Blogger Tony Byrnes blogged over at Theological Meditations: Sufficiency Analogies on the sufficiency of the atonement as understood historically in its theological development. You will note that semantics really do matter in this discussion. He makes the following comments in the post:
The efficiency, or the effectual application of Christ’s death, was thought to [...]
John Piper on the Particular Benefits Extended to Children of Believers…My Thoughts on Baptist and Reformed Perspectives on Children and Relation to Covenant
Here is an extended quote from John Piper from the following article, “What Did Christ Purchase for Your Children with His Blood?”:
But did the blood of Christ purchase no privileges for the children of believers? Did the blood of Christ not unite families across generations? What about
Wright does a wonderful job unpacking the evolution of Calvin’s theology of baptism.
Calvin’s movement of faith is comparable to Luther’s, with this difference, that while the shift in Luther’s thinking is observed in separate writings over a spread of years, in Calvin’s case it is discernible in the different editions of one work, the [...]
The following article is penned by John Piper and can be accessed here. I am reproducing the whole article because it is concise enough and that good. I’m also posting because some are not motivated to follow links.
We are Christians. Radical, full-blooded, Bible-saturated, Christ-exalting, God-centered, mission-advancing, soul-winning, church-loving, holiness-pursing, sovereignty-savoring, [...]
16. The principal hinge on which faith turns is this: We must not suppose that any promises of mercy which the Lord offers are only true out of us, and not at all in us: we should rather make them ours by inwardly embracing them. In this way only is engendered that confidence which he [...]
George Bryson wrote the following:
THE GOSPEL
ACCORDING TO
JAMES WHITE
OR
THE “REFORMED” DOCTRINES
OF
DOOM AND GLOOM
The First Point
The first side (the positive side) of the first point of Calvinism is that if you are one of those elected for salvation you will one day [...]
Hyde, Daniel R.. Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims. Orlando, Fla.: Reformation Trust Pub., 2010. Print.
Reformation Trust provided this copy for a honest review on my part, so here it is:
Rev. Hyde offers readers a primer on the history and doctrine of the Reformed Church, focusing mainly [...]
Honoring John Piper
Justin Taylor and Sam Storms served as editors of a book that was released at the 2010 Desiring God “Think” Conference. The book is titled, “For the Fame of God’s Name: Essays in Honor of John Piper”. Check out the lineup of contributors and the video of John Piper being presented with the book
The New Birth
The new birth is not salvation? This was the troubling question on my heart as we covered the doctrine of regeneration one evening in Bible Doctrine III class. I had always thought that being born again was the same as being saved or justified and was a result of faith? The Reformed understanding of the [...]
John Piper writes that Augustine offers a corrective when Reformed theology becomes joyless:
And we need to rediscover Augustine’s peculiar slant—a very biblical slant—on grace as the free gift of sovereign joy in God that frees us from the bondage of sin. We need to rethink our Reformed doctrine of salvation so [...]
Greetings to all who were present at SGF this past Lord’s Day for worship.
I want to clarify a comment that was made which was erroneous. When commenting on the story of the “Unforgiving Servant” from Mt. 18:23-35, I made mention that the small debt owed to the forgiven servant was around $10. I meant [...]
Rick,
“By predestination we mean the eternal decree of God, by which he determined with himself whatever he wished to happen with regard to every man. All are not created on equal terms, but some are preordained to eternal life, others to eternal damnation; and, accordingly, as each has been created for one or other [...]
Greetings in the Lord George,
I’m honored that a man with so many responsibilities took the time to read and respond to my blog. Let me say that I have read with joy the many articles in Calvary Chapel’s Missions magazine about your work abroad. Like I said in the article, I love Calvary [...]
You never know what will occur in the blogosphere. It is definitely encouraging when someone reads the blog and takes the time to offer some comments. Author George Bryosn responded to Matt’s blog, “4 Reasons Why I Dislike Hyper-Calvinism More than Arminianism“. Mr. Bryson has authored a couple books, that he mentions [...]
I have long thought, from my own experience in a Pentecostal setting while growing up, that Pentecostals must embrace the Sovereignty of God in order for their theology and experience to make sense. While Pentecostals tend to be “Arminian” in their understanding of God’s sovereignty, I have long thought they were functionally “Calvinistic”. Pentecostal scholar [...]
