break teaches us a valuable lesson we often need to be reminded of: that true faith trusts God in spite of outward results and earthly circumstances, looking to our eternal reward in Christ.

God's purposes for us in Christ is not necessarily to enjoy comfort, success, and abundance (not even a long life) in this present life. His purposes for us in Christ are to glorify Himself and conform us to the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29) and for us to live forever in communion with Him and His people, to worship Him and serve Him and reign with Him, in the new heavens and new earth (described in 2 Peter 3 and Revelation 20-21)--a renewed earth, a place of righteousness without sin and death.

This is part of the gospel message and kingdom plan of God revealed from Genesis to Revelation: that what we lost in the Fall is restored in Christ and His eternal kingdom. This is what we are to keep our eyes on and live for, not our circumstances in this present, fallen, passing world.

May we possess a faith in Christ that perseveres "in adversity and in prosperity." As hymnwriter Samuel Rodigast expressed in 1676, "Whate'er My God Ordains Is Right"!

Jeff Ryan
Calvary Bible Church, Rogers City, MI

Doctrine

2008-03-30T23:29:00.004-04:00

DOCTRINE

AS DEFINED BY WEBSTER DICTIONARY
1. A PARTICULAR PRINCIPLE, POSITION OR POLICY TAUGHT OR ADVOCATED AS OF A RELIGION OR GOVERNMENT. I.E. THE MONROE DOCTRINE, OR CHURCH DOCTRINE. .
2. A BODY OR SYSTEM OF TEACHING RELATING TO A PARTICULAR SUBJECT.
3. A RULE OR PRINCIPAL THAT FORMS THE BASIS OF A BELIEF, THEORY, OR POLICY. 4. A BODY OF IDEAS PARTICULARLY IN RELIGION, TAUGHT TO PEOPLE AS TRUTHFUL OR CORRECT.
5. SOMETHING TAUGHT TO PEOPLE

Here is the instruction of our day, Just listen to Jesus. Don’t’ muddy your mind with doctrine. Don’t mix peoples’ minds up with doctrine. Get the young people (real young) saved before they can be confused with doctrine. Recently a person was removed from his church. The complaint was that soon he would be reading the words written in black. We just follow Jesus, the words written in red. Doctrine not allowed here.

Here is instruction from Scripture, Deut. 4:9 "Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren." Note: there is no reference to teaching children or grandchildren in the context of the culture.

This is what the Bible has to say about doctrine:

Gen. 49:2 “Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob,
And listen to Israel your father.

Prov. 4:1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
Prov. 4:2 For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.

Old Testament stuff you say, That’s for them of old times. I don’t think so.

John 7:16 ¶ Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.
John 7:17 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

1Tim. 4:6 ¶ If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

Titus 2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:

Note: Scripture mentions proper and sound doctrine, a warning I say against doctrine that is unsound. The lack of teaching doctrine is among that of unsound doctrine. Note above, the definition of doctrine i.e. A particular principal position or policy taught.. Yes failure to teach doctrine is bad and unsound doctrine.

Ken Clouse

Theology is Relevant

2008-03-23T23:12:00.006-04:00

Relevance is a popular buzzword today in Christianity. So important is relevance, we are taught that the cardinal sin in preaching today is being irrelevant. It no longer matters if a sermon is biblically or theologically accurate. Relevancy is the sole standard for measuring the quality of a sermon.

Nothing is thought by our contemporary world to be more irrelevant than theology. This is why it was no surprise to read Charles Swindoll say that debating the meaning of grace is an alternative for “[t]hose who aren’t comfortable denying it.” Moreover, he states, “Grace was meant to be received and lived out to the fullest, not dissected and analyzed by those who would rather argue than eat…It’s time for grace to be awakened and released…to be enjoyed and freely given, not debated. ” [1]He even implies that the Protestant Reformation made this same mistake debating grace and not living it out. The bottom line it seems for Swindoll and too many others is theology engenders debate, and it keeps believers from living out their faith making theology irrelevant because it is impractical.

The problem with this idea that theology is irrelevant because it is impractical is that one’s practice must be built on a solid theological foundation, or he will go astray in his practice. For example, if one has a theologically low view of sin, he will tolerate sin in his practical life. Another example, if one is a theological universalist, he will not practice evangelism. (Why go through all the trouble if every one will be saved in the end regardless of what you do?) The examples could be multiplied endlessly, but these should suffice to prove the point that practical living must be based on solid theological thinking.

Kistler understands the practical relevance of theology. He argues, “We will not live any better than our theology; we may not live as well as our theology, but we will never live any better.” [2] If Kistler is correct, then theology is more relevant than the practical aspects of Christianity because in order to practice correctly we have to think correctly about God, which is in reality that with which theology is concerned.

Correct theology is the foundation for correct living. Consequently, one must give every effort to make certain that his theology is correct. Unfortunately, as fallible humans, we often fail to see the fallacies in our own thinking. One way to refine one’s thinking and uncover blind spots in thinking is debate. “Monologues seldom produce refined thought,” argues Geisler in his evaluation of atheism. He continues, “Without atheists, theists would lack significant opposition with which to dialogue and clarify their concepts of God.” [3] Debate or dialogue is an important tool for a theologian to sharpen his thinking. If believers rule out debate altogether, theological thinking will lack clarity and practically living out one’s faith will suffer as a result.

