tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156587087079948622024-02-06T18:45:12.802-08:00Reformed MafiaWe are a gang of counter-culture thought criminals: joyfully preaching and bootlegging subversive doctrines in the Evangelical Prohibition on truth.Machine Gun Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501532765910479437noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-30188572758150904302013-12-22T04:13:00.000-08:002013-12-22T04:28:42.924-08:00Wilson wants to see some scars on their forearms. <span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Some of the theological elite (i.e. ministers of cultural retreat) have been critical of the reaction of rank and file conservative Christians to Phil Robertson/A&E debacle. They say we should hold our fire defending the duck man; wait for mo</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">re important battles in the future... </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If the highfalutin types are always retreatin' like the Brits at Dunkirk over matters trivial, from whence cometh the notion they'll all of a sudden be faithful in larger battles that lay ahead? </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">They won't I tell you. Because they have neither the courage nor the desire.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Douglas Wilson hits it out of the park here:</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><u><a href="http://dougwils.com/s7-engaging-the-culture/the-scars-on-your-forearms.html" target="_blank">The Scars on your Forearms, by Douglas Wilson</a></u></span><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.tilledsoil.org/integrity-christian-apologetics-ergun-caner-case-study/" target="_blank">Integrity and Christian Apologetics: An Ergun Caner Case Study</a></b><br />
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<br />Machine Gun Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501532765910479437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-26435460264790164122013-12-07T15:50:00.000-08:002013-12-07T15:50:31.170-08:00Peter Hammond on Nelson Mandela As the world and even a few notable Reformed thinkers mourn and talk of how great a man Nelson Mandela was, we at the Reformed Mafia will not be singing his praises. In fact, we would like to share a couple of videos with you from a brother in South Africa who isn't paying homage to the terrorist.<br />
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We hope you will listen to <a href="http://www.frontline.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1266:the-director&catid=55:about-us-cat&Itemid=170" target="_blank">Dr. Hammond</a>'s perspective and not fall for the politically correct propaganda:<br />
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<br />Machine Gun Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501532765910479437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-34197435725521062302013-12-05T05:02:00.001-08:002013-12-05T14:04:08.043-08:00Ergun Caner Appointment to Brewton Parker CollegeThe Mafia has been laying low for several years, but the recent news that <a href="http://www.abpnews.com/ministry/people/item/9065-ergun-caner-to-lead-ga-baptist-college">Ergun Caner was selected to lead a Baptist college</a> (which is located not far from where I presently sit) has prompted me to return to the blogosphere for a brief time. It's quite disturbing really to see how so-called men of God are circling the wagons in defense of the indefensible.<br />
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It is a matter of fact and public record that Dr. Ergun Caner is an unrepentant, pathological liar who has done much harm to the cause of Christ, especially in regard to the ministries of those trying to reach Islamic people.<br />
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Some claim that people like me oppose Caner because of our disagreements over theology. Such is not the case. If this was a merely a difference of opinion over theology, I would be the first to welcome Dr. Caner to our area.<br />
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I am posting a video here that needs to be seen by all who care about the truth. You'll want to fast forward to about the 24 minute mark where the presentation begins.<br />
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Machine Gun Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501532765910479437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-65628544304712014962009-02-07T18:50:00.000-08:002009-09-17T16:50:00.131-07:00So Long for NowWell everyone, this is it. The journey has come to an end. There just comes a time when you realize you have too much on your plate. I appreciate everyone who's been a part of this and even those of you who've written against us. <br /><br />This blog will remain up and Gordan and I will remain co-owners until we decide to recycle it, kill it, or auction it off to the highest bidder. <br /><br />The only blogging I am doing now is about <a href="http://rhettswhips.wordpress.com/ ">whips and whipmaking</a>. Come by and see me some time. <br /><br />I covet your prayers.<br /><br />Semper Reformanda! <br /><br />-RhettMachine Gun Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501532765910479437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-62621898665569521132009-02-02T08:30:00.001-08:002010-05-06T14:03:11.336-07:00Gordan's GoneHey, just a quick note to let you know that I am begging off of blogging for the foreseeable future. Many of you know (more of you don't) that I had a novel published in 2000. Well, I've been bitten by that bug again and now must pursue the path of writing another. I don't have a lot of control over my own creative juices: you've kinda got to go with the flow on these things, I've learned.<br /><br />But even before I begin to pursue another book-writing, I'm already stacked to the gills with time constraints and ministry responsibilities, so something's got to give. This time, that something is the internet in general, and the blogosphere in particular.<br /><br />I believe Rhett is going to come on here shortly and make an announcement along similar lines with regard to the status of this blog, so I will simply sign off with the prayer that our great Sovereign may continue to bless you with an ever-increasing knowledge of the truth, as it is found in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-42677155528600326102009-01-19T08:29:00.000-08:002009-01-19T08:31:27.302-08:00Crazy talk? We'll Soon SeeFour minutes, listen then comment. Is this crazy talk?<br />
