Today Is The Day To Rebel!

Many people including my self, have been waiting for today! In fact, I have been waiting for this day since 2006! So, what is so important about today? This is the day that Lecrae's new CD comes out!














If you have never hear Lecrae's music then you are not really living :)

You need to stop reading this post and get to your local CD store and buy this album today!

Actually you don't have to even leave your house or sign off your computer:

The album can be purchased from I-Tunes at this link: Rebel


The album is also available through EMusic at this link:
Rebel


I will try to post some thoughts about the album soon.

For now you can read a review of the album at this link:
Rebel


Buy the album and turn up the volume! REBEL IS FINALLY HERE!

What I'm Listening To

Here are some sermons that I have listened to today.

The "John 3:16 Conference"

Wow...what will they think of next? Where can you go in the world without hearing or seeing a sign that has "John 3:16" on it? Just about nowhere!? You can see it at football games and just about any other sporting event out there...it's printed on every gospel tract ever produced (slight exaggeration)...and it seems that it is the achilles heel for the dreaded and evil Calvinist.

When you read any non-Calvinist rebuttal...can John 3:16 be far away? This seems to be the irrefutable "swiss army" knife Kryptonite (sp?) to deal with the deadly Calvinist. As a friend of mine recently told me when we were discussing "the subject", "My God is a 'whosoever loved the world God." Well that might sound good but it is shallow and devoid of any meaningful analysis of the verse.

It's not my time to debate the verse (standby cause I'm going to be preaching on this verse soon and will post it) but I did want to point out that theres an upcoming conference sponsored by Jerry Vines Ministries. Here is the very, very brief synopsis of what it's going to be about taken right from their website:

• "Did Jesus die on the cross for every person? Are believers eternally secure? Can grace be resisted? These and many other questions will be addressed."

• "This conference is not going to be a "Let's bash the Calvinists" conference. This conference is going to be a biblical and theological assessment of and response to 5-point Calvinism. It will be helpful for lay people as well as preachers."

What's sad is that most of the anti-calvinists don't want to talk about the issues with those who believe the dreaded and evil doctrines...they just want to say why they think it's wrong w/o engaging the issues. What's also sad is that they also said, "There will be no live or archived streaming audio or video of this conference via the Internet." Argh! I bet there will be a DVD with a huge price ticket though! (and I'll probably buy it and get my wife mad at me!).

Click the title above for a link to their website where they list the speakers and have a brochure...maybe some of us should crash the party and see what's going on?

FEEDING SHEEP OR AMUSING GOATS

By C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)


An evil is in the professed camp of the Lord, so gross in its impudence, that the most shortsighted can hardly fail to notice it during the past few years. It has developed at an abnormal rate, even for evil. It has worked like leaven until the whole lump ferments. The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them.

From speaking out as the Puritans did, the church has gradually toned down her testimony, then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her borders. Now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses.

My first contention is that providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the church. If it is a Christian work, why did not Christ speak of it? "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). That is clear enough So it would have been if He had added, "and provide amusement for those who do not relish the gospel." No such words, however, are to be found. It did not seem to occur to him.

Then again, "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers .., for the work of the ministry" (Eph. 4:11-12). Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is silent concerning them. Were the prophets persecuted because they amused the people or because they refused? The concert has no martyr roll.

Again, providing amusement is in direct antagonism to the teaching and life of Christ and all his apostles. What was the attitude of the church to the world? Ye are the salt" (Matt. 5:13), not the sugar candy---something the world will spit out not swallow. Short and sharp was the utterance, "Let the dead bury their dead" (Matt. 8:22) He was in awful earnestness.

Had Christ introduced more of the bright and pleasant elements into his mission, he would have been more popular when they went back, because of the searching nature of His teaching. I do not hear him say, "Run after these people Peter and tell them we will have a different style of service tomorrow, something short and attractive with little preaching. We will have a pleasant evening for the people. Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it. Be quick Peter, we must get the people somehow." Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them, but never sought to amuse them.

In vain will the Epistles be searched to find any trace of this gospel of amusement! Their message is, "Come out, keep out, keep clean out!" Anything approaching fooling is conspicuous by its absence. They had boundless confidence in the gospel and employed no other weapon.

After Peter and John were locked up for preaching, the church had a prayer meeting but they did not pray, "Lord grant unto thy servants that by a wise and discriminating use of innocent recreation we may show these people how happy we are." If they ceased not from preaching Christ, they had not time for arranging entertainments. Scattered by persecution, they went everywhere preaching the gospel. They turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). That is the only difference! Lord, clear the church of all the rot and rubbish the devil has imposed on her, and bring us back to apostolic methods.

Lastly, the mission of amusement fails to effect the end desired. It works havoc among young converts. Let the careless and scoffers, who thank God because the church met them halfway, speak and testify. Let the heavy laden who found peace through the concert not keep silent! Let the drunkard to whom the dramatic entertainment has been God's link in the chain of the conversion, stand up! There are none to answer. The mission of amusement produces no converts. The need of the hour for today's ministry is believing scholarship joined with earnest spirituality, the one springing from the other as fruit from the root. The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt, that it sets men on

The Clash Of Cross And Culture

I point people to many things I believe they should listen to. However, today I want to point everyone to something I believe is a must listen to!


The Clash of Cross and Culture #1 of 3

The Clash Of Cross And Culture #2 of 3



These programs are only 15 minutes, so take the time today to listen and please take a few minutes to post your comments here.

Have a great day.

Humor Used To Expose A Serious Matter

In my spare time I like to visit Christian web sites and listen to many sermons.
Today I came across something that I found humorous but that also made me angry. Is it just me or does anyone else get tired of Christians looking like a bunch of idiots?

