The Reformed Reader

Sanctify your Social Network with the Word!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:30:06 PST

As far as Christian apps or applications for your phone go, I think the Bible is the most important one. It's also revolutionary or at least potentially so. You can have the whole Bible with all the helps and reading plans on your mobile phone. Isn't that an amazing thought?

I would like to encourage you as a Christian to do your best to pursue reading the Bible on your phone as much as you can. Don't use it as a substitute to your normal Bible reading but see it as a supplement. Also, seek to remind your friends and family that they can have the Bible in their hands immediately. Especially unsaved friends are a target here. Tell them that they can read the Bible at home in their own time. Give them passages to read! Speak to them of great verses and stories in the Word of God!

The added opportunities are endless. But you have this opportunity for your own soul to add to your reading time of God's Word.

This "Bible App" has the ability to connect to the main social network sites. When you are blessed by the Word of God, then you can tweet other people. Bring an encouraging verse to them in seconds! Ask others their thoughts on the verse! I have felt that Social Networking is more of a vice than anything else. Yet, here is a way to sanctify social networking; by infiltrating our online behaviour with the Word of God.

So, to this end I'd like to invite all people who have a device capable of running this app (or one like it) to get together on twitter and/or facebook. From this community of believers, we will be able to bless and edify each other in exchanging Bible texts, thoughts, and explanations. Get your group of friends together as an online Bible fellowship; take God into your social networking! Turn your mobile phone into a Bethel for your soul!

Please send this to your Christian friends and try to get a group together that are interested in incorporating the Word into their 'Internet Social World.' Feel free to comment under this post and seek friends of the same mindset to converse with and to share your Bible experience.

Android Version
Blackberry Version

It's all here!

Why do we Oppose Joel Osteen?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:23:44 PST

So many Christians today are under the influence of the kind of gospel that Joel Osteen preaches. The major problem is that this modern easy gospel is not a challenge to the soul! They do not deal with sin and the cross, and these two subjects are the very matters of the gospel. Jesus Christ suffered on the cross at Calvary for sinners.

We can talk all we want about being good people and reaching our full potential etc. But these issues are not at the heart of the Bible's teachings. There are good values taught in scripture, and we are guided into a life of holiness and goodwill; however, all these truths are based in the redemptive purposes of God namely the Saviour's death.

1 Cor 1:23 "We Preach Christ Crucified"

When Van Till describes the preaching (apologetics) of the Roman Catholic Church, I find him describing the preaching of Joel Osteen, Rick Warren and other Mega Church preachers:

Their preaching "has no Christ who could challenge the thought and life of the natural man in order to save him and his culture."

Many people who sit under this quackery, as we must call it in light of scripture, are only being patched up and led along. Yet they are not being challenged by the redemptive and revolutionary nature of the cross to sinners. If you are sitting under preaching that does not bring 'A Christ of Challenge' then get out and get to a church that will preach the cross in all its fulness.

Who is The Holy Spirit?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:12:08 PST

So many Christians will give wild and varying answers to this question. Some will say that 'it' is an influence. others will understand that 'He' is more than an influence of God. Modern Charismatics will define His work as involving modern gifts like healing and tongues speaking. The more conservative will say that His work is integral and exclusive to the work of the gospel.

What do you think of Him? Do you know Him like you know and speak to the Father and the Son? I invite you to listen to these sermons on the Spirit of God, and I hope that you get a better understanding of Him, who is the third person of the Holy Spirit!

The Significance of the Blood of Jesus Christ:

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:52:56 PST

How does the church become the church? Note Acts 20:28- Here the church is purchased (περιποιέω). It means “to preserve or get possession of.” Also, Luke 17:33, it shows the “preservation” aspect, which in turn is in the sense of saving from loss or destruction. 1 Tim 3:13 shows the “purchasing” or ownership side of the word.

The church is therefore purchased by Christ to be his church, or his possession. “Preserved,” we could say, from sin and destruction.

How then is this church purchased to be Christ’s possession? Acts 20:28 tells us- purchased no other way but by the blood of Christ that is by way of his death. The danger, however, as often has been the case, is to say the blood of Christ is synonymous with his death and therefore it only acts as another word or expression for his death; that there’s nothing special about His blood. But death and blood are slightly different than just the same thing. The expression Christ’s blood is a metonym for his death (meaning an attribute is used to mean the same thing), which is that the blood speaks of his death but is not necessarily exactly same thing. You should understand then that his blood speaks of something about his death; in other words, the blood matters as a substance that makes up Christ’s human body. His shed blood is significant as part of the sacrifice that Christ made. We must understand this reverently, but Christ couldn’t have been battered to death and save us; he needed to shed his blood for us as part of his atoning work.

