Amil Study

RC Sproul is one of my favorite Bible teachers and something I really, really appreciate about him is that he is so fair when it comes to teaching on things he disagrees with.  What I mean is that he does not misrepresent systems, ideas, theologies or people he doesn't like or agree with.  I long to be this way myself and know I fail in it as it is so easy to let emotion take control over truth. God help me!

It wasn't until I joined a Presbyterian church that I first ran into people who do not like John MacArthur and do not think of him as a top Bible teacher.  This was shocking to me and confusing since MacArthur is usually a key note speaker at the Ligonier Ministries conferences (whose president and founder is a Reformed Presbyterian).  Some of the criticisms I heard regarding MacArthur usually had to do with him being a "dispensationalist" and him not being "reformed."  I learned the five points of Calvinism as a babe from MacArthur and so I could not understand why anyone would say he wasn't reformed- he loves the doctrines of God's sovereign grace!  My current eschatology study has taught me a lot not only about eschatology but also covenant theology, dispensationalism, and what it is to be reformed.  I now understand why someone would say MacArthur is not reformed as he does not subscribe to the whole system but I don't know why they give him so much grief for being a progressive dispensationalist- as if it makes him a heretic. Progressive dispensationalism and classical dispensationalism are significantly different.  After listening to hundreds of hours of his preaching over the past 10 years I can tell you he absolutley is not a classical dispensationalist but the critcisms I hear about him are always disinctives of classical dispensationalism.  Either his critics don't understand the difference between the two systems or they're misrepresenting the truth.

Unfortunately the misrepresenting of truth is not only a problem for us sheep but for all people, shepherds included.  Through my current eschatology study I have come to find out that I have been taught misrepresentations of amillenialism and covenant theology from MacArthur.  His teaching on these matters appear to be more emotionally driven than fact driven.  This is unfortunate and makes me very sad as I hold him in the highest esteem.

Anyway, I have been listening to a great study by Kim Riddlebarger on amillenialism which has started to make clear things that were so confusing to me before that I probably couldn't even formulate a coherent question regarding them.  Riddlebarger has been making clear to me how these different eschatological systems can each seem compelling.  It all has to do with your presupposed hermeneutic.  Riddlebarger believes that interpretation of Bible propehcy begins with identifying methodological presuppositions and that the way to determine the best eschatological system is to first identify and evaluate the underlying hermeneutic involved.  He then goes on to compare dispensational and reformed hermeneutics.

Dispensational hermeneutic:

1. Claims to hold to a literal interpretation of prophetic sections of the Bible

2. Recognition of distincitve programs between the Church and National Israel.

*This system of interpretation can be called an "Israel-centered hermeneutic."

Reformed hermeneutic:

Here is where Riddlebarger talks about the analogi fide idea which means "Scripture interprets Scripiure."  (I have heard "Scripture interprets Scripture" my whole Christian life from MacArthur).

1. New Testament interprets Old Testament.

2. Old Testament writers spoke in pre-Messianic terms describing the glories of the future in terms of the age they lived in.

3. New Testament always interprets Old Testament figures in light of their significance- especially in Christ.

*This system of interpretation can be called a "Christ-centered hermeneutic."

Riddlebarger teaches that Old Testament themes are types and shadows of glorious realities that are fulfilled in Christ.  The general thrust of redemptive history goes like this:

(1.) types and shadows to (2.) language used by the prophets describing the glories of the coming messianic age to (3.) the reality of that is found in Christ. This means Jesus is the true Israel, the true temple, the heir to David's throne, etc.

I am really enjoying Riddlebarger's series on amillenialism and considering it very seriously.  I really appreciate that Riddlebarger seems to be fairly representing the different systems and people he is talking about.  He displays great passion and humility in his teaching.  His series can be found on the right sidebar of his blog and is free for download.

Time for the Conference- YIPPEE!

