tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64750928599728229632024-03-18T10:07:51.368-05:00The Tulip Driven Life Thoughts on the Reformed faith, preparation for ministry, and doing all to the glory of God. Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.comBlogger351125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-69595291354842992402024-03-07T09:58:00.003-05:002024-03-07T09:58:31.836-05:00John Calvin on Infant/Covenant Baptism from Acts 2:39<p> </p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Calvin on infant/covenant baptism from Acts 2:39: </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"Let us now come to what Peter says: 'Unto you, and to your children.' In the first place, he addresses those who are of age. That is why he says to them, 'Repent.' From the outset he confronts them with repentance with the view to speaking about baptism. Those who are at the age of discretion cannot be baptized (I mean those who are not the people of God), unless they have repented of their sins and confessed to being <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>Christian. But Peter repeatedly adds that the promise is to the children of the Jews, as indeed we see that it is our Lord's promise to Abraham, when he says to him, 'I shall be your God and the God of your seed for a thousand generations' (cf. Gen. 17:7). That is how our Lord wishes to declare himself the Savior of those who are in his church at the present time as well as the Savior of those who come afterward and their children, because he recognizes and accepts them as his own. And that is what Peter is saying here: 'The promise is unto you, and to your children.'</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">In that statement we have a singular consolation inasmuch as we understand God is not content to be our Savior at the time we call upon him and he answers our prayer, but he extends his mercy to our children and wishes them to be participants in the same grace which he bestows upon us liberally. That means the children are in their mother's womb like animals in respect of awareness. Yet God acknowledges them as his own and promises them eternal life. That is to show his great goodness toward us, that great goodness which he wishes so much to impress upon us and to extend to our posterity and lineage. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And yet, let us look more closely at this passage: 'The promise is unto you, and to your children.' Now when baptism is added later, it is to ratify that promise. That is why we baptize our small children today. Baptism is not a creation of men, but of God. For just as he spoke to Abraham in the time of the law and commanded circumcision, so he now does for us with the institution of baptism. So then, when our Lord receives our children as his own, they must be marked with his sign, and that promise must be confirmed by baptism."</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Quoted from Banner of Truth's edition of Calvin's Sermons on the Acts of the Apostles, pages 44-45</div></div>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-77919464997126350732024-03-06T22:59:00.004-05:002024-03-06T22:59:44.729-05:00Toxic Humility, Weaponized Weakness, and Insisting on the ObviousWe are riddled today, everywhere we turn, with toxic humility and weaponized weakness. What do I mean? I mean that when a faithful leader does something 5% imperfectly, the weak ones under his authority who are largely wrong, inept, lazy, etc., will berate him over the 5% imperfection, as if they were perfectly righteous in being utterly helpless. Then the faithful, wearied and worn down, will gin-up guilt rationalized as humility to repent beyond anything they've actually done, to appease the weak who have wielded their crutches to beat the strong and those trying to help mercilessly over the head, somehow stoking the sympathy of all onlookers.<br /><br />This creates several problems. All things being equal, we should acknowledge our 5% error, but when it is weaponized that admitting any error is tantamount to confessing murder, what then?<br /><br />Then, you don't play the shame game. You don't bring up what should be a blip at most on people's minds. But the optics of such, in our softened culture, is that the one who is supposed to be deformed with crutches, clearly isn't as he beats the righteous one who says, "walk!"<br /><br />Yet like a fake resurrection in some jungle, where the "dead body" is poking its head out of the casket to make sure no one is looking, somehow all the onlookers get mad when the scheduled faith healer isn't there to perform a resurrection but instead tells everyone "wake up!"<br /><br />"Wake up and see the fraud! This man is not dead. Get up you fraud!" No, no, just go along with the charade and you can be lauded as a great healer. Instead, you had to tell the Truth, which is more than inconvenient, but insane, and now all the onlookers are mad with rage.<br /><br />This is because you've not only made the man in the casket look like a fool, but everyone who has been going along with the fool as well. Fools leading fools are the blind leading the blind, yet when no one is really blind, and you call it out, well then, you're the blind one!<br /><br /><br />So you can choose to pretend to be blind as well, maybe just a little bit less, but blind enough to blend in, and never really call others to repentance and responsibility. This is the game played in church and state today. Or you can call the blind, blind, without apology.<br /><br /><br />You will get canceled by the fake blind for calling them out of their faux-blindness, and those who aren't as attuned as you are, who you might have thought were friends, might grow confused or concerned as well. Chin up, this is the decisive point. You're almost there.<br /><br /><br />You don't fold, you demonstrate the obvious, but by willful blindness, has somehow been forgotten or gone unseen. This applies for all sorts of things, like the sovereignty of God, that men and women are made in God's image for vastly different purposes, with different natures, that God covenants with households and pretending we can agree to disagree on this issue is just another example of blindness. That the Sabbath must be kept holy. That above all, grace restores nature, it doesn't destroy it or stand aloof from it. You triple down on the obvious.<br /><br /><br />You insist on the obvious, and you insist that what they are claiming isn't so black and white, in fact is, because it is. When they give no counter but simply don't like it, you point that out, you don't let it slide. You don't let them off the hook, but insist on the obvious.<br /><br /><br />You do this, being attacked for not being humble but prideful, arrogant, strong-willed, lacking appropriate gentleness and perspective and nuance and sophistication, with a bad tone and bad look. You don't play those games, you don't play into the weak's weapons. You press on.<br /><br /><br />You accept some will be hardened through this, many or most at first. But you keep insisting, and in the arc of time, by nature and God's grace, you see the spell crack on some, and blessings begin to flow. You thank God, you press on, enduring all. But one thing is critical...<br /><br /><br />If at all possible, if you are married, your spouse must be on board, you must first start with your own household, and open their eyes, before bothering with opening the eyes of others, much less those on the internet. Don't be a fraud, a blind fool. This is obvious!<br /><br /><br />Because if you push the issue with others, and they dish out their weaponized weakness with the wrath of a lion, and your spouse or children wilt under this, or turn against the truth itself, you are fundamentally compromised and didn't prepare your family for battle.<br /><br /><br />But when your home is in order, and God willing you have a friend or two, a few other families, maybe a ragtag church that is ready to rumble, you've already found something that is precious and rare in today's woke world. You're ahead of the curve. Don't stop now. Press on!<br /><br /><br />The harvest is plentiful, if we would but withstand the thorns and thistles, the weeds and bees, the beating sun and the snakes incognito. Be strong and act like men. Do not grow weary or faint, for by God's grace, we will reap a harvest.Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-68246197103850040792024-03-06T11:53:00.004-05:002024-03-06T11:53:48.610-05:00Outline of the Westminster Confession of Faith<p>I believe I completed this for in seminary in 2013. May it be profitable to others. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Westminster Confession
of Faith Outline (With Parallels from Calvin’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Institutes)</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">CHAPTER 1: OF THE
HOLY SCRIPTURE<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Holy Scriptures as
Revelation<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Natural Revelation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Manifests God’s goodness,
wisdom and power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Through God’s work of
Creation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Through Providence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Does not give man saving
knowledge of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Special Revelation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God reveals Himself at
various times and in various ways<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God has preserved His
revelations fully in writing of the Holy Scriptures<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To declare His will to the
church<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To preserve and spread His
truth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To establish the church <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To defend the church from
the flesh, the devil, and the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The former ways of God
revealing Himself are now ceased, thus making the Holy Scriptures utterly
necessary<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Contents of Holy
Scripture<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Old and New Testaments<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Inspired by God to be our
rule of faith and life <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Apocrypha <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not divinely inspired<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Thus has no authority<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Regarded as any other
merely human writing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Scripture’s Authority<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Depends on God wholly.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>He is truth itself<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>As God is the author,
Scripture is therefore true<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Internal support for
Scripture’s authority<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The testimony of the church<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Its efficacious teaching
and wonderful style<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The unity of the whole of
Scripture: to give God glory in all things<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iv)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The detailing of the only
way of man’s salvation <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Holy Spirit persuades
and assures of the inspiration and infallibility of Scripture<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Working by and with the
Word in our hearts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Completeness of
Scripture<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>All that is needed for
faithful living is deduced from Scripture<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Nothing should be added to
Scripture<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Holy Spirit illumines
our minds to understand Scripture<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Reason has a role in
ordering church government, patterned after Scripture<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Perspicuity of
Scripture<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Some passages more clear
than others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Way of salvation so clear
that anyone can understand it sufficiently<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Right Use of
Scripture <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The church is to appeal to
the OT Hebrew and NT Greek <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They were inspired by God <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They were preserved by
God’s providence through the ages<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They are to be appealed to
in all religious controversies as final authority<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They should be translated
in the common language<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Greek and Hebrew are not
common today<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Translation is necessary so
other nations can come to know God and worship Him aright<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Scripture interprets itself<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The clearer passages of Scripture
are to shed light on the less clear passages<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l32 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Scripture has only one
meaning, not multiple meanings<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l32 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Holy Spirit speaking in
the Scripture is the final authority and judge of all religious controversies,
councils, and writings of men<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 2: OF GOD, AND OF THE HOLY
TRINITY<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The One True God<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Is living, infinite in
being and perfection<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>A most pure spirit,
invisible without body, parts, or passions<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Immutable, immense,
eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, wise, and holy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Free, absolute, and works
all things according to His unchanging will for His own glory<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God is also loving,
gracious, and merciful<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>He forgives iniquities and
sin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>He rewards those who seek
Him<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God is just and will judge
the world in righteousness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>He hates sin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>He will not clear the
guilty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Self-sufficiency of
God<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God has all life, glory,
goodness, and blessedness in and of Himself<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>He needs no glory from His
creatures (man cannot add glory to God)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>He manifests His glory into
and upon His creatures<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God is the fountain of all
being<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>All things are of Him,
through Him, and to Him<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God has sovereignty over
all things, and can do whatever He pleases to and for His creatures<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God is Omniscient<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>His knowledge being
infinite, infallible, and independent<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Nothing to Him is contingent
or uncertain<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>All His counsels, works,
and commands are holy and pure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God deserves all praise and
adoration He desires from both angels and men<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Holy Trinity<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l20 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>There are three persons of
one substance, power, and eternity in the Godhead<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God the Father<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level4 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Neither begotten nor
proceeding<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God the Son<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level4 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Eternally begotten of the
Father<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God the Holy Ghost<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l20 level4 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Eternally proceeding from
the Father and the Son (Eastern church took exception to Spirit proceeding from
the Son as well). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 3 Outline: OF GOD’S ETERNAL DECREE<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Nature of God’s
Decrees<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They are established from
all eternity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They are made in light of
God’s wisdom and holiness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God’s decrees are of His
own will and unchangeably bring about all that occurs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Doesn’t violate man’s will<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Second causes established
(God ordains by working through means)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God’s decrees are never
based on things He foresees or because of contingencies, but His decrees are
based on His mere good pleasure alone. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Predestination to Life
and Death by God’s Decrees<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God predestinates men and
angels to everlasting life and foreordains others to everlasting death to
manifest His glory<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>As predestined and
foreordained, the number of elect and reprobate are so set that the number
cannot be increased or decreased<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Those predestined to life
are chosen in Christ to everlasting glory<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Done according to God’s
eternal and immutable purpose<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>For His glory and grace,
and by His good pleasure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Done freely by God out of
His love and grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not done because of
anything found within man, but of God’s grace alone<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God also predestines the means by which the
elect are predestined to glory<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Those fallen in Adam are
redeemed in Christ <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Effectually Called by the
Holy Spirit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Justified, adopted,
sanctified, kept by faith unto salvation <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Those predestined to death
are passed over by God <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This done for the glory of
His justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God does this according to
His will alone and to demonstrate His sovereignty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Those predestined to death
face God’s wrath<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Necessity of Handling
The Doctrine of Predestination With Care<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Those elected to salvation
have assurance through this doctrine<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This produces praise,
reverence, and adoration unto God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Also humility, diligence,
and abundant consolation to the elect<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 4: OF CREATION<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Creation a Trinitarian
Act<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
create to manifest God’s power, wisdom, and goodness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Creation accomplished in
six days, and all very good<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Creation of Man<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Created male and female
with immortal souls; made in the image of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Have law of God written on
heart and are able to keep it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet capable of
transgression of the law according to the liberty of their will<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Commanded not to eat the
forbidden fruit, which while they obeyed, were happy in communion with God and
exercised dominion over other creatures. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 5: OF PROVIDENCE<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God Upholds All Things<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By His wise and holy
providence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>According to His
foreknowledge<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>According to His immutable
will<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>All done to magnify His
wisdom, justice, power, goodness, and mercy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Decree of God Is the First Cause<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God does use secondary causes,
either necessarily, freely, or contingently<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God ordinarily works
through means, but is not constrained to do so and can work against them at His
pleasure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Extent of Providence<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Includes the fall and all
sin of men and angels<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not by a bare permission
but by a most wise and powerful bounding to His holy ends<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet so in a way that the
sinfulness proceeds to the creature alone and not Himself<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God is neither the author
nor approver of sin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chastisement of God’s People<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God does chastise His children<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By leaving them to manifold
temptations for disciplining for their former sins<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Or to expose the remaining
sin and corruption of the heart to humble them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To lead them to a greater
dependence on Him<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To make them watch
carefully for their sins<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>v.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Many other reasons<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Judgment of the Wicked<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God hardens ungodly men
because of their sins<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Through withholding grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By withdrawing gifts which
they had<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Gives them over to their
own lusts and Satan<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level3 lfo5; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Through these means ungodly
men also harden themselves<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God’s Providence Especially Takes Care of His Church<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER VI: OF THE FALL OFMAN, OF SIN, AND THE PUNISHMENT THEREOF<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l31 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God Purposes The Fall For
His Glory<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l31 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>First parents tempted by
Satan to eat forbidden fruit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l31 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God purposed to permit Fall
for His own glory<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l31 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Consequences of Fall<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l31 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Man falls from original
righteousness and communion with God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l31 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Dead in sin and wholly
defiled<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l31 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Guilt of sin imputed to all
posterity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l31 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Mankind now inclined to all
evil<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l31 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This corruption remains
even in the regenerate though pardoned and mortified in Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l31 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Original and actual sin
brings guilt upon the sinner and places one under the wrath of God and curse of
the law<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l31 level3 lfo6; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Thus man made subject to
death with all spiritual miseries, temporal and eternal<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER VII: OF GOD’S COVENANT WITH MAN<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l25 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Man Reconciled to God
Only Through Covenant<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level2 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This because of the depth
of man’s depravity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l25 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Covenant of Works<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level2 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>First covenant, which
offered life to Adam and his posterity conditioned upon perfect obedience<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l25 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Covenant of Grace<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level2 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Offered because man fell
and failed the covenant of works<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level2 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Life in Christ freely
offered <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level2 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Faith required to be saved<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level2 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Holy Spirit promised to all
who are ordained to eternal life, in order to be made willing and able to
believe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level2 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Set forth in Scripture as a
testament, the death of Jesus Christ the testator<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l25 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Covenant Administered
Differently in Different Dispensations<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level2 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In the time of the law<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level3 lfo7; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Administered by promises,
prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other ordinances to
the Jews<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level4 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>These all foresignified
Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level4 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Were at the time sufficient
and efficacious through the Spirit to build up elect in faith of the coming
Messiah by whom they had full remission of sins and eternal salvation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level3 lfo7; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This called the Old
Testament<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level2 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In the time of the Gospel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level3 lfo7; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>After Christ, administered
through preaching of the Word, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level4 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>These fewer in number<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level4 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Administered with more
simplicity and less outward glory<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level4 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet held forth in more
fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy to Jew and Gentile<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level4 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Called the New Testament<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l25 level2 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>There is Only One Covenant
of Grace, but Administered Differently Under Various Dispensations<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 8: OF CHRIST THE MEDIATOR<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God Chose His Son to be
Mediator Between God and Man<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christ Prophet, Priest, and
King<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Head and Savior of His Church<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo8; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Given a people from
eternity past to be redeemed in time<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo8; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Redemption includes
calling, justification, sanctification, and glorification<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Judge of the World<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2<sup>nd</sup> Person of
Trinity Becomes Man<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>One substance and equal
with the Father<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Took upon human nature yet
without sin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Conceived by the Holy Ghost
of the virgin Mary<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Two perfect natures joined
in one person<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo8; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Without mixture or
confusion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo8; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Fully God and fully man,
yet one Christ who is mediator between God and man<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Lord Jesus as
Mediator<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Sanctified and anointed
with the Spirit to be wise.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Holy, harmless, full of