"Christ couldn’t have been battered to death and save us; he needed to shed his blood for us as part of his atoning work."

Consider Romans 5:9 where we are “justified by his blood.” John Murray says, “Justification is strictly forensic in its nature and therefore the blood of Christ, whether viewed as constituting justification or as laying the ground for our justification, must be interpreted as having forensic efficacy.”

So the blood is the purchasing factor in the atoning death of Christ, it is even the justifying factor. He shed his blood in order to purchase the church or ἐκκλησία.

(Part of my sermon notes for this Sunday)

One of New Calvinism's Major Problems: Worship

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:40:31 PST

Much of the recent movements in 'Reformed' circles have been encouraging. I'm sure many have been saved and many others brought closer to Christ. However, the new movements have not been completely encouraging. One major point is the issue of worship. This argument is a dividing point between the old school and the new school of reformed theology. It is internet wide and causes much disagreement between genuine believers. This is a plea for old school reformed theology, in my opinion.

John 4:24 "In Spirit and in Truth"

Worship has been a problem for the church since the fall of humanity. The Church has not always worshipped aright. Probably the first problem in worship arose with Cain. Without faith in Christ and his blood, Cain did not worship as he should have. Today we have problems not only in the Arminian or Pentecostal camps but the New Calvinists have fallen into obscurity in worship too. As long as we believe right, our worship style is irrelevant! As long as we sing theologically, then the manner in which we worship is subjective and doesn't matter.

"A serious concentration on the "Word" and a meditation on corporate worship is what needs to be our aim."

Apparently worship style has no rules! If you want to rap, or hum, or orchestrate with instruments, then go ahead. Yet for a long time the Church has struggled against the rise of modern methods which takes away from the simplicity of worship. We have a repetition from history of the error of bringing an aid to worship into the core of worship. A serious concentration on the "Word" and a meditation on corporate worship is what needs to be our aim. Furthermore, understanding different cultural styles as unacceptable is not primarily because they are 'worldly' but because they don't work!

"We should not strive to include worship styles that exclude but strive for a worship style that includes all!"

Far from being an aid to worship, music has become an opinion and a want of the individual. Today we have orthodox preachers and believers calling for a wideness in musical permission in church worship. At this point the error should become clear, for a wideness in music or style of worship means exclusion of some or most believers. We should not strive to include worship styles that exclude but strive for a worship style that includes all! Simple, inclusive and word based worship is the only style that we should be looking for.

"...understanding different cultural styles as unacceptable for worship is not primarily because they are 'worldly' but because they don't work!"

Among other things, including an over zealous ecumenicalism, worship is definitely a sticking point for New Calvinism. They need to limit certain practices and beliefs to give their followers an idea of what is right and wrong. Yet, we must consider the need for a spiritual cross-cultural fellowship and our worship should be at the heart of this. I want to worship with all believers, but until there is a stop put on some things fellowship is difficult.

I think what Peter Masters says in this sermon, first touches on elements that can help us see the error of our times, and second encourages us to pursue purity in worship style that will help us come together under Christ.

Gospel Oration at its best!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:40:28 PST

If you are a young preacher and want to learn (not imitate) how to be a public speaker in relation to the gospel, there is much here that we can glean:

Read the Story, Study the Doctrine...

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:20:09 PST

Sometimes I read a verse and get much blessing, as with Bonar's book I reviewed. Yet believe we will get more out of the Bible, if we take time to read through sections. I'm not even talking about chapters, but to take up a full section of a story linked from beginning to end. We will not understand the context and therefore miss the fulness of the doctrine if we only take sections of a story.

The Bible is the most wonderful storybook, and we do too much categorizing of doctrines without getting the impact of what the Bible is about; as a whole and in each individual story. Are we becoming systematized like robots in our Bible study? This danger I propose to myself and feel convicted. A verse and a chapter can, with no doubt, carry the full impact of the Spirit upon our souls. Yet has the Spirit not spoken with the opening of the mouth and the closing of it time after time, or story after story?