My mom, sisters, and friend Cbass have been attending the Ligonier Ministries National Conference in Orlando, Florida since 2004, missing only last year due to the dates being moved to summer.  This will be our 7th conference! We love to go for the two and half days of awesome Bible teaching, the amazing book store, and the time of fellowship and fun we have together.  Not to mention the fact that it is in one of our favorite places to visit, Florida!  This is the first time I will be traveling with my family from Minnesota and this is the first time I am really looking forward to one of the aspects they always look forward to- the weather!  Spring is trying to take hold in Minnesota but March is know n for snow storms filled with heavy, wet snow.  The temps here have been slowly creeping up but 80 degrees this week in Orlando is going to feel awesome!  We leave Wednesday and the conference starts Thurdays morning.  The speakers this year are Sinclair Ferguson, Robert Godfrey, Steven Lawson, John Piper, RC Sproul, and RC Sproul Jr.  I can't wait to hear all the lectures as well as the Westminster Brass bringing down the house with A Mighty Fortress!  I love when they play Holy, Holy, Holy and stop the music towards the end of the song and let the voices of the saints rise to heaven in a glorious chorus!  I love the banter of the the guys back and forth on stage and how RC always cracks himself up while he preaches.  I love spending hours in the bookstore which is huge and has any book I could ever want.  I love going out to eat at yummy places with the ladies every night like the Cheesecake Factory...  Oh, I can't wait to go!

Here is this year's schedule:

Thursday March 24 

Forty Years of Proclaiming God's Holiness (RC Sproul) Ligonier Ministries' purpose is to awaken as many people as possible to the holiness of God by proclaiming, teaching, and defending God's holiness in all its fullness. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul will expand on this statement, explaining why a proper understanding of the holiness of God is absolutely crucial if we are to know the true God as well as the depths of our depravity.  

War on the Word (Steven Lawson) The first temptation recorded in Scripture is an attack on the trustworthiness of God’s Word. Such attacks have continued unabated to our own day. In the past, such attacks were usually made by liberals, but today we hear more and more doubts cast upon God’s Word by professed evangelicals. In this lecture, Dr. Steve Lawson reminds us of the importance of a commitment to the authority, inspiration, and inerrancy of Scripture.

Why the God-Man? (Sinclair Ferguson) The Apostle Paul declared to the Corinthian church that he had decided to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The person and work of Jesus are at the heart of the Christian faith. In this lecture, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson explains what it means to confess our faith in one who is fully God and fully man and what it means that this Jesus was crucified for our sins.

OPTIONAL SESSION: Redeemed Womanhood - Generation to Generation (Susan Hunt)

OPTIONAL SESSION: The Next Story (Tim Challies)

Questions & Answers With R.C. Sproul and Ligonier's Teaching Fellows Sinclair Ferguson, Robert Godfrey, Steven Lawson, and R.C. Sproul Jr.

Friday March 25

Defending the Faith (RC Sproul) In his first epistle, Peter informs believers that we are to be always prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us. In this day and age, the number and kinds of questions that arise are astounding, but this does not give us an excuse to give up the fight. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul reminds us that apologetics is the duty of every Christian in every walk of life.

Almighty Over All (RC Sproul Jr.)  Most Christians claim to believe in the sovereignty of God, but many define His sovereignty in a way that ultimately exalts man over God. Scripture continually magnifies the sovereignty of God, but what does this mean? In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. explains what it means to say that God is sovereign and examines the implications of this confession for our lives and ministries.

Worshiping the Triune God (Steven Lawson) Fallen human beings have devised many ways of worshiping their gods, but the living God will only be worshiped in a manner that honors Him. We know we are called to worship our Lord in a manner pleasing to Him, but what does this look like? In this lecture, Dr. Steven Lawson examines the biblical principles of worship and explores the insights of the Reformers into this vitally important facet of Christian faith and life.

OPTIONAL SESSION: Believing God (RC Sproul Jr.)

OPTIONAL SESSION: Pillars of Grace (Steven Lawson)

Don’t Waste Your Life (John Piper) Many people, even Christians, go through their lives devoted to trivial things, living for comfort and pleasure. There is no passion for God. In this lecture, Dr. John Piper will exhort all of us to not waste our lives on such trivial pursuits. Only a life passionately devoted to the cross of Christ and the glory of God will be considered a life not squandered on the last day.

Clothed in Righteousness (RC Sproul) Justification is the article upon which the church stands or falls, the main hinge on which religion turns. Yet as important as justification is, many Christians remain confused about it, and others actively blur its features. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul will explain the basic tenets of the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone that we might know the ground on which we stand before a holy God.

