Dr. James White's web site
Dr. James White's web site has just been given a face-lift of sorts. It amounts to a major upgrade for a site that is well known for its defense of the biblical Gospel, found here.
Intown Leadership Training Curriculum
The Intown Bookshelf
This is a list of resources that Intown Presbyterian Church (PCA) Portland believes are helpful for a given area of study. None of these resources are exhaustive; much more could be said about the topic. However, these books stand out because they are clear, concise, and rely upon a good bibliography that can take you deeper.
Note that these books are an important part of Intown Presbyterian Church's (PCA) new leadership training curriculum:
Why I am a Calvinist by Dr. Phil Johnson
I highly recommend the series of posts by Dr. Phil Johnson at the Pulpit Magazine blog on "Why I am a Calvinist" found here. I believe these short articles provide both a forthright and very balanced overview concerning Calvinism, Hyper-Calvinism and Arminianism. - Pastor John Samson
From the Mind of Dave Hunt
Here is a MUST READ: Commenting on whether Calvinists are saved, in his own words, here is Dave Hunt at his best, apparently unconcerned for historical and theological accuracy, throwing all caution to the wind. Read through it -- no further commentary necessary.
Question [composite of several]: Was this a misstatement, or do you really believe what you said in your September Q&A: “Those who only know the false gospel of Calvinism are not saved”?
Answer: The original question was, “Is it possible for someone who believes only in the soteriology of Calvin to be saved?” As I said in my response, there are many Calvinists who were saved before they became Calvinists or who have believed the true gospel in spite of their Calvinism—but “those who know only the false gospel of Calvinism are not saved.” If all one believes is that infant baptism saves, as Calvin taught (and which is the case with many Calvinists), one is certainly not saved. If a person believes that he was saved through infant baptism, how is it possible for him, without relinquishing that false belief, to truly be saved by believing the gospel? He has no need of the true gospel, having already been forgiven his sins and made a child of God through infant baptism. He may affirm at his confirmation that Christ died for his sins, but he still believes that the benefit of that sacrifice came to him through infant baptism long before his “confirmation” of this lie.
How could that false faith save? If it does, then the many former Catholics, Lutherans, and Presbyterians who realized they weren’t saved through their infant baptism, and who put their faith in Christ, were born again, and then baptized as believers, have been deluded. But they would vehemently deny that they were saved all the time in spite of their faith in infant baptism! And they would reject Calvin himself as an “ex-Catholic”—because he continued to rely upon his infant baptism for salvation, he declared that being baptized as a baby was the sure way of knowing one was among the elect, he opposed those who got saved and were then baptized, he banned Anabaptists from Geneva in 1537, and he even had some burned at the stake for this belief.
Christianity Today on Calvinism
"Young, Restless, and Reformed: Calvinism is making a comeback--and shaking up the church."Christianity Today's cover story in the latest issue, shipping this week.
Justin Taylor over at Betwen Two Worlds mentioned that the cover story article was written by Collin Hansen, and that it is an excellent piece that profiles the Reformed resurgence in the twenty-something crowd. John Piper, Al Mohler, Joshua Harris, Kent Hughes, C.J. Mahaney, and Together for the Gospel are all mentioned. Pick up a copy of the magazine at your local bookstore.
We will also link to the story when it appears online next week.
Don't Be Stingy
In his book "A Generous Orthodoxy", when speaking of the doctrine of unconditional election, Brian McLaren in an attempt to redefine TULIP, asserts that anyone who believes in a God who elects some and not others to eternal life (1 Peter 1:2) must be so self-absorbed in their standing before God that they view themselves as having what he calls “exclusive privilege” over others.
How McLaren could reach such a puzzling conclusion is a very interesting question, one which I hope to explore more in depth (along with a testimony of God's grace in my own conversion) below:
It can be demonstrated, on the contrary, that the divine intent of revealing the the doctrine of election to us in Scripture was actually to bring about the opposite effect. Understood rightly, our election in Christ safeguards the biblical axiom that our salvation is by the grace of Jesus Christ, and by that grace ALONE ... that salvation is wholly, not partly, procured by Jesus Christ and our being united to Him by His Holy Spirit. Paul thus defines a Christian as one who worships in the Spirit of God, glories in Christ Jesus and has no confidence in the flesh (Phil 3).
