The Reformed Reader

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!

Lloyd-Jones on George Whitefield

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:37:07 PDT

The Reality of Hell

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:46:46 PDT

Joel Beeke on Hell from Puritan Reformed on Vimeo.

What a Wonderful Covenant!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 02:17:30 PDT

Sorry for lack of posting, but I have my excuses. One is a combination golf and good weather and the other is that I have my brother over visiting, both of these melt into one big lazy excuse.

I'm preparing for the covenant theology series we're studying in the prayer meetings. In reading O. Palmer Robertson I was impressed with some of his opening words on the Bible's covenant:

"What is a covenant?"

"Asking for a definition of 'covenant' is something like asking for a definition of 'mother.'"

"A mother may be defined as a person who brought you into the world. That defintion may be correct formally. But who would be satisfied with such a defintion?"

I agree. But I would also add that the elevation that expanding the term 'mother' has runs very closely to the joy of describing the 'covenant' God has made for sinners. What a wonderful covenant we have in scripture!

Commentary on John’s Gospel, by John Calvin

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 06:05:24 PDT

For the last few weeks, I have incorporated Calvin’s comments on John’s Gospel into my daily devotional reading. I have not restricted myself to the traditional Evangelical perception that we should "read a chapter a day" or anything like that. I simply went from one incident to another as it naturally fell out in John’s account of the life and ministry of Christ. It has been a real feast.
John Calvin, as the reader will probably know, was probably one of the greatest Christians who ever lived. His commentaries are nearly 500 years old and are still being reprinted and sought after eagerly by Bible Students in all generations. This is not for any mere historical reasons, but because he kept closely to the text of Scripture and therefore gave us timeless words. For a man who was evidently a great personal genius and a brilliant theologian, his writings are relatively easy to read. He could never be said to be concise, like (say) Matthew Poole who seemed to specialise in the short curt sentences. Calvin demands that we find a comfortable seat somewhere quiet and that we be prepared to read back a few pages to catch his drift. Any effort involved is well worth it.

"It has been a real feast."

As you read Calvin on John’s Gospel, you wonder who on earth his detractors (often anti Reformed Christians) are talking about. According to his detractors, many of whom should simply know better, Calvin portrayed God as being a callous destroyer of the souls of men who could do nothing towards their own salvation. Those who read this commentary will know otherwise. For example, Calvin rightly taught that the Heaven Father loves the human race and wishes that they would not perish. He speaks of Christ seeking to cure the reprobates and that He sought save Judas and did not name him as the traitor at the Last Supper so as not to close the gate of repentance. Some of his evangelistic statements would probably raise a few Reformed eyebrows e.g. Christ knocking at the sinner’s door and the sinner giving God permission to assist them. Again and again, he speaks of the voluntary blindness of the sin as the sole cause of his damnation and gives us much encouragement to evangelise. He is not slow to take a few pot shots at the Pope and also Mahommet – relevant words in these days of militant Islam!
My copy of his Commentary has quite a few "Sticky Notes" filled with references to various subjects for easy access in the future. I also made copious notes of quotes which I am currently sharing on my http://www.twitter.com/weecalvin

My full edition is part of the wider 22 volume set. I understand that Crossway have produced his commentary in a heavily edited paperback but I would fear that the editor’s scissors would mean that many of the gems would be lost. I would positively dread the responsibility of editing this great work. Calvin’s commentaries are, of course, available online which is great for consultation, but it’s hard to beat the comfortable seat and the sheer pleasure a good wholesome read.

Colin Maxwell

Banner Of Truth: Free Book Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:35:59 PST

Ok, so you have to make a web order first, but that would mean you'd have two books! Exciting or what?

Here's the deal:

For a limited time only, now through March 14, 2011, Banner of Truth is pleased to provide a complimentary copy of the pocket-sized book, Selections from Wise Counsel. While most widely known for the hymn, Amazing Grace, it has often been said that the letters that Newton wrote form his greatest gift to the church! In this pocket-sized, Selections from Wise Counsel, we've included:

-- An Overview of the Letters
-- The Earlier Years of Newton and Ryland
-- Letter One
-- Letter Five
-- Letter Twenty-Eight

And here's a wee review to spur you on:

"Some books are for tasting regularly, not reading through once. One such book is Wise Counsel. Newton was the former slave-trader turned pastor, and the author of Amazing Grace. The flavour of his ministry is such that frequent tastes are better than rare gulps."
John Piper, Senior Pastor
Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN

"I hope this brief taster will serve as an enticing introduction to Wise Counsel. The letters are remarkable, not least because it appears the two men were so different - background, age, ecclesiology, politics - and these differences provide fuel for a fertile and insightful correspondence which yields up pearls of wisdom for life and Christian ministry. Grant Gordon's excellent editorial comments root each letter in the particular situation in which it was written - personal, national, international. So here is insight into marriage, guidance, death, mourning, politics, war, pastoral skills, preaching, unity, dealing with criticism and avoiding controversy. Banner of Truth has done us all a great service by producing a beautifully presented collection of timeless treasure. So, enjoy this taster - and I hope it whets your appetite for much more."
Adrian Reynolds, Director of Ministry
The Proclamation Trust

Please, I want to hear your opinion!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:46:33 PST

This video is very well put together. It's simple, a bit different, and it's to the point. Beyond the video's impressive style, however, what is your opinion on this view of the church?