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<!--Begin SermonAudio Link Button--><SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://www.sermonaudio.com/code_sourcefeatured.asp?reversecolor=FALSE&showoverview=FALSE&flashplayer=TRUE&tiny=FALSE&minimal=FALSE&video=FALSE&eventtype=EVENTID&sermonid=115092114482"></SCRIPT><!--End SermonAudio Link Button-->Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-16047260994923304962009-01-14T15:24:00.000-08:002009-01-14T15:33:29.124-08:00Sanctification QuestionHere's the scenario.<br /><br />A young man comes to you and confesses that he is in bondage to something addictive (whether drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography...whatever.)<br /><br />He is in distress and near despair because of his lack of victory in this area.<br /><br />He is a confessing Christian, and aside from this confession, has never seemed to bear the fruit of a false convert. There's nothing you've observed in his life that would've led you to suspect that he's anything other than a growing, though imperfect, sincere believer in Christ.<br /><br />Now that he's laid bare his soul to you, his desire is freedom from this sin.<br /><br />What is your counsel?<br /><br />(The reason I ask is because I was "raised" as a baby Christian with a Pentecostal view of sanctification, and am interested in other ideas. I'm not so much interested in your theology of personal holiness as I am what your specific counsel to a man like this guy above would be. I'm interested in how the rubber meets the road in your theory of sanctification.)<br /><br />So...play nice and try to keep responses to something less than thesis-length.Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-23750492950706156062009-01-08T16:20:00.000-08:002009-01-08T16:23:44.737-08:00More Prophecy Stuff at IncrediblogI'm starting a series on allowing the Bible to interpret itself, even on prophetic matters. I think when most of us settle on a prophetic system that seems to work for us, then that's the one we go with, and it becomes a filter through which we look at all prophecies. But what if the Bible itself demonstrates proper interpretation of prophetic dreams and visions? <a href="http://gordansplace.blogspot.com/2009/01/scripture-interprets-prophetic.html">Hmm.</a>Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-65291427125600810842009-01-06T10:59:00.000-08:002009-01-06T14:59:20.099-08:00Book Recommendation: RA Torrey's "The Fundamentals"I have a confession to make. I hate theological liberalism. Look up all the synonyms for "hatred" in your thesaurus, and if you roll them all up into one mega-hate word, and then smother that hate-word in the hottest red chili sauce known to man (y'know, the stuff you have to handle with rubber gloves), well then, that's how I feel about liberalism. And, coincidentally, most actual theological liberals get on my nerves rather quickly.<br /><br />Having made that confession, I want to say that I got R.A. Torrey's two volume work, <em>The Fundamentals</em>, for Christmas and I am thoroughly enjoying it. It's four books, actually, and each is a collection of essays from various authors.<br /><br />These books began to be collected/assembled in 1909, as an obvious frontal assault on the then-fashionable liberalism that was coming out of Germany, and beginning to infect Christianity in North America.<br /><br />As with any collection of writings, some are more helpful than others, so I'm not offering a blanket endorsement here, but generally speaking these are thoughtful essays written by brilliant, well-educated Christian men who hated liberalism nearly as much as I do. (They might leave off the chili sauce.)<br /><br />The first book is focused on countering the <em>en vogue</em> Higher Critical method, and the remaining three center around theological topics. Some of the names I recognized before I started reading: James Orr, B.B. Warfield, W.J. Erdman, Thomas Boston, H.C.G. Moule, J.C. Ryle, G. Campbell Morgan, C.T. Studd, and Philip Mauro. (I also recognized C.I. Scofield, but I was trying to list the good ones above...)<br /><br />I have seen this set for sale many times before, but I have passed over it because I had a suspicion that it would be filled merely with the rantings of snake-handlers and those who believe that holiness has something to do with the length of your shirt sleeves.<br /><br />I have been pleasantly surprised, and quite edified, by this collection. Did I mention how much I hate liberalism?<br /><br />But here's the thing, the reason why you really ought to consider getting <em>The Fundamentals</em> by R.A. Torrey for yourself: The current Postmodern fad gets all of its theological legwork from the 19th and early 20th Century liberals. The pomo's haven't hit on something new. They're simply rehashing all the same junk that has destroyed Christianity in Europe and brought down all the mainline denom's here. And smarter men than you and I had 'em pegged a long, long time ago.<br /><br />RA Torrey's <em>The Fundamentals</em>, a two volume hardcover set, can now be had for about fifteen dollars, which is 85% off the original retail cost. Talk about bang for your buck! Very highly recommended.<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=012643"><img title="012643: The Fundamentals, 2 Volumes" height="108" alt="012643: The Fundamentals, 2 Volumes" src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/0/012643t.gif" width="108" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top"><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=012643">The Fundamentals, 2 Volumes</a></b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-16213128210073078182009-01-03T15:47:00.000-08:002009-01-03T15:51:23.209-08:00"With Juicy Bits"For interested folk, I've published a <a href="http://gordansplace.blogspot.com/2009/01/structural-notes-on-revelation-14-18.html">post on the last third of the Revelation</a>, with juicy bits of wild speculation at the end. Enjoy.Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-29053288343983986572008-12-30T10:46:00.000-08:002009-01-23T08:49:13.638-08:00Why?When asked why one chooses Christ and another does not the <em>universal</em> answer from the Arminian is because:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xTYrjtgU-44&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xTYrjtgU-44&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />When all is said and done your salvation is up to you:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vsBP5P0Xe2c&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vsBP5P0Xe2c&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />But that is fraught with:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/teZx_UBWScM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/teZx_UBWScM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />The mystery of human love still baffles minds as unsolvable. Why? What is it that takes the heart and hurls it over a cliff headlong? How is it that such coarse a smith's hand holds a flower's stem and the cold steel voice becomes as soft as petals and as pleasing as lavender in mist?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+John+4">Just because? It's up to you? We don't know what love is? Nah!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205:1-5;&version=50;">What love is this?</a> It is a love that gives us a new heart which is spread abroad with the love of God:<br /><a href="http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/syngergistchallenge.html">So it is now my cause to show that this is exactly the same case for those being regenerated. They choose Christ because they have a new heart. I will demonstrate that the choice to believe must spring from a heart and nature that loves Christ if it is to be a faith that is pleasing to Him. Further the prophet Ezekiel said the result of giving the new heart is that is causes his people to walk in His ways. In other words, there is no heat without a fire, there is no sight without an eye; there is no hearing without an ear; and there is no believing without a new heart. Belief is what is required in the New Covenant and belief is what characterizes those who have been born again (1 John 5:1). We believe the gospel because it is now in our nature to love Christ and see his beauty and excellence. Our natural hostility has been disarmed because it was replaced by another affection. Now to all those who choose Christ do so because their new nature compels them to. A regenerate person never resists the desire to believe. He believes because he wants to and cannot do otherwise.</a><br /><br />That's what love is.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-73875538754172149222008-12-16T12:36:00.000-08:002008-12-29T06:42:12.575-08:00Universalism Squeezing ArminianismThis <a href="http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2008/12/inerrancy-or-universalism.html#comments">post from Steve Hays at Triablogue</a> presents an interesting question that I think all synergists (not merely Arminians) need to answer. Read his post. It doesn't start out as an attack on Arminianism, but rather winds up posing some sticky questions re: "evangelical" universalism.<br />
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If you're too lazy to read the post, here's the point that is interesting. Universalism is on the rise in modern "evangelicalism" (so-called.) The Universalists use a lot of the same texts to prove their case that the Arminians use to combat Calvinism, texts focusing (supposedly) on God's great desire to save each and every individual. And, it seems, it's the Universalists who take these texts at greater "face value." This highlights the oft-made observation that many of the Arminians proof texts, if they prove Arminianism, really prove more than that: Universalism. (e.g. When the Bible tells us that Jesus is the "savior" of the whole world, on the face of it that would seem to support Universalism more naturally than it would Arminianism, especially when Arminians hold such statements up as proof against the idea of decretal election.)<br />
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Since we are graced here with the presence of some thoughtful Arminians and other synergists on occassion, I'm curious what your answer is to Hays' post. And, of course, I'd challenge you to <a href="http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2008/12/inerrancy-or-universalism.html#comments">answer him directly</a>. I've got my popcorn ready.Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-66094549133675272122008-12-13T15:15:00.000-08:002008-12-14T12:46:24.683-08:00A Mediocre Review of a Great Book: "Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices" by Thomas BrooksIs there a Reformed view of "spiritual warfare?" And if there is, does it differ significantly from the modern, charismatic rebuking-the-devil sort of thing?<br />
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The answer to the first question is Yes. Thankfully, the answer to the second question is also Yes. (In the interest of full disclosure, I write this review as a former charismatic, warfare prayin' demon buster. I could cast devils out of just about anything, including stuff you never knew they'd get into. Those were the days, joining hands in warfare prayer around a pallet-full of demon-possessed ceiling tiles... but I digress.)<br />
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For my money, the best treatment of so-called spiritual warfare from a Reformed perspective is <em>Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices</em>, a Puritan classic by Thomas Brooks, published by Banner of Truth.<br />
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Here's the shocking, secret weapon of the devil in spiritual warfare, that the typical charismatic completely misses as he's rebuking spirits of hip-hop music in the sound system: The devil wins in spiritual warfare when he can coax God's people into...brace yourselves...into <em>sinning</em>. <br />
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<em>Precious Remedies</em> is really like a foot-soldier's field-manual, instructing him thoroughly in the enemy's tactics and how to overcome them. It has spurred me personally to a greater pursuit of holiness. I suspect that was intentional on Brooks's part.<br />
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There is one section that some might find controversial, in which Brooks discusses what is often called "besetting sins," or those particular sins, particular to us as individuals, which we seem to struggle with (and lose against) more often than other people do, and more often than we do with regard to other sorts of sin. Mary is known as a gossip, and can't seem to help herself. Joe is famous for his temper, etc. They both hate their "trademark" sin, but seem to be unable to defeat it utterly.<br />