A Tale of Two Mediators
A Tale of Two Mediators In MP3 or Streaming Audio.
Are we considered guilty for Adam's sin? What is the doctrine of original sin? Continuing their study of Romans 5, the hosts contrast the roles of two mediators, Adam and Christ, in order to better understand sin and grace. Tune in to this episode of the Romans Revolution on the White Horse Inn.
Please take the time to listen to this VERY HELPFUL conversation with Michael Horton and Kim Riddlebarger (and others). Also, be amazed at lack of persons at a National Evangelical Pastors Conference who actually believe in original sin at all. Most of them would be brought up on charges of rank heresy if any historic church councils made any difference. If imputation of guilt is unjust as many said, then would they believe that God imputing our guilt to Jesus is also unjust???
Dr. Meredith G. Kline & B.B. Warfield
Here is a great resource for anyone doing research into Meredith G. Kline. (or Covenant theology) Dr. Meredith G. Kline Online - Website dedicated to his Books, articles and essays
For over half a century, Dr. Meredith G. Kline, an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, served as a professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary (in Philadelphia), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Seminary California. He received his B.D. and Th.M. degrees from Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) and his Ph.D. degree in Assyriology and Egyptology from Dropsie College.
Here is another resource Website recently posted by Covenant OPC
Warfield's Apologetics
This website seeks to promote the apologetical approach of Charles Hodge, A. A. Hodge, B. B. Warfield, and J. Gresham Machen typically referred to as the "tradition of Old Princeton," or as "Old School Presbyterianism." many articles, links, and papers that promote Warfield's apologetical approach as time permits. Not all the links or articles will be from Warfield's rigorous Calvinism, which we equally share, but they will attempt to give a reasonable argument for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).
The Beginning of the End of the PCUSA?
In 1903, the PCUSA adopted revisions to the Westminster Confession of Faith that were intended to soften the church's commitment to Calvinism. J Gresham Machen Splits over liberalism and forms OPC in the 30s...
1967 PCUSA supplements the Westminster Confession with a Book of Confessions, containing Christian confessions from the fourth century to the twentieth, including the newly-drafted Confession of 1967. Before 1967 there was a constitutional basis to call the church to reform. Until that year the PCUSA still had ordination vows that required officers to subscribe to the Bible as the Word of God and to the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms as containing the system of doctrine taught in Scripture. But in 1967 a Book of Confessions was adopted, a kind of confessional museum whose latest addition (the Confession of 1967) undermines all of the solid, biblical confessions that preceded it, and with it carries a new set of ordination vows in which the person ordained promises only to be "guided" by the confessions of the church.
1970s splits into PCA / PCUSA - decides to ordain women... Now about 50% are considering homosexual clergy.
In light of this, is this Beginning of the End of the PCUSA?
Mark Roberts at his blog has a series of posts on -- is the Presbyterian Church USA already in schism?
The Beginning of the End of the PCUSA?
Should Biblically-Committed Christians Leave the PCUSA?
Should Biblically-Committed Christians Leave the PCUSA? (Section B)
Disclosure, Eric Costa and myself are members of the PCA, not to be confused with the PCUSA.
Interesting Links Around the Web 06-07-06
Ministerial Confessions by Horatius Bonar (Worthwhile read)
Kim Riddelbarger discuss the Antichrist Part I; Part II Free MP3 Downloads
Is There Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus? (.Pdf)
A Debate between William Lane Craig and Bart D. Ehrman
The Book of Genesis Multimedia, Commentaries, Sermons and other Resources @Monergism.com New Section!
Caner On Calvinism by Gene Bridges
Short Biography of a Retired Police Officer Pete Reed
See how God uses the weakest means to convert His own.