truth in order to fulfill office of mediator<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo8; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Called to be mediator by
the Father<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo8; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Power commands and gives
power to Son to be mediator<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lord Jesus Takes Role
Willingly<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Made under law to fulfill
it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Endured pain and suffering
in soul and body<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Crucified, died, and was
buried, yet saw no corruption<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Rose again on the 3<sup>rd</sup>
day. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Ascended to the Father and
makes intercession for His people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>He will return to judge men
and angels at end of world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christ’s sacrifice and
life offered to God<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Fully satisfies justice of
the Father<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Purchased not only
reconciliation but inheritance in kingdom of heaven for His people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Communication of
Redemption to the Elect<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Work of redemption not
wrought until after incarnation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet virtue, efficacy, and
benefits communicated to elect in all times through types and shadows. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christ in Both Natures<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Acts according to what is
proper of each nature. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet what is proper in one
nature, due to the unity of the person, is sometimes ascribed to the other
nature in Scripture. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Application of Redemption<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Elect are certainly
redeemed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo8; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They know their salvation
through the Word<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo8; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Heart’s governed by Spirit
and Word. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christ’s overcomes all His
people’s enemies by His power and wisdom. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 9: OF FREE WILL <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l29 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Man Has Free Will Prior
to the Fall<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l29 level2 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Will neither forced or
determined by nature toward good or evil <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l29 level2 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Man had freedom and power
to do what was God to please God or disobey Him. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l29 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Man’s Will Enslaved After
Fall<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l29 level2 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Lost all spiritual good to salvation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l29 level2 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not able to convert himself
or prepare himself for conversion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l29 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Will After Conversion<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l29 level2 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Freed from bondage under
sin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l29 level2 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By grace man enabled to
will and do spiritual good<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l29 level3 lfo9; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet this is not done so
perfectly due to remaining sin in believer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l29 level3 lfo9; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Will of man is made perfect
and immutable only in the state of glory<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 10: OF EFFECTUAL CALLING<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l14 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Those Predestined to Life Effectually Called<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level2 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Called by Word and Spirit in His timing<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level3 lfo10; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Out of sin and death, into
grace and salvation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level3 lfo10; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Enlightens mind spiritually
and savingly to understand God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level3 lfo10; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Renews wills and determines
them to do good<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level2 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Effectually drawn to
Christ, yet man comes freely, made willing by His grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l14 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Effectual Call of God’s grace alone<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level2 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not due to anything forseen
in man. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level2 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Man is passive until
enabled by God to receive grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l14 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Elect Infants as well as all Others Unable to Heed Outward Call Saved<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level2 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By Grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level2 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Through the Spirit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l14 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Non-elect<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level2 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>May be called by ministry
of the Word<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level2 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Have some operations of the
Spirit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level2 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet never truly come to
Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level3 lfo10; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Those of other religions
cannot be saved<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l14 level3 lfo10; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>No other way to salvation
but through Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 11: OF JUSTIFICATION</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l24 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Effectually Called Are Justified<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level2 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not by infused
righteousness but by pardon of sin and acceptance as righteous<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level3 lfo11; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not their own
righteousness, but Christ’s<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level3 lfo11; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not their faith, but only
the obedience and satisfaction of Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level2 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Faith is a gift of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l24 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Saving faith<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level2 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Rests in Christ’s
righteousness and is instrument of justification<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level2 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Is accompanied by works and
is not a dead faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l24 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christ Justifies<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level2 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By his obedience and death<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level2 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Made satisfaction of
Father’s justice on behalf of His people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level2 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This justification
glorifies God through His grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l24 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God decreed to justify the elect in Christ from eternity past, yet
elect are not justified until Christ is applied to them<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l24 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Forgiveness of the Justified<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level2 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God continues to forgive
their sins<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l24 level2 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Justification cannot be
lost, but Father’s displeasure can be received until they repent afresh<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l24 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Justification of saints in the OT the same as those in the NT<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 12: OF ADOPTION</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Those justified enjoy the liberties of the children of God.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They have His name upon Him<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Receive His Spirit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Have access to the throne
of grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Can cry Abba, Father<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Never cast off and receive
all the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 13: OF SANCTIFICATION<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Effectually Called Are Sanctified<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Through Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By His Word and Spirit
dwelling in them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The dominion of sin broken in the whole person<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Lusts are increasingly
weakened and mortified<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Increase in saving graces
unto true holiness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sanctification lasts through life<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet corruption remains in
every part of man<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This leads to a constant
war between the flesh and the Spirit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level3 lfo13; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The regenerate part of man
overcomes the flesh<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level3 lfo13; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The saints those grow in
grace and holiness in the fear of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 14: OF SAVING FAITH<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l13 level1 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Saving faith a work of the Spirit of Christ on man’s heart<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level2 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Ordinarily wrought by
preaching of the Word. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level2 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Strengthened through
administration of sacraments and prayer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l13 level1 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Saving faith produces a belief that the Bible is God’s Word wholly and
wholly true. <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level2 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This produces a submissive
and obedient nature to all of Scripture<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level2 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Principal part of saving
faith is resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and
eternal life. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l13 level1 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Saving faith comes in degrees<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level2 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Some have a stronger faith
than others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level2 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Faith can often be weakened<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level2 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>But faith will always grow
because Christ is author and finisher of faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 15: OF REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l27 level1 lfo15; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Repentance a grace of God which should be preached by all ministers as
faith is to be preached<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l27 level2 lfo15; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In repentance a sinner sees
the filth of his sin and the goodness of Christ and turns from all his sin to
God in order to walk with Him in all His commandments. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l27 level2 lfo15; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>None may be pardoned of sin
apart from repentance<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l27 level2 lfo15; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>All sin deserves damnation,
but no sin is so great that one who repents cannot be forgiven. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l27 level2 lfo15; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Particular sins should be
repented of particularly<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l27 level2 lfo15; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Public sins should be
repented of publically or privately to those sinned against<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 16: OF GOOD WORKS<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l28 level1 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Good works defined by God, not man <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level2 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Good works are fruit of and
evidences for a true faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level3 lfo16; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Manifest thankfulness,
strengthen assurance, edify the brethren, adorn the profession, stop
adversaries, and glorify God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level3 lfo16; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The fruit of holiness leads
to eternal life in Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level2 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Ability to do good works
from Spirit of Christ, not of man<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level3 lfo16; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Spirit works within to
will and do God’s pleasure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level3 lfo16; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>But believers are to be
diligent in stirring up the grace of God in them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level2 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Even the most sanctified of
men cannot earn above what is required of them, but rather still fall short of
what is required of them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l28 level1 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Good works cannot pardon sin<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level2 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Good works cannot cover
past sins or make up for them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level2 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Perfect obedience is
required, therefore good works is simply the required duty of a faithful
servant<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level2 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Even our good works are
tainted with remaining sin, and thus could not stand up under God’s judgment<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level3 lfo16; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Nonetheless, God accepts
the good works of His people through Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l28 level3 lfo16; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Through Christ God accepts
what is sincere in good works, despite accompanied with weakness and
imperfection<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l28 level1 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The works of unregenerate men can never please God because they are not
done from a heart of faith<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 17: OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo17; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Elect can never totally
fall away from a state of grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo17; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They shall persevere to the
end and be saved eternally<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo17; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This perseverance depends
upon the covenant of grace and not on man’s free will. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo17; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The free and unchangeable
love of God the Father, the merit and efficacy of the intercession of Christ,
the abiding of the Spirit, all certify that one will never fall from grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo17; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Nevertheless, the elect can
fall into grievous sin for a season, due to temptations of the world, flesh,
and the devil. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level3 lfo17; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This brings temporal
judgment<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level3 lfo17; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This is met with God’s
displeasure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level3 lfo17; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This grieves the Spirit and
hardens the heart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level3 lfo17; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This deprives the Christian
of some graces and comforts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 18: OF THE ASSURANCE OF GRACE AND SALVATION<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l11 level1 lfo18; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Hypocrites and other
unregenerate men may deceive themselves into thinking they are saved<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l11 level1 lfo18; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Those truly converted can
be assured of their salvation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo18; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Certainty is not a bare
conjecture built on a fallible hope, but rather a faith founded on the divine
truth of promises of salvation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level3 lfo18; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inward grace testifies to salvation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level3 lfo18; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The testimony of the Spirit
of adoption witnessing with ours that we are children of God and seals us for
day of inheritance<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo18; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This assurance of faith is
not necessary to be saved, but may attain assurance without extra revelation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level3 lfo18; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>It is therefore the duty of
every Christian to strive unto an assurance of faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level3 lfo18; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This enlarges peace and joy
in the Holy Spirit, love and thankfulness to God, strength and cheerfulness in
the duties of obedience, rather than inclining toward looseness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo18; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>True believers can have
their assurance shaken in divers manners<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level3 lfo18; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By negligence of
perseverance <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level3 lfo18; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By falling into some
special sin which grieves the Holy Spirit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level3 lfo18; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By vehement temptation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level3 lfo18; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By the withdrawal of God’s
countenance<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo18; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Nevertheless, true
believers are never totally devoid of the seed of God or the ability to recover
assurance<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 19: OF THE LAW OF GOD</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Covenant of Works<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Adam was required to obey
the law of God perfectly, and as reward would receive eternal life, but would
face eternal death if he disobeyed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo19; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This Adam would keep for
him and all his posterity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo19; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>After the fall, this law
continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The law was embodied in the
two tablets of the ten commandments<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo19; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>First four commandments
contain duties toward God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo19; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Last six commandments
duties toward man <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The ten commandments are
moral laws, but ceremonial laws were also given to Israel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo19; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Ceremonial laws contained
ordinances of worship which prefigured Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo19; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They also held detailed
instructions of moral duties<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo19; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>All these ceremonial laws
are now abrogated under the new testament<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Israel was also given
particular judicial laws which are not required or valid for anyone now<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Moral Law binds all people for all ages<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This binds man, believer
and unbeliever, not just to the law, but to give obedience for the author of it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christ strengthens, rather
than dissolves, this obligation <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Use of Moral Law for Christians<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Law does not justify or
condemn <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Does direct and bind man to
walk accordingly <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Law discovers sin in the
heart of believers<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Restrains corruption of
regenerate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Threats show what
punishment sin deserves<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Promises of law also show
what the believer may expect in heaven<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo19; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The law and grace are not contrary to one another, but rather the
Spirit of Christ leads believers to comply to the law cheerfully<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 20: OF CHRISTIAN LIBERTY, AND LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l30 level1 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christian liberty purchased for believers in the gospel<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l30 level2 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Consists of freedom from
guilt of sin, wrath of God, curse of moral law, from bondage to Satan and
dominion of sin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l30 level2 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Also freed from the evil of
afflictions, sting of death, and damnation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l30 level2 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Able to serve God not in
fear but in love as a child to a father <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l30 level2 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Under new covenant, greater
experiences of the Spirit and freedom from the ceremonial law <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l30 level1 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God alone is Lord of conscience<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l30 level2 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Commandments of men cannot
guide conscience<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l30 level2 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To submit to man’s commands
out of conscience betrays true Christian liberty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l30 level2 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Those who practice sin
under pretense of Christian liberty destroy Christian liberty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l30 level1 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Those who use Christian liberty to disobey civil or magisterial
government resist the ordinance of God <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l30 level2 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This goes for things said
or written as well. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l30 level2 lfo20; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Those who do so may be
lawfully called to account by the church<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 21: OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP, AND THE SABBATH DAY<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l15 level1 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nature reveals that there is a God <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This God is Lord and
sovereign over all <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>He is good and should be
loved and praised by all <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The way to worship God is
only by that which is prescribed in Scripture<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level3 lfo21; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not by imagination of man<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level3 lfo21; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not by suggestions of Satan<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level3 lfo21; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not by visible
representations<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l15 level1 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Religious worship Given to Triune God<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Father, Son, and Holy Ghost<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To Him alone, and not
angels, saints, or other creatures <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Since the fall, not without
a mediator, and only through the mediation of Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Prayer ids required by all
men<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level3 lfo21; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Must be made in name of the
Son, with the help of the Spirit, and according to His will in a known tongue<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level3 lfo21; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Prayer made for all things
lawful and all sorts of men, but not the dead<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l15 level1 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Contents of Religious worship<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Reading of Scripture<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Preaching and hearing of
Word<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Singing Psalms<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Administration and
reception of sacraments<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>On special occasions,
oaths, vows, fasts, and thanksgivings as appropriate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l15 level1 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Under Christ in the gospel, prayer and all other religious practices
are to be practiced everywhere, as no one location makes it more acceptable<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Public assembling of the
brethren not to be forsaken <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Assemblies to be more
solemn <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l15 level1 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God has appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This was from beginning of
world till resurrection of Christ last day of week<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Now it is 1<sup>st</sup>
day of week, bound to the resurrection of Christ <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level3 lfo21; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>It is called the Christian
Sabbath, or Lord’s Day<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level3 lfo21; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To be continued to the end
of the world <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l15 level1 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Sabbath<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Men observe a holy rest
from all worldly endeavors, words, and thoughts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l15 level2 lfo21; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Also consume themselves