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Brooks's somewhat surprising answer to this is that he was unable to find any promise in the Scripture which gave assurance that these sorts of besetting sins could or would be completely annihilated from the Christian life. He goes on to propose some reasons why God may allow the believer to struggle so, reasons that are both thoughtful and redemptive. <br />
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The controversy may come as this sort of thinking meets with a currently popular answer to the same topic. This other answer is: "Stop that! Cut it out! You are probably not saved if you continue to struggle with this one thing and can get no lasting victory over it. Etc." Brooks was unwilling to paint things in such stark black-and-white on that one. Whether you wind up agreeing with him or not, the discourse is worth reading.<br />
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For my money, the best way to get your hands on Brooks' Precious Remedies is in the first volume of <em>The Works of Thomas Brooks</em>, a six-volume hardcover set that is now on sale for about 4 cents a page. Talk about your treasure troves, aye, mateys. Brooks is widely regarded as one of the most readable, and profitable, of the Puritan authors and this set is a crown jewel in any Reformed theologian's bookshelf. If any of you out there are wondering what to get me for Christmas--hint, hint, nudge, nudge.<br />
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<td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=8930"><img title="8930: Works of Thomas Brooks, 6 Volumes" align hspace alt="8930: Works of Thomas Brooks, 6 Volumes" width="108" border="0" height="108" valign vspace src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/8/8930t.gif" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=8930">Works of Thomas Brooks, 6 Volumes</a></b><br />
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</table>Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-36326479409097966042008-12-10T04:55:00.000-08:002008-12-10T08:46:33.959-08:00ESV Study Bible"Though I still prefer to preach from and memorize the King James, I really enjoy digging into the new ESV translation. Hey, it's the hot thing among the "young, restless, and Reformed" so you know it has to be good. Plus, right now this is a pretty tantalizing price (click the link to check...it was over 40 percent off this morning.)" <br /><br />-Gordan<br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tr><td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=502415"><img title="502415: ESV Study Bible, Hardcover" align hspace alt="502415: ESV Study Bible, Hardcover" width="108" border="0" height="108" valign vspace src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/5/502415t.gif" /></a></td><td valign="top"><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=502415">ESV Study Bible, Hardcover</a></b><br /><br /><br /><!-- ESV Study Bible, Hardcover 1433502410 502415 -->The ESV Study Bible includes more than 25,000 notes, written specifically for the ESV Study Bible. These notes focus especially on understanding the meaning of the text, giving answers to frequently raised questions, and providing theological, historical, and archaeological background&mdash;all for the purpose of helping readers to understand the Bible in a deeper way.<br /><br />The ESV Study Bible also provides a wealth of additional resources. Thus the introductions to each book include essential information about the author, date, and place of writing; an extensive chart of key themes; a summary of how the book fits in with the rest of the biblical storyline; a description of literary features; an outline of the book; and a large full-color map showing the setting of the book.<br /><br />Another unique feature is the inclusion of over 50 helpful articles on topics such as the authority and truthfulness of the Bible, reading the Bible for application, the Bible in worship and prayer, the reliability of the biblical manuscripts, the relationship between archaeology and the Bible, an overview of biblical theology, and many more.<br /><br />Other key resources include a system of 80,000 cross references and a concordance (which together facilitate easy location of important words, passages, and biblical themes). In addition, over 200 color charts, located throughout the Bible, provide clear, concise presentations of essential information.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=2060491&amp;sp=65042">View a complete list of editors, contributors, and articles</a>.<br /><br />Features:<ul><li>The ESV Bible text is set in highly readable 9-point type, in a single-column, book-text format. </li><li>Section summaries are highlighted for easy location throughout the notes. Summaries provide an overview of each main section and correspond to the outline shown in the introduction for each book. </li><li>Over 200 full-color maps printed throughout make events and places in the Bible come to life. </li><li>Over 25,000 notes focus especially on understanding the Bible text and providing answers to frequently raised issues. Words from the Bible text are printed in bold for easy reference. </li><li>Over 80,000 cross-references provide easy access to key words, passages, and themes throughout the Bible. </li><li>Numerous diagrams bring fresh understanding to key places and events in the Bible, based on the best, most recent historical and archaeological research. </li><li>Over 200 charts provide concise, &ldquo;at a glance&rdquo; summaries of important themes and teaching. </li><li>Presentation page</li><li>Family Record pages</li></ul></td></tr></table>Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-67882520214953691742008-12-08T08:11:00.000-08:002008-12-08T18:17:56.941-08:00Does A Bad Tree Bear Good Fruit?Jesus finishes his discourse in beatitudes by stating the defining difference between the children of the kingdom and the children of the world.