These pictures were found at The Sacred Sandwich.

The Goal of Christian Growth

What is the goal of the Christian life? Where do you set your sights? Welcome to the Christian life. On this edition of Renewing Your Mind, Dr. RC Sproul will teach us about the goal of spiritual growth in the Christian's life.

The Postcard Controversy

Chris Rosebrough, host of the radio show Fighting for the Faith, recently came up with the idea of a post card that should stop all Christians in their tracks and make them think. After you see the post card I think you will see why there is controversy.







I have listened to countless sermons via the web and have to agree there is a serious problem in the area of spiritual nourishment in the church.

Now I understand the responsibility of the Pastor/Shepherd or if you prefer Undershepherd to feed the flock, but the responsibility doesn't stop there.
We as Christians have a responsibility to do private study. Let me explain it like this, My church has three services a week. If that's all I get spiritually how healthy do you think I will be? Now put your physical body in place of the spiritual and only eat three times a week. See my point!

Contemplations of a Young Calvinist Blog has done a great job covering this controversy

CHURCH HISTORY

Recently Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden said, "When the stock market crashed, Franklin D. Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the, you know, the princes of greed. He said, 'Look, here's what happened,'"

There are a few problems with this statement:

Republican Herbert Hoover was in office when the stock market crashed in October 1929. There also was no television at the time; TV wasn't introduced to the public until a decade later, at the 1939 World's Fair.

This demonstrates in a vivid way an important point. Many Americans are completely ignorant of history! What is even worse is that most Christians today have almost no knowledge of the faith they claim to believe in! Stand in the parking lot of any church in your town and ask a few of these questions:

What was significant about the Council of Chalcedon?

What is Arianism?

What Church council addressed Arianism?

Who was Athanasius?

Name the 7 Ecumenical Councils?

Most people you ask will have no idea what you are talking about!

At Victory Baptist Church we strive to ensure people are taught Church History.

Here is Part 1 of my message, The Seven Ecumenical councils.



Is your Church teaching Church History? If not, why not?

A CHALLENGE TO THE YOUTH

Many christian young people have blogs, Myspace pages, and Facebook pages, but what are you doing with them? What are you promoting? When people visit your page what do they see is important to you?

Take the time to check out a blog that was created by a 17 year old. I think you will be able to see what is important to him.

Here is the link:
Contemplations of A Young Calvinist

THE ATONEMENT: Q & A

The Atonement Interview with shai linne

Part 1 of 2






Part 2 of 2

LIMITED ATONEMENT

This evening I have been listening to the CD, "The Atonement" by Shai Linne.
I don't know what is going on in the Rap world but there is a revival of biblical theology happening! CD after CD is being released that contain more theology then some pastors preach in their entire life! The Atonement contain two tracks that I want to point everyone to.


Mission Accomplished
Atonement Q and A


Both tracks contain some amazing theology.

Mission Accomplished seeks to teach the doctrine of Limited Atonement! Check out the lyrics:

Mission Accomplished
written by shai linne

Verse 1
Here’s a controversial subject that tends to divide

For years it’s had Christians lining up on both sides

By God’s grace, I’ll address this without pride

The question concerns those for whom Christ died

Was He trying to save everybody worldwide?

Was He trying to make the entire world His Bride?

Does man’s unbelief keep the Savior’s hands tied?

Biblically, each of these must be denied

It’s true, Jesus gave up His life for His Bride

But His Bride is the elect, to whom His death is applied

If on judgment day, you see that you can’t hide

And because of your sin, God’s wrath on you abides

And hell is the place you eternally reside

That means your wrath from God hasn’t been satisfied

But we believe His mission was accomplished when He died

But how the cross relates to those in hell?

Well, they be saying:
Lord knows He tried (8x)


Verse 2
Father, Son and Spirit: three and yet one

Working as a unit to get things done

Our salvation began in eternity past

God certainly has to bring all His purpose to pass

A triune, eternal bond no one could ever sever

When it comes to the church, peep how they work together

The Father foreknew first, the Son came to earth

To die- the Holy Spirit gives the new birth

The Father elects them, the Son pays their debt and protects them

The Spirit is the One who resurrects them

The Father chooses them, the Son gets bruised for them

The Spirit renews them and produces fruit in them

Everybody’s not elect, the Father decides

And it’s only the elect in whom the Spirit resides

The Father and the Spirit- completely unified

But when it comes to Christ and those in hell?

Well, they be saying:
Lord knows He tried (8x)


Verse 3
My third and final verse- here’s the situation

Just a couple more things for your consideration

If saving everybody was why Christ came in history

With so many in hell, we’d have to say He failed miserably

So many think He only came to make it possible

Let’s follow this solution to a conclusion that’s logical

What about those who were already in the grave?

The Old Testament wicked- condemned as depraved

Did He die for them? C’mon, behave

But worst of all, you’re saying the cross by itself doesn’t save

That we must do something to give the cross its power

That means, at the end of the day, the glory’s ours

That man-centered thinking is not recommended

The cross will save all for whom it was intended

Because for the elect, God’s wrath was satisfied

But still, when it comes to those in hell

Well, they be saying:

Lord knows He tried (8x)


Wow, that is a great explanation of the doctrine.


The next track I want people to know about is:

Atonement Q and A
written by shai linne

Verse 1
Who is God? God is the universe’s Creator

And Sustainer plus the only Savior, there is no one greater

He triune, holy, omnipotent, omniscient, absolute

Loving, sovereign and righteous are a few of His attributes

How do we know this? Well, we know this from the Bible

Where God has revealed Himself- anything else is just an idol

What’s the Bible about? Man’s complete ruin in sin

And what God has done in Christ to bring us to Him again

What is sin? Sin is the breaking of God’s law

Plus our condition, which means from birth we all got flaws

What’s the result? The result is by nature we’re God’s enemies

And must pay the penalty unless God provides the remedy

What the remedy? The remedy is the cross of Christ

Where He suffered all the strikes for the lawless type

I’ve been rescued by the Lamb, I’m convinced that He’s risen

And blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven!