There is nothing quite like getting the whole view of a journey. Looking at the beginning and the end at the same time. Considering the twists and turns, even the statements that come together in application to a great truth. I want to encourage you therefore, to study without restriction to a chapter or a verse. Let the Spirit carry you up in the wind to hear what He has to say.

Read the story and then study the doctrine. Take all the breath of the Spirit in at once. It is from this that we can meditate and think more fully when we leave the Word to go about our business. I hope we all take more time to consume more relevant chunks of God's Word and become more aquatinted with it.

Light and Truth, by Horatius Bonar

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:15:51 PST

Some of the best devotional books are the ones that need dug up from a by-gone age. This has been my experience. Today we live in an age where spiritual exposition and communion are largely unknown. There is a forgotten life of spiritual devotion. From ministers to new converts it's an age of human interaction and not Divine interaction. Maybe you have felt down or depressed when it comes to devoting some private time to God? Spiritual devotion is difficult in this world of me, me, me... but the Lord by His Spirit can enlighten us through another's eyes.

To this end I'd like to recommend a devotional book by Rev Horatius Bonar. It is a very simple work for devotional needs. He uses one verse or so as his base text and then goes on to talk about the text in a sermon format. However, it is unlike a sermon in as much as Bonar uses the most flowing and picturesque language. He is not stiff at all. Every one of his devotional doses have gone down easy. They are also eminently practical; making you think and consider your soul in light of the truth presented. His electric prose here is matched only by the spiritual aura of his hymn writing.

"Every one of his devotional doses have gone down easy."

We need to read our Bibles as they are to our eyes and seek to consume portions of it into our soul daily. Yet some devotional advice from Bonar can go a long way. He makes you think and play over in detail the Spirit's meaning in the scripture. I have only personal praise and joy in guiding you to this little cluster of gems for your personal devotion.

They come in a series of books taking you through the whole Bible. A text here and there is taken and a devotional thought is brought out in sparkling detail. I propose this, therefore, as an addition to your normal reading and study, but what an addition it could serve to be! Enlighten your soul with some genuine spiritual communion with Christ.

You can read it for free on google ebooks or buy it for 77p(British) on Kindle. You can get a good idea of the book in this pdf format too.

Running a Local Church: A Lost Discipline

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:14:50 PST

In the sense of how the local church is run, I believe in these modern times and right across the Church, we have lost the biblical disciple of how a local church should be run. The structure of a local church should be Presbyterian, for that is both logical and biblical at once. But the inner function of a band of God's people needs close spiritual criticism.

Here is my complaint: it is usually the person with the biggest ego and not the person with the most talent that has responsibility in the Church of God. This is sad and regrettable. All our labours must be predicated on a personal relationship with Christ and a credible testimony among the people inside and outside the Church community. Built upon this there must be a God given talent. If someone is gifted musically, there should be a natural progression to exercising that gift. If one is gifted technologically, intellectually etc. Christ gave gifts to the church according to Ephesians 4. No doubt these included gifts in all areas of 'God glorifying labour.'

'it is usually the person with the biggest ego and not the person with the most talent that has responsibility in the Church of God'

In the Presbyterian pattern then, it is essential that the Elders lead the shepherding of the people and delegate to where needs in the church are open. This is a lost disciple and we must get back to it by local Church Order becoming important again. By individually cultivating our gifts and testimonies; and then in God's time by exercising those gifts for the better running of the Church and ultimately for the Glory of God in our lives, fellowship and witness to the world.

So both the church and we as individuals carry the great responsibility of giving to God's work. Let us go forward in anticipation of what God can do in us and through us!

Church Goers Need Saved Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:15:14 PST

I was preaching last night on this matter of the need to be in Christ by entering into him by faith and repentance. The need for substance to fill the profession. I would encourage you to think upon this. The passage in Matt 7:21-23 certainly leads us, in the words of Christ, to consider the substance of our profession. The whole of Matthew 7 concerns this very matter and would be a good passage to read with this thought in mind. My outline was as follows:

1. There is a place called Heaven- "The Kingdom of Heaven"

2. There is a place called Hell- "Depart from me" + "Ye that work iniquity"

3. There is only one way to Heaven- "Lord, Lord"

4. There are many ways to Hell- "Lord, Lord, have we not..."

There is an imperative to take Christ, that is present throughout this passage. I used a line from John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress- "There is a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven." From sitting in Church, from listening to the gospel and knowing about Christ, we can still go into everlasting punishment. Please consider this seriously and ensure you have in the simplest sense taken Christ without question or without your own works and hopes. Christ alone will get you into heaven. Every other combination only serves to drive you into the pit when you stand before God!