<br /><br />Primary to the entrance into the kingdom is the necessity that one is born again. The term is not found in John 3, there the term is anothen gennao, born from above, or born from the beginning. The term born again is found in 1 Peter , anagennao, again born or born again. The distinction is subtle. The former indicates the origin or the source of the action, the latter, the action itself perfected. That is to say, the cause and effect. Indeed, in the first case what is hidden from view is the monergistic work of the Spirit in bringing about the conditions that will make it possible for one to understand the "beauty" of Truth. In the second, that generating action is found to have been accomplished, what is seen of the wind.<br /><br />At the end of this article: <a href="http://www.cpr-foundation.org/resources/essays/184">Regeneration Necessary to Perceive the Beauty and Excellency of Divine Things </a> Charles Hodge quotes J. Edwards<br /><br /><br /><blockquote><span style="color:#cc33cc;">"...It is agreeable to the sense of the minds of men in all ages, not only that the fruit of effect of a good choice is virtuous, but the good choice itself from which that effect proceeds; yea, and not only so, but also the antecedent good disposition, temper or affection of the mind from whence proceeds that good choice, is virtuous. This is the general notion, not that principles derive their goodness from actions, but that actions derive their goodness from the principles whence they proceed; and so the act of choosing that which is good is no further virtuous than it proceeds from a good principle or virtuous disposition of mind; which supposes that a virtuous disposition of mind may be before a virtuous act of choice; and that therefore it is not necessary that there should first be thought, reflection, and choice before there can be any virtuous disposition. If the choice be first, before the existence of a good disposition of heart, what signifies that choice? There can, according to our natural notions, be no virtue in a choice which proceeds from no virtuous principle but from mere self-love, ambition, or some animal appetite." - 140 Jonathan Edwards, Works, vol 1 (Edinburgh, Banner of Truth, 1974), p. 177.</span></blockquote><br /><br />Hodge says: <blockquote><span style="color:#33cc00;">It is the motive which gives the moral character to the act. If the motive is good, the act is good; if the motive is bad, the act is bad; if the motive is indifferent, so is the act. The act has no character apart from the motive This, it seems, is admitted with regard to all moral acts excepting the first. But the first act of a holy kind is an act of obedience, as well as all subsequent acts of the same kind. How then is it conceivable that the first act of obedience performed from the mere desire or self-love can be holy, when no other act of the same kind and performed from the same motive, either is or can be? How does its being first alter it very nature? It is still nothing more than as act done for self-gratification, and cannot be a holy act.</span></blockquote><br /><br />In earlier threads and with the eruption of accusations against James White as being both hyper-Calvinistic and freshly developing a new position has come the in house Calvinist debate on the ordo salutis and when regeneration takes place. As Hodge says, there really in no difference between the Arminian position and the defective Calvinistic belief that regeneration proceeds from faith. But, as can be seen, both the logical order and the temporal order must be that a righteous nature is regenerated before the action of faith can be considered a moral act. In other words, as I have argued elsewhere, and as John informs us, without a new nature and the abiding Holy Spirit, no one can believe. Having faith, as righteous act, can only proceed from a regenerated nature. <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matthew+7%3A21-23">Without a renewed nature, faith in Christ is sin, mere animal sensuality.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-70757366281798552172008-12-04T17:09:00.000-08:002008-12-04T17:33:54.502-08:00For He Who Sanctifies And Those Who Have Been Sanctified Are OneWith the brouhaha over false allegations of heresy hurled at James White came the false claim that Calvin did not teach a limited atonement. Though this might seem a declension from the <a href="http://thomastwitchell.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/last-will-and-testament-hebrews-and-the-intent-extent-and-efficaciousness-of-the-atonement-pt-1/">study of the subject of the atonement in Hebrews</a>, it is not really. In <a href="http://www.the-highway.com/Call_to_Witness.html">John Calvin's sermon The Call to Witness</a> there are three things to take note of: 1. That there is a definite purchase of an inheritance and the blood of Christ is not shed in vain as David Allen would have us believe. 2. That the object of that purchase has been perfected from before the beginning of time. 3. That the preaching of election is not to be neglected, for it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-78330305888224681002008-12-01T09:14:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:54:43.615-08:00If I Could Force All Christians to Read....Here are some books that would be on the mandatory list:<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><p><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=21271"><img title="21271: Five Views on Law and Gospel" height="108" alt="21271: Five Views on Law and Gospel" src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/2/21271t.gif" width="108" border="0" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p></td><td valign="top"><p><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=21271">Five Views on Law and Gospel</a></b> </p><p>The issue of the relationship of the New Testament Christian to the law of God is more complex than most of us have bothered to think about. This "debate" book does a fantastic job of clearly setting forth a handful of options that have historically been proposed. As a theonomist, of course, I think Greg L. Bahnsen carries the day here. But even if you disagree, it's vital that we start thinking about these things Biblically.