with public and private exercises of worship, and duties of necessity and mercy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 22: OF LAWFUL OATHS AND VOWS<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l26 level1 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Oaths<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Are part of worship to God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God is called upon to judge
the man who makes the oath to the truth or falsehood of what he swears <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Men ought only to swear by
the name of God, and only in fear and reverence <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>It is abhorrent to swear
insincerely or by any other name than God <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The weightiness of the oath
ought to be considered and one should be persuaded that the oath is true<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The oath should not be
violated but binds a man to it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l26 level1 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vows<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Of like nature with a
promissory oath, and to be taken with the same care<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Should be made to God alone<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>No man may vow to do
anything forbidden by God’s Word<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Thus vows of singleness,
poverty, and the like are no higher means of holiness but are superstitious and
sinful snares <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l26 level2 lfo22; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Vows are promises to God to
do things we ought to do more rigorously <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 23: OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l23 level1 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God has ordained civil magistrates to be under Him and over the people<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>For his glory and the
public good<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>He has armed civil
magistrates with power of the sword <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level3 lfo23; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>For defense and
encouragement of them that are good<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level3 lfo23; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>For the punishment of
evildoers<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christians may be
magistrates <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level3 lfo23; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To uphold goodness <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level3 lfo23; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To wage just wars when
necessary<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l23 level1 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Civil magistrates may not administer the Word and sacraments<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Or power of the kings of
the kingdom<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They may not interfere in
the least in the matters of faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>It is duty of civil
magistrates to protect the church of our common Lord<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level3 lfo23; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Without giving preference
to any denomination <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level3 lfo23; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Should not interfere with
various denominations personal professions or beliefs<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level3 lfo23; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They should ensure that all
religious and ecclesiastical assemblies are held without disturbance or
molestation <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l23 level1 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Believers should pray for their civil magistrates<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They should honor their
persons and pay homage to them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Obey their lawful commands<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Be subject to their
authority<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Infidelity or difference of
religion does not void the magistrate’s authority or free the people from
obedience<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l23 level2 lfo23; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The pope cannot exercise
authority over them because he thinks they are heretics<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 24: OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Definition of Marriage<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>One man and one woman<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Only one spouse at a time <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Purpose of Marriage<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Mutual help of husband and
wife<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Procreation and holy seed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To prevent uncleanness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christians should marry only in the Lord<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Should not marry with
infidels, papists, or idolaters<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Should not marry those who
have known wickedness and damnable heresies <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Should not be any
incestuous marriages <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Divorce<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Adultery or fornication
prior to the marriage gives the innocent party right to dissolve contract<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Adultery found after
marriage gives innocent party right to divorce and remarry as if offending
party were dead <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo24; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Divorce should be only in
the case of adultery or desertion, and should be overseen by public and orderly
course of proceeding<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 25: OF THE CHURCH<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l12 level1 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Universal church<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Is invisible and consists
of the whole number of elect<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christ is head of church<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Church is spouse of Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l12 level1 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The visible church<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Also catholic and universal
under the gospel <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Consists of all throughout
the world who profess Christ, and their children<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Is the kingdom of the Lord
Jesus Christ, the house and family of God <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level3 lfo25; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Given ministry, oracles,
and ordinances of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level3 lfo25; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Spirit makes promises
effectual<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l12 level1 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Catholic/universal church has been more and less visible at different
times <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Particular churches more or
less pure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>According to the ordinances
and gospel proclaimed <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo25; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The purest churches are
still subject to error<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level3 lfo25; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Some churches have
degenerated to not being a church <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level3 lfo25; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet there will always be a
church on earth that worships according to God’s will<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level3 lfo25; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Only Christ is head of
church, not the pope<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 26: OF THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l19 level1 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All Saints have fellowship with Christ<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l19 level2 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In His sufferings, graces,
death, and resurrection, and glory<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l19 level2 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Have communion with gifts
and graces and are to perform duties for mutual good in inward and outward man<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l19 level1 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Saints to maintain communion and fellowship with God<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l19 level2 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Through worship <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l19 level2 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Spiritual services<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l19 level2 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Commune with Christ and all
saints and help take care of those in need<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l19 level1 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Communion with Christ<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l19 level2 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Does not make man partakers
of the substance of the Godhead<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l19 level2 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Nor equal with Christ in
any respect<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l19 level2 lfo26; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Communion with other saints
does not mean that each has the other’s goods and property<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 27: OF THE SACRAMENTS<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l16 level1 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sacraments are holy signs and seals of covenant of grace<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l16 level2 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Instituted by God to
represent Christ and His benefits<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l16 level2 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Also shows difference
between those of the church and those of the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l16 level2 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Engages saints in service
to God in Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l16 level1 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sacramental union between sign and thing signified<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l16 level2 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Sacraments do not confer
grace by any power in them <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l16 level2 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Efficacy of sacrament
depends not on one who administers it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l16 level2 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Depends on the Spirit and
word of institution which contains promise to worthy receivers<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l16 level1 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Only Two sacraments: Baptism and Lord’s Supper<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l16 level2 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>These dispensed by minister
of the Word only <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l16 level2 lfo27; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Sacraments of OT same in
substance and thing signified with those of the NT <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 28: OF BAPTISM<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l22 level1 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Baptism is sacrament of NT<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Ordained by Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>For solemn admission of
party baptized into visible church and sign and seal of covenant of grace <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Indicates ingrafting into
Christ, regeneration, and remission of sins<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l22 level1 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Water used in baptism<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Baptized with water<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In the name of Father, Son,
and Spirit by a minister of the gospel <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Dipping in water is not
necessary; right application is sprinkling or pouring water on person<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Infants of at least one
believing parent are to be baptized<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l22 level1 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">One can be saved without being baptized<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet baptism is required and
it is a great sin to neglect it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>All that are baptized are
not necessarily regenerate <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l22 level1 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Efficacy of baptism<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not tied to moment when it
is administered<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Yet right use of ordinance
actually confers and exhibits the grace promised by the Holy Ghost at God’s
appointed time to recipient<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l22 level2 lfo28; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Baptism to be administered
only once to any given person <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 29: OF THE LORD’S SUPPER<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lord Jesus instituted Lord’s Supper <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To be observed in His
church until end of world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Symbol of His body and
blood<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Remembrance of the
sacrifice of Himself<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Symbol of bond with Him and
each other as members of His mystical body<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In Sacrament Christ is not offered up to Father<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>No sacrifice is made at all
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>It is a commemoration of
the offering up of Christ upon the cross once for all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Thus the popish sacrifice
of mass is a grievous sin and undermines the once for all propitiation of
Christ for the elect<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christ has given ministers to administer this ordinance to present
members of the congregation <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Private administration is
forbidden<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Worshiping elements
forbidden as well<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Sometimes elements are
called body and blood of Christ, but only as a symbol of the body and blood,
sacramentally<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Transubstantiation is a
repugnant doctrine contrary to reason and is superstitious <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Worthy recipients inwardly by faith, spiritually feed on Christ
crucified and benefits of His death<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Body and blood not
physically present<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>But really, spiritually
present in the faith of believers as the elements themselves are to their
outward senses <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo29; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Unworthy men do not receive
the benefits of the sign but rather gain the guilt of the body and blood of
Christ to their own damnation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 30: OF CHURCH CENSURES<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l17 level1 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jesus has appointed a church government distinct from civil magistrates
<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l17 level2 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>These officers receive keys
of the kingdom<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l17 level2 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They have power to retain
and remit sins and to shut kingdom against impenitent<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l17 level2 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Can also give gospel to
penitent sinners <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l17 level1 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Church censures are necessary <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l17 level2 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>For reclaiming and gaining
offended brethren<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l17 level2 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>For deterring others from
like offenses<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l17 level2 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>For purging leaven which
infects the lump<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l17 level2 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To protect the faithful
from God’s wrath within the church by the wickedness of others <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l17 level1 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Church censures to proceed by admonition<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l17 level2 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>May also suspend Lord’s
Supper for a season <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l17 level2 lfo30; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Also may excommunicate from
the church when appropriate crime is committed <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 31: OF SYNODS AND COUNCILS <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l21 level1 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Synods and councils necessary<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level2 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>For edification of church<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level2 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Overseers and rulers to
appoint such assemblies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level2 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Should convene as often as
it is judged necessary for good of church<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l21 level1 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Duties of Synods and Councils<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level2 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Ministerially to determine
controversies of faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level2 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To set down rules for
better ordering of public worship of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level2 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To order government of
church<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level2 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To receive and determine
cases of maladministration<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l21 level1 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All synods and councils may err<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level2 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Many have erred<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level2 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Are not to be made rule of
faith or practice but are used as help for both<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level2 lfo31; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Synods to handle only
ecclesiastical matters <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level3 lfo31; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Only speak to civil affairs
in extraordinary circumstances <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l21 level3 lfo31; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Can offer advice if called
upon by civil magistrate <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 32: OF THE STATE OF MEN AFTER DEATH, AND OF THE RESURRECTION OF
THE DEAD<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l18 level1 lfo32; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bodies of men return to dust and see corruption<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l18 level2 lfo32; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>But their souls neither
sleep nor die and return immediately to God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l18 level2 lfo32; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Souls of righteous are made
perfect in holiness and go to heaven and behold the face of God, waiting for
the redemption of their bodies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l18 level2 lfo32; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Souls of wicked cast into
hell and remain in darkness till day of great judgment<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l18 level1 lfo32; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Those alive at the last day<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l18 level2 lfo32; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Their bodies do not die but
are changed <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l18 level2 lfo32; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>All the dead are raised up
with the same bodies though with different qualities which are united to their
souls forever <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l18 level2 lfo32; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The bodies of unjust by
power of Christ raised to dishonor<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l18 level2 lfo32; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Bodies of just, by His
Spirit, raised to honor and made conformable to His own glorious body <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CHAPTER 33: OF THE LAST JUDGMENT<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo33; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God will judge the world on the last day in righteousness by Jesus
Christ<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo33; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christ has been given all
power and judgment by the Father<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo33; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Apostate angels as well as
all persons of earth will appear before Christ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo33; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>All will give account for
their thoughts, words, and deeds and will receive according to their body
whether good or evil<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo33; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God appointed this day of judgment for manifestation of His glory and
mercy<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo33; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In the eternal salvation of
elect<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo33; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In damnation of the
reprobate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo33; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Last Day not revealed to man<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo33; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This to ensure a constant
watchfulness for God and to pursue holiness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo33; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This deters believers from
sin and gives them consolation in their adversity and leads them to say come,
Lord, quickly<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-37559460404177866512024-01-08T15:33:00.001-05:002024-01-08T15:33:17.571-05:00The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Outline of Piper's Book)<p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Outline #1)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Introduction: Glorifying
God by knowing Him.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Knowledge of God the Father
and Jesus Christ is the most important thing in life (Phil. 1:20-21, 23; 3:8).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Knowing God doesn’t happen accidentally
and without effort, not even for Christians; we must pursue the knowledge of
God by striving with all our might to pursue wisdom and understanding (Prov.
2:3-5).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“Therefore, the main reason
God has given us minds is that we might seek out and find all the reasons that
exist for treasuring him <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in </i>all
things and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">above </i>all things.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Thinking (especially by
reading, p. 19) is an indispensable means of knowing God, loving God, and
serving others. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Loving God with all your
mind (Matt. 22:37) means that “our thinking is wholly engaged to do all it can
to awaken and express the heartfelt fullness of treasuring God above all
things.” (p.19). Our minds should constantly be laboring to see and understand
God’s sovereign glory in all things, in order to love that glory, praise Him
for it, and live in light of it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 1: Piper’s
Pilgrimage <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Piper was a student and/or
taught in Christian academia from the ages of 6 to 34. He then moved to the
pastorate, thinking it a better use of his gifts and the needs of God’s people,
though he affirms there is a great need for Christian educators as well. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The more he saw of God in
his studies, the more he savored Him. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Thinking about God and
studying the depths of His Word may cause confusion and consternation, until
you come through to the other side of your labor with the fulfilling fruit of
understanding (Eccles. 1:18).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Rigorous study, formal or
informal, rips you into shape mentally, and should lead you to worship God for
all that you now see Him as from your study.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Piper had been explaining
God to others in school, but after studying God’s sovereignty in Romans 9, he
now wanted to proclaim God to others from the pulpit (p. 27). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Note the progression, it is
thinking that leads to praising God, and wanting to proclaim Him to others.
Piper’s careful study and teaching led him to preaching.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Piper urges us to think for
the purpose of praising God for His excellencies, and to think in reliance upon
God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, not ourselves (27).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>There is a tension in
Christians as we wrestle between how much we should be thinking, how much we
should be loving/feeling, and how much we should be doing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark Noll states, “The scandal of the
evangelical mind is that there is not much of an evangelical mind.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>There is a strong streak of
anti-intellectualism in Christian and evangelical circles, despite the fact
that evangelicals have done godly things (29).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Despite warnings about
certain kinds of empty knowledge (1 Tim. 6:20; 1 Cor. 3:19; Col. 2:8; Rom.
1:28; Lk. 10:21; Eph. 4:18) the Bible makes clear that knowing the truth is
essential, and righteous thinking is essential to knowing the truth. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“Thinking is essential on
the path to understanding. But understanding is a gift of God” (Prov. 2:1-6; 2
Tim. 2:7). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The above quote is the main
theme of the book; it is only when we seek understanding that God grants
understanding. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The spirit of the church
today is often that praying for ten minutes will yield more understanding than
studying books for ten hours. Warfield says the proper response is to study for
ten hours in prayerful dependence upon the Holy Spirit to illuminate your mind
and bless the labors of your study (31). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Jonathan Edwards
(1703-1758) helped Piper understand the connection between thinking, loving,
and doing more than anyone else, and Edwards rooted the connection in the
Trinitarian nature of God, to which we will turn in chapter 2. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>REFLECTION
QUESTIONS</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>How does thinking relate to
understanding God? Do you strive to think about God in order to understand Him?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>What is the connection
between thinking about God, loving/praising God, and obeying God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>How does your understanding
of God impact you in your everyday activities (as a student, at work, as a
child, sibling, spouse, parent, etc.)?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>What are some healthy
habits you can develop in order to cultivate more thoughts about God?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Outline #2)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 2: Deep Help From
a Dead Friend.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>John Piper says no one has helped him more in connecting
thinking and feeling than Jonathan Edwards, the 18<sup>th</sup> century
Puritan. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Edwards had a very God centered worldview and is regarded as the
brightest American Christian thinker ever. But no one after him in the United
States continued his God-centered thinking at the level that he did, and that
was bad for the Christian faith. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Man, being made in the image of God, thinks like God, and God
thinks in accordance with His triune nature, which Edwards understood in terms
of God as: pure being, as thinking, and as doing/loving. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God the Father was the
direct, most base, most primal subsistence in the Godhead. He is “being”.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Son is God
subsisting in the idea (thought) of Himself (hence He is “The Word/Logos”; Heb.
