Purpose Driven

Well I just want to thank God for vacations! Just when it seems I can't take anymore stress at work lo and behold it's my turn for a week off from the everyday grind so my wife and I are going to visit my parents in Missouri. Please pray for our son and my nephew who are house sitting while were gone. But before I leave the blog world for nearly a week let me leave you with one last video of my pastor Jonathan Sims as he closes out a week of revival at First Baptist Church of Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

You can listen to this sermon titled "What Salvation Looks Like from God's Perspective" in it's entirety HERE.

John 3:16

You can listen to this sermon titled "Five Simple Truths of Salvation" in it's entirety HERE.

Mysterious and Glorious

I am reading The Glory of Christ by John Owen and I am finding it a wonderful study of the depths of Christ and His Glory. Here is what I read this morning in chapter six.

The glory of his obedience becomes more wonderful when we realize who he was who thus obeyed God. He was none other than the Son of God made man. He who was in heaven, above all, Lord of all, lived in the world, having no earthly glory or reputation, obliged to obey the whole law of God perfectly. He, to whom prayer was made, prayed himself night and day. He, whom all the angels of heaven and all creatures worshipped, fulfilled all the duties which the worship of God required. He who was Lord and master of the house became the lowliest servant in the house, performing all menial duties. He that made all men in whose hand they are all as clay is in the hand of the potter, observed among them the strictest rules of justice, in giving to everyone his due, and out of love giving good things to the undeserving. This is what makes the obedience of Christ so mysterious and glorious. —John Owen (1616-1683)

Quote taken from The Glory of Christ by John Owen, The Banner of Truth Trust; 1994 p. 54

Fear of Man is Idoltry!

You can listen to this sermon titled "The Fear of Man" in it's entirety HERE.

Justification by Association

Over the past few years I have grown increasingly concerned about the state of evangelicalism. There has been a rapid decline of doctrinal integrity, and evangelical churches throughout the country have lost their theological bearings, especially regarding the doctrine of Justification. According to the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformer Martin Luther, justification is the doctrine upon which the church stands or falls. If Luther was right, and indeed he was, many churches have fallen by the wayside. No longer do such churches preach justification by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone; rather, they preach justification by association.

The general appeal of the evangelical church is just this: eternal salvation is granted to anyone who will associate himself with Jesus. Often, the reasoning of such evangelical pastors goes something like this: "if only we can get people into our churches by whatever means possible, then maybe we can get them to like us, especially if we run our churches like big corporations and implement all sorts of cool programs that are purpose-driven. Then maybe, if we can get them in, and if we can get them to like us, then just maybe we can get them to like Jesus." This, in a word, is the twenty-first century doctrine of justification by association —what a novel concept. by Rev Burk Parsons

Excerpt taken from October 2004 issue of "Tabletalk" from Ligonier Ministries and R. C. Sproul article by Rev. Burk Parsons who serves as the minister of education at Saint Andrews Chapel in Sanford, FL

Substitutionary Atonement

You can listen to this sermon titled "Worship in the Midst of Warfare" in it's entirety HERE.

People Pleasers

Are you a People Pleaser? Do you know how to spot one? Here is a list of 10 character traits of a People Pleaser taken from Lou Priolo's book titled Pleasing People: How Not to Be an Approval Junkie.

01. He fears the displeasure of man more than the displeasure of God.
02. He desires the praise of man above the praise of God.
03. He studies what it takes to please man as much or more as what it takes to please God.
04. His speech is designed to entice others to think well of him.
05. He is a respecter of persons.
06. He is over sensitive to correction or the dissatisfaction or disapproval of others.
07. He outwardly renders eye service to man instead of sincere service to the Lord.
08. He selfishly uses the gifts and the abilities God has given him for God's glory for his own personal benefit.
09. He spends more resources in establishing his honor instead of the honor of God.
10. He is discontent with the proportion God has given him, always wanting more.

Examine Yourselves!

This is my pastor Jonathan Sims he is in Muscle Shoals, Alabama preaching revival at First Baptist Church this week and I want to thank them for these great videos. You can watch them in there entirety at their website http://fbcms.org/. I will try and post a clip of each sermon.

You can listen to this sermon titled "The Evidences of Genuine Conversion" in it's entirety HERE.

This Week in Blogdom

Phil Johnson over at Pyromaniacs shares a startling judgement coming from emerging church pastor Doug Pagitt.

Tim Challies new book The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment is now available for pre-order.

Here is a link to a Charles Hadden Spurgeon sermon on Limited Atonement.

