Search for the phrase “all of life is political” and one finds not a few results. We expect such a sentiment to be very popular among mon-Christians, whose hope is focused on this life and this world. Remarkably, however, Christians are among . . . Continue reading →
Romans Series: The Power of God For Salvation (29)—chapter 7 (part 3)
Romans is one of the greatest resources available to the Christian faith and life. Written in the mid-to late AD 50s to the congregation in Rome, Paul sent this pastoral letter to make clear the gospel, that salvation is from the Lord, . . . Continue reading →
Young, Restless, And Augustinian?
Scholars tell us that there are at about 60 million evangelicals in North America. It is an ongoing debate among them, however, as to how to define “evangelical.” In the 16th century it meant something like this: “One who agrees with the . . . Continue reading →
With No Compromise Radio On The Lordship Controversy, QIRE, And The Reformation
In anticipation of the upcoming conference, So You Say You Want A Reformation? Mike Abendroth and I discuss some of the topics we will be considering this Friday and Saturday: law, gospel, and the confusion of the two, the Lordship Salvation controversy, . . . Continue reading →
When the Good News Becomes Bad
Introduction The word “Gospel” is so familiar and frequently used that it is possible to lose sight of its genuine meaning, “good news.” This question is vital as we face a series of movements within our churches which seek to redefine the . . . Continue reading →
Luther On What Makes A Real Theologian
Therefore whoever knows well how to distinguish the Gospel from the Law should give thanks to God and know that he is a real theologian. I admit that in the time of temptation I myself do not know how to do this . . . Continue reading →
Office Hours: From The Pasture To The Pastorate
Office Hours kicks off its 11th season (247 episodes so far) with an interview with our newest faculty member, Dr Craig Troxel. Craig comes to Escondido from Bethel Presbyterian Church (OPC), Wheaton, IL. Prior to that he was pastor Glenside OPC, in . . . Continue reading →
With NoCo Radio On Reformation And Christ’s Active Obedience
Back in 2015 Mike Abendroth and I got together to discuss the importance of the Reformation, how it applies to Evangelicals, the imputation of active obedience and more. Lord permitting I am to be speaking at Bethlehem Bible Church this week, Friday and . . . Continue reading →
How Do We Know That God Is One In Three Persons (And Not Four Persons)?
Jason writes to ask: From a Christian perspective, how do we know that God is three persons (and not four or more)? Is it possible, from a Christian perspective, that God has only chosen to reveal three persons (but that God is . . . Continue reading →
New In Print And Online: “The Synod of Dort: ‘Keeping Venom from the Lips’”
In the October, 2019 issue of Ordained Servant is an introduction to the Canons of Dort, “The Synod of Dort: Keeping Venom From the Lips.” It is also available in print. Here’s just a bit with a link to the rest. Continue reading →
What Is Wrong With The Theology Of Glory?
At the 1518 Heidelberg Disputation (academic presentation), Martin Luther (1483–1546), the father of the Protestant Reformation, as he was coming to his Protestant convictions, argued: “One is not worthy to be called a theologian who looks upon the ‘invisible things of God’ . . . Continue reading →
Ursinus Anticipated And Rejected Final Salvation Through Works
Objection 4. Faith does not justify without that which is required in those who are justified. Good works are required in those who are justified. Therefore, faith is not without good works, and so does not justify alone. Answer: There is here . . . Continue reading →
Owen Contra Romanist Corruptions Of Reformed Worship And Theology
Now, such were the innovations of the late hierarchists. In worship, their paintings, crossings, crucifixes, bowings, cringings, altars, tapers, wafers, organs, anthems, litany, rails, images, copes, vestments,—what were they but Roman varnish, an Italian dress for our devotion, to draw on conformity . . . Continue reading →
The Banality Of Theological Liberalism
A recent tweet from Union Theological Seminary in New York City indicates that the institution, which once boasted luminaries of the intellectual stature of Reinhold Niebuhr and Paul Tillich, is now encouraging an innovative penitential practice: confessing sins to plants. To quote . . . Continue reading →
Back On The Air: AGR On Romans—The Power Of God For Salvation
Chris and I have been working on the book of Romans for a while. We took a hiatus for the summer but we are back at it. We recorded two episodes today finishing Romans 7 and moving into chapter 8. They will . . . Continue reading →
What Social Media Teaches Us About Law, Gospel, Forgiveness, And Grace
Carson King is a 23-year old Des Moines man who held up a sign at a televised college football game announcing, “Busch Lite supply needs replenished.” It was a joke but people began sending him money via the Venmo appl. When he . . . Continue reading →
God Does Not Help Those Who Help Themselves Or Why The Reformation Still Matters
The Reformation Still Matters Sometimes when we talk about the Reformation we give or receive the impression that it was purely a historical event with no continuing relevance or even that Reformation is one thing and mission is another. Here is an . . . Continue reading →
Antinomianism Is A Serious Error And So Is Nomism
The Problem Of Antinomianism Repeatedly in the history of Christianity there have been two competing, damaging impulses regarding the moral law of God. One of those impulses is known as “antinomianism.” This view denies the abiding validity of the moral law for . . . Continue reading →
What’s Wrong With A Theology Of Glory?
At the 1518 Heidelberg Disputation (academic presentation), Martin Luther (1483–1546), the father of the Protestant Reformation, as he was coming to his Protestant convictions, argued: “One is not worthy to be called a theologian who looks upon the ‘invisible things of God’ . . . Continue reading →
Audio: With Saints And Sinners Unplugged On The Young, Restless, & Reformed Movement and More (2)
Saints and Sinners is a podcast led by Pastor Ken Jones, a voice familiar to long-time listeners of the White Horse Inn. S&S features Pastors David Menendez, Jose Prado, and Aldo Leon, each of whom serves a congregation in the Miami metro. In . . . Continue reading →