1:3 Christ is exact imprint of the divine nature).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Holy Spirit is God
subsisting in act[ion], the divine essence that is expressed in God’s infinite
love and delight in Himself (hence the Spirit is sent by Father and Son, Jn.
15:26 and Gal. 4:6) expressed between the Father and Son. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The three persons of
the Trinity are co-eternal and equally divine (35).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Since God glorifies Himself through the perfect ideal of Himself
(the Son, Heb. 1:3) and through the perfect expression of love flowing to
Himself (the Holy Spirit, flowing mutually between the Father and the Son, (Lk.
3:22 Jn. 17; Lk. 24:49), he likewise communicates Himself to man and receives
glory from man <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>through</u></i>
reason/thinking/understanding <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>leading</u></i>
to man loving and rejoicing from the heart in the goodness and glory of God and
taking action to serve God and others. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In God, being,
thinking, and feeling go together, and these three are One. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>So they must be held
together and in perfect harmony in man, God’s image bearer, as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>So then, as Christians,
our thinking is in service to our seeing Christ for all that He is, so that we
can savor Christ for all that He is, and lead others to see and savor our
marvelous God as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 3: Reading as
Thinking<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Focus is on thinking in
pursuit of knowing and loving God by means of reading and understanding what is
written/being read, particularly the reading of the Bible. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>If we know the Bible, if we
think through it as we study it, we can interpret all of life in light of it,
and conform all our life to God’s Word. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Mortimer Adler’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How to Read a Book</i> says it is more
important to read carefully and think over with great effort what you are
reading than to read many books without putting much thought into it. Read
Scripture carefully, not quickly.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Piper wants us to work hard
with our minds to discern the meaning of a book (45). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Simple and familiar
sentences like “I went to the store to buy some milk” take little effort to
understand the meaning. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>But to understand, “The three-in-oneness
of the Trinity is a perfect expression of beauty when defined as harmonized complexity”
is a much more difficult statement to decipher. It requires thinking through
the meaning of each and every word, seeing how they relate to and interpret one
another, and analyzing the larger context (perhaps of the entire chapter or
even book). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Do unto “authors” as you
would have them do unto you. Try to understand the meaning of the author’s
words, and when it comes to the Bible, remember that the author is ultimately
God – how important it is for us to think carefully in order to understand His
Word!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Learning to read well, or
to put it another way, to understand what you are reading, takes effort. You
must train your brain to gain understanding. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This is only going to be
done by reading often and thinking carefully about what you are reading. It is
like learning to drive a car, play the piano, or throw a ball. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>It is difficult at first,
often frustrating and unpleasant, but once you begin to get the hang of things,
it is very rewarding. How much more rewarding, and crucial is it, to understand
what God has said to us! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>We must be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">intentional </i>about thinking when reading
the Bible and theological books. There are difficult, yet richly rewarding
concepts in them. We must do mental pushups to understand them, and when we do
our minds – and souls – will be all the better for it. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Asking questions while
reading helps the mind engage the text and come to understanding. (48-50).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>When it comes to Scripture,
the questions we ask should be those of submission to, and not defiance or
doubting, of God’s Word and His goodness. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>There should be a humble
questioning in pursuit of truth, like Christ (Lk. 2:46).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Understanding what the word
“therefore” is there for in the Bible is essential to understanding the logical
connections and implications of Scripture. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>REFLECTION
QUESTIONS (Questions 1-3 on chapter 2; the rest on chapter 3)</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Is Edwards’ understanding of the Trinity biblical? If so, what
Scripture demonstrates it to be so? If not, what Scripture would indicate that
it is not biblical? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(See WCF Chapter 2
for help)</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Assuming Edwards Trinitarian views are correct in the main, what
is the significance of the Christian receiving the Holy Spirit? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Answer</b>:
That we are brought into/caught up into God’s own love for Himself, and that it
is the Spirit of love Himself who bonds man together with the bond that God has
in Himself; it is also clear that we are now enabled by the Holy Spirit to
express the love of God to others, for the Spirit Himself is the expression of
the mutual love within the Godhead).</i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Does a husband really love his wife if he doesn’t take the time
to know her in a deep and intimate way? How does this relate to thinking’s role
in the act of loving God (and man)?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>List the questions Piper says we can ask of almost any text
(found on pp. 48-49). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Consider the “Therefore” section on page 52. Explain the usage
of the word “so” or “therefore” (depending on Bible version being used) as
Piper understands it in Matthew 7.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Describe the relationship between logic and loving as Piper
discusses it on p. 54.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Outline #3)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 4: Mental
Adultery is No Escape<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Hebraic vs. Hellenistic thinking<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></u></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Hellenistic thinking
follows Aristotelian logic; Hebraic thinking is more relational/experiential,
and the latter is the culture and context of Scripture. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Does this mean that
Christians should not be logical? No, see Matt. 16:1-4. Jesus sanctions
thinking in a linear, logical fashion with premises and a conclusion (61).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>So a David Hume or
others who might deny the law of causality, and others who may reject the law
of non-contradiction, are simply denying the very possibility of thinking and
drawing conclusions. If this were the case, we could not understand and trust in
the truth and promises of the Bible. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The Spiritually Adulterous Pharisees. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></u></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>They asked Christ for a
sign in Matt. 16, but Christ responds that asking for such is adultery, when it
should be plain to them that Christ indeed is very God Himself, the groom
coming for His spiritual bride; yet the Pharisees rejected Him for the praise
of men (Matt. 6:5), money (Lk. 16:14), and self (Lk. 18:9). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Pharisees are
asking for a sign from Christ out of unbelief, and they have been given plenty
of evidence already that Christ is the promised Messiah (62).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Pharisees’ (and all
men apart from being born again) “evil hearts disorder their rational powers
and make them morally incapable of reasoning rightly about Jesus” (63). See
Eph. 4:18. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The Role of the Mind in Conversion<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></u></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Paul frequently
“reasoned” with the people in the pursuit of seeing them converted to Christ
(See Acts chapters 17-20, 24).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Paul also made clear in
Eph. 3:4 that thinking about what you are reading (particularly when reading
the Bible) opens up the path to understanding who God is what He has done for
you, and what He requires of you (64).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Paul makes clear that
we need both man’s effort (thinking) and God’s effort (illuminating) when it
comes to gaining an understanding of Scripture (2 Tim. 2:7). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In essence, you must
grasp with your mind who God is, who you are as a sinner, and what Christ has
done for you to save you from your sin, in order to be saved. And in order to
come to such an understanding, and to grow in our understanding of our salvation
as Christians, we must make effort to think! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>REFLECTION
QUESTIONS (Questions )</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>On page 63, Piper states
that “at the bottom of human irrationality…and at the bottom of spiritual
ignorance…is” what?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In light of this chapter
and the teaching of Romans 1-2, would you say that all men know that God
exists? Defend your answer with Scripture and sound reasoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Piper, drawing from 2 Tim.
2:7, points out on P. 65 that “The willingness of God to give us understanding
is the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ground </i>of our thinking, not
the substitute for it.” Why is this true? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Piper on p. 66 refers to
the parable of the four soils in Matt. 13 and says that “The difference between
the soil that is lifeless and the soil that bears fruit is understanding.” What
are some of the implications of this truth, especially in regards to the
importance of thinking and knowing?<o:p></o:p></p>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Outline #4)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 5: Rational Gospel, Spiritual Light</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>We need to know what
the nature of saving faith is. <o:p></o:p></u></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Faith alone justifies, that
is, it is through trusting in the person and work of Christ that one receives
Christ’s righteousness as his own, making such a person acceptable before God
the Father.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Faith is a gift of God
received when one is born again (Eph. 2:1-10), and it shows our total
dependency upon God for salvation. Salvation is something God does, and we do
not help Him. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Faith is a receiving grace,
it receives Christ and turns to Him for righteousness, and does not look to
oneself for righteousness and virtue.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Faith receives Christ for
all that He is, as Lord, Savior, Creator, Supreme Treasure. He is the Supreme
Treasure because He is infinitely glorious. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>v.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The surpassing worth of
knowing Christ should be our driving passion and reorient our entire lives, as
it did for Paul (Phil. 3:8). (See page 72)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>We need to understand
what role our minds play in our conversion.<o:p></o:p></u></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The devil believes in the
resurrection, and other raw facts about Christ (James 2:19), but he obviously
does not have saving faith/saving knowledge of Christ.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“Hearing and understanding
the facts of the gospel story are not identical with seeing Christ’s divine
glory in the gospel.” (73-4). We must get the facts of the gospel right, but we
must also grasp the glory of God in and through the gospel, in order to truly
be converted. In other words, we must see the incredible goodness and
significance of the gospel, marvel in it, and live by it (2 Cor. 4:4-6). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Six observations from 2
Cor. 4:4-6 <o:p></o:p></u></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>We must see the glory of
Christ in the gospel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The glory of Christ is
really in the gospel, to be understood and loved.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The facts of the gospel
contain the glory of Christ. Knowing His sinless life, sin-bearing death,
subsequent resurrection, ascension, and session, all to the glory of the Father
(see Jn. 17) are the glorious facts to be believed and to be studied, because
studying them is like studying the most beautiful painting or diamond.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Decisive to our seeing the
glory of Christ and possessing saving faith in the facts of the gospel is God’s
shining light in our spiritually darkened hearts (4:6). Just the same, the
facts of the gospel must be proclaimed in order for God to shine light on them
and on our hearts to receive them. Now our thinking and affections are
regenerate, bent on serving Christ rather than sin. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>v.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Saving faith is reasonable.
Christ gave signs to back up His claims of being the Messiah. The God-Man is
the most rational thing, because it is the only way one can be saved, for only
God could redeem man. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>vi.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This is the only path to
spiritual certainty. 1 Jn. 5:13 makes clear that through the gospel’s truth and
unsurpassed glory we are compelled to believe and acquire spiritual certainty
of our salvation in Christ. It is the greatest story ever told, and as C.S.
Lewis put it, the “true myth.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 6: Love for God –
Treasuring God with All Your Mind <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Loving God with all your mind is part of the greatest
commandment (Mt. 22:36-39)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Loving God with all our
mind means “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our thinking should be wholly
engaged to do all it can to awaken and express the heartfelt fullness of
treasuring God above all things</i>.” (p. 84) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Thinking awakens
loving, but it is not to be equated with loving. The devil can think about God
and knows Him quite well, but surely does not love God. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>However, thinking with
the heart attitude of “I love God so much that I want to think about Him more
and study His Word so that I can know Him better” certainly is an expression of
love. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>So then, thinking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can </i>be
loving, but it might not be, depending on the motive of the heart. Loving God
with our hearts and minds go together. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>You cannot truly love God with the heart unless you are loving
Him with your mind, and you cannot love Him with your mind unless you are
thinking as an act of devotion to God from the heart. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The soul includes the
heart and mind (85) because the body can perish but the soul lives on. The mind
has to do with our thinking capacity, the heart the seat of our emotions and
our will/volition to make decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>v.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Loving God is not the
same as loving others; rather, loving others is an overflow of our affection
for God. Mark 7:6-7 indicates we can offer false praise to God.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>God is the fountain of all our love and joy<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Consider Ps. 43:4 on p.
89 where God is regarded as the “gladness of my rejoicing.” If you think of
food without salt, pepper, and nice spices to make it taste good, that is all
of life without God. Enjoying anything without it pointing to and finding its
source in delighting in God is like eating a steak without seasoning, or pizza
without toppings. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Thinking feeds the fire
of love, and that fire leads to more thinking about God. Fire cannot exist
without kindling, and so love needs the firewood of right
thinking/understanding of God to produce flames of true affection for God. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>REFLECTION
QUESTIONS</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Why is it that
saving faith is a gift of God and not a work of man?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If faith is a
gift, how do we get it? Apart from or through exercising our mind?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">When we receive
Christ, what are we receiving Him as? What value does Christ have for the true
Christian, and why does He have that value? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">On page 85, list
the summary definitions of heart, soul, mind, and strength. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Suppose someone
says they love the God of the Bible, and they show great enthusiasm that
indicates they do in fact love <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what they
believe to be</i> the God of the Bible and His Son Jesus Christ. However, it
turns out they think God is an invisible Santa Clause that loves everyone,
would never punish sinners, and sent His Son Jesus as merely an example, not to
pay for sin on the cross. Is this emotion from the heart a genuine love for the
Christian God? Why or why not?</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Outline #5)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 7: Jesus Meets the Relativists</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Relativists claim that
there is no objective truth outside of ourselves. Truth is relative to each
person’s own preferences. There is no eternal God, no eternal law. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>What we perceive and what
we think is just our opinion. They cannot be extrapolated to universal truths
that bind the conscience and will of all men for all time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>If God is eternal and
unchangeable truth, then relativism cannot be true. Therefore, relativism is an
atheistic evil that must be rejected by all men, or sin will increase.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Truth for relativists is
nothing more than “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>what conforms to
your subjective standards</u></i>.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>On pp. 100-101 we see the
chief priests and elders (Mt. 21:23-27) using their minds with great skill
& precision, not to promote the truth but to deny it to save their own
necks! Jesus does not have time for such dishonesty and refuses to converse
with them further.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 8: The Immorality of Relativism </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Piper notes that
relativists do not pursue truth/God with their thinking. They pursue their own
desires because they have denied any higher authority than themselves.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Relativism commits treason
by speaking atheistically, saying there is no god.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Looking at Relativism, we
think of Romans 1 and the suppression of truth by sinners. This suppression is
done in a devious and often self-deceptive manner.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Without universal, absolute
standards, Relativists could not even articulate their denial of these
universal, absolute standards (107, 3<sup>rd</sup> full paragraph). You need
absolute truth to assert anything!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>On p. 109 Piper shows how,
when cultures embrace relativism, language is no longer a vehicle to carry
truth, but a means to selfishly obscure, deny, and manipulate truth. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The above has happened in
our own Presbyterian denominations. The WCF has been “affirmed” by ministers,
but as a nice, useful symbol rather than truth. Paul in 2 Cor. 4:2 refuses to
partake in such shenanigans but to plainly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rampant relativism in a society leads to
chaos; in desperation a dictator may step in.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>REFLECTION
QUESTIONS</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Explain why the statement,
“There is no absolute truth,” must be a false statement. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>If the above statement is
false, what positive statement have we proven? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Are there relative truths?
