Some time ago I had a very short exchange with someone regarding the Puritans and mortifying sin. He was of the opinion that the Puritans were in error in more than one doctrine, especially their emphasis on sin. I certainly differ with many of them when it comes to a Church-Israel distinction, the Millennium and other … [Read more...]
The Wrath of Christ
Talking about the Wrath of Christ isn't done in polite society. Not just in the secular sphere but also in the religious. The message constantly preached nowadays is that God is Love. There's no place for wrath. While it is true that love is one of God's attributes, God is also just. Because God is just, He hates … [Read more...]
Daniel Six and the Modern Church
There are parallels between the story found in Daniel six and the modern church. Lately Daniel 6 is often referenced in light of COVID-19 restrictions to church gatherings. To summarize the context to Daniel six: Daniel - who was living in Babylon under the authority of King Darius - was set up by the governors … [Read more...]
The Great Multitude of Revelation Chapter 7
Who are the Great Multitude of Revelation chapter 7:9-17? There are different interpretations of this heavenly group depending upon one's eschatology. Even among premillennialists. Proponents of Covenant Theology often conflate the Great Multitude with the 144,000, mentioned earlier in chapter 7. An example of this … [Read more...]
The Brotherliness and Sisterliness of Faith
The Brotherliness and Sisterliness of Faith - this post's title is derived from a chapter in a book by Ian Hamilton "The Faith-Shaped Life." The focus of Hamilton's chapter is Christian love and grace. It struck a chord with me and initiated some personal reflection and examination. Hence the following thoughts, once … [Read more...]
A Prayer for Revival – Philip Doddridge
One of the prayers in the book Piercing Heaven - Prayers of the Puritans is an epic prayer by Philip Doddridge - "A Prayer for Revival" (page 26). Some Christians may read Doddridge's long prayer and think he's just a stuffy, fussy Puritan who should chill out. In fact his self-reflecting attitude is a mark of the … [Read more...]
The Nature of Our Hope
What is the Nature of Our Hope? Is it not the redemption of our sick dying bodies and our wicked natures? And is not that hope found in Christ's accomplished work on our behalf? In Prayer and Spiritual Warfare (Saved in Hope), Charles Spurgeon wrote, Our hope of being completely delivered from sin in our spirits … [Read more...]
Did God the Father Create the Son?
Did God the Father create the Son? Those who affirm this hold to a doctrine called Arianism. Essentially Arianism states that God the Father created the Son out of nothing. The Son was the First of Creation and from Him everything else was created. It was proposed early in the 4th century by the Alexandrian presbyter … [Read more...]
The Day of the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 5
What did the Apostle Paul mean by the expression "peace and safety" before the Day of the Lord in 1 Thessalonians 5? What can we say about its timing? Is it pretribulational? Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the … [Read more...]
Extravagant Grace – Scandal of the Gospel
Extravagant Grace - Scandal of the Gospel. This idea forms a chapter in The Gospel-Shaped Life by Ian Hamilton. The gospel is so gracious in mercy; some may actually be scandalized by it. Do you find it hard to pray for some people, say certain politicians and activists who incite violence? I do. I confess to … [Read more...]
