Book 3/Chapter 4 Chrysostom (section 8) 1. What did Chrysostom teach on the subject of confession of sin? Confession before God (section 9) 1. What mistake in interpretation did the defenders of auricular confession make? 2. Calvin then cites a number of passages to prove what? Confession before men (section 10)? 1. If we have …
Capernaum Had No Gay Pride Parades
It used to be possible to say that the issue of homosexuality was one on which few believing Christians were confused. However, there was still a problem, and it led to our current cultural impasse. Over the years, much of the strength of Christian opposition to homosexuality has been instinctive and cultural, rather than a …
This is Something We All Do, Do We Not?
“Many preachers are tempted to identify themselves with the congregation in preaching, rather than with God. This may be the most significant reason for their feeling ill at ease in speaking to their congregation in the second person. Such preachers do not want their people to get the impression that the preacher is holier than …
You Only Wind Up Driving the Porcelain Bus
“But of course, alcohol had few romantic possibilities. It wasn’t exotic, and everyone, practically, took it. To be a mere drunk was not compatible with the Romantics’ thirst for world-significant angst” (Dalrymple, Romancing Opiates, p. 83).
The Sermon for Obama
This last Lord’s Day, I preached a sermon addressed to President Obama. That sermon is available here in three different forms — an MP3, a sermon outline, and the full text. Feel free to circulate as you wish, or refer people to it there at the Christ Church front page.
Auricular Confession
Book 3/Chapter 4 Allegory (section 5) 1. What does Calvin say about allegorical interpretation and dogma? Confession (section 6) 1. How does Calvin handle the argument for confession from the baptism of John the Baptist? 2. What about James’ requirement that we confess our sins to one another (Jas. 5:16)? History of auricular confession (section …
The Temple Pulled Inside Out/Pentecost 2009
INTRODUCTION: We are all generally familiar with what happened on the day of Pentecost. But we also need to take note of where it happened . . . and where it did not. THE TEXT: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly …
Showing Up at the Wrong House for the Bible Study
Lane and I continue the discussion. In this segment, Lane repeats Venema’s argument that receiving the sacrament of bread and wine is just like receiving the Word, and that it is necessary for someone to be able to do the latter before they can be admitted to the former. Both require “active engagement” by the …
With a Light Sprinkling of Ceremonies
Book 3/Chapter 4 Penance (section 1) 1. What are the three elements of repentance, according to the Scholastics? 2. And according to Calvin, how do they heal all the bitterness? Not a small thing (section 2) 1. Why does Calvin say that this is not a dispute “over the shadow of an ass?” Desperation (section …
Because Encyclopedias Have No Superpowers
Between now and the release date, I will be posting the occasional teaser quote. The book is now up on Amazon, as you can see if you click on the title in the footnote. “Give me priests. Give me men with feathers in their hair, or tall domed hats, female oracles in caves, servants of …