Six Weeks Ministry...In Calgary

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:04:49 PST

It is a very exciting time for my wife and I as week undertake 6 weeks ministry in Calgary Free Presbyterian Church. We have had a full day of traveling through us and a wee sleep too. Calgary is 7 hours behind Northern Ireland, so there is an adjust to take place over a few days.

I will be preaching on John the Baptist in Bible class. For the prayer meeting, I am considering a study of the upper room experience with Christ and His disciples. The Sabbath services will probably be a series of individual messages, usually encouraging and instructing the believers in the morning and then offering Christ to unbelievers in the evening.

Please pray for this endeavour, that God will keep us safe and visit us in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pray also for the people of the church, that they may know the presence of Christ as our ministry among them is exercised.

John MacArthur's Cutting Words on Joel Osteen

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:35:13 PST

He's not always right, but very often he's spot on! You can apply his conclusions to many others who preach the same self-serving gospel.

The Mask of Arminianism

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:14:47 PST

The worst kind of doctrines are those that wear a disguise. These are the ones that are tested and tried and are seen not to be off God. It's certainly very clear that Arminianism wears several disguises and often infiltrates the thinking or preaching of some. Arminianism is the half-way house between Calvinism and Pelagianism; or, God's absolute sovereignty and man's unfettered free will. These great contrasts are the mighty theologies that stand head to head in their extremes. Sure their followers have their definitions and regulations to put in here and there to give their theology a sensible form, a biblical one even. But which one is correct is up to your Bible and your conscience. All I would say is that Pelagianism does have a necessary heritage in denying the authority of the Bible, and sometimes editing it to suit themselves. At the same time, at least they're consistent. (unlike Arminian theology)

My point here is not to deal with Pelagianism, but with the middle ground often taken. Arminianism has several disguises, some claim it on their way from Palegian thinking, others claim in their retreat from a Calvinistic stance. Either way it is a compromise of the one and a striving towards the other. Arminianism is the danger that we must be well aware of in our Christian lives, and in our preaching as the case may be. We cannot deal with the gospel until we know who God is and what type of creature man is. Preaching and living are both affected by our basic theological stance, whether we like it or not. Think about that.

Furthermore we are not Calvinistic unless we hold to the helpful, albeit clumsy, 5 points; and hold them in all their glorious fulness. It's not about taking the tag "Calvinist" and preaching on sin and that God is in control. No! It's about embedding "Total Depravity" with all it's depth and difficulty, including each point of contention. And not just in thought, but to know it personally in our life and our prayers.

I believe I have heard and met 100 men who sincerely call themselves Calvinists and they are but Arminians in disguise. Because, Calvinism is not a tag. Calvinism is a biblical system of faith. We don't hold to Calvinism and so understand the Bible that way; but we believe the Bible and subsequently classify ourselves as Calvinists. We don't need to preach "Calvinism" as a term but if we preach Christ in all his biblical and spiritual fulness, therein is the spirit of Calvinism. Many call themselves Calvinists and preach with so much humanity that we can only conclude that they are wearing a theological mask!

So, we need to get the truth of God and man before we attempt to preach Christ. We must get the Saviour into our hearts before we teach others about Him. Some people say they are Calvinists and are not; some don't use the tag and are more Calvinistic than the former. I want to reach my hand out and lift the mask a little, even to myself. Are we truly biblical in our approach to life and preaching, or are we weakened in heart and mind? Is Christ not God? Are we not naturally but dead men? Let us live and preach as genuine Calvinists.

Pray that God will unmask us wherever we have performed rather than felt the truth!

J.I. Packer says the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism is this:

"To Calvinism predestination is essentially God's unconditional decision about the destiny of individuals; to Arminianism it is essentially God's unconditional decision to provide means of grace, decisions about individuals' destiny being secondary, conditional, and consequent upon foresight of how they will use those means of grace. To Calvinism, predestination of individuals means the foreordaining of both their doings (including their response to the gospel) and their consequent destinies; to Arminianism it means a foreordaining of destinies based on doings foreseen but not foreordained."

