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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. Even Reformed theology has continually grappled with the major question concerning the relationship between good works and our everlasting condition. Even some who reject the idea that our good works contribute to our final entry into glorification have argued that they play a role in determining the number of rewards that we will enjoy in the new creation. Jeff Taylor, following a biblico-theological trajectory set by Meredith Kline, rejects these premises, arguing that Christ’s merit determines justification, glorification, and an equal reward—namely the everlasting blessed state—in the new creation. READ MORE HERE!! Harrison Perkins (PhD, Queen’s University Belfast; MDiv, Westminster Seminary California) is pastor of Oakland Hills Community Church (OPC), a visiting lecturer in systematic theology at Edinburgh Theological Seminary, Online Faculty in church history for Westminster Theological Seminary, and the author of Catholicity and the Covenant of Works: James Ussher and the Reformed Tradition (Oxford University Press, 2020).
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.” READ MORE HERE! Mike Abendroth (MDiv, DMin) is Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church (West Boyleston, MA), where he has served since 1997. He is host of No Compromise Radio and author of Jesus Christ: The Prince of Preachers (2007), The Sovereignty and Supremacy of King Jesus (2011), Things that Go Bump in the Church (2014), Discovering Romans (2014), Sexual Fidelity (2015) and Evangelical White Lies (2016). He is married with with four children. When not enjoying his family he is often found on a bicycle.
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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: Read More Here! Mike Abendroth (MDiv, DMin) is Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church (West Boyleston, MA), where he has served since 1997. He is host of No Compromise Radio and author of Jesus Christ: The Prince of Preachers (2007), The Sovereignty and Supremacy of King Jesus (2011), Things that Go Bump in the Church (2014), Discovering Romans (2014), Sexual Fidelity (2015) and Evangelical White Lies (2016). He is married with with four children. When not enjoying his family he is often found on a bicycle.
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. Read More Here!! Mike Abendroth (MDiv, DMin) is Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church (West Boyleston, MA), where he has served since 1997. He is host of No Compromise Radio and author of Jesus Christ: The Prince of Preachers (2007), The Sovereignty and Supremacy of King Jesus (2011), Things that Go Bump in the Church (2014), Discovering Romans (2014), Sexual Fidelity (2015) and Evangelical White Lies (2016). He is married with with four children. When not enjoying his family he is often found on a bicycle.
Introduction
In the vast tapestry of church history, there are certain controversies that have shaped the course of theological thought. One such controversy is the Plagian Controversy, which emerged during the time of Augustine. This controversy centered around the nature of sin, human nature, and the role of grace in salvation. To delve into this topic, we are joined by Dr. Tom Nettles, a renowned theologian who has extensively studied and taught on this subject.
Christ-Centered Preaching: Unveiling the Beauty of Jesus
Introduction In the world of preaching, there is a term that has gained popularity in recent years: Christ-centered preaching. But what does it really mean to preach Christ-centered sermons? Is it simply mentioning the name of Jesus or talking about the gospel? In this article, we will explore the concept of Christ-centered preaching and its significance in shaping the minds and hearts of believers. We will delve into the key themes discussed in a podcast episode featuring Christopher Gordon, a pastor at Escondido United Reform Church, who sheds light on the essence of Christ-centered preaching. The Aim of Christ-Centered Preaching At the heart of Christ-centered preaching is the recognition that the Bible presents one overarching theme: the person and work of Jesus Christ. It goes beyond simply mentioning Jesus' name or using the word "gospel" in a sermon. As Christopher Gordon explains, "Christ-centered preaching aims to exposit the text without dealing with what that particular text is in its indicative or imperative, law or gospel. But it has an aim at showing the excellencies and the beauties of Jesus Christ since he is the unifying theme of Scripture." Distinguishing Christ-Centered Preaching Not all preaching can be considered Christ-centered preaching. It is important to understand the distinction between preaching that focuses on Christ and preaching that is centered on Christ. As Gordon points out, "Just to say the name of Jesus, as important as that name is, that doesn't necessarily constitute Christ-centered preaching." Christ-centered preaching goes beyond surface-level mentions of Jesus and delves into the depths of Scripture to reveal the