<br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=307431"><img title="307431: Bondage of the Will" height="108" alt="307431: Bondage of the Will" src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/3/307431t.gif" width="108" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top"><p><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=307431">Bondage of the Will</a></b> </p><p>This is the first book that taught me that non-fiction can be passionate. Say what you will about the "mad monk," Martin Luther, but his fiery zeal for the Gospel of Jesus Christ radiates from the pages here. If this book served as the Constitution of all Lutheran churches (which it doesn't, sadly) I'd happily join them.<br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=1515959"><img title="1515959: The Godly Man&amp;quot;s Picture" height="108" alt="1515959: The Godly Man&amp;quot;s Picture" src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/1/1515959t.gif" width="108" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top"><p><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=1515959">The Godly Man's Picture</a></b> </p><p>Thomas Watson's portrait of the true Christian, "drawn with a Scripture pencil," was my introduction to the Puritans. I confess that I had, at the time, the popular charicature of this crew firmly lodged in my brain: dour, cold, stern, strict, humorless, severe, etc. If you've got that same picture in your head, please allow this book to blow that vision to Kingdom come. I was moved to weeping (yeah, I can admit it) by the sheer warmth and pastoral compassion of this book. You will never think so meanly of your Puritan brethren again.<br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=60157"><img title="60157: The Pursuit of God" height="108" alt="60157: The Pursuit of God" src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/6/60157t.gif" width="108" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top"><p><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=60157">The Pursuit of God</a></b><br />AW Tozer is my favorite Christian author. Shocking, I know: He wasn't a Calvinist, wasn't a rigorous theologian, probably would have cut off his own arm rather than pastor a modern SBC church. What he was, though, was a man with fire shut up in his bones. He was a man who heard the Word of God whispered sweetly, and took it and shouted it from the rooftops. Especially, I'd make all my button-down Reformed brethren read this book, because top-heavy brainiacs with their giant craniums could use a strong reminder that a pound of wonderful theology won't help you if you lack an ounce of what the Puritans called "experimental religion."</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=18190"><img title="18190: The Roman Catholic Controversy" height="108" alt="18190: The Roman Catholic Controversy" src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/1/18190t.gif" width="108" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top"><p><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=18190">The Roman Catholic Controversy</a></b></p><p>One of the greatest needs among modern Protestants, in my view, is that we remember what it is that we're protesting against. It's especially vital in our day, when the battle cries seem to be, "Theology isn't worth fighting about!" and "Can't we all just get along?" Dr. White does an even-handed job of evaluating the Pope's church, by referencing <em>Catholic writings</em> on theology. This is important: He isn't constructing straw-men, but rather allowing Catholicism to speak for itself. Very instructive.</p><p> </p><p><em><span style="font-size:130%;">For other great books that come with hearty, Reformed Mafia approval, see <a href="http://reformedmafia.blogspot.com/search/label/Books">here.</a></span></em><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table>Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-28974396890242633492008-12-01T08:47:00.000-08:002008-12-01T10:53:29.883-08:00Arminianism and Regeneration-Prior-to-FaithArticle 3 of <em>The Five Arminian Articles</em> of 1610:<br />
<br />
<em><strong>That man has not saving grace of himself, not of the energy of his free will, inasmuch as he, in the state of apostasy and sin, can of and by himself neither think, will, nor do any thing that is truly good (such as saving Faith eminently is);</strong></em><br />
<br />
[A fairly strong statement that fallen man can do nothing, including have faith in the Gospel of Christ, that is anything other than evil. -GR]<br />
<br />
<em><strong>but that it is needful that he be born again of God in Christ, through his Holy Spirit, and renewed in his understanding, inclination, or will, and all his powers, in order that he may rightly understand, think, will, and effect what is truly good, according to the Word of Christ, John XV.5; 'Without me ye can do nothing.'</strong></em><br />
<br />
<strong>-from pages 546-547 of Philip Schaff's <em>The Creeds of Christendom</em>, Volume III. (Brackets mine, of course.)</strong><br />
<br />
Note well the phrase "it is needful that he be born again of God," and its relation to understanding and doing that which is "truly good"; and, note that the article has specified that faith is included in that true good. This Arminian confession, the <em>foundational Arminian confession</em>, which is the basis of the famed Remonstrance, has clearly specified that <em>being born again must precede, logically, faith in Christ.</em><br />
<br />
What this means is that when synergists of any stripe, even those claiming to be Arminian, argue against regeneration-before-faith, they are not advancing the cause of true Arminianism. Rather, they are denying the doctrine of Total Depravity (which both Calvinists and Arminians affirm) and are siding with teaching of Pelagius. Pelagius, of course, maintained that <br />
<br />
a) Adam's fall into sin did not render his posterity incapable of doing Good, and <br />
<br />
b) the fact that men are commanded to do Good is proof that they can.<br />
<br />
These concepts undergird the position of the mainstream leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention. This is the position that was advanced at the John 3:16 Conference. It is neither Calvinistic nor Arminian in its origin. Classic theologians in both those camps would label the theology of J316C as some form of Pelagianism. <br />
<br />
Granted, it is not "hard" Pelagian: it is some greatly softened version, but it maintains the core ideas. Specifically, man's fallen state does not render him incapable of truly doing Good, and the fact that the Gospel commands him to do so is proof that he can. <br />
<br />
