What is Socinianism and why does it matter to the Christian? In fact, why should it matter to anyone? Is it orthodox or a doctrine we should be wary of? I ran across the term Socinianism while reading John MacArthur's book, "Ashamed of the Gospel." Of course I'd heard it before but hadn't paid it any attention. … [Read more...]
God Will Finish His Work
Sometimes we despair of our sinful state, but God will finish His work in us. Puritan Richard Sibbes assure us of this in Glorious Freedom. The following thoughts are stolen from Refreshment for the Soul, compiled and edited by David B. MacKinnon. Longing for revival I remember attending Catholic school and going … [Read more...]
Book Review of Ashamed of the Gospel
Book Review of Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World. Written by John MacArthur and published by Crossway; hardcover Third Edition (304 pages). The Motive The book opens with three Bible verses which undergird the inspiration behind the book. I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is … [Read more...]
Adolph Saphir on Christ and His Return
Adolph Saphir expressed some encouraging thoughts about Christ's return in the book The Hidden Life: Thoughts on Communion with God. On The Hidden Life The Hidden Life isn't a well-known book today. It's also a classic example of a book I bought many years ago; gave it a cursory look and placed it on the book … [Read more...]
The Asbury University Revival
Is the Asbury University revival legitimate? At time of writing, it has generated much attention, and both positive and negative feedback. Every Christian ought to be thinking about Revival. We hope for revival in the church and within us. This hope is one primary focus of a prayer meeting I participate in once a … [Read more...]
From Morning to Night
From morning to night: a prayer by George Swinnock, taken from Tim Chester's book, Into His Presence: Praying with the Puritans. The Puritans were great pray-ers. Their prayers were full of doxology and deep theology. Swinnock's is a good example of this. For more, I recommend Chester's book. You can get it … [Read more...]
Ashamed of the Gospel
I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes; the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Rom 1:16) Paul not ashamed of the gospel Several times in Paul's two letters to Timothy he reiterated that he was not ashamed of the gospel, and admonished him to be like himself. … [Read more...]
Do Not Conform
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be … [Read more...]
Defending the Holy Trinity
Defending the Holy Trinity - the doctrine of the Trinity is neglected by Christians. We may defend our eschatology with a degree of confidence; the Trinity not so much. What sometimes complicates matter is that there are organizations which claim to be Christian, yet deny the doctrine of the Trinity, and the person … [Read more...]
Eschatology of the Church Fathers
What was the pervading eschatology of the church fathers? Did they have any consensus on eschatological beliefs? You might be surprised. Every once in a while I spot an online squabble about the early church fathers' beliefs. Sometimes it's an academic one regarding epistemology; Augustine, Thomas Aquinas etc. Often … [Read more...]
