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As Christians, it is crucial that we engage in conversations about human sexuality and how the church should respond to the LGBTQ+ community. This issue is not only a hot-button topic in society, but it also affects individuals and families within our own church communities. In this thought-provoking series, we will explore the New Reformation catechism on Human Sexuality by Chris Gordon, which provides a biblical perspective on this complex issue.

The Need for a Scriptural Foundation

At the core of our understanding of human sexuality is the belief that Scripture alone is our ultimate authority. In a world that often prioritizes personal opinions and cultural norms, we must anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of God's Word. As Coalt Robinson aptly states, "Scripture alone is our ultimate authority, not popes or church tradition or church councils." We must resist the temptation to compromise on biblical truths in order to be accepted by the world.

The Dangers of Compromise

In our desire to be peacemakers and avoid conflict, it can be tempting to compromise on issues of human sexuality. However, as Jay Wipf points out, "Pragmatic conservatives end up being good friends with the progressives and not very conservative." We must be cautious not to compromise on biblical principles in an effort to appear more accepting or tolerant. As Christians, we are called to stand firm in the truth, even when it is unpopular or goes against cultural norms.

The Clarity of Scripture on Human Sexuality

There is a clear biblical stance on human sexuality, particularly regarding homosexuality. As Coalt Robinson states, "Homosexuality is a sin throughout Scripture." Romans 1 is just one example of the Bible's condemnation of unnatural desires. While some may try to muddy the waters and create confusion around this issue, we must hold fast to the clarity of Scripture. As Christians, we cannot compromise on what God's Word clearly defines as sin.

The Gospel and the Culture

As we navigate conversations about human sexuality, it is essential to remember that our ultimate goal is to share the good news of the Gospel. While we must address sin and its consequences, we must also approach these discussions with love, compassion, and a desire to point people to Christ. As Coalt Robinson reminds us, "We have something good to share. We're not just giving law, law, law." Our message should be one of hope and redemption, even in the midst of cultural opposition.

The Cost of Taking a Stand

Taking a biblical stance on human sexuality may come at a cost. We may face persecution, social backlash, or even legal consequences for holding to our convictions. However, as Coalt Robinson points out, "Persecution is also a time when the church grows." We must be willing to endure the hardships that may come with standing for truth, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not the approval of the world.

The Importance of Hospitality and Relationships

In our discussions about human sexuality, it is crucial that we approach the LGBTQ+ community with love, hospitality, and genuine care. We must be willing to build relationships and engage in conversations, rather than simply pointing fingers or condemning. As Coalt Robinson suggests, "Invite them over for supper. This is a huge category that needs to be talked about in this issue – the issue of hospitality." By demonstrating Christ-like love and hospitality, we create opportunities to share the Gospel and offer hope to those who may be struggling with their identity or sexual orientation.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Addressing human sexuality in the church is not an easy task, but it is a necessary one. As Christians, we must ground ourselves in the authority of Scripture, resist the temptation to compromise, and approach these conversations with love and compassion. While we may face opposition and persecution, we can take comfort in knowing that Christ has already overcome the world. By faithfully standing for biblical truth and extending hospitality to those who differ from us, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by these issues.
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In the future, we must continue to engage in these conversations, seeking to understand and respond to the challenges of our ever-changing culture. By remaining faithful to Scripture and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate these complex issues with wisdom and grace. Let us be a church that stands firm in the truth, extends love to all, and offers the hope of the Gospel to a world in need.

​*This article may have been AI generated -- if you have a problem with it, just voice your complaint to "Alice" in the hearing of any internet-connected device -- she will hear you. #JackCarr 

Introduction

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we delve into the third and fourth main points of doctrine in the Canons of Dort, focusing on human corruption and conversion. Our guest, Kim Riddlebarger, provides valuable insights into these topics and helps us understand the theological significance of these canons. The Canons of Dort were written as a response to the errors of the Arminians and the Remonstrants, who challenged the doctrines of election and the efficacy of the gospel. By examining these canons, we gain a deeper understanding of the nature of sin, the need for regeneration, and the role of faith in salvation.