Justin Peters, exposes the dreadful heresies promoted by the health-and-wealth gospel, Word of Faith preachers like Benny Hinn and the Copelands at The Master's Seminary chapel. You can download the MP3 here Exposing the Word of Faith Movement.

Dealing With Arminians

It seems to be very popular today within Arminian circles to attack the doctrines of grace which may be better know to some as Calvinism particularly the doctrine of election, and I have seen of late those who attack Calvinism and then go so far as to call it Hyper-Calvinism to further confuse the issue. I heard Dr. John MacArthur's sermon titled "The Doctrine Of Election, Part 2" this morning and just wanted to share a quote where he address's the issue of how to deal with an Arminian regardless of the angle they are coming from. ( Download MP3 )

I think if you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t like the doctrine of election, if you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t like the doctrine of predestination, if you’re dealing with someone who is, what is known as Pelagian or Arminian from Arminius who denied this doctrine, if you’re dealing with those people, here’s a passage that really stops them cold in their tracks.

1 Corinthians 1:26, “For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise, according to the flesh; not many mighty, not many noble.”

Just take a look at the congregation. All right, you’re sitting there in the church at Corinth, look around...look around. See the ones who have been called effectually into salvation, how many of the world’s wise are there? How many of the world’s mighty are there? How many of the nobles are there? How much royal blood is there in your church?

Verse 27, “But God has chosen the foolish of the world to shame the wise, God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised. God has chosen the things are not that He might nullify the things that are in order that no man should...what?...boast before God.”

I’m telling you what, folks, Arminians are up a creek without a paddle in this passage. This says God wanted to be glorified. God wanted to receive all the glory. No person who is saved could ever boast about his own salvation and it served God’s glory best for Him to choose the foolish and the weak and the base and the despised and the nothings and the nobodies. Now listen, if the weak and the foolish chose God, this passage doesn’t make any sense. If the weak and the foolish chose God, then who gets the credit? The weak and the foolish. So how does this end human boasting? It turns the whole passage into nonsense. And verse 30 he says, “But by His doing...His being God...you are in Christ Jesus.” You’re in Christ Jesus because God did it so that verse 31 says, “If you’re going to boast, boast...where?...boast in the Lord.” I mean, it’s all over the Bible. This passage isn’t about man’s choice, this hasn’t anything to do with man’s choice. This is about God’s choice. And if it’s about man’s choice, then how does it end human boasting? It turns the whole passage into utter nonsense.

Evil Surmisings

1 Timothy 6:3-6 "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain."

The reason why men’s minds are corrupt is because they do not stick to the truth as it is in Jesus: supposing that gain is godliness, making religion truckle to their secular interest. From such as these Timothy is warned to withdraw himself. Whoever teaches otherwise, and does not consent to these wholesome words, he is proud, knowing nothing; for pride and ignorance commonly go together. Paul sets a brand only on those who consent not to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness; they are proud, knowing nothing: other words more wholesome he knew not. We learn the sad effects of doting about questions and strifes of words; of such doting about questions comes envy, strife, evil surmisings, and perverse disputings; when men leave the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, they will never agree in other words, either of their own or other men’s invention, but will perpetually wrangle and quarrel about them; and this will produce envy, when they see the words of others preferred to those they have adopted for their own; and this will be attended with jealousies and suspicions of one another, called here evil surmisings; then they will proceed to perverse disputings. Such persons as are given to perverse disputings appear to be men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth; especially such as act in this manner for the sake of gain, which is all their godliness, supposing gain to be godliness, contrary to the apostle’s judgment, who reckoned godliness great gain. Good ministers and Christians will withdraw themselves from such. "Come out from among them, my people, and be ye separate,’’ says the Lord: from such withdraw thyself. —Matthew Henry (1662–1714)

Burden of Fear

The "Positive-Preacher" can be found today all across this country in every denomination with his ear tickling messages of becoming a better Christian at the expense of neglecting the "SIN" or "HELL" issue so as not to offend peoples consciences with a message of fear and condemnation. But is this popular trend of being a positive only preacher a true mark of a Christ-like preacher?

"Any theory which takes off the pressure of responsibility that rests upon every man, that removes from any man's conscience the burden that Christianity puts there, or lessens his feeling of the awfulness of sin, is unchristlike and dangerous. Christ placed the burden of fear on unrepentant men's consciences; and any one who takes off that burden of fear, is not Christ-like." —Henry Ward Beecher (1813 -1887)

Quote taken from The Sermons Of Henry Ward Beecher, Fifth Series 1871.

Islamic Assumption

This post should draw some friendly comments. Over at Pulpit Magazine they have published a great article titled "Considering the Qur'an" which address the significant problems with the claim that Muslims make that "it is the Bible that has been corrupted. Hence, it is argued, the Jewish and Christian scriptures have been tainted, not the Qur’an".