Chorus
Just fall back, and with the eyes of faith

Behold the beauty of surprising grace

Because the Lamb has died, third day He had to rise

He’s magnified- God’s wrath is satisfied


Just fall back- there’s an atonement now

The cross of Christ is holy ground

Because the Lamb has died, third day He had to rise

He’s magnified- God’s wrath is satisfied


Verse 2
Regeneration- the Holy Spirit’s true work in His love

To the elect, who receive new birth from above

Expiation- expiation means God’s removed my filthiness

The old testament type was the goat into the wilderness

Redemption- we’ve been freed from slavery to sin

And His very own blood is the price He paid, my friend

Propitiation- Propitiation means since the Lamb has died

His work is finished- God’s wrath is satisfied

Adoption- adoption means God is now my Father

I got the hottest Poppa and by the Spirit holler Abba

Reconciliation means there’s no more enmity

God is now a friend to me, we’re no longer enemies

Justification- God declares us righteous

Sanctification- we’re being made into His likeness

Glorification- that’s what happens at the finish

When God conforms believers perfectly to Christ’s image!


Chorus

Verse 3
God’s grace is magnificent, He slayed His innocent

Son- through faith and repentance we get the benefits

What is faith? Faith is a gift from God- when we receive this

We trust and treasure the person and finished work of Jesus

Repentance? Repentance is turning from your sin

And trusting Christ as the Spirit cleanses you within

What is grace? Oh, grace is unmerited favor

Our inheritance major ‘cause we cherish the Savior

Right, and if I may quote again, we were doomed with Satan

But believers get Jesus’ righteousness through imputation

Imputation? God takes Jesus’ righteousness amount

Through faith He credits it into the Christian’s account

Anything else? Well, I guess this overview must suffice

But none of this is possible apart from union with Christ

And finally, once you know the ways of the Lord than the

only thing that you can say is Soli Deo Gloria!

Chorus



Do I need to say anything else?

This album does not contain those big banging beats but it is a very laid back and smooth CD that you can chill out with while feeding on some deep theology!

Check it out!

Evolutionist Says: Darwinism is in Trouble!

Several years ago Dr. Francis Hitching gave us his book The Neck of the Giraffe and in this he writes that Darwinism is in a lot of trouble. He laments, and I'm using his own words, that evolution "has not, contrary to general belief, and despite very great efforts, been proven."

Hitching points out that fossils do not show any history of evolutionary development. He says, creatures "come into the fossil record seemingly from nowhere - mysteriously, suddenly, fully formed and in a most un-Darwinian way." He admits that the systematic gaps in the fossil record will never be filled with evolutionary ancestors and that it can no longer be claimed that someday scientists will find the missing creatures. He confesses that in the history of life, plants and animals must be treated as though they came into existence fully formed - in the forms we know today. Hitching also notes other problems and complains that science has no idea how the genetic code could have formed without a Creator, while mutations cannot explain the supposed changes of evolution.

Hitching insists that there can be no debate that evolution actually took place. After all, he says, we are here and that is proof enough. But his statements are an honest and bottom-line admission that the theory of evolution has no support from the scientific facts.

Go here to read the original article and listen to the audio.

Living for God's Glory

In this introduction to the doctrinal system known as Calvinism, Joel Beeke—with contributions from Sinclair Ferguson, Michael Haykin, Derek Thomas, Ray Pennings, and others—displays the biblical, God-centered, winsome, comprehensive, and practical nature of Calvinism.
In this comprehensive survey of Reformed Christianity, Dr. Beeke and eight fellow contributors offer twenty–eight chapters that trace the history of Calvinism; explore its key doctrinal tenets, such as the so-called five points of Calvinisms and the solas of the Protestant Reformation; reveal how Calvinists have sought to live in devotion to God; and survey Calvinism's influence in the church and in the world at large. In the end, the book asserts that the overriding goal of Calvinism is the glory of God. Saturated with Scripture citations and sprinkled with quotations from wise giants of church history, this book presents Calvinism in a winsome and wondrous fashion.

Buy it HERE .

Killing Sin

I have spent most of my night listening to the CD, "Killing Sin" by Timothy Brindle.

You can download this amazing CD from I-Tunes.

I don't know where to begin! This is not a CD that you can just casually listen to. Every track gives you so much to think about that I found myself repeating each track a number of times, and still could not grasp all that is there. Before I say more about the CD I want to point people to the following review of the album:

The following was found at:

Review

Album Overview

If ever there was a rapper who could give you a complete sermon over the course of an album, it would have to be Lamp Mode Recordings' Timothy Brindle, hands down. On his first project The Great Awakening, Brindle served it up real Christlike with intricate rhymes that explored the concept of being reborn in the Spirit and the beginning of his spiritual journey in Christ Jesus. With this latest project, Brindle is focused on delivering a sermon over beats that every believer needs to continually hear. What is this project? It's title is Killing Sin where Timothy Brindle seeks to expound upon ways in which we, as Christians, can crucify our flesh and have victory over sin.