What to look for in a Preacher!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:25:51 PST

From Acts 20:21

R.C.H. Lenski writes movingly of the Apostle Paul:

"With his whole soul Paul believed and lived what he propounded to others. It welled up out of his own heart like a living stream. He did not have to put his heart into it; it came out of his heart. This is one secret of Paul's power as missionary, preacher, and teacher. We can tell about it, but that helps very little. The fire of divine truth must catch the heart, then the flames will glow in testimony and will set other hearts afire. It is like Paul's tears- unknown language to all who do not know it from experience."

Test yourself if you are an aspiring preacher. Weigh up your minister in light of Paul's ministry. Keep your heart close to God and intimately acquainted with "the fire of divine truth!"

The Banks where Jesus was Baptised

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:57:45 PST

I don't think there is a more fascinating supernatural phenomenon outside the cross-work of Christ than His baptism and spiritual empowering. It has captured my attention recently and I seem to be coming across the matter again and again. The God-man, the Son of God, baptised not to merely picture the power of the Spirit but to manifest the actual bringing in of the Kingdom of God in power.

I hope to preach a little on this on my 6 week visit to Canada. The picture here of the banks of the Jordan is said to be the place where our Saviour was baptised; and what a baptism it must have been to behold! May we taste a little of this Spirit empowering us to live for Him.

"Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." Luke 3:21-22

The Abandoned Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:25:32 PST

John Murray Responds by letter to the question of head covering:

I am in receipt of your letter of the 8th. I very deeply appreciate your request even though I may not be able to provide any definite advice on the questions asked. Allow me to give my judgment on the second question first.

If the Presbytery becomes convinced that a head covering for women belongs in the decorum governing the conduct of women in the worship of God, then I think Presbytery should declare accordingly. I would not suppose it necessary expressly to legislate. I think it would be enough to make a resolution for the instruction and guidance of ministers, sessions, and people. A higher authority has both right and duty to offer to those under its jurisdiction, guidance respecting divine obligation. This has been recognized in Reformed Churches throughout the world.

The main question [of the use of head coverings in worship] turns, of course, on the interpretation of I Cor 11:2-16. Permit me to offer some of my reflections in order.

1. Since Paul appeals to the order of creation (Vss. 3b, vss 7 ff), it is totally indefensible to suppose that what is in view and enjoined had only local or temporary relevance. The ordinance of creation is universally and perpetually applicable, as also are the implications for conduct arising therefrom.

2. I am convinced that a head covering is definitely in view forbidden for the man (Vss 4 & 7) and enjoined for the woman (Vss 5,6,15). In the case of the woman the covering is not simply her long hair. This supposition would make nonsense of verse 6. For the thought there is, that if she does not have a covering she might as well be shorn or shaven, a supposition without any force whatever if the hair covering is deemed sufficient. In this connection it is not proper to interpret verse 15b as meaning that the hair was given the woman to take the place of the head covering in view of verses 5,6. The Greek of verse 15 is surely the Greek of equivalence as used quite often in the New Testament, and so the Greek can be rendered: “the hair is given to her for a covering.” This is within the scope of the particular argument of verses 14,15 and does not interfere with the demand for the additional covering contemplated in verses 5,6,13. Verses 14 and 15 adduce a consideration from the order of nature in support of that which is enjoined earlier in the passage bit is not itself tantamount to it. In other words, the long hair is an indication from “nature” of the differentiation between men and women, and so the head covering required (Vss 5,6,13) is in line with what “nature” teaches.

3. There is good reason for believing that the apostle is thinking of conduct in the public assemblies of the church of God and of worship exercises therein in verse 17, this is clearly the case, and verse 18 is confirmatory. But there is a distinct similarity between the terms of verse 17 and of verse 2. Verse 2 begins, “Now I praise you” and verse 17, “Now in this . . . I praise you not”. The virtually identical expressions, the one positive and the other negative, would suggest, if not require, that both have in view the behaviour of the saints in their assemblies, that is, that in respect of denotation the same people are in view in the same identity as worshippers. If a radical difference, that between private and public, were contemplated, it would be difficult to maintain the appropriateness of the contrast between “I praise you” and “I praise you not”.