Give an example of one (see pp. 96-97).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>List the four things one
says if he is a relativist (pp.97-98).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Given the underlined
definition in the outline, who is the real god/standard for the relativist? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>FOR CH. 8</u></b>): List the 7 harmful and immoral things about
relativism. Be able to explain them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Explain the law of
non-contradiction and law of cause and effect (p. 107).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Explain how being
irrational is immoral (see top of p. 108).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>On p. 111 flattery is considered
a precursor to greed. Should churches and Christian organizations be careful to
not flatter wealthy members or donors for the sake of money? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">29.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Explain how relativism
feigns humility in its claims. How are they actually prideful (pp. 112-13)?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Outline #6)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 9: Unhelpful Anti-Intellectual Impulses In Our History</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>When the church refuses to
pursue an intellectual and rigorous pursuit of truth, it loses its ability to
defend the truth, even its own truth claims. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Subjectivism says that
thinking is useful as a means of justifying subjective desires, whereas
pragmatism says that thinking is useful as a means of making things work.
Neither pursue truth for the sake of God’s glory and goodness (120).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Charles Finney, Billy
Sunday, and D.L. Moody were representatives of anti-intellectual thought in the
late 19<sup>th</sup> and early 20<sup>th</sup> century, and yet Finney started
out as a Presbyterian and both Sunday and Moody were embraced by our own
Princeton Theological Seminary on their campus in the early 20<sup>th</sup>
century! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>It is through reading the
Bible (and other books) that we know God (123). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Logic alone cannot convict
one of sin and convert the sinner, but it is indispensable to conviction of sin
and conversion to Christ. Without it, the gospel is meaningless. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Holy Spirit is the
“electricity” that runs through the wire of “logic” not only to convert the
sinner but also to illuminate Scripture and make him wise in all things. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>While formal education is
good, the right use of the mind is what is most important. All Christians
should be thinking, thoughtful Christians, regardless of whether they hold any academic
degrees (128).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 10: You Have Hidden These Things from the Wise and
Understanding</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Piper examines Lk. 10:21
here and 1 Cor. 1:20 in chapter 11 to show that these passages do not teach an
anti-intellectualism. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Lk. 10:21 teaches us that
Christ was rejoicing that something was hidden from the wise and revealed to
little children.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>What was being hidden from
some & revealed to others was the gospel of the kingdom preached by Christ
& the 70 disciples with him (p. 133; see Lk. 10:9, 11)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The prophets and kings of
the OT longed to see the coming of the kingdom in the person of Christ (Lk.
10:23-24) and yet they did not see it while the disciples and others who heard
Christ’s message did. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>More specifically, it is
the elect who are the little children who see the kingdom of God by truly
knowing the Father & Son as Lord and Savior. These become part of God’s
kingdom as they are converted and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Even those cities that
rejected Christ’s message and His apostles had the kingdom of God come near to
them, which increases their condemnation (Lk. 10:11-12).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>(p. 135) “The recognition
of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God is the work of God the Father in the
minds and hearts of the ‘little children’” (Mt. 16:15-17).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Jn. 6:44 shows that the
Father must open the eyes of sinners to draw them to the Son so that they will
see Christ rightly, and as they do see Christ rightly, they see that the Son is
revealing the Father to them, for He is the exact imprint of the nature of the
Father (Heb. 1:3; see also 2 Cor. 4:6). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>(Bottom of 137) “It is
profoundly important to see that recognizing Jesus for who he really is (the
image of God the Father) involves a simultaneous recognition of who the Father
really is (the one revealed in Jesus Christ).”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In our ongoing fellowship
with Christ, we understand the Father better. Christ says if you have seen Him
you have seen the Father, so the moment your eyes are opened to who Christ
really is, you are seeing the glory of the Father in the face of Jesus Christ
(2 Cor. 4:6). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>We “see” Christ through
reading of Him in Scripture. Hence the need to think.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Matt. 23:34 mentions “wise
men” who are Christians who proclaim the gospel and yet will be among those who
are killed by those who reject the gospel of Christ. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>So Jesus is not condemning
wisdom and advocating for empty-headedness.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In Eph. 4:14 pastors and
teachers equip the saints so that they will not be “children” any longer in
their thinking, tossed about by every false doctrine.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Matt. 18:4 shows that
childlike <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">humility, </i>seen by a child’s
total dependence upon his parents to take care of him,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>is the key to seeing the kingdom of heaven and being great in it.
We must not lean unto our own understanding, but seek God’s wisdom (Prov. 3:1-8
and similar passages). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>REFLECTION
QUESTIONS</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">30.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>While thinking can lead to
stifled emotions and study can lead to pride (1 Cor. 8:1), does this mean that
we should not pursue right thinking by means of careful study? Explain.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">31.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>What does Piper say the
solution is to “barren intellectualism” near the bottom of p. 123?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">32.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>On page 126-27 why does
Piper liken a logical gospel presentation to a wire which electricity runs
through? What do you think the electricity most likely refers to? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">33.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">From Cha. 10</b>) Explain the already/not yet nature of the kingdom of
God (see pp.133-134). Given this chapter is about seeing the Father and Son,
relate your answer to 1 Cor. 13:9-13 and how we currently see “through a glass
darkly” but later will see “face to face”. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">34.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>John 1:1-3, 14 speaks of
Christ as the Word made flesh. Why is Christ called the “Word” of God?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Outline #7)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 11: In The Wisdom of God, the World Did Not Know God through
Wisdom</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>1 Cor. 1:20-24 shows us
that man’s own musings would not produce the wisdom of God. <o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God’s wisdom had to be
revealed to man – and it was through the life, death, and resurrection of
Christ. Christ is the revelation of the very “wisdom of God”.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Not many wise were chosen
for salvation, showing that salvation is not a matter of one’s IQ but rather of
childlike/humbling faith and repentance.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>The revelation of Christ
through the cross is rooted in eternity, not only for God’s glory but also <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for our glory</i> if we are in Christ and
have the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:7-12). <o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>And our glory is that we
have all the treasures of true wisdom and knowledge, which are hidden in Christ
(Col. 2:1-3). Our glory is knowing God so that we can be like Him (Jn. 17).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The cross represents the
ungodliness and helplessness of man, the undeserved grace of God, and the
unimpeachable justice of God (bottom of page 146). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The cross shows that God is
all sufficient, all sovereign, & all-powerful in salvation. You cannot
receive such power and wisdom without utter humility.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Our glory is that we are
children of God, and our boast is in Him (1 Cor. 1:30-31).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Returning to the
question of the “little children” from the previous chapter, we see that they
are the ones who know and feel themselves helpless and unworthy of any good
from God (bottom of 149). <o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The wisdom of man/the world
is in lockstep with the Relativists discussed earlier, for it makes man the
measure of all things and jettisons God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This worldly wisdom puffs
man up and makes him proud of himself, giving himself glory rather than
realizing his nakedness and need for Christ. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>God rejoices in revealing
and granting salvation to those humble “little children” because it magnifies
His own glory, rather than denying it and giving it to men who are wise in
their own eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>In sum, Jesus is not
praising the uneducated and condemning the educated. <o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>There can be humble Ph.D’s
and arrogant people who have no formal education. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Rather, Jesus is praising
those who receive Him as their only hope and comfort in life and death, and He
condemns those who reject Him by trusting in their own wisdom and goodness.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 12: The Knowledge that Loves</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Looking at 1 Cor. 8, we
see that having knowledge should not be flaunted and make us big-headed, but
rather big-hearted. <o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Our knowledge of God and
the freedoms that we have in Him should not be lorded over others with lesser
knowledge and sensitive consciences. It could destroy them (8:11).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Rather, humbled believers
who know God’s truth will want to build up others.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>True knowledge of God
produces a love for God and genuine love for others. It produces humility and
care, not pride and selfishness. <o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>So to truly know God and
Christ, one must be humbled and transformed by that knowledge, else he does not
truly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know </i>Christ and His message.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The God-given heart-love
that flows from knowing Christ, rather than a prideful, loveless, and empty
“knowledge” of doctrine is what we should pursue, and the fact that one cannot
obtain it but must be given it should <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>humble</u></i>
us (1 Cor. 4:7).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christ practiced what He
preached; His “practice” was truth just like His words. Thus He calls us to
abide in His words, to live out what he teaches (Jn. 8:31-36), for this is
really to grasp Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn. 14:6).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>A righteous pursuit of
righteousness is not trusting in our own righteousness, but to humbly receive
the righteousness of Christ as our own, and then out of gratitude and zeal for
good works we pursue personal righteousness and holiness by the Spirit of God</u>.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>REFLECTION
QUESTIONS</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">35.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Note the positive and
negative conceptions of wisdom for Paul on page 145.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">36.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cross is the wisdom of God, but the world
finds it to be utter foolishness. Why is this, and what do they think is
foolish about the cross? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">37.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Why is the cross not
foolishness but is in fact true wisdom? How is it good and not evil? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">38.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>List the 3 things Piper
says the cross stands for on the bottom of page 146.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">39.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Explain Piper’s defense of
God’s self-glorification to those who would accuse God of being a megalomaniac
(see page 153). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">40.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>What light does chapter 12<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>shed upon the meaning of “abiding” in
Christ’s “word” and that knowing the truth shall set you “free” in John
8:31-36? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">41.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>How should we engage with
Christians who have weaker theology than we/our church has?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">42.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>What do the following
verses tell us about the glory of God in nature (Ps. 19:1; 104:31-32; Rom.
1:19-21; Col. 1:16-17)?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Outline #8)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 13: All Scholarship is for the Love of God and Man</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Christ created all
things, hence all things reveal Him, and Christ reveals the Father. <o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>If we are in Christ, we are
a new creation, and all that we do in and with this created world can and
should be done to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31) & for the sake of Christ.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>We cannot pursue chemistry,
or Grammar, or singing, or sports, or anything for God’s glory if we do not see
how all these things are rooted in the creative power of God; we only see the
relationship of all things to God’s glory by serious thinking and studying, not
only the special revelation of Scripture, but the general revelation of nature
as well.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>There is a fundamental
antithesis between the believer and unbeliever.</u> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>So, Christians in academia
should not long for or ordinarily expect appreciation from their
secular/unbelieving peers, nor from secular universities. The cross is
foolishness to them, and the idea that God has made all creation for Himself is
repugnant to them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“God has revealed Himself
in His Word and in His world… because He means to be loved fully” and glorified
fully (175). Therefore, “all thinking, all learning, all education, and all
research is for the sake of knowing God, loving God, and showing God” (p. 175;
see Rom. 11:36). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conclusion: A Final Plea<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Piper’s plea to those
who don’t love to think.<o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Don’t change your nature,
but value thinking and those who do think carefully. It’s only because of much
thoughtful labor that we have Bibles in our own language, translated from the
Hebrew and Greek. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Respect those who labor in
intellectual pursuits for your sake, especially our pastors and teachers (1
Thess. 5:12-13).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Pray for Christian pastors,
scholars, and teachers, that they would remain faithful to God’s Word, and for
the conversion of others in academia. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Don’t let your lack of
careful thinking lead you to embrace poor, lazy, unbiblical thoughts. Rather,
embrace the truth with your mind to the best of your ability.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>v.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Read the Bible with care
and joy, and rely on your pastors and deep thinkers to guide you. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Piper’s plea to those
who love to think.<o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Your love and God-given
ability for thinking carefully and critically is much needed in the church and
in the world today. Serve with your thinking.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Use your thinking for
proclaiming and magnifying the glory of Christ. Make it central to all your
thoughts, projects, and endeavors.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Be humble in your thinking
and acquired knowledge. Confess that what you have is only that which you
undeservedly received from God Himself. Magnify Christ and His work, not your
wittiness. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Enjoy the Word of God above
all else, for in it all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden
because God’s Word contains the God-Man Jesus Christ. Do not pursue the
knowledge of God like an emotionless robot, but with a beating heart that is
ready to burst for joy at the sight of beholding Him.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>v.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Use your thinking to love
God and love others, not to stroke your own ego or to gain a sinful advantage
over others. Serve God, and others, with your mind. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>REFLECTION
QUESTIONS</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">43.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>According to Mark Noll on
p. 173, in what places did the Protestant Reformation have its greatest impact?
In light of all that we have read, why do you think this was so?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">44.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christians sometimes think
that doing the “Lord’s work” or “full time Christian ministry” is only
fulfilled by pastors and missionaries. In light of chapter 13, is this true?
Defend your answer.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">45.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Thinking is a gift of God,
and using the gift of thinking is necessary to coming to a point of
understanding God, or anything. Review 2 Tim. 2:7 and Prov. 2:3-6. In light of
these verses and this whole book, how important is thinking to the life of the
Christian? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-74199340223071599622023-12-09T12:47:00.001-05:002023-12-09T12:51:19.862-05:00The Reformed/Puritans on Knowledge, Learning, and Christian Education<br /> "The Puritans overwhelmingly defended the cause of learning and the faculty of reason against such attacks on the mind. For the Puritans, zeal was no substitute for knowledge. John Preston declared, “I deny not but a man may have much knowledge and want grace, but on the other side,…you cannot have more grace than you have knowledge.”16 Richard Baxter believed that “education is God’s ordinary way for the conveyance of his grace, and ought no more to be set in opposition to the Spirit than the preaching of the Word.”17 John Cotton claimed that although “knowledge is no knowledge without zeal,” yet “zeal is but a wild-fire without knowledge.”18 The sectaries and antinomians pictured faith and reason as antagonists. The Puritans rejected the perennial attempt to belittle reason in religious matters. “Faith is grounded upon knowledge,” said Samuel Willard; “though God be…seen by an eye of faith, yet he must be seen by an eye of reason too: for though faith sees things above reason, yet it sees nothing but in a way of reason.”19 John Preston wrote that divine grace elevateth reason, and makes it higher, it makes it see further than reason could, it is contrary indeed to corrupt reason, but to reason that is right reason it is not contrary, only it raiseth it higher: and therefore faith teacheth nothing contrary to sense and reason.20 John Cotton called reason “an essential wisdom in us,” and William Hubbard, “our most faithful and best councilor.”21 The Puritans’ faith in the authority of the Bible did not lead them to belittle reason as unimportant. Cotton Mather made the profound comment that “Scripture is reason in its highest elevation.”22 Harvard’s first college laws required that students be able not only to read the Scriptures, but also “to resolve them logically.”23 A hint of what this entailed is suggested by Richard Baxter’s description of instances when Christians must use their reason: We must use our best reason…to know which are the true Canonical Scriptures…, to expound the text, to translate it truly…, to gather just and certain inferences from Scripture assertions; to apply general rules to particular cases, in matters of doctrine, worship, discipline, and ordinary practice.24 William Bridge sounded the authentic Puritan note when he wrote that “reason is of great use, even in the things of God.”25 Thomas Hooker was eulogized by his colleague Samuel Stone for making “the truth appear by light of reason.”26 Given the forces of anti-intellectualism at work in their own religious milieu, the Puritans could have slipped into a disparagement of reason. Instead they remained defenders of reason and knowledge.<div><br />Puritan Aversion to Ignorance</div><div> <br />The Puritans’ defense of learning and reason had as its counterpart an unusual aversion to ignorance, especially in religious matters. The impulse behind the Puritans’ founding of Harvard College was their “dreading to leave an illiterate ministry to the churches, when our present ministers shall lie in the dust.”27 Ebenezer Pemberton, in a funeral sermon delivered on the death of the Honorable John Walley, declared that “when ignorance and barbarity invade a generation, their glory is laid in the dust.”28 Thomas Hooker exclaimed regarding the English people of his day, “It is incredible and unconceivable, what ignorance is among them,” while William Perkins was of the opinion that “where ignorance reigneth, there reigns sin.”29 To say that the Puritans treasured an educated mind is not to imply that they found that ideal easy to attain. The obstacles to it were the same then as now: mental laziness, the complacency and snobbery of ignorance, the pressures of time, and the temptation to amass money instead of paying for an education. Puritan leaders, at least, valued an educated mind over material riches. Cotton Mather admonished his congregation with the comment, “If your main concern be to get the riches of this world for your children, and leave a belly full of this world unto them, it looks very suspiciously as if you were yourselves the people of this world, whose portion is only in this life.”30 John Milton paid this moving tribute to his father as he neared the completion of his college education: Father, you did not enjoin me to go where the broad way lies open, where money slides more easily into the hand, and the golden hope of piling up wealth shines bright and sure…, desiring rather that my mind should be cultivated and enriched…What greater wealth could a father have given…, though he had given all things except heaven?31 Setting the right priority of values has been the hidden agenda for every generation of Christians. In a day of relatively modest material means, many Puritans showed by their actions that they valued learning above possessions.</div><div><br />The Christian Purpose of Education</div><div> <br />Albert Einstein once remarked that we live in a day of perfect means and confused goals. The Puritans did not make that mistake. The strength of their educational theory was that they knew what education was for. Their primary goal was Christian nurture and growth. The statutes of Emmanuel College, the most Puritan college at Cambridge University, stated, “There are three things which above all we desire all the Fellows of this college to attend to, to wit, the worship of God, the increase of the faith, and probity of morals.”32 John Knox exhorted the Council of Scotland to be “most careful for the virtuous education and godly upbringing of the youth of this realm,” for “the advancement of Christ’s glory.”33 American Puritans voiced the same religious goals for education. The immediate occasion for founding Harvard College was religious, as we have already seen. One rule observed at the new college was this: Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3, and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning.34 When his son entered Harvard as a student, Thomas Shepard wrote to him, “Remember the end of your life, which is coming back again to God, and fellowship with God.”35 The religious goal of education was evident in the most famous educational act ever passed in America. It is known as “Ye Old Deluder Act” and it established free public education in Massachusetts in 1647. The reason that the General Court of Massachusetts gave for the establishment of a reading school was this: it is “one chief project of ye old deluder, Satan, to keep men from the knowledge of the Scriptures.”36 The way to foil Satan, according to the Puritans, was to educate people to read and study the Bible. It is obvious that the Puritans would be shocked by secular education devoid of religious purpose. In their view, such an education would lack the most essential ingredient. Cotton Mather expressed it thus: Before all, and above all, tis the knowledge of the Christian religion that parents are to teach their children…The knowledge of other things, though it be never so desirable an accomplishment for them, our children may arrive to eternal happiness without it. But the knowledge of the godly doctrine in the words of the Lord Jesus Christ is a million times more necessity for them.37 The English preacher Thomas Gataker saw things the same way: Let parents learn here what to aim at in the education of their children…: not study only how to provide portions for them…but labor to train them up in true wisdom and discretion.38 It is important to note in passing that Puritan writers on the subject address most of their remarks about the Christian goal of education to parents, not to educators. In the Puritans’ view, Christian education begins at home and is ultimately the responsibility of parents. Schools are only an extension of parental instruction and values, not a substitute for them."</div><div><br /></div><div><div>The Centrality of the Bible in the Curriculum </div><div><br /></div><div>Given this religious conception of education, the Puritans naturally made the study of the Bible and Christian doctrine central in their curriculum. This practice can be traced to Luther, who had insisted, “Above all, the foremost reading for everybody, both in the universities and in the schools, should be Holy Scripture…I would advise no one to send his child where the Holy Scriptures are not supreme.”39 The Puritans agreed. At Cambridge University, the statutes of Emmanuel College established the Bible as central to the curriculum: It is an ancient institution in the church…that schools and colleges be founded for the education of young men in all piety and good learning and especially in Holy Writ and theology, that being thus instructed they may thereafter teach true and pure religion.40 At Harvard College the rule was that every one shall so exercise himself in reading the Scriptures twice a day that he shall be ready to give such an account of his proficiency therein…as his tutor shall require,…seeing the entrance of the word giveth light, it giveth understanding to the simple, Psalm 119:130.41 The Puritans’ aim in the classroom was to measure all human knowledge by the standard of biblical truth. Although Milton’s proposed curriculum contained both classical and Christian readings, the works of writers like Plato and Plutarch were subjected finally to “the determinate sentence of David and Solomon, or the evangels and apostolic scriptures.”42 Thomas Hall wrote that “we must…bring human learning home to divinity to be pruned and pared with spiritual wisdom.”43 A stipulation at Rivington School, one of many grammar schools founded by Puritans in Lancashire, England, was that the instruction must be in accord with “that which is contained in the holy Bible.”44 Milton’s Definition of Christian Education The classic statement of the Christian goal of education appears in Milton’s famous treatise Of Education, where he wrote: The end then of learning is to repair the ruins of our first parents by regaining to know God aright, and out of that knowledge to love him, to imitate him, to be like him.45 Milton here defines education in terms of what it is designed to accomplish. There may be many ways to achieve a Christian education, but in the meantime we had better not lose sight of what it is. In Milton’s view, education is not what people so often reduce it to—completing a certain number of courses, writing the required number of papers, “getting a requirement out of the way,” or acquiring a degree (though perhaps not an education). Milton the educator is less interested in how much a person knows than in the kind of person he or she is in the process of becoming. The goal of education, in Milton’s definition, focuses on a person’s relationship to God. Properly conducted, a person’s education makes him or her a better Christian. Milton even describes education as a process of sanctification when he writes that the aim is “to know God aright, and out of that knowledge to love him, to imitate him, to be like him.” We customarily limit sanctification to moral and spiritual progress; for Milton, becoming like God can mean coming to share God’s love of truth and beauty as well as his holiness. The Puritans kept the religious goal of education clearly in view. They had big expectations for Christian education, which they conceived very broadly. While our society today is preoccupied with marketable skills, the Puritans were busy talking about becoming like God.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>The Liberal Arts Ideal </div><div><br /></div><div>The Puritan emphasis on the Christian element in education will surprise no one. That emphasis, however, is only half of the picture. The other half is not nearly so well known. While the aim of Puritan education was religious, its content was the liberal arts. Puritan colleges were established primarily to provide an educated clergy, but this did not mean that they were seminaries or Bible colleges. They were Christian liberal arts colleges. This concern for a broad education in all subjects was influenced by the Continental Reformers, especially Luther and Calvin. Luther had written to the councilmen of Germany: If I had children and could manage it, I would have them study not only languages and history, but also singing and music together with the whole of mathematics…The ancient Greeks trained their children in these disciplines;…they grew up to be people of wonderous ability, subsequently fit for everything.46 “Fit for everything”: this has always been the goal of liberal education, as distinct from vocational training. The person fit for everything was also a Puritan ideal. Robert Cleaver theorized that no matter what profession a person entered, the more skill and knowledge he hath in the liberal sciences, so much the sooner shall he learn his occupation and the more ready…shall he be about the same.47 In the Dorchester, Massachusetts, regulations of 1645, the master of the school was required to instruct his pupils “both in humane learning and good literature,” with the latter phrase denoting the humanities as distinct from a vocational education.48 We might expect that as the early American settlers struggled with the wilderness for their survival they would have been indifferent to the liberal arts, but the reverse is true. Cotton Mather praised President Charles Chauncy of Harvard not only for “how constantly he expounded the Scriptures to them in the college hall” but also “how learnedly he…conveyed all the liberal arts unto those that sat at his feet.”49 The ministerial students at Harvard not only learned to read the Bible in its original languages and to expound theology, but also studied mathematics, astronomy, physics, botany, chemistry, philosophy, poetry, history, and medicine. One authority describes the initial tradition at Harvard as one in which “there was no distinction between a liberal and a theological education, and its two sources were first, Calvinism, and second, Aristotle.”50 For the Reformers and their heirs the Puritans, no education was complete if it included only religious knowledge. Samuel Rutherford said, for example, “It is false that Scripture only, as contradistinguished from the law of nature, can direct us to Heaven: for both concurreth in a special manner, nor is the one exclusive of the other.”51 The General Court of Massachusetts went on record as believing that “skill in the tongues and liberal arts” was “beyond all question not only laudable but necessary for educated people.”52 Here again we can see the Puritan unwillingness to set up a division between the spiritual and the natural. To this day, ministers in the Reformed and Puritan traditions are expected to have a college education plus seminary training, not simply a religious education as in some pietistic traditions. This practice is part of the Puritan heritage. “What art or science is there which a divine shall not stand in need of?” asked Richard Bernard; “grammar, rhetoric, logic, physics, mathematics, metaphysics, ethics, politics, economics, history, and military discipline” are all useful to the minister.53 In America, President Chauncy of Harvard said that “as far as it concerns a minister to preach all profitable and Scripture truths, the knowledge of arts and sciences is useful and expedient to him to hold them forth to his hearers.”54 Cotton Mather’s writings show his acquaintance with more than three hundred authors, including Aristotle, Cato, Livy, Homer, Ovid, Plutarch, Virgil, and Tacitus.55 Matthew Swallow praised his pastor, John Cotton, for excelling “in the knowledge of the arts and tongues, and in all kind of learning divine and human,” adding, “Neither did he feed his people with the empty husks of vain discourses.”56 The Puritans’ endorsement of the liberal arts is easily explainable if we keep in mind that in England the Puritan era was also the age of the Renaissance. The Renaissance was a rebirth of the humanistic values of classical culture. It was based on a recovery of classical written texts, and it led to humanism—the striving to perfect all human possibilities. Although in our century the term “humanism” is sometimes used to denote purely human knowledge, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries most humanists were Christian humanists. They valued human knowledge within a context of God-centered Christianity. It would be a great mistake to set up Puritanism and the classical Renaissance as opposites. They shared much in common, including a repudiation of medieval Catholicism, a desire to return to a more distant past, and a preoccupation with ancient written texts as the key to constructive change. That is why C. S. Lewis can write that “there was no necessary enmity between Puritans and humanists. They were often the same people, and nearly always the same sort of people: the young men in the Movement, the impatient progressives demanding a ‘clean sweep.’”57 The first translators of classical texts into English were radical Protestants or Puritans.58 Both the humanistic Renaissance and Puritanism shared a zeal for education as the best means by which to change the consciousness and values of their culture.59 The Puritan ideal was a comprehensive study of human knowledge in all its branches within a context of biblical revelation. Such an integration of human knowledge with the Bible is captured in a Harvard thesis of 1670 that described the seven liberal arts as “a circle of seven sections of which the center is God.”60 Puritans of such a mind looked on piety and learning as complementary, not as opposites. The phrases they used when speaking about schools speak volumes: “seed plots of piety and the liberal arts”; “piety, morality, and learning”; “knowledge and godliness”; “progress in learning and godliness”; “that fit persons of approved piety and learning may…employ themselves in the education of children in piety and good literature.”61</div><div><br /></div></div></div><div><div>All Truth Is God’s Truth </div><div><br /></div><div>The Puritan commitment to humanistic knowledge was based on the conviction that God is the ultimate source of all truth. All truth is God’s truth. Richard Sibbes asserted that truth comes from God, wheresoever we find it, and it is ours, it is the church’s…We must not make an idol of these things, but truth, wheresoever we find it, is the church’s; therefore, with a good conscience we may make use of any human author.62 Charles Chauncy said in a commencement sermon, “It cannot be denied that all truth, whosoever it be that speaks it, comes from the God of truth.”63 The doctrinal framework that allowed the Puritans to affirm both religious and human knowledge was the idea that God had revealed his truth in two “books”—the Bible and nature. In England, Edward Reynolds refuted the sectaries’ attack on human learning with the comment: there is a knowledge of God natural in and by his works: and a knowledge supernatural by revelation out of the Word; and though this be the principal, yet the other is not to be undervalued.64</div><div> </div><div>On the other side of the Atlantic, Thomas Shepard wrote to his son at Harvard: Remember that not only heavenly and spiritual and supernatural knowledge descends from God, but also all natural and human learning and abilities; and therefore pray much, not only for the one but also for the other from the Father of Lights and mercies.65 Believing in God’s general revelation in nature as well as his special revelation in the Bible, the Puritans fully embraced the scientific study of the physical world. Whether they actually produced the rise of modern science is a question of great scholarly debate, but that they were favorable to that movement is indisputable.66 Richard Baxter wrote: Our physics, which is a great part of human learning, is but the knowledge of God’s admirable works; and hath any man the face to call himself God’s creature, and yet to reproach it as vain human learning?67 Alexander Richardson wrote that “the world and the creatures therein are like a book wherein God’s wisdom is written, and there must we seek it out.”68 For John Cotton, “To study the nature and course and use of all God’s works is a duty imposed by God upon all sorts of men.”69 The Puritans embraced the study of the arts as fully as science. In the Dorchester regulations of 1645 the master was required to instruct his pupils “both in human learning and good literature,” which meant the humanities and the classics.70 Increase Mather went so far as to tell the legislature that “some have well and truly observed that the interest of religion and good literature hath risen and fallen together.”71 Buttressing the Puritan acceptance of the liberal arts was the doctrine of common grace, which has always been prominent in Calvinism. The doctrine of common grace asserts that God endows all people, believers and unbelievers alike, with a capacity for truth, goodness, and beauty. Calvin described common grace thus: In reading profane authors, the admirable light of truth displayed in them should remind us that the human mind, however much fallen and perverted from its original integrity, is still adorned and invested with admirable gifts from its Creator. If we reflect that the Spirit of God is the only fountain of truth, we will be careful…not to reject or condemn truth wherever it appears.72 A firm grip on the doctrine of common grace allowed most Puritan educators to accept the validity of pagan learning.73 Increase Mather noted that “some among the heathen have been notable moralists, such as Cato, Seneca, Aristides, etc.”74 Based on such a view of common grace, Mather could encourage people to “find a friend in Plato, a friend in Socrates and…in Aristotle.”75 Charles Chauncy wrote, “Who can deny but that there are found many excellent and divine moral truths in Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch, Seneca, etc.?”76 The English Puritan Richard Sibbes believed that since “truth comes from God,” we “may read heathen authors.”77 Since all truth is God’s truth, it is ultimately one. The Puritans thus had a foundation for seeing the interrelatedness of all academic subjects. Samuel Mather commented that all the arts are nothing else but the beams and rays of the Wisdom of the first Being in the creatures, shining and reflecting thence upon the glass of man’s understanding; and as from Him they come, so to Him they tend. Hence there is an affinity and kindred of arts. One makes use of another, one serves to another, till they all reach and return to Him.78 Someone has rightly said that “in view of the Puritans’ belief in the unity of all knowledge, to surrender any of the arts and sciences…was unthinkable.”79</div></div><div><br />Ryken, Leland. Worldly Saints (pp. 159-169). Zondervan Academic. Kindle Edition.