1. For the better government, and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called Synods or Councils (Acts 15:2, 4, 6). The church has an authoritative presence beyond the local assembly. In this chapter of the Confession we come to the doctrine which separates presbyterianism from the independency …
Interesting
In his talk on Andrew Fuller at the 2007 Desiring God pastors’ conference, John Piper had this to say. I just tuned into the debate between R. Scott Clark and Doug Wilson over at Scott’s blog, Heidelblog, and there were elements of it that relate directly to Fuller’s response to Sandemanianism (though no one there …
False Reproach As Glory
Peter tells us that we are happy when we are reproached for the name and sake of Jesus Christ. He tells us that we should not be astonished when we are confronted with attacks, persecutions, and slanders. But more than this, Peter states, in line with what the Scriptures tell us elsewhere, that it is …
Like A Feather Boa
A shrewd observer of my exchanges with Dr. Clark contacted me privately and made a point that I think is well worth repeating here. I would urge anyone who needs the refresher to read through our respective posts, along with the comments. You can look through the Auburn Avenue Stuff on this blog for the …
Some Trust in Missiles, Some in Fleets
Minister: Lift up your hearts! Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord! In times of trouble, May God listen to you! May the name of Jacob’s God defend you. May He send out help from His sanctuary, And strengthen you from Zion’s hill. May He remember your offerings; May He accept your ascension gifts. …
If You Can”t Take It With You, Then Send It On Ahead
Once there was a young man who was not very wise with his money. He actually had some because of his paper route, but he consistently squandered it, and was usually bone dry for some days before his next payday. His mother noticed this almost right away, but let it run for a few months. …
Saving Faith is a Busy Bee
All right, let’s recap. Dr. Clark says that I have unwittingly denied the Reformation because I hold that saving faith is holy. I say that when God calls us effectually and regenerates us and gives us a new heart, this new heart turns away from sin (in repentance) and turns to Christ (in faith). Because …
A Wee Bit More
A couple of very reasonable posters have urged me to spend my time on more fruitful endeavors than trying to persuade Dr. Clark of my orthodoxy. While I have no intention of conducting a debate like this ad infinitum, I do believe it is fruitful now. While it would be wonderful to persuade Dr. Clark, …
Soup to Nuts
My conversation with Dr. Clark goes on. I asked him to cite some examples of where I have said that God considers the moral quality of my faith (as having been formed by love) as the basis or foundation for justifying me. I deny teaching this. To his credit, Dr. Clark acknowledges that I am …
Glorify It Yet Again
Father and gracious Lord, we praise and glorify Your name, and ask You to glorify it yet again in our celebration here. We pray that You would bless the labor that put this meal together, and bless our enjoyment of it. We ask that You would use this food to strengthen us, and prepare us …