Book 4/Chapter 19 On par with Donatists (section 10) 1. In what way do those who put confirmation ahead of baptism compare to the ancient Donatists? Less than dung (section 11) 1. What trivial argument does Calvin dismiss? 2. What value does Calvin place on this oil? Value from ancient times (section 12) 1. How …
A Promise Only God Can Make
Every sacrament, by definition, contains and manifests a promise of salvation. That is what a sacrament is. The sacrament of baptism contains a promise of salvation at its inception, and the Supper contains a promise of salvation related to perseverance. What God began God will complete. These promises are apprehended with the heart, whenever someone …
Not Part of a Subset
As we prepare for our celebration of Christmas, keep in mind that we are not observing “just another religious holiday,” taking its place alongside all the others. If Jesus Christ was born into this world in order to remake all of humanity through His sinless life, loving sacrifice of Himself on the cross, and powerful …
Forgiveness With God
Our Father and God, You have established Your Church as a royal priesthood in this world, and so we intercede for the nations of men now, confessing on their behalf so that the grace of Your forgiveness will soon be extended to them all. Our Father and God, we know that if You were to …
What Will the Harvest Be?
Uganda is apparently considering a law that could result in the execution of homosexuals. Some evangelicals who believe that the Christian faith should have some impact on public policy, some at First Things, have argued against the law. And Rick Warren’s response can be seen here. I know next to nothing about the proposed law, …
No Supplement to Baptism
Book 4/Chapter 18 Laying on of hands (section 6) 1. Why must the Holy Spirit still be present in the church today? 2. Why does Calvin say that the Romanists’ laying on of hands is not the same as the apostolic practice? Anointing with oil (section 7) 1. What is Calvin’s central objection to their …
Behemoth State U and Leviathan State
The perennial temptation of ersatz conservatives is to tell the progressives that what they are proposing cannot possibly work, and that if implemented it will ruin us all. And then, when the progressives (so called because they are progressing toward the Abyss) succeed in driving their proposals through, conservatives line up for the next election …
Christ the Altar
Book 4/Chapter 18 Sacrifices of praise (section 17) 1. How does Calvin demonstrate that it is legitimate to understand “sacrifice” as an offering of praise? 2. Where do we lay our gifts? Filth in a golden cup (section 18) 1. What does Calvin compare the abomination of the Mass to? 2. What does the Mass …
Last Minute Collision Notice
Collision is showing tonight in San Francisco at the Roxie.
The Needy Bucket Angle
In my next installment on Twilight, I let down my guard for a moment and reveal what I really think.