Again, for those keeping score, Pelagianism is a heresy. Whether or not the J316C version of it is <em>damnable</em> is up to God the Judge; but we can certainly render the verdict that it is a different gospel, and thus anathema (Galatians 1.)Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-9894071969897456742008-12-01T08:18:00.000-08:002008-12-10T08:30:01.032-08:00Spurgeon's Battles with the Hyper-CalvinistsIn the aftermath of the now infamous ( "<strong><em>In </em></strong>famous?") John 3:16 Conference, a debate that is swirling is over Hyper-Calvinism. What is Hyper-Calvinism? Who is one, and who isn't? Is Dr. James White? (He isn't, but why or why not?)<br />
<br />
It has become typical for anti-Calvinists, especially those within the Southern Baptist Convention, to freely apply the epithet, Hyper-Calvinist, to anyone who is <br />
<br />
a) more Calvinistic than I am, or<br />
b) holding to all five points of the TULIP, or<br />
c) is fierce in their defense of Calvinism, or<br />
d) is unapologetic about showing where my own home-grown soteriology is not consistently Biblical, and does not respect how good my own system makes me feel about God, etc.<br />
<br />
Clearly, it's a good time for all who are concerned about things like Truth, to become more familiar with the issues that are at stake in this argument. To that end, may I humbly recommend the following book to your consideration. It will not make you an expert in Hyper-Calvinism, but it will go a long way toward shedding historical and Biblical light on the current controversy.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tr>
<td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=1516920"><img title="1516920: Spurgeon vs. Hyper-Calvinism: The Battle for Gospel Preaching" align hspace alt="1516920: Spurgeon vs. Hyper-Calvinism: The Battle for Gospel Preaching" width="180" border="0" height="180" valign vspace src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/product/1/1516920.gif" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=1516920">Spurgeon vs. Hyper-Calvinism: The Battle for Gospel Preaching</a></b><br><br />
By Iain H. Murray / Banner Of Truth<br><br />
<br><!-- Spurgeon vs. Hyper-Calvinism: The Battle for Gospel Preaching 0851516920 1516920 MURRAY Iain H. Murray --> In the wide coverage given to Spurgeon's ministry since his death in 1892, one controversy in which he was at the centre has been left largely untouched. It concerned what his Autobiography called 'the first serious attack' on his ministry. Fellow Baptists of Hyper-Calvinistic persuasion condemned him for believing that along with 'impassioned appeal to every sinner to come to Christ and be saved'. To this Spurgeon replied that he was not only teaching what was in the old Baptist Confessions, but, more important, his evangelistic preaching was true to the New Testament itself. After a portrait of Spurgeon as a man living for the Word of God, Iain Murray details the furore which his preaching caused among those who opposed his gospel preaching. 176 pgs.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</table>Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-72361316677763897972008-12-01T07:52:00.000-08:002008-12-10T08:46:00.575-08:00Calvin's Commentaries (at 10% normal retail)This morning I checked the price for this set, and my jaw hung open. I got my set of Calvin's Commentaries for several times the price being offered here. It's a 90% savings we're talking about today. Pretty amazing.<br /><br />Consulting this set has become a regular stop along the way in my weekly sermon preparation. I've noticed that if you have the Matthew Henry commentary and you compare it with Calvin, you'll see where Henry got a lot of his stuff. No plagiarism, mind you; I'm merely saying that you can see where the great American puritan went to be fed and taught himself.<br /><br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=24442"><img title="24442: Calvin&amp;quot;s Commentaries, 22 Volumes" height="70" alt="24442: Calvin&amp;quot;s Commentaries, 22 Volumes" src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/tiny/2/24442.gif" width="70" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top"><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=24442">Calvin's Commentaries, 22 Volumes</a></b><br /><br />By John Calvin<br /><br /><br />A towering figure in the Reformation and prolific scholar and theologian, John Calvin authored not only his famous <i>Institutes of the Christian Religion,</i> but commentaries on twenty-four books of the Old Testament and all of the New Testament except for 2 and 3 John and Revelation. These classic commentaries continue to be valued exegetical reference works for pastors and serious students of the Bible today.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Or, if you're one o' them fancy-schmancy hi-tech nerds, there's the CD version, for even a few bucks less.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><br /><tr><br /><td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=5319"><img title="5319: Calvin&amp;quot;s Commentaries on CD-ROM" align hspace alt="5319: Calvin&amp;quot;s Commentaries on CD-ROM" width="70" border="0" height="70" valign vspace src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/tiny/5/5319.gif" /></a></td><br /><td valign="top"><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142831&item_no=5319">Calvin's Commentaries on CD-ROM</a></b><br><br /><br><!-- Calvin's Commentaries on CD-ROM 5319 CALVIN -->All 22 volumes of the Baker edition are now available on the Libronix Digital Library System. Always the Renaissance humanist, Calvin offers a clear, forceful exegetical/homiletical treatment of nearly every book in the Old and New Testaments. Many still consult this work for its enduring insights.<br /></td><br /></tr><br /></table>Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-84545131933488679692008-11-29T07:45:00.000-08:002008-11-29T14:51:37.826-08:00Get the "L" Out Of Here<a href="http://www.monergism.com/fivepnt.html">Of the five points, "L", the central column upon which the other four depend, is the most hated, the most attacked, and really where the war will be won or lost.</a><br /><br />This has been the attack point for those of the J316C. As we approach Christmas, the who and why for what to whom, is a question we should look into when contemplating the incarnation.<br /><br />Follow John's links for some insight-filled listening and reading.