The Nature of Human Corruption

The Canons of Dort begin by affirming that man was originally created in the image of God, with a true knowledge of his Creator and a righteous nature. However, due to Adam's rebellion, sin entered the world, and all of his descendants inherited a sinful nature. This corruption affects every aspect of our being, including our mind, heart, and will. We are blinded by sin, our judgment is distorted, and our hearts are hardened. The Canons of Dort emphasize that this corruption is not merely a lack of goodness, but an active rebellion against God. We are inclined to evil and incapable of reforming ourselves or disposing ourselves to reform. In other words, we are dead in sin and slaves to our sinful nature.

The Spread of Corruption and Total Inability

The Canons of Dort further explain that this corruption spreads to all of Adam's descendants, except for Christ. We are conceived in sin and born as children of wrath. Our sinful nature makes us neither willing nor able to return to God or reform ourselves. We are spiritually dead and enslaved to sin. The Canons of Dort make it clear that we cannot save ourselves or contribute to our salvation in any way. Our wills are in bondage to our sinful nature, and we are incapable of choosing Christ unless God intervenes and changes our hearts.

The Insufficiency of Natural Revelation and the Law

The Canons of Dort address the insufficiency of natural revelation and the law in bringing about salvation. While natural revelation and the law can expose the magnitude of our sin and convict us of our guilt, they do not offer a remedy or enable us to escape from our misery. Natural revelation reveals God's existence and some aspects of His character, but it cannot reveal the gospel or the way of salvation. The law, on the other hand, exposes our sin and condemns us, but it cannot give us the ability to obey God's commands. The Canons of Dort emphasize that salvation is not achieved through the observance of the law or the works of the flesh, but through faith in Christ alone.

The Gospel as the Means of Salvation

The Canons of Dort highlight the centrality of the gospel in God's plan of salvation. The gospel is the means through which the Holy Spirit works to bring about true conversion in the hearts of the elect. It is through the preaching of the gospel that God calls His chosen ones to faith. The Canons of Dort affirm that the gospel is found in both the Old and New Testaments and that it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. The gospel is not a hypothetical offer of salvation, but a message of new life and new birth. It is through the gospel that God delivers sinners from the wrath to come and grants them rest for their souls and eternal life.

The Connection Between Election and Preaching the Gospel

The Canons of Dort address the objection that if God chooses some to save and others not to, there is no need to preach the gospel. They emphasize that God has ordained the preaching of the gospel as the means through which He calls His elect to faith. While God could save His chosen ones without the use of means, He has chosen to work through the preaching of the gospel to accomplish His purposes. The Canons of Dort make it clear that the preaching of the gospel is not a mere formality or a human invention, but a divinely ordained means of grace. It is through the preaching of the gospel that the Holy Spirit regenerates the hearts of the elect and brings them to faith in Christ.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Conversion

The Canons of Dort emphasize that the work of conversion is carried out by the Holy Spirit. Regeneration, faith, and repentance are all the result of the Holy Spirit's work in the hearts of the elect. The Holy Spirit spiritually revives, heals, and reforms the will, bending it back to its proper condition. The Canons of Dort make it clear that conversion is not a coercive act, but a matter of God's powerful and pleasing work in the hearts of His chosen ones. The Holy Spirit uses the means of grace, such as the preaching of the gospel and the sacraments, to bring about true conversion in the lives of believers.

Conclusion

The Canons of Dort provide a comprehensive and biblical understanding of human corruption, conversion, and the role of God's grace in salvation. They remind us that we are dead in sin and incapable of saving ourselves. It is only through the supernatural work of God's grace that we are regenerated, brought to faith, and granted eternal life. The Canons of Dort emphasize the importance of preaching the gospel and the use of means in the process of salvation. They affirm that faith is a gift from God and that our response to His grace should be one of thanksgiving. Ultimately, the Canons of Dort point us to the transforming power of God's grace and the central role of the Holy Spirit in the work of conversion.

​*This article may have been AI generated -- if you have a problem with it, just voice your complaint to "Alice" in the hearing of any internet-connected device -- she will hear you. #JackCarr  

Introduction​
In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we delve into the rich history and theological significance of the Belgian Confession. Our guest, Drew Hukama, provides valuable insights into the origins, structure, and relevance of this confession within the Reformed tradition. The Belgian Confession, written by Guido Debray, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring faith of the early Reformers and their unwavering commitment to the truths of Scripture.