</div>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-40519061552557204072023-11-23T20:46:00.002-05:002023-11-23T20:46:41.979-05:00Calvinists: Founders of Christian Nations <p>This post/list comes courtesy of Cody Justice: https://www.facebook.com/plymouth.weaver </p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Some <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/thanksgiving?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZXXgG21pxlWxAi1cENKmqN241swgAVuzsLXZ-A826rgiFiBg0Zkpvz4_p72hb_3nh5YrzhAEU2AIwY3s8KqfCCvaQrCfn_rZlCPQCui5tIETG0WfxSNP6dOPFqvpyEUHhooOGOyUKFB7nYKDVo2xIcgYJgs63Ih6bfkc25_IwIqqba2IdZR1R-fzjjSu7ja_Es&__tn__=*NK-y-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#Thanksgiving</a></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/christiannationalism?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZXXgG21pxlWxAi1cENKmqN241swgAVuzsLXZ-A826rgiFiBg0Zkpvz4_p72hb_3nh5YrzhAEU2AIwY3s8KqfCCvaQrCfn_rZlCPQCui5tIETG0WfxSNP6dOPFqvpyEUHhooOGOyUKFB7nYKDVo2xIcgYJgs63Ih6bfkc25_IwIqqba2IdZR1R-fzjjSu7ja_Es&__tn__=*NK-y-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#ChristianNationalism</a></span> food for those who have appetite. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"Calvin is the man who, next to St. Paul, has done most good to mankind."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—William <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>Cunningham </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"To omit Calvin from the forces of Western evolution is to read history with one eye shut."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—Lord John Morley</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"It would hardly be too much to say that for the latter part of his lifetime and a century after his death John Calvin was the most influential man in the world, in the sense that his ideas were making more history than those of anyone else during that period. Calvin’s theology produced the Puritans in England, the Huguenots in France, the ‘Beggars’ in Holland, the Covenanters in Scotland, and the Pilgrim Fathers of New England, and was more or less directly responsible for the Scottish uprising, the revolt of the Netherlands, the French wars of religion, and the English Civil War. Also, it was Calvin’s doctrine of the state as a servant of God that established the ideal of constitutional representative government and led to the explicit acknowledgment of the rights and liberties of subjects. . . . It is doubtful whether any other theologian has ever played so significant a part in world history."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—J. I. Packer</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"The strength of that heretic [Calvin] consisted in this, that money never had the slightest charm for him. If I had such servants my dominion would extend from sea to sea."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—Pope Pius IV</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"Whatever the cause, the Calvinists were the only fighting Protestants. It was they whose faith gave them courage to stand up for the Reformation. In England, Scotland, France, Holland, they, and they only, did the work, and but for them the Reformation would have been crushed... If it had not been for Calvinists, Huguenots, Puritans, and whatever you like to call them, the Pope and Philip would have won, and we should either be Papists or Socialists."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—Sir John Skelton</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"[Calvinists] are the true heroes of England. They founded England, in spite of the corruption of the Stuarts, by the exercise of duty, by the practice of justice, by obstinate toil, by vindication of right, by resistance to oppression, by the conquest of liberty, by the repression of vice. They founded Scotland; they founded the United States; at this day they are, by their descendants, founding Australia and colonizing the world."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—French atheist Hippolyte Taine (1828 to 1893)</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"Calvinism has been the chief source of republican government."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—Lorraine Boettner</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"In Calvinism lies the origin and guarantee of our constitutional liberties."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—Groen van Prinsterer</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"John Calvin was the virtual founder of America."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—German historian Leopold von Ranke</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"The Revolution of 1776, so far as it was affected by religion, was a Presbyterian measure. It was the natural outgrowth of the principles which the Presbyterianism of the Old World planted in her sons, the English Puritans, the Scotch Covenanters, the French Huguenots, the Dutch Calvinists, and the Presbyterians of Ulster."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—George Bancroft</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“He who will not honor the memory and respect the influence of Calvin knows but little of the origin of American liberty.”</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—George Bancroft</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"Let not Geneva be forgotten or despised. Religious liberty in the West owes Calvin much respect."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—John Adams </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Von Kuehnelt-Leddihn, a Roman Catholic intellectual and National Review contributor, asserts: “If we call the American statesmen of the late eighteenth century the Founding Fathers of the United States, then the Pilgrims and Puritans were the grandfathers and Calvin the great-grandfather…” </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“In the firm conviction that virtue must finally be supreme, and that a wise and beneficent Providence has designed this continent to be the theater of the yet more glorious conquests of Christianity, it is the mission and the duty of all friends of the evangelical truth to combine in the attempt to hold and appropriate this country, with its resources, monuments, and institutions, for an empire devoted to the spread of God’s kingdom in the earth and the universal reign of Jesus Christ.”</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">–Byron Sunderland (1863), The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the U.S, pg. 29</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"The persecutions of the Puritans in England for non-conformity, and the religious agitations and conflicts in Germany by Luther, in Geneva by Calvin and in Scotland by Knox, were the preparatory ordeals for qualifying Christian men for the work of establishing the civil institutions on the American continent. “God sifted” in these conflicts, “a whole nation, that he might send choice grain over into this wilderness;” and the blood and persecution of the martyrs became the seed of both church and state.”</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">–Morris, Christian Life and Character, pg. 41</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">US SENATE, 1853: [re: Constitution Article 1, Section 7, Paragraph 2] “In the law, Sunday is a “dies non;” ...The executive departments, the public establishments, are all closed on Sundays; on that day neither House of Congress sits...Here is a recognition by law, and by universal usage, not only of a Sabbath, but of the Christian Sabbath, in exclusion of the Jewish or Mohammedan Sabbath...The recognition of the Christian Sabbath [by the Constitution] is complete and perfect.”</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—BF Morris, The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States, Philadelphia: GW Childs, 1864, p.65-68</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1854: [Petitioners sought to dismiss military and congressional chaplains. The courts and House had already rejected them] “At the adoption of the</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Constitution, we believe every State -- certainly ten of the thirteen -- provided as regularly for the support of the Church as for the support of the Government...Had the people, during the Revolution, had a suspicion of any attempt to war against Christianity, that Revolution would have been strangled in its cradle. At the time of the adoption of the Constitution and the amendments, the universal sentiment was that Christianity should be encouraged, but not any one sect...It [Christianity] ...must be considered as the foundation on which the whole structure rests. Laws will</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">not have permanence or power without the sanction of religious sentiment, --without a firm belief that there is a Power above us that will reward our virtues and punish our vices. In this age, there is no substitute for Christianity: that, in its general principles, is the great conservative element on which we must rely for the purity and permanence of free institutions. That was the religion of the</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">founders of the republic, and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants. There is a great and very prevalent error on this subject in the opinion that those who organized this</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Government did not legislate on religion.”. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—BF Morris, The Christian Life and Character of the</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Civil Institutions of the United States; Philadelphia: George W. Childs, 1864, p 317-323</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1854: “The great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and divine truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—BF Morris, The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States; Philadelphia: George W. Childs, 1864, p 328</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“This is a Christian nation, first in name, and secondly because</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">of the many and mighty elements of a pure Christianity which have given it character and shaped its destiny from the beginning. It is pre-eminently the land of the Bible, of the Christian Church, and of</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">the Christian Sabbath...The chief security and glory of the United States of America has been, is now, and will be forever, the prevalence and domination of the Christian Faith.”</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—BF Morris, The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States; Philadelphia: George W. Childs, 1864, p 11</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">DANIEL WEBSTER, 1820: “Cultivated mind was to act on uncultivated nature; and more than all, a government and a country were to commence, with the very first foundations laid under the divine light of the Christian religion. Happy Auspices of a happy futurity! Who would wish that his country’s existence had otherwise begun? ...Our fathers were brought hither by their high</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">veneration for the Christian religion. They journeyed by its light, and labored in its hope. They sought to incorporate its principles with the elements of their society, and to diffuse its influence</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">through all their institutions, civil, political, or literary.”</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—The Works of Daniel Webster, Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1853, Vol 1, p.22</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE, 1830’s: “Upon my arrival in the United States, the religious aspect of the country was the first thing that struck my attention; and the longer I stayed there, the more</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">did I perceive the great political consequences resulting from this state of things, to which I was unaccustomed. In France I had almost always seen the spirit of religion and the spirit of freedom</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">pursuing courses diametrically opposed to each other; but in America I found that they were intimately united, and that they reigned in common over the same country. p.337</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">---The Americans combine the notions of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other. p.335</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">---Religion in America...must nevertheless be regarded as the foremost of the political institutions</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">of that country. p.334</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">---They brought with them...a form of Christianity, which I cannot better describe, than by styling it a democratic and republican religion...From the earliest settlement of the emigrants, politics and</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">religion contracted an alliance which has never been dissolved. p.328</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">---I do not know whether all the Americans have a sincere faith in their religion; for who can search the human heart? but I am certain that they hold it to be indispensable to the maintenance of republican institutions. This opinion is not peculiar to a class of citizens or to a party, but it belongs to the whole nation, and to every rank of society. p.334</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">---Christianity, therefore, reigns without any obstacle, by universal consent.”p.333</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—The Republic of the United States of America and Its Political Institutions, Reviewed and Examined, Henry Reeves, trans., Vol 1, pages as listed above, Garden City, NY: AS Barnes & Co., 1851</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"The State cannot be restored to order until it settles down upon some form of religion again. As the subjects of a State must have a religion in order to be truly obedient, and as it is the true religion alone which converts obedience into a living principle, it is obvious that a Commonwealth can no more be organized which shall recognize all religions, than one which shall recognize none. The sanctions of its laws must have a centre of unity somewhere.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">To combine in the same government contradictory systems of faith is as hopelessly impossible as to constitute into one State men of different races and languages. The Christian, the Pagan, the Mohammedan, Jews, Infidels and Turks, cannot coalesce as organic elements in one body politic. The State must take its religious type from the doctrines, the precepts, and the institutions of one or the other of these parties...</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The Church and the State, as visible institutions, are entirely distinct, and neither can usurp the province of the other without injury to both. But religion, as a life, as an inward principle, though specially developed and fostered by the Church, extends its domain beyond the sphere of technical worship, touches all the relations of man, and constitutes the inspiration of every duty.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The service of the Commonwealth becomes an act of piety to God. The State realizes its religious character through the religious character of its subjects; and a State is and ought to be Christian, because all its subjects are and ought to be determined by the principles of the Gospel. As every legislator is bound to be a Christian man, he has no right to vote for any laws which are inconsistent with the teachings of the Scriptures. He must carry his Christian conscience into the halls of legislation."</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—James Henley Thornwell</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">"On the 22d of December, 1620, the Puritans, one hundred and one in number, landed from the Mayflower, and planted their feet on the Rock of Plymouth, and began a new era in the history of the world. The day and the rock became canonized in American history, and emblems of the grandest Christian ideas and associations. The first act of the Puritans, after landing, was to kneel down and offer their thanksgiving to God, and by a solemn act of prayer, and in the name and for the sake of Christ, to take possession of the continent.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">They thus repeated the Christian consecration which Columbus, more than a century before, had given to the New World, and so twice in the most formal and solemn manner was it devoted to Christ and Christian civilization. The seed thus planted bore an abundant harvest of Christian fruits, which have blessed the nation and enriched the world. How significant and sublime the lessons that gather round and flow from Plymouth Rock! How does it speak for God and of God! How grandly does it proclaim the Christian faith and fruits of those great and good men who, in prayer and faith, planted a Christian empire in the New World, and started a Christian nation on a noble career of progress and greatness!"</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">—Benjamin Morris </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Grab the ox goad. Find some foxes and torches, and light it up. The land belongs to us, and to our children.</div></div>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-12692457819716312362023-11-03T10:03:00.004-05:002023-11-03T10:03:43.931-05:00Calvin on Christ's Agony in Gethsemane and Prayer<p> Read more of Calvin's comments on this passage here: https://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/luke/22.htm </p><p><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/26-36.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">Matthew 26:36</a>. Then Jesus cometh with them. Luke mentions the mountain of Olives only. Mark and Matthew add a more minute description of the place. But Luke expresses what is still more to the purpose, that Christ came there according to his custom. Hence we infer, that he did not seek retirement for the purpose of concealing himself, but, as if he had made an assignation with his enemies, he presented himself to death. On this account John says (18:2) that the place was known to the traitor, because Jesus was wont to come there frequently. In this passage, therefore, his obedience is again described to us, because he could not have appeased the Father but by a voluntary death.