I am in the process of summarizing the book Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God’s Grace for The Gospel Coalition. This book has been more theological, warmly devotional, and, therefore, rewarding than I anticipated. Each chapter is written by a different author and full of glorious gospel richness. Continue reading “No Greater Joy or Contentment”
Martin Luther: A Conscience Captive to the Word of God
I recently had the opportunity to be a part of a Reformation conference at Christ Presbyterian Church in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The title of my message was “Martin Luther: A Conscience Captive to the Word of God.” I explored a few of Luther’s convictions about Sola Scriptura and the circumstances of his life that led him to those convictions while making application to us today along the way. Below is a copy of my manuscript. Continue reading “Martin Luther: A Conscience Captive to the Word of God”
Would The Pioneer Reformers Own Modern Protestantism?
I have been enjoying my study of Martin Luther’s life and writings as I prepare for my talk at the Reformation Conference (to be held at Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna on October 28th at 9:30 am). I have spent much of my time in preparation looking at Luther’s magisterial book The Bondage of the Will. In this book, Luther decisively refutes humanist Catholic scholar Desiderius Erasmus and his semi-pelagian, synergistic view of salvation. Erasmus was the most revered scholar in the world, but in the realm of theology, he was no match for Luther. In the words of Michael Reeves, “Erasmus was like an ant attacking a rhino” (61). Continue reading “Would The Pioneer Reformers Own Modern Protestantism?”
A Prayer in the Wake of the Las Vegas Massacre
How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile your name forever? Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. He sits in ambush in the villages; in hiding places he murders the innocent. His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless; Continue reading “A Prayer in the Wake of the Las Vegas Massacre”
The Bondage of the Will
Is the human will free? The answer to that question deserves a book-length treatment, and many books have been written on the topic. Three of the best are Martin Luther’s The Bondage of the Will, Jonathan Edwards’ Freedom of the Will, and more recently, Scott Christensen’s What About Free Will? Reconciling Our Choices with God’s Sovereignty. Continue reading “The Bondage of the Will”
Microchips: The mark of the beast?
Ever since childhood, I have heard people associate microchips with the mark of the beast from Revelation 13:16–17:
Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. (ESV)
The USA Today reported last Friday (August 4) that a Wisconsin company is offering microchip implants to its employees. The chips will enhance efficiency by enabling convenient entry to facilities and automatic access to corporate computers. As expected, the news has triggered speculation about the Bible’s end-time prophecies. Continue reading “Microchips: The mark of the beast?”
“Why You Will Join the Wrong Church” By Sam Emadi
This is a good word from my younger and wiser brother, Sam Emadi. His article is titled, “Why You Will Join the Wrong Church.” How can he be so sure? Read to find out and what he says to do about it.
Why You Should Study the Book of Hebrews
The book of Hebrews is one of the most Christ-centered, Old Testament-saturated, faithfulness-inspiring books of the New Testament and yet it is also one of the most feared by students of the Bible. Hebrews is a difficult book to interpret. It covers topics like angels, the mysterious Melchizedek, apostasy, the heavenly sanctuary, covenant-mediation, and the nature of the new covenant, and all by the hands of an unknown author. It’s no wonder many Christians would rather spend their time in the Gospels and Romans than do the difficult work of exegetical digging in a book like Hebrews. Continue reading “Why You Should Study the Book of Hebrews”
“I asked the Lord that I Might Grow”
John Newton (1725–1807) is famous for writing Amazing Grace, the world’s most famous hymn. He also composed several other less famous yet equally beautiful hymns. My friend, Pastor Jason Wallace of Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna, Utah pointed me to this one over lunch this week. It’s called “I Asked the Lord” and worth a reflective reading. Continue reading ““I asked the Lord that I Might Grow””
Don’t Waste Your Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Last week my children all came down with the dreaded hand, foot, and mouth disease. If you have never heard of this illness, it is a nasty bug that causes a fever, sore throat, and red sores on the hands, feet, and mouth. Yesterday I got to share in their suffering—at least the fever part—and it kicked the life out of me! The upside to the whole experience is that lying in bed all day with barely the strength to move is an ideal time for reflection. I thought I would share my thoughts in this post. Continue reading “Don’t Waste Your Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease”