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.
Show Notes (AI CREATED): RenewalCast with Mike Beck
Introduction Mike Beck is a South African pastor, theologian, and author based in New Zealand. He has been in ministry for over 18 years and is currently teaching at a local college in Wellington. He is also the host of the podcast 'TwoAgeSojourner' and has recently published his dissertation on Meredith Klein in the two kingdoms. OverviewIn this episode of Renewal Cast, Mike Beck joins the hosts to discuss Covenant Theology, specifically the Abrahamic covenant. They explore whether the Abrahamic covenant is a covenant of grace and dive deep into the theological implications of this covenant. Timestamped Chapter Summary In spite of the fact that it seems more and more fashionable in our day to say that women may be pastors, the Bible is clear that pastoral leadership is restricted to biblically qualified men. This post will examine 1 Timothy 2:12-14, one of the key biblical texts on male-only pastoral leadership, and it will respond to some of the most popular Evangelical Feminist efforts to undermine the teaching of these verses. The Scriptural Teaching In 1 Timothy 2:12-14 Paul says: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.” Paul writes these words in the context of a pastoral epistle. He’s writing Timothy to teach him about pastoral ministry in the church, which means these verses need to be read in that light. They apply to church leadership, specifically to pastoral leadership. READ MORE.... Tom Hicks serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Clinton, LA. He's married to Joy, and they have four children: Sophie, Karlie, Rebekah, and David. He received his MDiv and PhD degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a major in Church History, emphasis on Baptists, and with a minor in Systematic Theology. Tom is the author of The Doctrine of Justification in the Theologies of Richard Baxter and Benjamin Keach (PhD diss, SBTS). He serves on the board of directors for Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary and is an adjunct professor of historical theology for the Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies.
Introduction: In this episode of Renewal Cast, Coalt and Jay speak with Justin Deberry, a pastor at West Center Baptist Church in Madison, South Dakota. Deberry shares his background and experiences in church ministry, and the group discusses the importance of church polity and government.
OverviewThe conversation centers around the significance of church polity and government in creating a safe and flourishing environment for church members. Deberry uses the metaphor of a trellis and vine to explain how good structure and order help guide the spiritual growth of the church in the right direction. The group also touches on the importance of membership, accountability, and clear decision-making processes in creating a healthy church environment. When people outside of the Reformed churches think about Reformed theology, they often think of the so-called “Five Points,” or TULIP. As it turns out, there is a lot more to the Canons of Dort (1619) than the five points or horticulture. Read More... R. Scott Clark was educated at the University of Nebraska (BA), Westminster Seminary California (MDiv), and St Anne’s College, Oxford University (DPhil). He was a minister in the Reformed Church in the United States (1988–1998) and has been a minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America since 1998.
He is Professor of Church History and Historical Theology. He has taught at the undergraduate and graduate level since 1997. In that time he has also served as Academic Dean (1997–2000) and the host of the Office Hours broadcast (since 2009). He has taught at Wheaton College, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Concordia University, Irvine, and Westminster Seminary California. |
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About Renewal CastWe believe that our minds are to be shaped and renewed by the life-giving and transforming Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit - so we pray that as you listen you will see Jesus more clearly.
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