"By it’s own admission, the Qur’an must be consistent with previous revelation from God. But it does not take long to see that the Bible and the Qur’an are not compatible. “It should come as no surprise to well-informed Muslims who know that, in the final analysis, the claims of Christianity and Islam are incompatible. This incompatibility is behind the Islamic assumption that, in one way or another, the Bible has been corrupted.” When it is demonstrated that the Bible has not been corrupted, both from textual evidence and from the claims of the Qur’an itself, it is the Qur’an—not the Bible—that is discredited."

New Again

What's in a Title?

Below are two sets of actual sermon titles preached in the last year or so from two local churchs, one is taken from a seeker-friendly church and the other from a church who's allegiance is to the Lord Jesus Christ and the sufficiency of the Word of God. Can you tell which is which? Which set of sermons would you rather hear? Or better yet; which set of sermons sound more like what your hearing every Lord's day?

Sermon Set 1

• The Gospel According To The Grill
• Does Anyone Understand Me?
• Does God Care About My Sexuality?
• Acceptance
• Let's Go Frog Kissing
• Finding Community

Sermon Set 2

• How to Handle False Teachers
• The Righteous Judgment of God
• The Total Depravity of Man
• How To Be Right With God
• The Blessings of God's Amazing Grace
• Secure In Grace

Get Out of the Church!

I have to admit this is convicting just to read, I can't imagine what it must have been like to hear from the mouth of Spurgeon himself. This is what the church today needs to hear!

I would say to you, members of this church, "Be holy!" Whatever you are, do seek to be holy. And if you will not be holy- if you have a mind to keep your sins- do us the favor to give up your profession. If you will have your sins, and go to hell, you can do it so much better outside the church than you can inside. I cannot see why you must need to do Christ the double ill-turn to be his enemy, and yet profess to be his friend. Get out of the church, you that are hypocrites! Oh! the great thing the Church needs is more holiness. The worst enemies of the Church are the hypocrites, the formalists the mere professors, the inconsistent walkers. It is shocking to think how persons dare to remain members of Christian churches, and even to enter the pulpit, when they are conscious that their private life is foul. Oh, how can they do it? How is it that their hearts have grown so hard? What! has the devil bewitched them? Has he turned them away from being men, and made them as devilish as himself, that they should dare to pray in public, and to sit at the sacramental table, and to administer ordinances, while their hands are foul, and their hearts unclean, and their lives are full of sin? I charge you, if there are any of you whose lives are not consistent, give up your profession, or else make your lives what they should be. May the eternal Spirit, who still winnows his Church, blow away the chaff, and leave only the good golden wheat upon the floor! And if you know yourselves to be living in any sin, may God help you to mourn over it, to loathe it, to go to Christ about it tonight; to take hold of him, to wash his feet with your tears, to repent unfeignedly, and then to begin anew in his strength, a life which shall be such as becomes the gospel. —C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

MacArthur's Million

This month marks the tenth anniversary of The MacArthur Study Bible since it was first published, over one million copies of the Study Bible have been distributed worldwide. The Study Bible is not only having a profound impact in my life, but also on believers around the globe. With French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish versions already complete, and Chinese and Arabic translations planned for the future. Congratulations to John MacArthur and Grace Community Church. You can buy your own copy at Monergism Books.com. ( More+ )

Christian Yoga?

"That doesn’t sound anything like Christianity. If you want a whole life, if you want your life to be what it should be, you don’t put yourself in some weird physical position, empty your mind, center on yourself and try to relieve your stress. You go to the word of God, to the gospel of Jesus Christ, you embrace in faith the sacrifice of Christ in his death and resurrection as your savior and redeemer. God comes, regenerates you, transforms your life, makes you a new creation, and you’re saved and you’re on your way to heaven, and you can live a life of peace and joy. That’s the promise of the gospel. There is no contribution made to that by any physical position or any kind of meditation. The idea of Christianity is to fill your mind with biblical truth and focus on the God who is above you. That’s Christian worship. The idea of yoga is to fill your mind with nothing except to focus on yourself and try to find the god that is inside of you. From a Christian viewpoint, that’s a false religion. Exercise is a different issue." —John MacArthur

Why Doctrinal Preaching Declines

'Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.' 2 Timothy 2:15

'For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.' 2Timothy.4:3-4.