redemptive work of Christ. Discerning Christ-Centered Preaching For those seeking a church or evaluating sermons, it is crucial to discern whether the preaching is truly Christ-centered. One key aspect to consider is the pastor's aim or goal in preaching. Is the pastor aiming to refresh people in the wonderful Gospel? Is the pastor pointing people to the person and work of Christ as the ultimate remedy for sin and the source of salvation? Christ-centered preaching should consistently present the good news of Jesus Christ and remind believers of their need for His grace and righteousness. The Law and Gospel Distinction A fundamental aspect of Christ-centered preaching is the understanding and application of the law and gospel distinction. The law reveals the exceeding sinfulness of sin and demonstrates the need for a Savior, while the gospel proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ's fulfillment of the law and His provision for salvation. Gordon emphasizes the importance of this distinction, stating, "Law gospel is taught everywhere in Scripture that the law comes to us and tells us what we must do and the gospel tells us what has been done." The Role of Expository Preaching Expository preaching, when done correctly, can be a powerful tool for Christ-centered preaching. However, it is essential to approach expository preaching with the right mindset and methodology. Gordon cautions against a verse-by-verse approach that fails to consider the overarching point and intention of the author. He suggests looking at the problem the author is solving, the larger context of the book, and the overarching meta-narrative of Scripture to properly understand and preach Christ-centered sermons. The Tone of Christ-Centered Preaching The tone of Christ-centered preaching plays a significant role in effectively communicating the message of the Gospel. While there may be moments of strong conviction and confrontation, the overall tone should reflect the graciousness and compassion of Christ. Gordon highlights the importance of demonstrating the appropriate expression that belongs to the message being preached. He states, "In this good news that's being preached to us, God is for us. He's not angrily yelling at us." Resources for Pastors For pastors seeking to improve their Christ-centered preaching, there are several valuable resources available. One suggestion is to find a mentor who exhibits the qualities and approach desired in Christ-centered preaching. Learning from experienced pastors who have a deep love for the Scriptures and a gracious teaching style can be immensely beneficial. Additionally, there are books on preaching that provide practical guidance and insights. Some recommended titles include Dabney's "Evangelical Eloquence" and Lloyd Jones's "Preachers and Preaching." Conclusion and Future Outlook Christ-centered preaching is not a mere buzzword or a formulaic approach to sermons. It is a call to faithfully proclaim the person and work of Jesus Christ as the central theme of Scripture. By understanding the law and gospel distinction, employing expository preaching methods, and adopting a gracious tone, pastors can effectively communicate the transformative power of the Gospel. As believers continue to hear Christ-centered preaching, they are reminded of their need for Christ's righteousness and are encouraged to live in light of His grace. 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.
RenewalCast: Exploring the Two Kingdom View with Dr. David VanDrunen
Welcome to Renewal Cast! In today's episode, we have a special guest with us, Dr. David VanDrunen, the Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary, California. We will be diving into the topic of the two kingdom view and exploring its implications for Christianity and culture. Understanding the Two Kingdoms When we talk about the two kingdoms, we are not referring to the same concept as Augustine's two cities. While Augustine's two cities paradigm focuses on two eschatological destinies and distinct peoples, the reformed two kingdoms view looks at how God carries out His rule in the world. It recognizes that God rules all things but in different ways. There is the common rule, where God sustains and upholds the world and its institutions, and the redemptive rule, where God calls a people for Himself and redeems them through Christ's work.
Typology is a term that may sound unfamiliar to many people, but it is an essential concept for understanding the Bible and its message. In simple terms, typology refers to the way in which patterns, events, and characters in the Old Testament are fulfilled in the New Testament. It is a way of reading the Bible that sees the whole story as one unified narrative, with each part pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
In this article, we will explore the main themes of typology and its practical implications for biblical interpretation. We will draw on the insights of Mitchell Chase, author of "40 Questions on Typology and Allegory", who has extensive experience in teaching and writing on this subject. |
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