4. Beyond the question it is in reference to praying and prophesying that the injunctions pertain, the absence of head coverings for men and the presence for women. It might seem, therefore, that the passage has nothing to do with a head covering for women in the assemblies of the Church if they are not engaged in praying or prophesying, that is, in leading of prayer or exercising the gift of prophesying. And the implication would be that only when they performed these functions were they required to use head covering. The further implication would be that they would be at liberty to perform these functions provided they wore head gear. This view could easily be adopted if it were not so that Paul forbids such exercises on the part of women and does so in the same epistle, (I Corinthians 14:33b-36): “As in all the Churches, for it is not permitted to them to speak”. (Vss 33b-34a). It is impossible to think that Paul would, by implication, lend approval in chapter 11, to what he so expressly prohibits in chapter 14. Hence we shall have to conclude that he does not contemplate praying or prophesying on the part of women in the Church in chapter 11. The question arises: how can this be, and how can we interpret 11:5,6,13? It is possible to interpret the verses in chapter 11 in a way that is compatible with chapter 14:33b-36. It is as follows:

a. In chapter 11 the decorum prescribed in 14:33b-36 is distinctly in view and Paul is showing its propriety. Praying and prophesying are functions that imply authority, the authority that belongs to the man as distinguished from the woman according to the ordinance of creation. The man in exercising this authority in praying and prophesying must not wear a head covering. Why not? The head covering is the sign of subjection, the opposite of the authority that belongs to him, exemplified in praying and prophesying, hence 11:4,7. In a word, head covering in praying and prophesying would be a contradiction.

b. But precisely here enters the relevance of verses 5,6,13 as they pertain to women. If women are to pray and prophesy in the assemblies, they perform functions that imply authority and would require therefore, to remove the head covering. To do so with the head covering would involve the contradiction referred to already. But it is the impropriety of removing the head covering that is enforced in 11:5,6 & 13. In other words, the apostle is pressing home the impropriety of the exercise of these functions - praying and prophesying - on the part of women by showing the impropriety of what it would involve, namely the removal of the head covering. And so the rhetorical question of verse 13: “Is it proper for a woman to pray to God unveiled?”

c. This interpretation removes all discrepancy between 11:5,6,13 and 14:33b-36 and it seems to me feasible, and consonant with the whole drift of 11:2-16.

5. The foregoing implies that the head covering for women was understood to belong to the decorum of public worship.

6. The above line of thought would derive confirmation from I Corinthians 11:10. Admittedly the reference to the angels is not immediately perspicuous. But a reasonable interpretation is that the presence of the angels with the people of God and therefore their presence in the congregations of the saints. What is being pleaded is the offence given to the holy angels when the impropriety concerned mars the sanctity of God’s worship. But, in any case, the obligation asserted is apparent. It is that the woman ought to have upon her head the sign of authority to which she is subject, in other words, the sign of her subjection. But this subjection pertains throughout and not simply when in the exercise of praying and prophesying according to the supposition that such is permitted. I submit, therefore, that the verse concerned (Vs 10) enunciates a requirement that is general within the scope of the subject with which Paul is dealing, namely, the decorum of worship in the assembly of the saints.

On these grounds my judgment is that presupposed in the Apostle’s words is the accepted practice of head covering for women in the assemblies of the Church, that apparently, this part of decorum was recognized, and that the main point of verses 5,6,10,13 was the impropriety of any interruption of the practice if women were to pray or prophesy, for, in that event, it would be necessary to remove the head covering in order to signify the authority that praying and prophesying entailed, an authority not possessed by women, an non-possession signified, in turn, by the use of the covering.

If you so desire I could send you two copies of the Westminster Theological Journal in which opposing interpretations are given, one by Noel Weeks and the other by James B. Hurley. My interpretation has been proposed by Noel weeks and I acknowledge my depth to him. But the argument as developed is my own.

Free Reformed eBooks (For your eReader and your Soul!)

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:07:10 PDT

At your finger tips is a number of spiritual blessings through good books. If you have an eBook reader then I hope these free eBooks can be helpful for you. It might be profitable to augment your reading with some spiritual perusal.

There's quite a wide range of stuff covered in these free eBooks, something to suit every need I'm sure. Furthermore there is a comprehensive list of good Reformed books on Monergism that you may wish to purchase.

Psalm 23: A Caring Shepherd for Poor Sheep

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:59:36 PDT

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want."

"It is impossible for language to express the extent and variety of spiritual consolation, which this incomparable ode has been the means of imparting. It has been felt to be the common property of that mystical flock that hear and know the voice of the Shepherd... and there is, moreover, a character of moral beauty and loveliness belonging to it, which must leave the compositions of uninspired men at an almost infinite distance." Quotation in Plumer on The Psalms

In the darkest corner of life the Shepherd remains by our side supplying our need. Even now He shepherds us as our personal pastor. I hope we can all re-visit this Psalm with a fresh view of our need and of the Shepherd's loving care.

