We sang this powerful song today in our gathered worship.
We have been trying to introduce more Psalm singing into the regular rhythm of congregational worship at Crossroads Church. “From the Depths of Woe” is a beautiful song by Martin Luther and it is based on Psalm 130. The lyrics are below. Continue reading “From the Depths of Woe”
With the news of R. C. Sproul’s death, many in evangelicalism are paying tribute to him today. I have profited immensely from Dr. Sproul’s teaching over the years, so I wanted to offer my own expression of thanks to God for the life and ministry of R. C. Sproul. He was a gift to the church of Jesus Christ.
I believe my first introduction to R. C. Sproul was through his video series titled Knowing Scripture. I was in Junior High at the time, and my home church was watching Dr. Sproul during our Wednesday night Bible studies. His teaching was dynamic; his personality was friendly, his presentations were clear and easy to understand. Continue reading “It is Hope Enough: Robert Charles Sproul (1939–2017)”
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”
Another great video by Pastor Jason Wallace of Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna.
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”
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?”
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”
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”
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?”
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.