"During the last two or three generations the pulpit has given less and less prominence to doctrinal preaching, until today, with very rare exceptions, it has no place at all. In some quarters the cry from the pew was, 'we want living experience and not dry doctrine'; in others, 'we need practical sermons and not metaphysical dogmas'; and yet others, Give us Christ and not theology. Sad to say, such senseless cries were generally heeded: 'senseless' we say, for there is no other safe way of testing experience, as there is no foundation for practicals to be built upon if they be divorced from Scriptural doctrine; while Christ cannot be known unless he be preached (1Cor.1:23), and he certainly cannot be 'preached' if doctrine is shelved. Various reasons may be given for the lamentable failure of the pulpit, chief among them being laziness, desire for popularity, superficial and lop-sided evangelism, and love of the sensational'.

Laziness. It is a far more exacting task, one which calls for much closer confinement in the study, to prepare a series of sermons on, say the doctrine of justification, than it does to make addresses on prayer, missions, or personal-work. It demands a far wider acquaintance with the Scriptures, a more rigid disciplining of the mind, and a more extensive perusal of the older writers. But this was too exacting for most of the ministers, and so they chose the line of least resistance and followed an easier course. It is because of his proneness to this weakness that the minister is particularly exhorted, 'Give attendance to reading ... take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine: continue in them' (1Tim.4:13,16); and again, 'Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, (2Tim.2: 15).

Desire for popularity. It is natural that the preacher should wish to please his hearers, but it is spiritual for him to desire and aim at the approbation of God. Nor can any man serve two masters. As the apostle expressly declared, 'For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ' (Gal.1:10): solemn words are those! How they condemn them whose chief aim is to preach to crowded churches! Yet what grace it requires to swim against the tide of public opinion, and preach that which is unacceptable to the natural man. But on the other hand, how fearful will be the doom of those who, from a determination to curry favour with men, deliberately withheld those portions of the truth most needed by their hearers. 'Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it' (Deut.4:2). Oh to be able to say with Paul, 'I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you ... I am pure from the blood of all' (Acts.20:20, 26).

A superficial and lop-sided 'evangelism'. Many of the pulpiteers of the past fifty years acted as though the first and last object of their calling was the salvation of souls, everything being made to bend to that aim. In consequence, the feeding of the sheep, the maintaining of a Scriptural discipline in the church, and the inculcation of practical piety, was crowded out; and only too often all sorts of worldly devices and fleshly methods were employed under the plea that the end justified the means; and thus the churches were filled with unregenerate members.

In reality, such men defeated their own aim. The hard heart must be ploughed and harrowed before it can be receptive to the gospel seed. Doctrinal instruction must be given on the character of God, the requirements of his Law, the nature and heinousness of sin, if a foundation is to be laid for true evangelism. It is useless to preach Christ unto souls until they see and feel their desperate need of him."

by Arthur W. Pink (1886–1952)

Excert from The Life of Arthur W. Pink, by Ian H. Murray, Banner of Truth, Edinburgh, 1981, pp217-8

Popular Christianity

The prevailing trend now in the church is a departure from that time of Spirit-moved revival. The church increasingly has become a popularized institution. As it continues to eliminate any offense from its message, the church has increased its social acceptance. Now it is characterized by self-centeredness, secular psychology, and pragmatism. Today's church asks, Does it work? What will it do for me? How much success will it produce? How much money will it bring in? But instead it should be asking, What honors the heart of God?

This "pop church" is found on "Christian" television, radio, and celebrity variety shows. Entertainment has replaced worship, pride has replaced humility, success has replaced excellence, and cleverness has replaced character. Sometimes Christian radio shows feature guests who make unbiblical claims about God, yet the host makes no attempt to correct it. Psychology and psychiatry have replaced Bible teaching as the staple of Christian radio. And local churches are becoming comfort zones, Christian country clubs, and community centers, with little redemptive impact or threat against sin. There are several main features that categorize this popular Christianity.

A new basis of faith
Its trend is more subtle than theological liberalism, which directly attacks the church and therefore is easy to see and deal with. The popular church pretends to adhere to the truth, yet quietly undermines it. It substitutes experience, emotion, and problem solving for the Word of God as its basis of faith. Its theology is focused on meeting people's needs. The Charismatic Movement is at the forefront of this new basis of faith with its private revelations, prophecies, and visions. Many Christian ministries are now characterized by pragmatism, manipulation, professionalism, and consumerism.

A new object of affection
Instead of Christ as the object of its affection, the popular church is attracted to a celebrity, an evangelist, a project, a fund-raising campaign, a new building, or supposed miracles and healings. Faith has turned to fantasy with a message of health, wealth, and comfort. In that kind of environment "easy believism" flourishes, so many people who associate themselves with the church aren't even Christians. In the contemporary church much of the emphasis is on solving one's own problems so one can live more comfortably, and there is hardly any focus on Christ's second coming because that would end the pursuit of pleasure and prosperity. So we have to ask, Where is Christ-centered faith that helps a believer stand in the midst of his trials? Fragile emotionalism is selfish escapism, not biblical faith.