I am not suggesting that theological debate should be a Christian’s only concern, for truth must be lived out. I am suggesting, however, a balance. Believers should concern themselves with both theology and practical Christian living. Both are relevant, and these are not mutually exclusive concepts. Far from it, they are actually dependant on each other. Let us make every effort to pursue both correct thinking and correct living.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

[1] Swindoll, Charles R. The Grace Awakening Devotional A Thirty- Day Walk in the Freedom of Grace. (W Publishing Group 2003) pgs 1-2.
[2] www.donkistler.org
[3] Geisler, Norman L. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. (Baker 1999) p. 58.

Redemption Accomplished...for You?

2008-03-17T13:02:00.004-04:00

As we give special focus this coming weekend to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I want to briefly consider what He actually accomplished when He willingly suffered and died in our place as sinners.

1. REDEMPTION

Galatians 3:13, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” Who is “us”? Verse 14, those who by faith receive Christ Jesus and the promised Holy Spirit. Christ accomplished their redemption on the cross once and for all.

1 Corinthians 6:20, “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” Who are the “you” who have been redeemed by Christ? Verse 19, those whose body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 1:2, the church of God, those set apart in Christ Jesus and called to be holy).

2. PROPITIATION (satisfying the holy wrath of God upon us as sinners)

1 John 2:2, “and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” Jesus accomplished the propitiation for the sins of His people, Jews AND Gentiles! “Our sins” could refer to the believers in Asia Minor, present believers in the 1st century, or Jewish believers (or a blend of those); “sins of the whole world” thus would refer to the believers from areas outside of Asia Minor, all believers (past, present and future), or Gentile believers (or a blend of those). “World” refers to the world in general, people from every nation and tongue. This cannot mean every individual. Just consider the way John uses “world” throughout the whole letter (23 times, mostly in reference to the world system and philosophies; six times in reference to people, none of which can possibly mean every individual—but the world in a general sense; e.g. see 1 John 5:19). We use “world” in this sense as well, such as the United Nations saying, “Our efforts have benefited the whole world.”

Did Jesus propitiate (satisfy God’s wrath) on behalf of every individual? Unless we deny Scripture, eternal hell is a reality (a destination we ALL deserve as sinners), and many are there and are headed there. If Jesus is their propitiation, a just God could not condemn them! Did Jesus die on behalf of, in the place of, those who are in hell? If so, we have an unjust God. Someone may respond, “Well, they didn’t believe in Christ, so it wasn’t applied to them.” And that gets down to the real issue here: WHAT DID CHRIST ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISH ON THE CROSS? Did He die to actually accomplish and secure salvation on behalf of a chosen people (chosen by His free grace, objects of His mercy)? Or did He die to just make salvation possible and really didn’t redeem anyone? Does our salvation turn and depend on the hinge of our will (which is in bondage to our sin nature) or on the hinge of the free and gracious will of God? (See John 1:12-13 and James 1:18.)

3. RECONCILIATION

2 Corinthians 5:18-21, “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (again, this cannot be referring to every individual, but to the “world” of believers, a multitude from every nation and tongue whom the Father mercifully chose and the Son died for and the Spirit worked effectually to bring to repentance and faith—through the means of His people faithfully preaching the word – note…), “and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (Note that the “our” in the first half of verse 21 must be the “we” in the second half who actually are credited/imputed with the righteousness of God.)

Let us all remember that this all happened, verse 18, “THROUGH CHRIST.” Reconciliation thus flows out of redemption and propitiation. If I have been set free from bondage to sin, if Christ has satisfied the wrath of God on my behalf, then the way has been opened for me to be reconciled with God. As 2 Corinthians 6:2 goes on to say, “now is the day of salvation.” Come to Christ! As the Scriptures say, “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat.” (Isaiah 55:1)

C.H. Spurgeon gives us a good illustration here. “Come to Christ just as you, without money and without price. He will give you what you need; He will provide all that you lack. Think of the public drinking fountains at the corners of our streets; we can hardly imagine anyone so foolish as to feel for his purse and cry, ‘I cannot drink because I haven’t five pounds in my pocket.’ However poor the man is, there is the fountain, and just as he is, he may drink of it. Thirsty passengers, as they go by, whether they are dressed in fine satin or in rags, don’t consider their worthiness to be able to drink there. Perhaps the ones who go thirsty through the street where there’s a drinking fountain are the fine ladies and gentlemen in their fine carriages. They are very thirsty, but cannot think of humbling themselves to get out to drink. It would demean them, they think, to drink at a common drinking fountain. So they ride by with parched lips. Oh, how many there are who are rich in their own good works and do not come empty-handed & humbly to Christ! ‘I will not be saved,’ they say, ‘in the same way as the adulterer or thieves. What! Go to heaven in the same way as a chimney sweep?’ Such proud, self-deceived boasters remain without the living water. But the fountain of the gospel continues to flow…‘whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’”

Jeff Ryan
Calvary Bible Church, Rogers City, MI