For a long time now, I have been really concerned about our idea of ecclesiology. "What is the church?" is a question we need to ask ourselves again, and through this we will be clearer on who we are and what we're supposed to be doing. Getting in place the proper parameters of the church should be primary. The Church is a visible institution erected by God to his glory; and if we begin to understand this, then we begin to understand its responsibilities. Thus, I agree with the ethos of this video, but I would also give caution to how we view the church. The church should be mission minded in the community, but evangelism is just one of the responsibilities of this great God built institution.

Enough of my spouting, let's have yours...Missional Church anyone?

Covenant Theology, by Peter Golding

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:30:33 PST

Presently, as I write this review, I am preaching on Covenant Theology in my prayer meetings. As a subject it is immensley interesting. There's a lot to learn about the covenant in scripture and also how the church has taken this brand of theology to its heart over the years. In my time of studying theology, I have not been convinced about doctrinal positions as much as I have been about the necessity of Covenant Theology. It needs preached and I'm privileged not just to preach a series on the subject but to preach it in every sermon and allow it to penetrate my own christian life. This book, therefore, is something you should consider purchasing because it outlines all the important stuff about Covenant Theology.

The subtitle to the book is noteworthy, "The Key of Theology in Reformed Thought and Tradition." This is very much the case, so I think it is a very appropriate subtitle. Maybe you read the title and one of two conclusions come to your mind: 1. What on earth does that mean? or, 2. That's a pretty....big statement! Either way you may be considering to go down another road, either to ignore Covenant Theology or just stick with what you already know. I pray you consider this book recommendation, and please read on for a challenge.

So you're no.1 and you don't really know what it is trying to say. I will break it down for you. (Aren't I just the most helpful book reviewer ever!) Ok, theology is our understanding of God or literally "the study of God." When you think about God you are being a theologian. So Covenant Theology is the key to understanding God in his Word - the Bible of course. The Reformation and the those who have been in agreement with the doctrines of the Reformation ever since are included in "Reformed Thought and Tradition." Here we can mention John Calvin, John Owen, Charles H. Spurgeon and Martyn Lloyd Jones, among many, many others. But, you see, not everyone has believed this title to be true, that Covenant Theology is "the key of theology." That brings us to conclusion...

No.2 So you wouldn't consider yourself as associated with Reformed doctrine. That's ok too because "Reformed" is only a term or a label that is subject to the truth. Many people feel that Covenant Theology is not the way to understand the Bible, and so this little work may be something you should consider studying. It is an in-depth analysis of Covenant Theology and may just change your idea of theology and even of how you view the Bible on the whole. Please consider it, it may just change your whole perspective on theology.

This work on the covenant gives us material to better understand our Reformed heritage and doctrinal position. What does it mean to be reformed and what does it mean to believe in covenant theology are questions that are answered in the pages of Golding's study. There is no doubt that it is a beginners book with all the basic detail to equip the student of theology with ideas and concepts to challenge the enlightened mind and hungry heart. What's probably the most encouraging for the reader is the simple introduction and the first chapter on the history of the doctrine and how it has developed in the church's thinking. From there, Golding proceeds into more thought provoking territory where the great questions of defining a covenant and how we must view the covenant within scriptural exegesis. Although this study on Covenant Theology is not a rigorous academic work, it really does a good job of simply explaining things some academics take a whole life time to explain. Please, open up the covenant, don't be hesitant because of terms or perceptions, and enjoy reading about God's Covenant for your soul!

Romans Series 1:3

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:18:45 PST

This message on Romans 1:3 looks at the further information we are given about "The Gospel of God."

The Opening of the Letter- It's All About His Son

A Youth Exodus?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 05:41:50 PST

As Free Presbyterians in Northern Ireland we are very pleased to count our North American Brethren as our North American counterpart. Although we serve under distinct presbyteries our convictions are the same. Having attended the weeks of prayer in Ulster over the last few years, it has been refreshing to have some American delegates with us to pray and preach. It has been abundantly clear that it's not only our theological position that's the same, but also our burden for the the work.

It has been mentioned more than once, the deep impression that young people leaving the church has had on the ministers. There is a care for them and their rejection of the church's stand in favour for other types of ministry has been especially grieving. What is the reason for this?

Well, there is no doubt that on both sides of the water the situation is different. Here in Northern Ireland, we have different problems than anywhere else in the world, but that stands to, the ever so rare, 'common sense.' However, I feel it heart warming to read this article by Michael Barrett on his views of the matter in hand. Even though he gets a few jabs in on bloggers, I don't feel offended. I hope this blog doesn't fit into the category of 'spouting opinions.' Although we have mentioned particular views, these have been on special occasions. The good thing here is that we are commending the article!

Any thoughts on this issue of the current generation of young people in your surroundings?

You're Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:59:21 PST

Hello everyone! I hope you are still praying for God's Gospel in Dundee. We have had small encouragements now and again, for that we praise God.

We have ordered invitations for the Church and plan to give these out in the coming weeks. This needs prayer. Pray that God will draw some to the meetings and that they might be saved from sin and grow in righteousness.

Student Invite