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Welcome to Renewalcast, a weekly podcast that delves into various biblical and theological subjects. In this episode, we have a special guest, William Bookenstein, who will help us navigate the Heidelberg Catechism and its relevance in our daily lives. The Heidelberg Catechism is a teaching tool that provides guidance and understanding of the Christian faith. Let's dive into this discussion and explore the themes presented in the transcript.

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​Introduction

In this thought leadership article, we will delve into the topic of cessationism, a theological position that asserts that the miraculous and revelatory gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as tongues and prophecy, ceased with the end of the apostolic era. We will explore the main arguments and biblical evidence put forth by cessationists, as well as address some common misconceptions about this position. Through a detailed analysis of the transcript from a podcast featuring Robert Rothwell, a writer for Table Talk magazine and an associate editor for Ligonier Ministries, we will gain a deeper understanding of the theological significance of cessationism and its implications for the Christian faith.

There is another matter to ponder in this debate: many people want God to talk like a lover, a physical lover, personally, privately, with whispers. I wish I did not have to write that last sentence. Of course, Jesus is the lover of our souls. Of course, Jesus loves us with an everlasting love. Of course, God’s love for us will never cease. But Jesus talks to both men and women in the same fashion. Re-read that last sentence. This is obvious because both men and women have the same 66 books of the Bible. If, however, you think that revelation still comes fast and furiously, you must have a reason. My hunch is that many ladies want a lover-Jesus to “talk to them.”
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The Cessationist Perspective: Examining the Role of the Holy Spirit in the Modern Church

Introduction
In the world of theology, few topics generate as much debate and controversy as the role of the Holy Spirit in the modern church. One particular viewpoint that has gained traction in recent years is cessationism. Cessationism is the belief that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as healing, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy, ceased after the apostolic age. This perspective holds that these gifts were given by the Holy Spirit to confirm the ministry of the apostles and establish the foundation of the early church. Today, we will delve into the subject of cessationism and explore its implications for the church.

Exploring Cessationism
Cessationism is a spectrum, ranging from those who believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue today but are not normative, to those who believe that all miraculous gifts have ceased entirely. It is important to note that cessationism does not deny the power of God to heal or perform miracles in the present day. Rather, it questions the continuation of specific sign gifts outlined in the Bible, such as healing, tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy.
According to David Lovi, a pastor and producer of the film "Cessationist," the specific sign gifts were given by the Holy Spirit to confirm the ministry of the apostles and lay the foundation of the church. These gifts, including prophecy, were authoritative, infallible, and inerrant words from God. They served a specific purpose during the apostolic age but ceased after the completion of the foundation of the church.

The Definition of Prophecy
One of the key gifts discussed in the context of cessationism is prophecy. Prophecy, as defined by Lovi, is divine revelation and communication through a prophet. It is direct revelation from God through a person, and it has always maintained the same definition throughout history. In the Old Testament, prophets who received revelations from God had to be 100% accurate in their communication, or else they were considered false prophets. In the New Testament, prophecy continued to be an authoritative word from God, confirming the ministry of the apostles and edifying the church.
Lovi emphasizes that the modern charismatic notion of prophecy, which suggests that it is a subjective word brought to mind for edification, is not supported by the Bible. True prophecy is not a mixture of divine and human thoughts, but rather a direct communication from God. The danger of redefining prophecy is that it opens the door for false prophets and undermines the sufficiency of Scripture.

The Redefinition of Tongues
Another gift often discussed in the context of cessationism is tongues. Lovi points out that the biblical definition of tongues is the ability to speak in foreign languages. In the Bible, tongues served as a sign of judgment on unbelieving Israel, as seen in Isaiah 28:11-13. In Acts 2, the gift of tongues was manifested as a sign to the unbelieving Jews that the gospel was now going out to the nations. However, in modern charismatic circles, tongues have been redefined as heavenly or angelic languages, detached from any specific linguistic meaning.
Lovi highlights the inconsistency of this redefinition and the lack of biblical support for it. He argues that the biblical gift of tongues involved the ability to speak in actual foreign languages, not unintelligible utterances. The shift in definition occurred in the early 20th century when Agnes Osmond claimed to speak Chinese, but her words were incomprehensible to native Chinese speakers. To justify this discrepancy, charismatic theology redefined tongues as heavenly words or angel tongues. However, there is no biblical basis for this redefinition.