A new goal in life
The new goal is happiness and satisfaction, not holiness. Whatever makes a person happy is what he or she is encouraged to pursue. All those features negatively affect the church's spiritual vitality and are Satan's most effective way to destroy the church. How can the church have revival? What is its focus to be? How can it be useful to God and not lose its power? First Peter 4:7-11 answers those questions.

Taken from the study guide titled "The Christian's Duty in a Hostile World, Part 1" by John MacArthur

Calvinism 101

Here are some of my favorite quotes, articles, audio and other resources on Calvinism. These define what is better know as the Doctrines of Grace.

Articles
What I Don’t Believe About Calvinism – Barrett Young
Calvinism, Arminianism, and Eternal Security - Matt Perman
Ten Effects of Believing in the Five Points of Calvinism – John Piper
The Sovereignty of God and Prayer - John Piper
What We Believe About the Five Points of Calvinism – John Piper
How to Teach and Preach “Calvinism” – John Piper
Is Being Born Again Up To Us? - John Piper (Audio Also Available)
Justification by Faith is the End of Boasting - John Piper
Election Stated and Defended - Ernest C. Reisinger
Where’d All These Calvinists Come From? - Mark Dever (10 part blog)
God's Sovereignty in the Salvation of Men - Jonathan Edwards
Arminian Quotes - Various Christians
Arminian Prayer - C. H. Spurgeon
A Defense of Calvinism - C. H. Spurgeon
Sovereign Grace and Man's Responsibility - C. H. Spurgeon
Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace - Metropolitan Tabernacle
Typical Arminian - Jim McClarty
Answering Key Questions About the Doctrine of Election
The Sovereignty of God in Salvation - John MacArthur
Who Chose Whom? - John MacArthur
John G. Reisinger's Library - Over 75 Articles
Introduction to Owen's "Death of Death" - J. I. Packer
The Five Points of Calvinism - W. J. Seaton
The 5 Points of Calvinism - R. L. Dabney
The Doctrine of Election - A. W. Pink
Freedom of the Will - R. C. Sproul
Burning Straw Dummies - Randy Seiver
Tiptoeing Through the TULIP's Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 - Lee Shelton IV
God's Purpose Of Grace - Baptist Faith & Message Article 5
Why I am a Calvinist Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8 - Phil Johnson

Book
What The Bible Says About: The Doctrines of Grace / PDF File

Video
Free Will vs God's Sovereign Election
Limited Atonement
God's Choice
James White: Closing Statement

Audio
John MacArthur
The Perseverance of the Saints, Part 1
The Perseverance of the Saints, Part 2
The Perseverance of the Saints, Part 3
The Doctrine of Election, Part 1 (1 of 2)
The Doctrine of Election, Part 1 (2 of 2)
The Doctrine of Election, Part 2
The Doctrine of Election, Part 3, (1 of 2)
The Doctrine of Election, Part 3, (2 of 2)
The Doctrine of Absolute Inability (1 of 2)
The Doctrine of Absolute Inability (2 of 2)
The Doctrine of Actual Atonement, Part 1
The Doctrine of Actual Atonement, Part 2 (1 of 2)
The Doctrine of Actual Atonement, Part 2 (2 of 2)
The Doctrine of God's Effectual Call, Part 1
The Doctrine of God's Effectual Call, Part 2
The Sinner Neither Able Nor Willing

Answering Key Questions About the Doctrine of Election
Part 1 / Part 2

Arturo Azurdia
Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance of the Saints
Q&A on the Doctrines of Grace, Part 1
Q&A on the Doctrines of Grace, Part 2
Q&A on the Doctrines of Grace, Part 3

John Piper
Introduction
Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance of the Saints
Implications and Q & A

Dr. Steve Lawson
Sovereign Election I
Sovereign Election II
Sovereign Election III
Sovereign Election IV
Sovereign Election V
Sovereign Election VI
The Doctrines of Grace

Various Speakers & Messages
Tom Nettles - The Historical Record of Calvinism
Jeff Noblit - Calvinism a Cause for Rejoicing and Concern
Phil Johnson - Calvinism on Trial

"To suppose that whatever God requireth of us that we have power of ourselves to do, is to make the cross and grace of Jesus Christ of none effect." – John Owen

Cheat Not The Gospel

"This is the misery of most Christians, that they mislay their justification. They lay it partly upon their faith, and partly upon their holiness. And this is the reason that, when a poor soul is tempted to some sin, he loseth his faith, his assurance, and his peace of conscience; because he grounds his saintship and justification upon his holiness. I am a just man only by the righteousness that is in Christ; the law is perfectly fulfilled for me by Jesus Christ, and not partly by Him and partly by me. Be not cheated of the Gospel; it is a precious pearl." —Walter Cradock (1600-1660)

Pietism

Pastor Bob DeWaay over at Critical Issues Commentary has written a great article on the dangers of Pietism and how Christians are deceived by it's various forms. This is a must read for every Christian and especially new believers in Christ.