Present Day Evangelism by Arthur W. Pink
Monergism.com Reformation T-Shirts
Now Shipping. With the recent resurgence of Reformation theology, many adhering to the Doctrines of Grace search for ways to expose the world to their beliefs. This shirt peaks the interest of onlookers and provides an excellent bridge for introducing the Biblical beliefs recovered and heralded during the the Reformation. The front of the shirt has a “burning bush” with the Latin phrase “Post Tenebras Lux” it also has the text "www.monergism.com" on the fornt so you can point interested onlookers to biblical resources. The back of the shirt bears the names and likenesses of four of the best-known Protestant Reformers and those who came after them to carrry the torch of the Reformation: Calvin, Luther, Edwards & Spurgeon surrounded by the text: Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Sola Scriptura, Soli Deo Gloria.
Materials of Interest Around the Web
DVD Review - Marks of a Cult by Tim Challies New Recommendation!
Why are Baptists properly considered Christians, but Mormons are not? Why is the Jehovah's Witness religion classified as an anti-Christian cult while Presbyterians, Wesleyans and Pentecostals are simply seen as denominations within the Christian faith? How does one differentiate between true Biblical Christianity and an aberrant religious movement? And just what are the marks of a cult?
Preaching as Expository Exultation for the Glory of God by John Piper--delivered at the Together for the Gospel Conference.
There are four parts to this message. First, I will reflect on the kind of preaching that I long to see God raise up in our day—the kind that is shaped by the weight of the glory of God. Second, I will try to portray the glory of God which affects preaching this way. Third, I will offer my biblical understanding of how people waken to this glory and are changed by it. Finally, I will explain how all of this calls for a kind of preaching that I call expository exultation.
Is the Devil Really in the Details? by Carl Trueman
A simple, isolated statement about belief in scriptural authority is not enough on its own to distinguish Protestants from Catholics. Augustine legitimated mediocre Christianity of a kind that accepted failure as failure and then pointed to God’s grace in Christ as the only basis for salvation, whether at the start of the Christian life or at the end. Thus, the failure of Pelagius to make sense of Paul’s teaching on fallen human nature and grace led to Augustine’s enshrinement of failure as one of the hallmarks of the true Christian. And that is surely good news.
A must read debate on Monergistic Regeneration led by Gene Bridges at Triblogue. Start here:
1) "Charles" and Bob L. Ross Vs. Scripture and the Confessions
Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in
repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour. Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God.
Response:
2) Quoting the rebuttal:
The substance of the response itself is here:
Monergism.com Major Upgrade Campaign
As many of you already know, we need to raise $5000.00 to cover the costs of a major upgrade to Monergism.com. This project is seeking your help to fund the cost of backend engineering, design, data entry as well as continued regular maintenance costs for the site (software, hardware, etc.). Monergism.com's content will be put into a database with consideration to usability, navigation and website architecture. When the project is complete, the goal is a much better user experience and to make it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for. While the content of the site will continue to be focused on Christ-honoring theology, it should be much more streamlined and accessible.
We thank the Lord for all of you that after only one week we have already raised over $4000.00 in donations through checks and PayPal. We are really thankful to see the broad support and the obvious hand of the Lord at work through you in furthering the Gospel through Monergism.com.
Live Blogging by Tim Challies
As most of you already know, the Together for the Gospel Conference is taking place this week, finishing later today. Tim Challies is serving many of us who are not there (but would like to be) by live blogging at the main sessions. Here are his notes for Dr. Sproul's session yesterday afternoon. For more, go to www.challies.com.
This afternoon we have the privilege of hearing R.C. Sproul speak on "The Center of Christian Preaching: Justification by Faith Alone." It seems to me that if we could want to hear any man in the world today speak on the subject of "justification by faith alone," it would be Sproul. Few men have dedicated more time to understanding and preaching this critical doctrine. Few men are more qualified to speak to share with us this: the very heart of Christian doctrine.
Justification is the doctrine upon which the church stands or falls, and ultimately, the doctrine upon which you and I stand or fall. This doctrine is the "Atlas" upon which the whole of Christianity rests. Were Atlas to shrug, the entire structure of the Christian faith would fall to the ground and be shattered. This is not a common understanding of the doctrine of justification by faith alone in our day. It is now considered, tragically, the small print of the gospel. The battle over justification by faith alone is considered, by so many, a tempest in a teapot. Many have declared the Reformation to be over since Catholicism and Protestantism have supposedly mended their fences and now stand together. The New Perspective tells us that both sides completely misunderstood Paul's true teaching on justification. Yet it should not be surprising that we see a minimalist attitude being expressed about this doctrine.