The album quickly jumps off with an introductory track titled "The Interview" where The Mysterious Herb (played by shai linne) interviews rapper Tim Brindle on the killing sin discussion. Questions are addressed as to why this concept for an album, among other things that Brindle rhymes his answers over a rather simple beat from Deejay Essence. After giving his thesis, Timothy gets right into the meat of the album, starting with "Pressing into the Kingdom." This track is undoubtedly my absolute favorite track on the album as the beat (Deejay Essence again) is very racy and Brindle's lyrical imagery is as vivid as a painting by Rembrandt. Here, the rhyme gives a visual depiction of living in the spirit and the journey that we all undergo while trying to serve our Lord and avoid the temptations of sin that easily trip us up. The imagery that is used in this song leaves you feeling as if you have just finished watching a movie; I could easily see that rhyme being turned into a comic book or animated movie.
Spiritual Significance

From here, the remainder of the album really gets in-depth with the issue of killing sin and living in holiness. Songs like "Let's Kill Sin!," "The Sinfulness of Sin" and "The Temptation" all deal with the issues of sin and discussing how powerful and destructive this can be in our lives if we allow it to become a stronghold in our lives. "The Temptation" is a powerful song as it deals with the reality of pornography in the lives of both believers and unbelievers, as well as Timothy's personal struggle with this beast. With this song, Timothy tells of the dangers of porn and how easy it is for us to get hooked to it; but most importantly, he gives you instruction on how to be delivered from this form of perversion and remain in victory over it. This is indeed the reality of this album, it points out sin and calls it what it is, and then gives you the answer on how to defeat it.

The primary method in which we are able to kill sin is through Jesus Christ, who is given a prominent role in Timothy's sermon on "Killing Sin." It wouldn't be appropriate for Timothy to point out the problem of sin if he didn't offer up a solution to those who are dealing with struggles of sin. His answer is very simple, Jesus Christ, as well as prescribing other means of fighting sin. One of the songs that offers up such a solution is "Sacrifice of Worship" featuring Evangel (of Christcentric) and Ackdavis. With this track, the three emcees offer up three methods in which we can worship the Lord: 1) verbally offering up praise to the Lord, 2) with our behavior, and 3) with our entire lives. Other songs remind us to take a "Fruit Inspection" and to walk in the "Power of the Holy Spirit," while some songs remind us about the "Blessings of Obedience" and "The Faithfulness of Christ" to deliver us from our temptations.

As a whole, this album is one of the greatest examples of lyrical theology that you'll ever come across. Fans always hype up Ambassador for bringing Scripture in his rhymes, but Timothy Brindle tops the charts with this album. From beginning to end, you're hooked and unable to turn the music off. Brindle's rhyme schemes are very diversified and the production is more than a compliment to Brindle's lyrics; combining the two together gives you perfect songs. There isn't a single track worth skipping on this album, seriously. Every song contains so much meat that you can't help but to take away something new from each listen. Also, make sure to read the CD insert as it contains a bounty of Scriptural knowledge as well. I was highly impressed by this album and now I'm motivated even more to continually mortify the sin in my life.
Topics Covered

With the overarching theme of Killing Sin being that of putting to death the works and deeds of the flesh and to live a life of holiness, every track is fixed and hinges upon that single point of focus. Even with that though, Timothy Brindle offers up a wide variety of topics on the issue of killing sin, such as:

* Fighting against sin daily (Pressing into the Kingdom, Let's Kill Sin, The Battle)
* Sin of pornography (Step into the Light, The Temptation)
* Producing spiritual fruit (Fruit Inspection, Blessings of Obedience)
* Walking in the Holy Spirit (Power of the Holy Spirit, Sacrifice of Worship)
* Focusing on Christ (Fix Your Eyes, The Excellency of Christ)
* Christ's work to save us from sin (The Humility of Christ, The Faithfulness of Christ)

That's just a taste of the topics covered. There is so much on this album that you'll walk away with something new every single time you listen to it.
Key Tracks

Pressing into the Kingdom, The Battle, The Preciousness of Time, Let's Kill Sin



I will post more thoughts on this great CD later.

Is This Your Bible?

John Owen And The Mortification of Sin

If you have been a Christian for any time and have attended a decent church then you have of course heard of John Owen. He wrote a number of classics:

The Death of Death in the Death of Christ

The Mortification of Sin


I could list a few more but those two books are very well known and should be read by all Christians.



This evening I came across an interesting Rap CD.

Killing Sin
by
Timothy Brindle













The title and cover caught my attention so I decided to do a little research. Here is what I found:
"Be killing sin or sin will be killing you." Based off of John Owen's classic exposition and Romans 8:13, this sophomore offering from Lamp Mode artist, timothy brindle, is a call to believers to mortify, or put to death, indwelling sin. 16 tracks of exhortation, encouragement, and edification.

Wow, a rap album based on the writings of John Owen and on Romans 8:13!

I purchased the CD and will be working my way through all 16 tracks. I will post my thoughts on the CD later.

I was able to download the CD from Emusic:

Here is the link:
CD


If you would like to get 50 free downloads from Emusic just send your name and e-mail address. If I refer a Friend they get 50 free downloads and of course I do as well :)

my e-mail is: tsrk30@sbcglobal.net


Check back later for my thoughts on the CD. If you try to call me tonight I doubt I will hear the phone, the music will be too loud :)

Remember: If it is too loud you are way to old!

The Miracle Of Unbelief

Last night I preached on John 12:37-43. I called the message, The Miracle Of Unbelief. This passage in John is very controversial and I expect many who listen to the sermon will disagree. I challenge people to allow the scriptures to say what they say and not try to change them to say what they want them to say!

Here is the message:

Assured by God

Have you ever doubted your salvation?

If you have been a christian for any length of time you know you have.