Paul calls this approach “self-made religion” which is exactly what all forms of pietism are. They all suggest that having been converted by the Lord through the cross and practicing His ordained means of grace by faith are inadequate. They have discovered a better way that leads to a higher order experience. Paul says they have “the appearance of wisdom.”

Religion of Monsters

From the year 500 to 1500 roughly, is the period known as the Dark Ages during that period guess who ruled the western world? The Church, the Holy Roman Catholic Church ruled the world yet it is called the Dark Ages. It is estimated that millions of Christians died for their faith during the Dark Ages at the hands of the Papacy. Here are just a few quotes from historical Christians on the subject of the Pope and the Papacy.

"We here are of the conviction that the Papacy is the seat of the true and real Antichrist. I owe the Pope no other obedience than that I owe to Antichrist." —Martin Luther (1483-1546)

"The Papacy is the very Antichrist, the Pope being the son of perdition of whom Paul speaks." —John Knox (1505-1572)

"The oracles of God foretold the rising of an Antichrist in the Christian church. And in the Pope of Rome, all the characteristics of that Antichrist are so marvelously answered that if any who read the scriptures do not see it, there is a marvelous blindness on them." —Cotton Mather (1663–1728)

"It is the bound and duty of every Christian to pray against this Antichrist and as to what Antichrist is no sane man ought to raise a question. If it be not the popery in the church of Rome, there’s nothing in the world that can be called by that name." —Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)

"As a nation, what have we done? We have cherished in our bosoms the serpent Popery; and it is at the present moment endeavouring to sting us to death." —William Howels (1778-1832)

"Wherefore, my beloved, flee from Idolatry, flee from Popery; take heed of that Religion that brings forth so many Monsters." —Thomas Watson (1515-1584)

"The church of England is the creature of the bishops, the bishops derive their authority from the pope, and the authority of the pope has come from the devil." —John Lilburne (1614-1657)

"Some persons think us too severe and censorious when we call the Pontiff Antichrist, but those who are of this opinion do not consider that they bring the same charge of presumption against Paul himself after whom we speak and whose language we adopt. I shall briefly show that Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 2 are not capable of any other interpretation than that which implies them to the Papacy." —John Calvin (1509-1564)

"There is no other head of the church but the Lord Jesus Christ, nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but is that Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition that exalted himself in the church against Christ and all that is called God." —The Westminster Confession, 1647

"Dost thou hear me, pope of Rome? Thou art the greatest sinner of all: thy throne is not suspended from heaven, but fixed to the gate of hell. Who gave thee power to set thyself above thy God, and trample under feet His precepts and commandments?" —Martin Luther (1483-1546)

The Doctrine of Grace

The Bible clearly teaches that Christians are saved by grace. But what does this mean? What is the Doctrine of Grace and does the five points of Calvinism actually teach the Bibilcal Doctrine of Grace? I would like to let Dr. Arturo Azurdia III present the Doctrine of Grace in his T.U.L.I.P. series.

Total Depravity - Download MP3
Unconditional Election - Download MP3
Limited Atonement - Download MP3
Irresistible Grace - Download MP3
Perseverance of the Saints - Download MP3

Quote of the Day

"Neither the acts of love, or zeal, or repentance, or fear, or worship, or any other acts of obedience, are appointed as the means of our justification, because these actions carry in them an appearance of our doing something for God, our answering the demands of some law; and this would make our justification by a law of works: but faith is that act of soul whereby we renounce our own works as the ground of our acceptance; acknowledging our own unworthiness, and giving the entire honour to Divine grace. We are saved by grace, that God may have the glory of all." —Isaac Watts (1674-1746)

What Is Biblical Repentance

In a recent conversation the subject of what is Biblical Repentance came up and so I embarked to learn just what is true Repentance from a Biblical perspective and was lead to an article by John MacArthur titled "What Is Biblical Repentance?" you can follow the link to read the whole article.

Repentance is not just a change of mind; it is a change of heart. It is a spiritual turning, a total about-face. Repentance in the context of the new birth means turning from sin to the Savior. It is an inward response, not external activity, but its fruit will be evident in the true believer’s behavior ( Luke 3:8 ).