The Misunderstanding of Healing
Healing is another gift that cessationism addresses. Lovi clarifies that cessationism does not deny the power of God to heal or perform miracles in the present day. However, it questions the continuation of the specific gift of healing as described in the Bible. In the New Testament, healing was immediate and miraculous, often involving the restoration of missing limbs or the curing of incurable diseases. Today, healing is often portrayed as the relief of physical ailments or the improvement of mental health conditions.
Lovi emphasizes that the lack of verifiable biblical miracles in the modern context raises doubts about the authenticity of contemporary healing claims. While there may be reports of miraculous healings from distant places, they are often based on hearsay and lack substantial evidence. The cessationist perspective challenges the redefinition of healing and calls for a careful examination of biblical accounts to discern the true nature of this gift.

Implications and Future Outlook
The cessationist perspective has significant implications for the church. By affirming the sufficiency of Scripture and the completion of the foundation of the church, cessationism emphasizes the finality of God's revelation through the apostles and prophets. It encourages believers to rely on the written Word of God as the ultimate authority for faith and practice.
Cessationism also highlights the importance of discernment and the need to test all things against the standard of Scripture. It cautions against the dangers of false prophecies, counterfeit miracles, and subjective experiences that can lead believers astray. By grounding our faith in the objective truth of God's Word, cessationism provides a solid foundation for the Christian life.
In the future, the cessationist perspective will continue to be a point of contention and discussion within the church. As more people engage with the theological arguments presented in films like "Cessationist," the conversation surrounding the role of the Holy Spirit and the gifts will likely intensify. It is crucial for believers to approach these discussions with humility, grace, and a commitment to biblical truth.

Conclusion
The cessationist perspective offers a thought-provoking examination of the role of the Holy Spirit in the modern church. By exploring the biblical definition of prophecy, the redefinition of tongues, and the misunderstanding of healing, cessationism challenges prevailing charismatic beliefs. It emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture, the completion of the foundation of the church, and the need for discernment in evaluating spiritual experiences.
While cessationism may be a contentious topic, it provides a framework for understanding the work of the Holy Spirit and the authority of God's Word. As believers engage in respectful dialogue and seek to align their beliefs with the teachings of Scripture, they can navigate the complexities of pneumatology and grow in their understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in the church today.

​This article may have been AI generated -- if you have a problem with it, just voice your complaint to "Alice" in the hearing of any internet-connected device -- she will hear you. #JackCarr

Let us approach this from a different angle. Today’s charismatic has divorced the work of the Holy Spirit from the Word of God. They teach, essentially, that the Holy Spirit “talks” to them outside of and divorced from Scripture. Do not buy this “white lie.”
The Spirit And The Word
R. B. Kuiper’s words are not only biblical and wise, they are also pungent. R. B. would have been a perfect radio guest with this provocative section of writing:

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Sadly, married couples resort to many tactics when they argue and spar verbally but on occasion I have heard that they can resort to giving each other “the silent treatment.” Instead of talking through the issues and communicating properly, they simply do not talk. The silence in this case is truly deafening.


After the fall of Adam, God could have given sinful and rebellious humans the “silent treatment,” but thankfully, because he is good and gracious, he did not. God  speaks to his sinful creatures.


By contrast, though false idols have weight, form and mass, they are as mute as a piece of lava rock or cold marble. Silence is their mode of existence. Man-made idols, since they are nothing, can offer nothing but silence. As humans, however, we want to hear from God. “God, speak to us” should be every image bearer’s desire. Every thinking person, given one wish from God, should request, “God, please speak to me so that I can know how to be right in your sight.”


Thankfully, God tells us what He thinks and how we are to think. To modify Francis Schaeffer’s 1972 book title, God is there and he is not silent. Though God silently teaches us about his power and wisdom through his creation (natural revelation), there are many things that the sun, moon, and stars cannot communicate. God must speak specially, supernaturally so that we might understand things like Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and soon return. We need a speaking God to know how to worship properly and grasp what God requires as a response to his work. We must have a “Thus says the LORD” God.

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