This book Features chapters by Joel Beeke, Jerry Bridges, Sinclair Ferguson, John MacArthur, Keith Mathison, Al Mohler, Burk Parsons, Rick Phillips, and Philip Ryken this volume addresses the ground of our assurance, the experience of our assurance, the means of our assurance, and many other topics. R.C. Sproul provides the foreword and epilogue.



You can buy it HERE .

Common Grace

Common Grace refers to the grace of God that is common to all humankind. It is "common" because its benefits are experienced by the whole human race without distinction between one person and another. It is "grace" because it is undeserved and sovereignly bestowed by God. In this sense, it is distinguished from the Calvinistic understanding of "special" or "saving" grace, which extends only to those whom God has chosen to redeem.

Source: Common Grace

Last Sunday during the Sunday School hour, I taught on the doctrine of Common Grace. We are working our way through the Puritan Catechism and have reached Question 28.

You can check out the Puritan Catchism at this link: Catechism

You can listen to my message on Common Grace here:

Genesis 1 and Leviticus 23

Today I listened to the following sermon on my I-Pod.

FREE SEMINARY CLASSES ONLINE

The Reformed Theological Seminary Virtual Campus has recently expanded our free course material offerings via iTunes University. In addition to the chapel messages, promotional video clips, and recordings of special events like the Westminster Confession for Today conference, you can now download lectures from each of our required seminary courses, and many electives.

iTunes works best with an Apple iPod digital media player, but you can take the lectures from the iTunes client and place them on any digital audio player that supports the MP3 format. If you don't have an MP3 player, you can use the iTunes software to play the lectures on your desktop or notebook computer. In addition to giving you access to seminary materials, the Apple iTunes store offers more than 5 million songs, 100,000 free podcasts, 27,000 audiobooks, television shows, and movies. The iTunes software itself is also free, and can be downloaded from our iTunes university site, http://itunes.rts.edu/.

It is our hope that these course materials will be a great blessing to those who are not presently able to commit to our full online degree program. We expect that they will also be useful for those who want to get an early start on a course that they are planning on taking for credit. When you register to take the course for credit, you will receive a materials CD containing the latest version of the lectures, a digital course notebook, and access to any interactive features the course may offer. For credit purposes, you should always use the version of the materials on the CD.

Visit the RTS Virtual iTunes University now at http://itunes.rts.edu/


Here is the course I have on my I-Pod right now.


History of Philosophy and Christian Thought

Course Objectives
1. To inform students about the main thinkers in the history of philosophy,
Reformed theology, and liberal theology.

2. To show the interaction of philosophy and theology, especially the influence of
philosophy on our theological formulations.

3. To illumine the spiritual warfare that takes place in the intellectual movements of human history.

4. To give students critical tools to evaluate, not only thinkers of past history, but future thinkers as well.


There are so many courses I could never list them all here. This is a resource that every person who has an I-Pod or a MP3 player should be using today! Go to the I-Tunes store and do a search for Reformed Theological Seminary. You will find that all the courses they offer are available for download!


If you download any of the courses please let me know which one. It would be cool to listen to the same course as someone else is, and then talk about it.

Have a great Saturday.

ESV

Anonymous said:
is this a fresh and new translation?


Did you watch the video? The ESV has been talked about a lot over the years. Are you asking a real question or is your question meant to show some kind of sarcasm?


Since you asked:

Altogether the ESV translation work involved an exceptional team of more than 100 worldwide, including: (1) the twelve-member Translation Oversight Committee, led by Dr. J. I. Packer as the General Editor; (2) sixty leading Bible Scholars; as well as (3) a sixty-member Advisory Council—all of whom are committed to historic Christian orthodoxy and to the timeless truth and authority of the Bible.
First published in fall of 2001, the ESV Bible has been widely embraced by churches, ministries, and denominations around the world—and by millions of individuals who believe and know, as Jesus said, that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. As such, its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking into account differences of grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages. Thus it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and meaning of the original.

In contrast to the ESV, some Bible versions have followed a “thought-for-thought” rather than “word-for-word” translation philosophy, emphasizing “dynamic equivalence” rather than the “essentially literal” meaning of the original. A “thought-for-thought” translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretive opinions of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.
Every translation is at many points a trade-off between literal precision and readability, between “formal equivalence” in expression and “functional equivalence” in communication, and the ESV is no exception. Within this framework we have sought to be “as literal as possible” while maintaining clarity of expression and literary excellence.

Therefore, to the extent that plain English permits and the meaning in each case allows, we have sought to use the same English word for important recurring words in the original; and, as far as grammar and syntax allow, we have rendered Old Testament passages cited in the New in ways that show their correspondence. Thus in each of these areas, as well as throughout the Bible as a whole, we have sought to capture the echoes and overtones of meaning that are so abundantly present in the original texts.

As an essentially literal translation, then, the ESV seeks to carry over every possible nuance of meaning in the original words of Scripture into our own language. As such, it is ideally suited for in-depth study of the Bible. Indeed, with its emphasis on literary excellence, the ESV is equally suited for public reading and preaching, for private reading and reflection, for both academic and devotional study, and for Scripture memorization.

Each word and phrase in the ESV has been carefully weighed against the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, to ensure the fullest accuracy and clarity and to avoid under-translating or overlooking any nuance of the original text.
The words and phrases themselves grow out of the Tyndale-King James legacy, and most recently out of the RSV, with the 1971 RSV text providing the starting point for our work.

Archaic language has been brought to current usage and significant corrections have been made in the translation of key texts. But throughout, our goal has been to retain the depth of meaning and enduring language that have made their indelible mark on the English-speaking world and have defined the life and doctrine of the church over the last four centuries.