Towards the end of his life, Martin Luther warned (rightly it seems) that in every generation the gospel will have to be reaffirmed because this doctrine, when proclaimed boldly and accurately, will produce conflict. We are those who, when faced with the options of fight or flight, prefer to flee conflict even if the stakes are as low as being burned not at the stake but at the payroll of a local church. With this increasing significance comes an eclipse of the understanding of this doctrine. Dr. Sproul will discuss the Roman Catholic understanding of the doctrine of justification so we can understand the Reformation understanding up against the Roman Catholic.
J. Ligon Duncan III: Contemporary Reformer
Meet J. Ligon Duncan III, the newest member of the Hall of Contemporary Reformers. Dr. Duncan calls himself a Westminster Calvinist and has, what he calls, an an ordinary means grace-based ministry which believes that God means what he says in the Bible about the central importance of these public, outward instruments for spiritual life and growth. God explicitly instructs ministers and churches to do the following things: (1) "give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching" (I Timothy 3:13); (2) "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2); (3) "make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you" (Matthew 28:19); (4) "This is My body, which is for you; ...This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (I Corinthians 11 :24-26); (5) "I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made. ..Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands" (I Timothy 2:1, 8).
These are the main ways God's people grow. We are saved by grace through faith, faith alone in Christ alone. But the instruments, the tools of God' s grace to bring us to faith and grow us in grace are the Word, prayer and sacraments. Nothing else we do in the church's program should detract from these central instruments of grace, and indeed every thing else we do should promote and coalesce with them.
What's Wrong With This Picture?
The 50 Most Influential Christians in America
According to The Magazine for Church Business Administrators and Para Church Executives: The Church Report - The 50 Most Influential Christians in America has voted T.D. Jakes (a non-Trinitarian modalist) and Joel Osteen (whose books and preaching are merely pep talks that are completely void of the gospel) in their #1 and #2 positions. The top 10 also includes Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Paul Crouch and Joyce Meyer. The list was derived from over 150,000 nominations from its readers. While there are a couple of notable names down the list, the lack of discernment among evangelicals as to what constitutes the gospel and historic orthodox Christianity is made evident by many of the questionable selections.
Instead of despairing, this should bring us to prayer that the Lord would move within our leadership our rank and file to desire God-honoring, Christ-centered, gospel-driven churches. That He woud send his Spirit to open our eyes and circumcize our hearts to to embrace a full-orbed Trinitarian gospel that preaches the whole counsel of Scripture among all our leaders and churches. If this current trend continues in America, our days are numbered but God, who can bring life out of death hears our prayers. The situation being this critical means that we must pray to the Lord for His mercy. Perhaps the greatest task facing us is the re-evangelization of the Church itself.
Click Here for Full List:
http://www.thechurchreport.com/content/view/823/32/
J.W. Hendryx
Cooperation in the Church (Audio Interview)
By Dr. Mark Dever
Four veterans go a few rounds on the subject of cooperation among evangelicals & their churches. Listen to Mark Dever, Al Mohler, Ligon Duncan and CJ Mahaney talk about where they can and cannot cooperate as church leaders. Mark writes, “This is one of my favorite conversations we've been able to record. We had already been together for several hours and the conversation just flowed." Two baptists, one Presbyterian and a Reformed Charismatic discuss the pratical implications of unity when people are coming from different distinctives.
The interview is free for streaming download here
Other Happenings Around the Web
Albert Mohler: A Conversation With John MacArthur and John Piper Audio
The Quest for Biblical Blogging Part I; Part II by Michael Beasley
James White 17-Part Series on the DaVinci Code
*The Da Vinci Code XVIII *Part I *Part II *Part III *Part IV *Part V *Part VI *Part VII *Part VIII *Part IX *Part X *Part XI *Part XII *Part XIII *Part XIV *Part XV *Part XVI *Part XVII
N. T. Wright's "Paul: In Fresh Perspective" Review & Critique by Denny Burk
Still A Deadly Mistake: N.T. Wrights and Wrongs by Douglas Wilson
John Frame: Doctrine of the Christian Life the third volume of his Theology of Lordship series can read in its entirety online for free.