OPTIONAL SESSION: An Unexpected Journey (Robert Godfrey)

OPTIONAL SESSION: By Grace Alone (Sinclair Ferguson)

Ministry Reflections with John Piper & R.C. Sproul A round table discussion on the valuable lessons learned by each man throughout their ministry experiences as well as advice to the next generation of Christians and leaders in the church.

Saturday March 26

Evangelism & Missions (John Piper) The highest motive for missions and evangelism is not obedience to the Great Commission, although obedience is required. Nor is the highest motive love for sinners, great as that love may be. The greatest motive for missions and evangelism is a passionate zeal for the glory of Jesus Christ. As Dr. John Piper will explain in this lecture, worship of the living God is the fuel and goal of missions and evangelism.

Pleasing God (Robert Godfrey) Scripture calls us to be holy as God is holy and exhorts us to strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. There are pitfalls, however, as we strive to mortify the flesh: we can easily fall into either legalism or antinomianism. In this lecture, Dr. Robert Godfrey will provide biblical guidance and wisdom for Christians struggling against the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Twenty-Five Years of Desiring God (John Piper) Celebrating the truth that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him, Desiring God was published twenty-five years ago to explain how delight is our duty. In this lecture, Dr. John Piper will expand on the themes and vision of this paradigm-shattering work.

Advent Preaching Series- Take a Listen!

The Pastors at my church are currently preaching an Advent series for Advent season.  Last week our Associate Pastor, Luke, preached an awesome sermon on Isaiah 49 called Prophecy of a Savior.  Any pastor who can clearly explain Isaiah so that you can understand it is easily  worth his weight in gold!  The week before that our Senior Pastor, Phil, also preached a very good sermon to kick off the Advent series called Covenant Promises of a Savior.  These are both free for download.  I encourage you to take a listen!

On top of these great sermons there is also a fantastic Sunday school class that has just started this weekend called The Dirty Dozen.  This class will be 12 weeks of 12 different theologians from church history.  The first class yesterday was on Athanasius and the Arian controversy of his time.  I will post the link as soon as it comes up online.

Ligonier Ministires 2010 National Conference

The Ligonier Ministries National Conference which I usually attend each March with my moms, sisters, and friend was moved this year instead to June. Due to schedules we were unable to go.  However I was so happy to be able to live-stream the conference this year and to my surprise the conference videos have been archived online and are available for viewing now.  This years pre-conference focused on Christians and types of media while the main conference topic was "Tough Questions Christians Face."  I have already listened to about half the lectures and they are excellent as expected. I don't know how long they will be available so make your way here to listen.

1. The Brave New World of New Media by Ed Stetzer
2. Principles for Conduct in Communication by Tim Challies
3. Taking Captive New Media for the Church by Burk Parsons
4. The Hypersocialized Generation by Albert Mohler
5. Questions and Answers 
6. Why Did Jesus Have to Die? by John MacArthur
7. What is Evil and Where Did It Come From? by R.C. Sproul
8. Why Do Christians Still Sin? by R.C. Sproul Jr.
9. How Do We Know Which Interpretation is Right? by Derek Thomas
10. Is the Bible Just Another Book? by Steven Lawson
11. Is the Exclusivity of Christ Unjust? by Alistair Begg
12. Questions and Answers
13. Why Does the Universe Look So Old? by Albert Mohler
14. Is Calvinism Good For the Church? by Burk Parsons
15. If God is Good, How Could He Command Holy War? by Derek Thomas
16. Can We Enjoy Heaven Knowing of Loved Ones in Hell?by R.C. Sproul

Saturday, June 19

8:30am - 9:40am with Albert Mohler
Why Does the Universe Look So Old?

Many Christians believe that the universe is only 6000 years old. Others say that all observations of God’s creation indicate that it is much older. In this lecture, Dr. Albert Mohler will explain the difference between general and special revelation and the difference between both types of revelation and human interpretations of that revelation. He will also discuss how these facts should inform our approach to questions of science and faith.

9:40am - 10:30am with Burk Parsons
Is Calvinism Good For the Church?

Recent years have witnessed a resurgence of interest in the theology of John Calvin, but is this necessarily a good thing? Does Calvinism weaken and destroy churches as some contend? Is Reformed theology a hindrance to the church’s life and work? In this message, Burk Parsons will take a look at Reformed theology and explain why Calvin’s view of God, man, sin, Jesus Christ, and salvation are precisely what the church needs in this and every generation.

11:15am - 12:05pm with Derek Thomas
If God is Good, How Could He Command Holy War?

Numerous skeptics have challenged the goodness of God by pointing to His command in the Old Testament to exterminate the Canaanites, including the women and children. Christians have also wondered how to understand those passages of Scripture. In this lecture, Dr. Derek Thomas explains the meaning of Old Testament Holy War in light of redemptive history, showing that it is fully consistent with the holy and good character of God.

12:05pm - 1:00pm with R.C. Sproul
Can We Enjoy Heaven Knowing of Loved Ones in Hell?

Many of the toughest questions Christians face from skeptics involve the doctrine of eternal punishment and hell. But it is not only unbelievers who ask questions about hell. Many Christians have unbelieving loved ones who have died, and they wonder how they can enjoy heaven knowing that their loved ones are in hell. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul helps Christians understand what the Bible has to say about this deeply troubling question.

The Lighter Side of Johnny Mac

I've been raised in my Christian life on the Bible teaching of the great John MacArthur. If you're familiar with him you know what a serious and in depth Bible teacher he is. Click on the link below to see a side of him you've probably never seen or even imagined before!

Johnny Mac Celebrates 25 Years at the Masters College

Reforming Science Courses

My friend Ben gave a 12 week Sunday school course at my home church in Tucson last year on the subject of science and it's epistemological foundations.  I have just started listening to the class and it is so good that I wanted to share it with you.  The class, called Reforming Science, can be found here

Here is a quote from Ben himself on the course:

"For far too long, debates in the field of science and Christian faith have been dominated by Darwinism and the age of the earth. These are details. What absolutely must be settled first is of much more fundamental significance: science itself, as an intellectual discipline. Science is a branch of human knowledge, and as such is deeply implicated in philosophical questions, which are themselves deeply implicated in theological questions about the nature of and relationships between human beings, physical reality, and God. A careful look at the foundations of science will reveal that it is impossible to make sense of science except on the basis of a Christian theistic worldview. We do not mean that non-Christians cannot do science and be very successful at it. We are simply claiming that their worldview does not provide the intellectual resources to make science intelligible."

Why I Love Mark Driscoll

Amen, Brother!

The Vault is Open!

If you haven't heard the wonderful news already brace yourself. The best Bible teacher in the world has put all his sermons online for free download. Thats right, Johnny Mac has opened the vault! You can search by title, series, Scripture, date, or sermon code. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons

Here are a few recommends to get you started.


The Battle for the Beginning
Discernment: Spiritual Survial for a Church in Crisis
The Master's Men
Chosen For Eternity
The Birth of The King
The Doctrines of Grace
The Gospel According to Jesus
God, Satan, and Angels
God's High Calling for Women
Hard to Believe
Putting God in His Place: The Case for Sovereign Choice
Salvation Survey: Saved or Self-Deceived?
Stephen: Profile in Courage
The Tale of Two Sons
Where Did Sin Begin?

LOAD UP YOUR PODS PEOPLE!

Putting the Election into Perspective

I stayed up watching the election the other night til about one in the morning. My prayer was for God to be merciful to the U.S. even though we don't deserve it. I prayed for his will to be done concerning which candidate would be elected and then prayed that I would be able to accept his decision no matter who he chose to put in power. I am not especially crazy about John McCain but he was my choice due to the fact that he is pro-life and I think he will do a good job with matters of national security.

I awoke around 3:30 and went out to the TV. By this time Obama was at 207 while McCain was at 141. I watched for the next 30 minutes. As soon as the polls on the west coast closed (4:00 AM my time) Obama was announced the to be the next president of the United States. Though this didn't come as much of a shock I must admit that I was sick to my stomach upon the declaration.

About two months ago Obama was asked when life begins during a forum. I watched as he replied that the answer to that question was "above his pay grade," - an ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS answer!! If he really feels this way you would think he would err on the side of caution but he has the most radical voting record in the senate on matters of abortion. He can say whatever he thinks sounds clever but it is crystal clear how he feels on the matter and God will hold him accountable.