The ESV is based on the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Bible as found in Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (2nd ed., 1983), and on the Greek text in the 1993 editions of the Greek New Testament (4th corrected ed.), published by the United Bible Societies (UBS), and Novum Testamentum Graece (27th ed.), edited by Nestle and Aland.
The currently renewed respect among Old Testament scholars for the Masoretic text is reflected in the ESV’s attempt, wherever possible, to translate difficult Hebrew passages as they stand in the Masoretic text rather than resorting to emendations or to finding an alternative reading in the ancient versions.

In exceptional, difficult cases, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Septuagint, the Samaritan Pentateuch, the Syriac Peshitta, the Latin Vulgate, and other sources were consulted to shed possible light on the text, or, if necessary, to support a divergence from the Masoretic text. Similarly, in a few difficult cases in the New Testament, the ESV has followed a Greek text different from the text given preference in the UBS/Nestle-Aland 27th edition.

The footnotes that accompany the ESV text inform the reader of textual variations and difficulties and show how these have been resolved by the ESV Translation Team. In addition to this, the footnotes indicate significant alternative readings and occasionally provide an explanation for technical terms or for a difficult reading in the text.

Throughout, the Translation Team has benefited greatly from the massive textual resources that have become readily available recently, from new insights into biblical laws and culture, and from current advances in Hebrew and Greek lexicography and grammatical understanding.

So does that answer your question?

How Should We View Trials?

I received an e-mail that contained the following:

"I would appreciate if you could put me on your prayer list. I just went to a specialist today concerning some grape like cysts on my ovaries, and found out that I may have ovarian cancer. I will be having a hysterectomy very soon and if it is cancer, they will have to biopsy all my organs. Please pray for strength to endure whatever the Lord requires of me."

When I hear of people facing very difficult situations I don't want to offer worthless clichés but point them to the in-depth study of God's Word.

Introducing the ESV Study Bible

Recovering the Gospel

Brief Sermon Overview:

In 1958 James I. Packer's Introductory Essay to John Owen's, The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, appeared in the reprint of Owen. This message consists of the first of two reviews of Packer's Essay. He begins by setting forth a critique of the modern 'gospel' and the pressing need for the recovery of the biblical gospel. This section speaks with keen relevance fifty years later.

CAMPONTHIS: PAUL TRIPP-ING - HE REALLY LIKES TO SAY THE "S" WORD...has Piper lost his mind or just forgotten his Bible?

CAMPONTHIS: PAUL TRIPP-ING - HE REALLY LIKES TO SAY THE "S" WORD<br>...has Piper lost his mind or just forgotten his Bible?

SOAKING PRAYER

Sunday night I preached a message on the, "Soaking Prayer Movement"

In the message I present a critical look at this movement and gave some background.

You can listen to the message here:

FIREPROOF

Ray Boltz Comes Out Of The Closet

If you were a Christian during the 1980's and 1990's you no doubt heard music by Ray Boltz. His songs were a common thing on most christian radio stations.
For the most part his music was safe and even accepted by most conservative christians.

Here is one of his big hits that people sang in churches all over America:





Today it is being reported that Ray Boltz is a homosexual.

Here is the link to the story:

Gospel singer Ray Boltz shares coming out journey in this Blade exclusive



Here is another story about this:

Gospel Singer Ray Boltz Comes Out in Washington Blade *Updated*

Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship EPK

Pastor Hammack spoke on the topic of soaking prayer during the Sunday Evening service. Here is another video on the subject.

Partakers In The Redemption Of Christ

Last Sunday monrning, Jason Mcfadden taught from question 28 of the Puritan Catechism.

Q. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us (Jn. 1:12) by his Holy Spirit. (Tit. 3:5-6)


Here is the lesson:

Christ's Humiliation Part 2

Good morning everyone. I am teaching through the Puritan Catechism at Victory Baptist Church which is located in Ovalo, TX. For those who have no idea where Ovalo is, it is located about 20 minutes south of Abilene, TX.

We have been working on question 26 of the Catechism:

Q. Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?

A. Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition (Lk. 2:7), made under the law (Gal. 4:4), undergoing the miseries of this life (Isa. 53:3), the wrath of God (Matt. 27:46), and the cursed death of the cross; (Phil. 2:8) in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time (Matt. 12:40).


Here is the lesson:

FLAME

Me and my daughter's favorite rapper is FLAME. I listen to his music on a daily basis, in fact as I am typing this his CD, Our World Fallen is blasting from my stereo! I think people about a mile away can hear the music :)

If you don't know who FLAME is you are either old or musically illiterate :)

So let me introduce you to FLAME

FLAME, a.k.a. Marcus T. Williams-Gray, was born in the inner city streets of St. Louis, Missouri where he was influenced by the Hip-Hop culture. His best friend (his grandmother) was a significant person who helped shaped him - teaching him about life and more importantly, Christianity.

At the age of 16, FLAME’s grandmother passed away. As a result of this event, FLAME began attending church where the Holy Spirit convicted him and he began to diligently seek Christ. FLAME continued to grow spiritually and became heavily involved in ministry at his church.

While in a Christian bookstore, FLAME took notice to the music section. Being part of the Hip-Hop culture and having done secular rap for years, he was drawn to the Gospel Rap area and purchased a CD by Cross Movement. Impressed by the artistic quality of their music and the content, FLAME found the lyrics saturated in Scripture being both encouraging and challenging.

FLAME’s desire to spread the Gospel to those influenced by the Hip-Hop culture grew more intense. In 2000, after being edified through Cross Movement’s music, FLAME made his way to one of their concerts in Chicago. He met the group and provided them a demo CD of his own work. Much to his surprise, he received a call back. Cross Movement began building a relationship with FLAME that was fostered over a couple of years. In 2002, FLAME was invited on the Platinum Souls Tour with Cross Movement.