David Wells Roundtable Discussion
With the recent publication of David Wells’ Above All Earthly Powers: Christ in a Postmodern World (Eerdmans, 2005), the editor (Derek Thomas) asked three Alliance Council members, Ligon Duncan, Phil Ryken, and Carl Trueman to engage in a round-table discussion on the importance of this and his previous volumes.
Bibliology: Doctrine of the Written Word
Take the time to see the updated and most extensive resource of the Doctrine of the Bible on the Internet @ Monergism.com. A cornucopia of theologically sound essays.
“Since for unbelieving men religion seems to stand by opinion alone, they, in order not to believe anything foolishly or lightly, both wish and demand rational proof that Moses and the prophets spoke divinely. But I reply: the testimony of the Spirit is more excellent than all reason. For as God alone is a fit witness of himself in his Word, so also the Word will not find acceptance in men's hearts before it is sealed by the inward testimony of the Spirit. The same Spirit, therefore, who has spoken through the mouths of the prophets must penetrate into our hearts to persuade us that they faithfully proclaimed what had been divinely commanded ... "
--John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion 1.7.5.
11/28/05 Around the Blogosphere
Tilting at Windmills
Take the time to read a 3-part review that deals a fatal blow to the latest book attacking Calvinism: Ben Witherington's The Problem with Evangelical Theology (Bayor 2005). Steve Hays of Triablogue answers point by point Arminian objections Part 1; Part 2; Part 3
Can't we all just get along? Why "playing nice" by postmodernist standards is a losing proposition
It is always amazing to me to see postmoderns making authoritative statements to falsify all claims to authority. Phil Johnson takes on the postmodern ethos of convictionless Chrisitianity in his new essay
John Piper & Reformation History Free MP3 CD Giveaway
( 4 CDs to choose from ) Offer Ends December 31st, 2005
Includes the following CDs (1) T.U.L.I.P & Romans 7-9 by John Piper (60 lectures and sermons), (2) Christian Biographies by John Piper, (3) Reformation HIstory Series by Tom Browning & Life Together: What is a Reformed Church? Series by Tom Ferrel (27 Sermons/Lectures, (4) Three John Piper Sermon Series w/bonus: includes a) Desiring God (4 sermons) (b) Biblical Eldership (4 sermons) (c) Unbelief (12 sermons) (d) Bonus Sermons Pleasures of God (8 sermons) ... If you like MP3s with theologically God-glorifying content here is the place to get them free.
Getting the Facts Right:
Michael A G Haykin talks about using historical inaccuracies to buttress a theological argument\
The Promise-Driven Life by Michael S. Horton
You have heard of the Purpose Driven LIfe? Well, Horton brings us a little closer to reality.
Redefining ChristianityTim Challies Reviews Bob DeWaay's new book, Redefining Christianity, a book about Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life and other aspects of the Purpose Driven paradigm.
Mark Dever: Newest Inductee into the Hall of Contemporary Reformers
November 20, 2005: Today Mark Dever is the newest member inducted into The Hall of Contemporary Reformers. Mark Dever serves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, a reforming congregation, with emphasis on God-centered services, expositional preaching, evangelism & missions and community life. Take the time to click into his profile and scroll down to the bottom of his page to find essays, sermons, and a pastor's toolbox. There is a cornucopia of material that will be helpful to your ministry and discipleship. Dever has an expertise in Ecclesiology and has written a few excellent books on the subject. Apart from his pulpit, he has a ministry called 9Marks which gives superb material related to the Nine Marks of a Healthy Church. There are answers to many of your practical questions about church. Be sure to do an in-depth exploration of his profile. If you are unfamiliar with his ministry you need to get familiar with it. The Lord is using this ministry to make a profound difference.