This being said I know the best thing to do is to pray for him as our leader, to trust in our sovereign God who always does what is right, and to remember that this world is not our home.

Here are some great remarks made by John Piper to put the election into proper perspective.

Horton and "Christless Christianity"

God has given many gifted men to this generation. One of those such men is Michael Horton of The White Horse Inn (radio show discussing theology and current trends in the church) and Modern Reformation (in my opinion the BEST Christian magazine out there by far!). If you are not familiar with his writing or preaching you are missing out. He is one the clearest communicators of the gospel I have ever heard. For those of you who have been taught to believe the gospel is just simple and once you believe it you can get on to the meat and what's really important you would do well to read Michael Horton! Reading his many articles on the gospel in Modern Reformation is the richest feeding my soul does outside of the word itself! He is also very gifted at diagnosing what is going on in the church and culture and why. A new book is about to be released by Horton called "Christless Christianity" which looks great. More information can be found at http://christlesschristianity.org/index.php

Reason for God Sermons

There is a new book out by Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York, called "The Reason for God." This is a book I most definitely want to get my hands on for a read or as I suspect a number of reads. It is not as easy to get books over here as it is in the states. I mean I can order any book and have it shipped here but it is expensive and unfortunately I am not made of book money. This being the case I am forced to wait for the price to come down or my birthday- which ever happens first!

In the meantime while I wait to get this book I have been able to listen to 7 sermons by Keller that are similar in content to the book. They can be downloaded for free at http://sermons.redeemer.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=29

I have listened to a little bit of Keller in the past and thought he was ok. After listening to these sermons and a few others I have quickly come to admire his preaching. The topics of many of his sermons may sound like nothing special but he really brings fascinating things out of the text. He has a brilliant mind and teaches with clarity. I have learned much from him already and wish more preachers preached like him. I would love for the unbelievers and believers at churches to be exposed to this kind of preaching regularly.

I highly advise you to follow the link above to listen to Keller. You will be very glad you did!

Easter Weekend Messages

This Resurrection weekend I have had a lot of time to think about the last week of Christ's life, his death, and resurrection. Today I listened to an excellent Good Friday sermon The Atonement by Mark Driscoll and I highly recommend it. To go along with this weekend's theme I also re-listened to an awesome sermon from Sinclair Ferguson "The Substitutionary Atonement" which he preached last week at the Ligonier Ministries conference. It was my favorite sermon from the conference. I have uploaded it here so you can listen to it in the player below. This is the kind of sermon where you will want to sit down with your Bible, a pencil, and a hot cup of coffee and just feast away. I hope you take the time to feed richly on both!

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Work like an Arminian, Sleep like a Calvinist

I was tremendously blessed by this sermon this morning by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hills Church in Seattle, Washington. Here is a clear, bold, straightforward sermon on predestination with an intro to Calvinism and its proponents throughout church history. If you are already familiar with and rejoice in the doctrines grace listen closely as this sermon will be a sweet reminder of what you already hold true and love. If you are unfamiliar with or unconvinced that the Scriptures teach the doctrines of grace (total inability, unconditional election, particular atonement, effectual calling, and perseverance of the the saints) listen carefully as this sermon gives a good introduction to these glorious doctrines and shows how they are clearly taught in Scripture. Feast and enjoy!

Piper and Mac Together

My family attended the 2007 National Desiring God conference this weekend in Minneapolis where the key note speaker was John MacArthur. This years subject was endurance. All the lectures are on the Desiring God website for free download. I put a number of them on my pod and am excited to listen to them. I just finished watching "A Conversation with John Piper and John MacArthur" which was a special treat for me because those two are my favorite Bible teachers. I loved the part near the end where the moderator asks each of them how they deal with discouragement. They each give completely different answers. I definitely fall in line more with MacArthur's stoicalness but I love Piper's answer.

Click here to watch or listen:
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByConference/37/

Johnny Mac Rap

Stumbled across Johnny Mac rapping on one of the blogs I drop in on regularly called "Irish Calvinist." It is a fantastic blog and worth checking out. Here is a link to the rap...

http://www.irishcalvinist.com/?p=896