Shortly after, FLAME was signed to Cross Movement Records and released his self-titled debuted CD nationwide on October 2004. He was the first Christian Rap artist from the Midwest to gain national attention. FLAME released his sophomore album in December 2005 titled REWIND with hit tracks No Silence featuring Lecrae, So Sweet, and the Dove Award nominated Gotta Notice.

FLAME appeared back on the scene in 2007 for an interpretation of the bible’s first story of man, simply laid out for the masses. Stemmed from an eye opening conversation with a neighborhood acquaintance who knew nothing about Adam and Eve, the experience served as inspiration for the OUR WORLD CD Series. Laced with his quick and crucial delivery combed with his southern flair, the OUR WORLD CD Series began with his third album, OUR WORLD

FALLEN. FLAME presented realities of mankind’s spiritual poverty and the grave consequences of a sinful lifestyle – on earth and after death. This successful release peaked to #7 on Billboard's Charts and birthed many hit singles such as MySpace, Shinin', Goodness to Repentance, and many more.

Involved in ministry for more than 10 years through music and preaching nationally at churches, events, and conferences, the 2008 Holy Hip Hop Award Honoree and current Biblical Counseling student at Boyce College (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary), FLAME arises to conclude the dramatic epic began in OUR WORLD FALLEN. This time presenting a study of the redemption process through pensive lyricism, OUR WORLD REDEEMED takes us on a victorious driven journey thus encouraging one to exchange thoughts of despair for redemptive thoughts of deliverance. The album peaked to #5 on Billboard's Charts and still receives many great raves and reviews from critics and supportors, alike.

What I think is really cool is this. One his website FLAME has a doctrinal statement that is longer and more sound then most churches have!

Here are a few sections from his doctrinal statement

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.

B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.

C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.

D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.


God's Purpose of Grace

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.

All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

Maybe some churches could take the time to read and study a rappers doctrinal statement of faith!

FLAME has put out two albums that everyone should know about

After setting Christian Hip Hop ablaze with his debut self-titled album “FLAME” and his sophomore release “Rewind,” the gritty Midwest Christian Rap artist is back with what promises to be his most engaging project to date! “Our World: Fallen” is the first of a two-CD project to be released by FLAME. “Our World: Fallen” tells the story of a non-believer’s journey to faith in Christ. The story begins when FLAME meets a non-believer at an outreach event and they begin to talk about the message in FLAME’s raps and spills.

The album chronicles their discussions of life’s issues in a fallen world from a Christian worldview as the two become friends. Each song points to a part of the story as FLAME’s fictional friend wrestles with his own confusion and frustration about Christianity. A death in his family causes him to wonder about life after death and to struggle more deeply with the knowledge of his own sinful condition and the hope offered in Jesus. At this point in “Our World: Fallen,” FLAME’s friend begins to ask questions about heaven and hell, and the album ends with his cry for Christ Jesus to be his Savior.

Appealing to the world to receive healing and freedom by Christ Jesus from their weariness and heavy-laden sinful lifestyle and world, “Our World: Fallen” exposes man’s spiritual poverty and the grave consequences of a sinful lifestyle both here on earth and after death. Through songs that express the desires of a seeking soul, the listener vicariously experiences a true search for purpose and meaning in life, and is exhorted to respond to the message of the gospel and come to right thinking about God.

The two-CD project, “Our World: Fallen” and “Our World: Redeemed”, encourages the listener to embrace Christ and go on to live out the Christian faith while learning to apply biblical principles with the ultimate goal of evangelizing and making disciples for Him.

Last year, the lyrical torch bearer FLAME achieved a successful release of OUR WORLD FALLEN – the first of a two-part series. And so the saga continues….

In the sequel OUR WORLD REDEEMED, FLAME concludes the dramatic epic began in OUR WORLD FALLEN, as he presents a study of the redemption process through pensive lyricism while taking us on a victorious driven journey that will exchange the thoughts of despair for redemptive thoughts of deliverance.

OUR WORLD REDEEMED exudes bright, explosive energy with production from Tony Stone, Official and So Hot Productions, along with appearances by Lecrae, shai linne, Iz-Real (from Everyday Process), Trip Lee and Json.

Reinforcing the dire need to accept Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life, FLAME ignites his listeners with a passion to live out their purpose according to God’s plan, as believers celebrate the finished work of Christ on the cross and the redemptive work of Christ within a fallen world as we see OUR WORLD REDEEMED.

SOAKING PRAYER

Christianity today is very much moved by the latest fad or personality. Recently Todd Bentley was all the rage but he is long forgotten. Now it seems there is a move to embrace what is known as, "Soaking Prayer".

Soaking’ is a term used to describe the practice of expectantly waiting and resting in God’s love, rather than striving in prayer. As a result of soaking in God’s presence, people’s lives have been transformed from restored marriages to healed bodies.
SOURCE:



New Hope Church here in Abilene, TX is going to hold a Soaking conference:
Here is the information:


Catch the Fire Ministries has recently developed a Soaking in His Presence Weekend. This weekend includes most of the topics included in the Soaking Prayer Center Training School and you will receive a Soaking Prayer School Graduation Certificate upon completion of the weekend. Come by the church for a registration form & schedule that has more information and cost of this special conference.



This is of course more of the same old charismatic theology repackaged in a new way. Experience is the focus not learning from God's word. It is about hearing from God outside of the bible.


Here is a video clip from a recent segment that aired on the 700 club.





Here is a video explaining how they want to place a, "Soaking Prayer Center" in every city. wow, I must have missed that command in scripture! Go forth and establish soaking prayer centers! In fact I don;t think anyone in 2000 years of church history has seen it either!