A Theological Critique of the New Calvinist Movement
Recently, Kevin DeYoung linked to an article in The Christian Century about the New Calvinist movement. In the article, Western Theological Seminary Professor J. Todd Billings evaluates the movement’s faithfulness to the broader Reformed tradition. He believes that “The New Calvinists, with their God-centered message and their [...]
Today I was pondering evangelism because I’m going to be teaching on the subject soon. I was thinking of my upbringing which was basically Arminian, I grew up at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. I am happy to say that saw much fruit from that place. I was introduced to Jesus, taught the importance of scripture [...]
Well, today I listened to the Hunt vs Pipa debate on the atonement. Let me say that I grew up in Calvary Chapel circles, so Dave Hunt is very familiar to me obviously. I have great respect toword him for exposing many dangers facing the Church. Unfortnately he lables Calvinism as a dangerous doctrine and [...]
Growing up Pentecostal and still considering myself a “neo-Pentecostal” of sorts, I wish to honor Calvin’s influence upon Pentecostal theology in this the year of his 500th birthday. I see his influences mostly in regards to the Lord’s Supper, Sanctification, and Ecclesiology.
First, in regards to the Lord’s Supper, note the following [...]
New Calvinism and Holy Hip Hop
I just finished listening to a 9Marks Audio installment where Mark Dever interview Christian hip hop artists shai linne and Voice. I’ve heard shai linne’s “Atonement Q&A” before; it’s something like a rap catechism that’s part of his album “The Atonement.” Shai and Voice are both theologically Reformed, [...]
This is a brief quote from the article, “Young, Restless, and Reformed” (link).
“If there’s an appeal to students, it’s that we’re not playing around,” Hughes said. “We’re not entertaining them. This is life and death. My sense is that’s what they’re interested in, even from an old man.”
[...]
Kevin DeYoung links to an article by Ray Pennings about how four different Reformed camps think about the ancient question of Christian engagement in culture. It’s short but interesting. I’m a little surprised by the names that Pennings gives to the camps, but it looks like he [...]
Two selections from Calvin’s Institutes:
This corrupt procedure is admirably described by Paul, when he says, that “thinking to be wise, they became fools” (Rom. 1:22). He had previously said that “they became vain in their imaginations,” but lest any should suppose them blameless, he afterwards adds that they were deservedly blinded, [...]
This is an article from a scholar that I have much respect for, Dr. Ben Witherington, who in turn gives much respect to John Calvin even if Witherington is Weselyan. Note that Calvin may have spoken in tongues. I have bold and italicized the section which make reference to such.
John Calvin is Old, and [...]
For those who don’t know, I pastor a Church located in a strong Nazarene community. Nampa, Idaho houses Northwest Nazarene University and several large Nazarene Churches. The Nazarene church roots itself in the Wesleyan tradition. As I have gotten to know the lay of the land, many people have expressed to me their [...]
American hermeneutics and slavery
After chronicling the Americanization of Calvinist and Methodist theology, Mark Noll in America’s God turns to American biblical hermeneutics, the way that Americans read the Bible, in Chapters 18-20. Noll argues that the American approach to Scripture in this period also came from both their Protestant heritage and their revolutionary/early national [...]
This book is toooooo short to address this issue fairly from 4 different perspectives. I will only say that I was surprisingly appreciative of Bruce Reichenbach of Augsburg College attempt to define his views, but still reject it at the end of the day. BTW, he articulated God’s foreknowledge of future free events (Traditional Arminianism/Wesleyan). [...]
Andrew Brown, blogging at the Guardian’s website, writes about his conversation with Rev. Dr. May Tan, who seems to be a Chinese Christian from Singapore. She explained that Reformed Christianity is growing rapidly in China among university students, which contrasts with the growth of Pentecostalism among the [...]
In Time’s article highlighting the “New Calvinism”, it is interesting to note that all such folks mentioned in the modern ”Calvinistic” scene are all “credo-baptists” (those who believe in baptizing only those who actually profess Christ as Lord). Those mentioned were:
John Piper Al Mohler Mark Driscoll Justin Taylor’s “Between Two Worlds” [...]