Law and Gospel

The law saith, "Thou art a sinner, and therefore thou shalt be damned," Rom. 7:2. 2 Thess. 2:12.

But the gospel saith, No, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;" and therefore "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," 1 Tim. 1:15. Acts 16:31.

Again the law saith, "Knowest thou not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God: be not deceived," 1 Cor. 6:9. And therefore thou being a sinner, and not righteous, shalt not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the gospel saith, "God hath made Christ to be sin for thee, who knew no sin; that thou mightest be made the righteousness of God in him who is THE LORD THY RIGHTEOUSNESS, Jer. 23:6.

Again the law saith, "Pay me that which thou owest me, or else I will cast thee into prison," Matt. 18:28, 30.

But the gospel saith, "Christ gave himself a ransom for thee," 1 Tim. 2:6. "And so is made redemption unto thee," 1 Cor. 1:30.

Again the law saith, "Thou hast not continued in all that I require of thee, and therefore art accursed," Deut. 27:6.

But the gospel saith, "Christ hath redeemed thee from the curse of the law, being made a curse for thee," Gal. 3:13.

Again the law saith, "Thou art become guilty before God, and therefore thou shalt not escape the judgment of God, Rom. 3:19. and 2:3.

But the gospel saith, "The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son," John 5:12.

Excerpted from "The Marrow of Modern Divinity",. By Edward Fisher published 1830

Election and Evangelism

Less-Than Prime!!!

This is an excerpt from an actual e-mail I received from a seeker-sensitive church. (Names have been changed).

Hello Church Family and Friends
On Easter Sunday, we'll have services at our normal times: 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 am with preschool activities during each service. Services will be held in our brand new 900 seat auditorium with an overflow option at the 9:30 service in "the Chapel (our former worship center)." Worship service will be led by the "Worship Band" with a special guest. While our new worship center will provide room for many more people, we still invite our regular attendees to arrive early for a bad parking spot and a less-than-prime seat. We're praying for a very large crowd on Easter with many guests. Since we "exist for non-members", please consider saving the best parking spot and seats for our guests (non-members) by parking in the more distant spaces and making sure guests don't have to sit in the overflow area. We are also providing a new opportunity for those not already involved in a small group to meet new people and find community in an exciting new environment. At 11:00 am in the Chapel, Dr. Smith will facilitate a discussion about Sunday morning's message.

What is Faith?

On this weeks broadcast of the White Horse Inn, the hosts discuss the crucial question of "What is Faith" as they continue their series "A Time for Truth". I found this to be such a refreshing look at what a biblicial deffinition of faith truly is. You can download this show here-->( Download )

One must not imagine that the Christian faith is a bare and mere knowledge of God or an understanding of the Scripture which flutters in the brain without touching the heart, as it is usually the case with the opinion about things which are confirmed by some probable reason. But faith is a firm and solid confidence of the heart, by means of which we rest surely in the mercy of God which is promised to us through the Gospel. For thus the definition of faith must be taken from the substance of the promise. Faith rests so much on this foundation that, if the latter be taken away, faith would collapse at once, or, rather, vanish away. Hence, when the Lord presents to us his mercy through the promise of the Gospel, if we certainly and without hesitation trust him who made the promise, we are said to apprehend His Word through faith. And this definition is not different from that of the apostle (Heb. 11:1) in which he teaches that faith is the certainty of the things not apparent; for he means a sure and secure possession of the things that God promises, and an evidence of the things that are not apparent, that is to say, the life eternal. And this we conceive through confidence in the divine goodness which is offered to us through the Gospel. Now, since all the promises of God are gathered together and confirmed in Christ, and are, so to speak, kept and accomplished in Him, it appears without doubt that Christ is the perpetual object of faith. And that object, faith contemplates all the riches of the divine mercy. —John Calvin (1509-1564)

Excerpt taken from the "Instruction in Faith" (1537) by John Calvin

Tithe or Give?

I know there are many, many preachers that advocate the tithe as a required duty of a Christian and in doing so I believe they bring undue guilt, burden, and grief upon their congregations. I know there are many who will disagree with me and some Christians that would even go so far as to say that those who do not give the ten percent as commanded by God in the Old Testament, but rather, give as they feel led to give by the Spirit, are not of Christ or are at best disobedient Christians.