Here is the video:




I plan to develop an in-depth biblical response to this movement. If you know of videos or articles that talk more about it please send me links to the informaiton. I need as much help as I can get tracking down good information about this movement.

Thanks

Don't You Just Love Alcohol?

I cannot stand alcohol and I get tired of people who defend drinking it. This may be a simple argument but it makes sense to me. If you never take a drink you will never end up doing this to your kids:

GREAT DAY TO DIE!

One of the best CDs released in the last 12 months is, Turn My Life Up by Sho Baraka. I purchased the album in December 2007 and I have probably listened to it about a thousand times, and I am yet to get tired of it! It is really an amazing album. The song I keep listening to right now is called, Great Day II Die. The sound quality on this clip is not very good but you can get an idea about the song. The lyrics are below the video clip. Enjoy!








Great Day II Die

Verse 1
Wake up in the morning gotta thank GOD/
Next thing I do , Luke 9/
Gotta lose my life daily bear my cross/
Sold my soul years ago but still count the cost/
When I walk in the spirit I got the mind of Christ/
There's no doubt in my mind the flesh gon die tonight/
He controls my actions and controls my thoughts/
Cleansed my filthy thinking, your boys brainwashed/
I know the young ones watching we're role models/
I aint tripping cuz we saw the role modeled/
We also saw in his scriptures yeah we will follow/
To the end of the earth homie full throttle/
Check my roots cuz I was born a slave /
I escaped the bondage cuz I was born again/
The flesh want to scrimmage like he the champion/
He might win some but he just lost one/

Hook
Cuz Today is a Good day to die (now want a flesh a keep on burning)
Bare your cross each day when you rise (You know the world it keeps on turning)
My LORD left the grave he is alive (so make a flesh sacrifice)
And for his pain oh ourselves we do deny ( less of we more of the king)

Verse 2
Wake up in the morning thank GOD for the great scheme/
You know 1 Peter 3:18/
The lust of the eyes ,the pride of life,/
The lust of the flesh its gon die tonight/
This is not my home I just need to remember/
I got a home in the heavens miles higher than Denver/
While the church strives to make Forbes to fifty/
The earths on a thing wire like B-More city/
These cats are mocking GOD they claim they're Go-getters/
We're scared to spit the truth we're scared they won't feel us/
These cats don't want to follow they just want to lead/
Check Genesis 3 its GOD they wanna be/
And don't fear the man who can kill the flesh/
You better fear the GOD who puts your soul to death/
And don't cry for me, on the day I die/
You tell my momma," No women no Cry!"

Verse 3
Wake up in the morning I gotta do that death thing/
You know Romans homie 8:13/
Putting to death the deeds of the body/
Fleeing temptation aint no maybe or probably/
Cuz I know me, me flesh is weak/
Cuz all I see is death in streets/
And rappers promote it like its okay/
And me at one point but not today/
These broad of vipers they just passing out venom/
And they don't understand that this poison will kill them/
They race from the truth they got runners endurance/
I hope that contract they signed got fire insurance/
And I know it doesn't so I preach the truth/
But first I kill my flesh its what I gotta do/
I killed it once before, I'll do it all over/
Since he paid the bill I'm a buffalo soldier/

"Heaven Ain't Got No Ghetto" by ZEE ft Steve Williams

FOR RAP FANS

Zee released his debut album Livin' Proof in 2006. The project did exceptionally well winning multiple awards, nominations and recognitions, obtained radio play, and put forth a hope-filled video for his hit single "Heaven Ain't Got No Ghetto." Zee has recently made Livin' Proof available for free download and says that it will be for free indefinitely.

"I'm in a different space right now. It is crucial that people hear the truth. I want people to get this music into their hands without any barriers, and the best marketing plan I believe we as Christians can have today is 'COME GET IT FOR FREE!' It's a faith move for sure. I can't say each project I do will be free, but the next album - TOUGH LOVE - is already set to be released in this manner as well. Don't get it twisted though. Just because it's free doesn't mean it isn't quality. Already a lot has been tremendously invested to make sure everything is top notch - from the production, to engineering, photography, design, packaging, manufacturing and more. I'm also hoping to put together another great music video. I'm excited."


You can download the album for free at this link:
Free

The State of Evangelicalism

The English Baptists of the 17th Century

The 2nd Annual Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies Conference:


The theme of the 2008 conference was, “The English Baptists of the 17th Century.” Featured speakers included: R. Albert Mohler, Jr., Barry Howson, Larry Kreitzer, Tom Nettles, Jim Renihan, Austin Walker, and Malcolm Yarnell. Other up and coming Baptist History scholars presented papers as well.


Here is the links for the audio of the conference:

9:00 AM An Opening Word (MP3)Dr. Michael Haykin (Director of The Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies)


9:10 AM Plenary Session 1: “The English Calvinistic Baptists of the 17th Century—An Overview” (MP3)Dr. Malcolm Yarnell (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary)


10:25 AM Plenary Session 2: “John Spilsbury and the Beginning of the Baptists” (MP3)Dr. Tom Nettles (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)


11:40 AM Plenary Session 3: “Hanserd Knollys (1599-1691) and the Interpretation of Revelation” (MP3)Dr. Barry Howson (Heritage Theological Seminary)


Henry Jessey (1601-1663): His Life and Thought” (MP3)Jason Duesing (PhD candidate, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary)


A Poor and Despised People’: Abraham Cheare and the Calvinistic Baptists at Plymouth.” (MP3)Dr. Jeff Robinson (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)


There are many many more lectures available: Here is the link to the entire list:
Lectures

"The Shack" in Light of the Bible (Crosstalk America)