Time Magazine just released the 10 ideas that are most changing the WORLD right now. #3 on the list was…ummm prepare yourself, we’re talking about the World, not just the Church, not just America, but the third most important idea changing the world….okay I have been redundant. It is….drum roll…
The following article was written by Ray Ortland and can be found at his blog: http://christisdeeperstill.blogspot.com/ Truly Reformed I believe in the sovereignty of God, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Solas of the Reformation, I believe that grace precedes faith in regeneration. Theologically, I am Reformed. Sociologically, I am [...]
I don’t want to be totally obnoxious…but I was thinking about the beloved Hymn “Amazing Grace” and was wondering how a theological Arminian could really sing it.
Traditional Arminian theology believes in “prevenient grace”…essentially meaning that God exerts a measure of grace towards all sinners. Some would even say [...]
Bezalel "Endued" by the Holy Spirit for Beautifying and Creating Culture + Thoughts on Reformed, Dispensational, Cessationist, Pentecostal/Charismatic Spirituality and Piety
What does God do when He wants beautiful craftsmanship? Pours out His Holy Spirit
How does God increase IQ? Holy Spirit
How does God increase ability? Holy Spirit
How does God increase ones artistic ability? Holy Spirit
How does God equip Teachers for His people? Holy Spirit
At least, [...]
It is unfortunate that many Calvinists have established a stereotype of being arrogant, mean, and snobby about their theological convictions. It is for this reason that I do believe a recently converted Calvinist should be locked in a closet for a few months before speaking to anyone [...]
As I continue to work through my thesis research, I have come across a reoccurring phrase, “apocalyptic determinism”. Translated into simple language, it means “God is in control of what He is going to do”. It is the foundation for apocalyptic literature that God is in control of the future. Some folks have a tough [...]
I was pleased that Christianity Today focused an article on Christianity in Turkey, “Jesus in Turkey” (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/january/12.25.html?start=2). The article notes that Turkey is rich in the Christian tradition as the Apostle Paul planted churches there and such. When it [...]
Just listened to LeCrae’s most recent album, “When the Music Stops”. Besides getting “crunk” myself while listening, I was periodically doing double-takes with my ears as I heard some of the following words proceed from his lyrics:
“John Owen”, “Predestination”, “God’s Sovereignty”, “Missions exists [...]
This video gives the movie away as does what I am about to say. Kevin Costner willingly died to save Ashton Kutcher. The only consolation for Costner was to know that he was indeed giving his life to save the life of another.
Jesus, likewise, went to the cross with His sheep on his heart [...]
A Decent Primer for Reformed Folks
I appreciate Algera’s contribution to the church in that it serves as an introductory primer for folks mainly within a RCA, CRC, or reformed background. It is easily readable and is intended for the common layreader. [...]
Rick’s Book Picks
Kerusso
Queen of the Sciences
Pastoral Ministry
Word, Sacraments, and Liturgy
Christ and Culture and Misc.
Gender, Family, Misc.
Poetry
Photos
Next Question Please
For the Freeloaders
Leftover Topics (but still yummy)
Christian Publishers
Friend's Sites
- "Baseball and Faith" – Steve Cornell
- Alan Burrow (Pastor of The King's Congregation in Meridian, ID) – "Faith Working"
- Ben Howard Photography
- Blazing Hope Youth Family Ranch
- Dr. Sam Storms – "Enjoying God Ministries"
- Joe Lamay – Pastor of Sovereign Grace Fellowship (South Bay, CA) and fellow El Segundo Baseball Alum
- Joel Wilhelm – "A Living Text"
- Jonathan Griffiths (Pastor at Cornerstone Church in Nampa, ID) – "Reflective Musings"
- Michael Mulconery (Elder at Sovereign Grace Fellowship of Nampa, ID) – SGF Sunday School
- My Wife's Blog – "Beloved Stranger"
- P. Andrew Sandlin (Pastor of Church of the King in Santa Cruz, CA)
- Pastor Nick Smith's Blog – "Sylvan Manor"
- Scott Kistler – "Tempora Christiana"
- William Farley (Pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship in Spokane, WA) – "The Raven"