But the questions I put before you is, since the tithe was instituted under the Old Mosaic Law which was given to God's people, is it to be kept, while all the other Laws are not? If the Law of Moses is a commandment to be kept for tithing, then are we not still required to keep the whole Law according to the Word of God? That would include the food Laws, clothing Laws, circumcision on the eighth day, the stoning of sinners caught in the act, the fasting Laws and animal sacrifices for the sins of the people. Well, how you doing so far? Hello!

Do you truly believe that ten percent is enough to give God after all he has given you? Do you really think that ten percent of all you have is enough to thank God for given His Son for you on the Cross? Shouldn't we truly lay face down on the alter every week with 100% of what God has given us as an attitude of thankfulness? If giving ten percent is a requirement for Christians to keep, then it is nothing short of another punch in their ticket of salvation by works, and the danger of becoming a cold heartless Pharisee is ever so near. Give abundantly, give cheerfully, give as it has been given unto you, give as you are lead to give and let God be the judge of the heart, for to tithe is lawful but to give is graceful.

Galatians 3:10 "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them."

Galatians 3:23 "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed."

Galatians 4:4-5 "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."

Galatians 5:18 'But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law."

Recommended reading "A Biblical Model for Giving, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and The Truth about Tithing.

Quote of the Day

"Unless we refer everything to Christ, we shall never be able to understand the true sense of the Bible, and we shall make idols of ourselves, ascribing to our own strength and merit that which is to be sought in Jesus Christ alone." —Rodolphus Gualter (1519-1586)

Pilgrim Radio

I wanted to introduce you to a great source of spiritual growth, and Christian learning. It's Pilgrim Radio out of Carson City, Nevada and it is proven to be an invaluable resource to many believers with sound Biblical teachings and Godly music that is Christ-centered. If your sick of the seeker-driven "christian" radio stations that flood the airwaves, then try this station.

American Christianity

"There are only two things that can save American Christianity. One of two things. A complete reformation in how we teach, how we preach, and how we study the Word of God. Or horrible, intense persecution." - Paul Washer

Error in the Pulpit

"If you have someone in your church who is teaching error, you cannot have unity with that individual." —John MacArthur

The quote above by Dr. John MacArthur is such a refreshing statement which I believe many church's today really need to hear, my question is what does one do when the individual teaching error stands in the pulpit every Sunday?

Playground or Battleground?

I don't remember where I first saw this quote but I just had to place it here. It is a quote by A. W. Tozer and it is probably more true of today than it was in Tozer's day.

"The idea that this world is a playground instead of a battleground has now been accepted in practice by the vast majority of fundamentalist Christians. They might hedge around the question if they were asked bluntly to declare their positions, but their conduct gives them away. They are facing both ways, enjoying Christ and the world, gleefully telling everyone that accepting Jesus does not require them to give up their fun—Christianity is just the jolliest thing imaginable. The ‘worship’ growing out of such a view of life is as far off center as the view itself—a sort of sanctified nightclub without the champagne and the dressed-up drunks.

I cannot accept with sympathy the idea that we go to church to soothe ourselves and calm our spirits. We do calm our spirits and there is a soothing effect in worship, but the primary object of church attendance is not to relax—it is to offer worship, which belongs to God.

The low view of God entertained almost universally among Christians is the cause of a hundred lesser evils everywhere among us. A whole new philosophy of the Christian life has resulted from this one basic error in our religious thinking.

The loss of the concept of majesty has come just when the forces of religion are making dramatic gains and the churches are more prosperous than at any time within the past several hundred years. But the alarming thing is that our gains are mostly external and our losses wholly internal; and since it is the quality of our religion that is affected by internal conditions, it may be that our supposed gains are but losses spread over a wider field.

What the Church needs today is a restoration of the vision of the Most High God…The honor of God has been lost to men and the God of today’s Christianity is a weakling—a little cheap, palsy God that you can run and pal around with. He’s ‘the man upstairs.’ He’s the fellow that can help you when you’re in difficulty and not bother you too much when you’re not.

For centuries the Church stood solidly against every form of worldly entertainment, recognizing it for what it was—a device for wasting time, a refuge from the disturbing voice of conscience, a scheme to divert attention from moral accountability. For this she got herself abused roundly by the sons of this world. But of late she has become tired of the abuse and has given over the struggle. She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great god Entertainment she may as well join forces with him and make whatever use she can of his powers. So today we have the astonishing spectacle of millions of dollars being poured into the unholy job of providing earthly entertainment for the so-called sons of heaven. Religious entertainment is in many places rapidly crowding out the serious things of God. Many churches these days have become little more than poor theaters where fifth-rate ‘producers’ peddle shoddy wares with the full approval of evangelical leaders who can even quote a holy text in defense of their delinquency. And hardly a man dares raise his voice against it." —A.W. Tozer (1897-1963)