<br /><br />Remember the Arminian/4 Pointers Motto: Just Believe. The Gospel will become real, you are the power behind it, you make it efficacious. As long as you try, you always find it was worth it. Just believe...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_41Y9x2JHDg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_41Y9x2JHDg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Then again, the demons believe.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtdJwyHN0ndMgDNAJJ_PF_b0XtjZ7BJqvymiMIA8CzyOXmM6-29ks5gJRCOdIqviBzO5EtNGGTpYW9CCk0QeH_8ZNNHRXwZLwHFYBO_BMRFN0YZ3IWx252d1hc6NTC1PIig7SSL2g6zWN/s400/Picture+1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtdJwyHN0ndMgDNAJJ_PF_b0XtjZ7BJqvymiMIA8CzyOXmM6-29ks5gJRCOdIqviBzO5EtNGGTpYW9CCk0QeH_8ZNNHRXwZLwHFYBO_BMRFN0YZ3IWx252d1hc6NTC1PIig7SSL2g6zWN/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-24217721916135672262008-10-25T19:44:00.000-07:002008-10-25T19:46:52.129-07:00All Old Testament Laws Cancelled??I was mailed a review copy of a New Covenant Theology book by Greg Gibson.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://housefbc.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-review-all-old-testament-laws_25.html">Here's my review.</a>Gordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527530618839981892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-6031555670795437532008-10-07T17:13:00.000-07:002008-10-07T17:25:58.416-07:00Closed for Season<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcK9FGjKYxdZpkHlFUIIfBtVSTOGpIWes5C17HT7xWDzS1fl2NvSRZCtHzdYGiG42M44VjH31rjcPmiLJaQptErFaXPWcqTZbh1lsguw_KRM60P1a0h3GbAzl3v_1PiXmKRndVnfj0SM/s1600-h/bullethole.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcK9FGjKYxdZpkHlFUIIfBtVSTOGpIWes5C17HT7xWDzS1fl2NvSRZCtHzdYGiG42M44VjH31rjcPmiLJaQptErFaXPWcqTZbh1lsguw_KRM60P1a0h3GbAzl3v_1PiXmKRndVnfj0SM/s200/bullethole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254572693549764002" /></a><br />As the only remaining founder of the Reformed Mafia, I'm hereby shutting down the blog until further notice. Due to myriad circumstances, this blog is no longer functioning as it was originally intended. I appreciate the contributions that have been made here. If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me at rhettswhips at Yahoo dot com.<br /><br />Soli Deo Gloria.<br /><br />RhettMachine Gun Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501532765910479437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415658708707994862.post-38846546848068483662008-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:002008-10-06T10:57:29.708-07:00Why I'm A Harrier Guy<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jjVeWuqCOKM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jjVeWuqCOKM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/syngergistchallenge.html">Asked why one with prevenient grace believes and not another, the libertarian answers, “one believed and the other did not”. But I did not ask him what he did, because we all know what he did already from my question, but I asked ‘why’ he believed. 'One believed' is no answer at all. It is merely saying the same thing in other words. Our libertarian friend never really answer the question as I asked it, but he did answer it according to his libertarian philosophy which he imports into the Scripture, since he believes that it was not the nature of his heart (or anything else) that caused him to choose one way or the other. The will itself is sovereign, in the libertarian view, and has an ability of its own which can ultimately choose apart from any gracious affections of the heart. To a libertarian, he can choose Christ even if he does not desire Him. While the affections may influence the choice, in their view, still the will can chose what it doesn’t want ultimately, which, of course, destroys the unity of the person.</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Harry means:<blockquote> 1. cause distress by repeated attacks: to cause somebody physical, mental, or emotional distress by repeated physical or verbal attacks<br />2. raid or pillage: to raid or pillage a place, especially during a war</blockquote><br />Or: smallest piglet:<blockquote> the smallest or weakest piglet in a litter</blockquote><br />To be harried: <blockquote>looking or feeling tired and annoyed</blockquote><br />A harrier:<blockquote> 1. somebody who harries somebody else: somebody who repeatedly attacks another person or group physically or verbally 2. raider or pillager: somebody who raids or pillages a place </blockquote><br />We don't expect a small weak piglet to be a threat, really. It is the squealing that takes on the attribute of another type of harrier:<blockquote> dog for rabbit hunting: a small hound resembling a foxhound used for hunting hares or rabbits</blockquote> The only annoyance there is when they're caged and still howl and yip as if they were hunting.<br /><br />We appreciate it when one shows tireless endurance like: <blockquote>runner: a cross-country runner </blockquote> but when the runner loses the race and keeps running anyway and claims victory because no one else is, that's an annoying harrier.<br /><br />Generally we don't think of one as a sleek or an able hunter with remarkable eyesight and soaring above its prey: <blockquote>a slender graceful hawk with long wings and a long tail that hunts by flying low over marshland and grassland to catch mice, snakes, frogs, and fish</blockquote> when being harried. We think of the squealers, instead, used car salesmen, telemarketers, bill collectors and the like.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Acts+16%3A17-18">We think of Paul being harried by what at first was a tolerable follower.</a> And when someone is a harrier of this kind, we can forgive them, <a href="http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/syngergistchallenge.html">but when they are a harrier of this kind we find them a little more than tiring.</a><br /><br />Why? Just answer the why. Why or why won't you answer the why oh harrier guy? <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Romans+16%3A17-18">Could it be?</a> <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Timothy+6%3A3-5">Or, this?</a><br /><br />Why, oh, why?<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MSyxowkol7Q&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MSyxowkol7Q&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0