The Call to the Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:06:28 PDT

I'm reviewing this doctrine at the moment in my personal study. These have been the most influential sermons upon my life in this respect. Please have a listen, they will apply to you one way or another. They will strenuously test your call or will cause you to evaluate your minister. Additionally I'm reviewing ministerial books over the next few weeks.

Here's the first, let me know how they impact your idea of ministry:

Congratulations Northern Ireland

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:04:32 PDT

An Opinion is something you give when you're asked...

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:46:35 PDT

Opinions please!

The Very Best In Creation Theology

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 05:07:06 PDT

I really enjoy his biblical and personal approach to speaking on these subjects. In all this, his great learning carries the weight of scientific credibility.

Is this what we've been Technologically waiting for?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 05:54:05 PDT

Some discussion has been taking place privately and publically on this blog about technology and how we can use it for God's glory. We want to bring technology to its full potential in helping us to grow more Christ-like. There have been many suggestions and questions already.

I think I may have come across something that advances into the area we have hoped for. It is used on the Ligonier website and courses. Take a look. It looks good doesn't it? Something to give good scriptural teaching and allow interaction with it and fellowship even to help us understand more of what we are hearing.

My only issue, or something that I think we can still improve on, is to bring it to a local church. We should love and appreciate our own ministers/pastors if they put time and effort into their spiritual calling. Their teaching could easily translate into technology like this, where the local church can discuss and interact with the doctrines of last weeks sermon.

So what do you think? Are we doing the right thing, going in the right direction? My concern is continually the misuse and wasteful use of the internet, whereas kinda thing could provide a singularly spiritual internet exercise!

Old Dusty Books

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:05:07 PDT

If you are interested in old christian books, then this may be of great interest to you. It has been an idea of mine, as I have been collecting various books over the last few years, to start selling them over this blog or connected to this blog.

I was wondering where you buy your books? Also, do you buy more new or second hand books? As a blog looking into the blessing reformed books can be to the church, is your religious reading within this reformed sphere of things?

I could certainly give away a book a month, small and big, old and almost new, to those who wanted to participate in buying and spreading awareness of reformed books on this blog. If we can get more people and new converts to the reformed world of reading and understanding, then the church will flourish more abundantly. What a great thing to be involved in!

So let me know about your booky habits!

Voices from the Past: Puritan Devotional Readings

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:44:06 PDT

For devotions, the puritans are hard to beat. Here's why:

1 Timothy 4:2 ... "Whose consciences are seared."

"Get and keep a tender conscience. Be sensible of the least sin. Some men's consciences are like the stomach of the ostrich that can digest iron: they can swallow the most notorious sins without regret. A good conscience is very delicate. It feels the least touch of known sin, and is grieved at the thought of grieving God's Spirit. It will choose the greatest of suffering before the least of sinning.

However, the jeering Ishmaels of the world are ready to reproach and laugh it to scorn for its precise scruples. Daily train all your graces for battle. Live in a military posture, both defensive and offensive. Stand constantly by your weapons. Admit no peace with sin. The soldier of Christ must never lay down his arms. Satan never ceases his wiles and stratagems. He will tell you that sin is pleasant. Ask yourself if the gripping of conscience is also pleasant? Ask yourself if it is pleasant to be in hell, and be under the wrath of God? Ask yourself if the pleasures of sin for a season compare with the rivers of God's pleasures? How do they compare to a weight of glory, an incorruptible crown, and a heavenly kingdom?

God alone is enough, but without him, nothing is enough for your happiness. His love, grace, and the comforts of his Spirit will certainly sweeten your way to heaven. Sometimes you will experience joy unutterable and full of glory. God is a good master and in his service is a perfect freedom. Your work is its own reward. With these thoughts, put to flight the armies of the enemy. Shield yourself with these against the fiery darts the tempter shall pour upon you. Do not even take a moment to parley with the tempter. As soon as your lusts begin to grow inordinate, do not stay a moment; delay is unutterably dangerous. A house on fire needs immediate attention."
John Gibbon, Puritan Sermons 1659-1689, 1:96-100

The Puritans have no equal in today's world. They were in touch with God and therefore had such a rare sensitivity to sin. Any Puritan book will encourage the soul, but excerpts like this book provides is the perfect place to begin. Listen....they are still speaking today!