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Sit here. By leaving the disciples at a distance, he spares their weakness; as if a man, perceiving that he would soon be in extreme danger in battle, were to leave his wife and children in a situation of safety. But though he intended to place them all beyond arrow-shot, yet he took three of them who accompanied him more closely than the rest, and these were the flower and choice, in which there was greater rigor. And yet he did not take them, as if he believed that they would be able to sustain the attack, but that they might afford a proof of the defect which was common to them all.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">37. He began to be affected with grief. We have seen that our Lord formerly contended with the fear of death; but as he now fights face to face with temptation, such an attack is called the beginning of grief and sorrow. Hence we infer that the true test of virtue is only to be found when the contest begins; for then the weakness of the flesh, which was formerly concealed, shows itself, and the secret feelings are abundantly displayed. Thus, though God had already tried his Son by certain preparatory exercises, he now wounds him more sharply by a nearer prospect of death, and strikes his mind with a terror to which he had not been accustomed. But as it appears to be inconsistent with the divine glory of Christ, that he was seized with trembling and sadness, many commentators have labored with toil and anxiety to find some way of evading the difficulty. But their labor has been ill-judged and of no use; for if we are ashamed that Christ should experience fear and sorrow, our redemption will perish and be lost.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Ambrose justly says: "I not only do not think that there is any need of excuse, but there is no instance in which I admire more his kindness and his majesty; for he would not have done so much for me, if he had not taken upon him my feelings. He grieved for me, who had no cause of grief for himself; and, laying aside the delights of the eternal Godhead, he experiences the affliction of my weakness. I boldly call it sorrow, because I preach the cross. For he took upon him not the appearance, but the reality, of incarnation. It was therefore necessary that he should experience grief, that he might overcome sorrow, and not shut it out; for the praise of fortitude is not bestowed on those who are rather stupefied than pained by wounds." Thus far Ambrose.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Certainly those who imagine that the Son of God was exempt from human passions do not truly and sincerely acknowledge him to be a man. And when it is even said that the divine power of Christ rested and was concealed for a time, that by his sufferings he might discharge all that belonged to the Redeemer, this was so far from being absurd, that in no other way could the mystery of our salvation have been accomplished. For Cyril has properly said: "That the suffering of Christ on the cross was not in every respect voluntary, but that it was voluntary on account of the will of the Father, and on account of our salvation, you may easily learn from his prayer, Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. For the same reason that the Word of God is God, (<a href="https://biblehub.com/john/1-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">John 1:1</a>,) and is naturally life itself, (<a href="https://biblehub.com/john/11-25.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">John 11:25</a>,) nobody doubts that he had no dread of death; but, having been made flesh, (<a href="https://biblehub.com/john/1-14.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">John 1:14</a>,) he allows the flesh to feel what belongs to it, and, therefore, being truly a man, he trembles at death, when it is now at the door, and says, Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; but since it cannot be otherwise, let it be not as I will, but as thou wilt. You see how human nature, even in Christ himself, has the sufferings and fears which belong to it, but that the Word, who is united to it, raises it to a fortitude which is worthy of God." He at length concludes: "You perceive that it was not for the sake of the flesh that the death of Christ was voluntary, but that it was voluntary, because, on account of it, according to the will of the Father, salvation and life were bestowed on men." Such are the views of Cyril.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Still the weakness which Christ took upon himself must be distinguished from ours, for there is a great difference. In us there is no affection unaccompanied by sin, because they all exceed due bounds and proper restraint; but when Christ was distressed by grief and fear, he did not rise against God, but continued to be regulated by the true rule of moderation. We need not wonder that, since he was innocent, and pure from every stain, the affections which flowed from him were pure and stainless; but that nothing proceeds from the corrupt nature of men which is not impure and filthy. Let us, therefore, attend to this distinction, that Christ, amidst fear and sadness, was weak without any taint of sin; but that all our affections are sinful, because they rise to an extravagant height.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The kind of feelings, by which Christ was tempted, is also worthy of notice. Matthew says that he was affected by grief and sorrow (or anxiety;)Luke says that he was seized with anguish; and Mark adds that he trembled. And whence came his sorrow and anguish, and fear, but because he felt that death had something in it more sad and more dreadful than the separation of the soul and body? And certainly he underwent death, not merely that he might depart from earth to heaven, but rather that, by taking upon himself the curse to which we were liable, he might deliver us from it. He had no horror at death, therefore, simply as a passage out of the world, but because he had before his eyes the dreadful tribunal of God, and the Judge himself armed with inconceivable vengeance; and because our sins, the load of which was laid upon him, pressed him down with their enormous weight. There is no reason to wonder, therefore, if the dreadful abyss of destruction tormented him grievously with fear and anguish.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">38. My soul is sorrowful. He communicates to them his sorrow, in order to arouse them to sympathy; not that he was unacquainted with their weakness, but in order that they might afterwards be more ashamed of their carelessness. This phrase expresses a deadly wound of grief; as if he had said, that he fainted, or was half-dead, with sorrow. Jonah (4:9) makes use of a similar phrase in replying to the Lord; I am angry even to death. I advert to this, because some of the ancient writers, in handling this passage with a misapplication of ingenuity, philosophize in this way, that the soul of Christ was not sorrowful in death but only even to death. And here again we ought to remember the cause of so great sorrow; for death in itself would not have so grievously tormented the mind of the Son of God, if he had not felt that he had to deal with the judgment of God.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">39. And he went forward a little. We have seen in other passages, that in order to excite himself to greater earnestness of prayer, the Lord prayed in the absence of witnesses; for when we are withdrawn from the gaze of men, we succeed better in collecting our senses, so as to attend more closely to what we are doing. It is not, indeed, necessary -- nay more, it is not always proper -- that we should retire to distant corners whenever we pray; but when some great necessity urges us, because the fervor of prayer is more freely indulged when we are alone, it is useful to us to pray apart. And if the Son of God did not disregard this aid, it would be the greatest madness of pride in us not to apply it for our own advantage. Add to this, that when God alone is witness, as there is nothing then to be feared from ambition, the believing soul unfolds itself with greater familiarity, and with greater simplicity pours its wishes, and groans, and anxieties, and fears, and hopes, and joys, into the bosom of God. God allows his people to make use of many little modes of speaking, when they pray alone, which, in the presence of men, would savor of ostentation.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">And fell on his face. By the very gesture of falling on the earth, Christ manifested his deep earnestness in prayer. For though kneeling, as our expression of respect and reverence, is commonly used in prayer, Christ, by throwing himself on the ground as a suppliant, placed himself in a pitiable attitude on account of the vehemence of his grief.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">My Father, if it be possible. In vain do some persons labor to show that what is here described is not a prayer, but only a complaint. For my own part, while I own that it is abrupt, I have no doubt that Christ offered a prayer. Nor is it inconsistent with this, that he asks a thing that is impossible to be granted to him; for the prayers of believers do not always flow on with uninterrupted progress to the end, do not always maintain a uniform measure, are not always arranged even in a distinct order, but, on the contrary, are involved and confused, and either oppose each other, or stop in the middle of the course; like a vessel tossed by tempests, which, though it advances towards the harbor, cannot always keep a straight and uniform course, as in a calm sea. We must remember, indeed, what I lately mentioned, that Christ had not confused emotions, like those to which we are accustomed, to withdraw his mind from pure moderation; but, so far as the pure and innocent nature of man could admit, he was struck with fear and seized with anguish, so that, amidst the violent shocks of temptation, he vacillated--as it were--from one wish to another. This is the reason why, after having prayed to be freed from death, he immediately restrains himself, and, submitting to the authority of the Father, corrects and recalls that wish which had suddenly escaped him.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">But it may be asked, How did he pray that the eternal decree of the Father, of which he was not ignorant, should be revoked? or though he states a condition, if it be possible, yet it wears an aspect of absurdity to make the purpose of God changeable. We must hold it to be utterly impossible for God to revoke his decree. According to Mark, too, Christ would seem to contrast the power of God with his decree. All things, says he, are possible to thee. But it would be improper to extend the power of God so far as to lessen his truth, by making him liable to variety and change. I answer, There would be no absurdity in supposing that Christ, agreeably to the custom of the godly, leaving out of view the divine purpose, committed to the bosom of the Father his desire which troubled him. For believers, in pouring out their prayers, do not always ascend to the contemplation of the secrets of God, or deliberately inquire what is possible to be done, but are sometimes carried away hastily by the earnestness of their wishes. Thus Moses prays that he may be blotted out of the book of life, (<a href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/32-33.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">Exodus 32:33</a>;) thus Paul wished to be made an anathema, [201] (<a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/9-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">Romans 9:3</a>.) This, therefore, was not a premeditated prayer of Christ; but the strength and violence of grief suddenly drew this word from his mouth, to which he immediately added a correction. The same vehemence of desire took away from him the immediate recollection of the heavenly decree, so that he did not at that moment reflect, that it was on this condition, [202] that he was sent to be the Redeemer of mankind; as distressing anxiety often brings darkness over our eyes, so that we do not at once remember the whole state of the matter. In short, there is no impropriety, if in prayer we do not always direct our immediate attention to every thing, so as to preserve a distinct order. When Christ says, in the Gospel by Matthew, that all things are possible to God, he does not intend by these words to bring the power of God into conflict with unchangeable truth and firmness; but as there was no hope--which is usually the case when affairs are desperate--he throws himself on the power of God. The word (poterion) cup or chalice -- as we have mentioned elsewhere -- denotes the providence of God, which assigns to each his measure of the cross and of affliction, just as the master of a house gives an allowance to each servant, and distributes portions among the children.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">But yet not as I will, but as thou wilt. We see how Christ restrains his feelings at the very outset, and quickly brings himself into a state of obedience. But here it may first be inquired, How was his will pure from all vice, while it did not agree with the will of God? For if the will of God is the only rule of what is good and right, it follows, that all the feelings which are at variance with it are vicious. I:reply: Though it be true rectitude to regulate all our feelings by the good pleasure of God, yet there is a certain kind of indirect disagreement with it which is not faulty, and is not reckoned as sin; if, for example, a person desire to see the Church in a calm and flourishing condition, if he wish that the children of God were delivered from afflictions, that all superstitions were removed out of the world, and that the rage of wicked men were so restrained as to do no injury. These things, being in themselves right, may properly be desired by believers, though it may please God to order a different state of matters: for he chooses that his Son should reign among enemies; that his people should be trained under the cross; and that the triumph of faith and of the Gospel should be rendered more illustrious by the opposing machinations of Satan. We see how those prayers are holy, which appear to be contrary to the will of God; for God does not desire us to be always exact or scrupulous in inquiring what he has appointed, but allows us to ask what is desirable according to the capacity of our senses.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">But the question has not yet been fully answered: for since we have just now said that all the feelings of Christ were properly regulated, how does he now correct himself? For he brings his feelings into obedience to God in such a manner as if he had exceeded what was proper. Certainly in the first prayer we do not perceive that calm moderation which I have described; for, as far as lies in his power, he refuses and shrinks from discharging the office of Mediator. I:reply: When the dread of death was presented to his mind, and brought along with it such darkness, that he left out of view every thing else, and eagerly presented that prayer, there was no fault in this. Nor is it necessary to enter into any subtle controversy whether or not it was possible for him to forget our salvation. We ought to be satisfied with this single consideration, that at the time when he uttered a prayer to be delivered from death, he was not thinking of other things which would have shut the door against such a wish.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">If it be objected, that the first movement, which needed to be restrained before it proceeded farther, was not so well regulated as it ought to have been, I:reply: In the present corruption of our nature it is impossible to find ardor of affections accompanied by moderation, such as existed in Christ; but we ought to give such honor to the Son of God, as not to judge of him by what we find in ourselves. For in us all the affections of the flesh, when strongly excited, break out into rebellion, or, at least, have some mixture of pollution; but Christ, amidst the utmost vehemence of grief or fear, restrained himself within proper bounds. Nay more, as musical sounds, though various and differing from each other, are so far from being discordant, that they produce sweet melody and fine harmony; so in Christ there was a remarkable example of adaptation between the two wills, [203] the will of God and the will of man, so that they differed from each other without any conflict or opposition.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">This passage shows plainly enough the gross folly of those ancient heretics, who were called Monothelites, [204] because they imagined that the will of Christ was but one and simple; for Christ, as he was God, willed nothing different from the Father; and therefore it follows, that his human soul had affections distinct from the secret purpose of God. But if even Christ was under the necessity of holding his will captive, in order to subject it to the government of God, though it was properly regulated, how carefully ought we to repress the violence of our feelings, which are always inconsiderate, and rash, and full of rebellion? And though the Spirit of God governs us, so that we wish nothing but what is agreeable to reason, still we owe to God such obedience as to endure patiently that our wishes should not be granted; [205] For the modesty of faith consists in permitting God to appoint differently from what we desire. Above all, when we have no certain and special promise, we ought to abide by this rule, not to ask any thing but on the condition that God shall fulfill what he has decreed; which cannot be done, unless we give up our wishes to his disposal.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">It comes now to be inquired, what advantage did Christ gain by praying? The apostle, in writing to the Hebrews, says that he was heard (apo tos eulabeias) on account of his fear: for so ought that passage to be explained, and not, as it is usually explained, on account of his reverence, (<a href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/5-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">Hebrews 5:7</a>.) That would not have been consistent, if Christ had simply feared death; for he was not delivered from it. Hence it follows, that what led him to pray to be delivered from death was the dread of a greater evil. When he saw the wrath of God exhibited to him, as he stood at the tribunal of God charged with the sins of the whole world, he unavoidably shrunk with horror from the deep abyss of death. And, therefore, though he suffered death, yet since its pains were loosed--as Peter tells us, (<a href="https://biblehub.com/acts/2-24.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">Acts 2:24</a>,)--and he was victorious in the conflict, the Apostle justly says, that he was heard on account of his fear. Here ignorant people rise up and exclaim, that it would have been unworthy of Christ to be afraid of being swallowed up by death. But I should wish them to answer this question, What kind of fear do they suppose it to have been which drew from Christ drops of blood? (<a href="https://biblehub.com/luke/22-44.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">Luke 22:44</a>.) For that mortal sweat could only have proceeded from fearful and unusual horror. If any person, in the present day, were to sweat blood, and in such a quantity that the drops should fall to the ground, it would be reckoned an astonishing miracle; and if this happened to any man through fear of death, we would say that he had a cowardly and effeminate mind. Those men, therefore, who deny that Christ prayed that the Father would rescue him from the gulf of death, ascribe to him a cowardice that would be disgraceful even in an ordinary man.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">If it be objected, that the fear which I am describing arises from unbelief, the answer is easy. When Christ was struck with horror at the divine curse, the feeling of the flesh affected him in such a manner, that faith still remained firm and unshaken. For such was the purity of his nature, that he felt, without being wounded by them, those temptations which pierce us with their stings. And yet those persons, by representing him not to have felt temptations, foolishly imagine that he was victorious without fighting. And, indeed, we have no right to suppose that he used any hypocrisy, when he complained of a mortal sadness in his soul; nor do the Evangelists speak falsely, when they say that he was exceedingly sorrowful, and that he trembled</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">40. And he came to his disciples. Though he was neither delivered from fear, nor freed from anxiety, yet he interrupted the ardor of prayer, and administered this consolation. For believers are not required to be so constant in prayer as never to cease from conversing with God; but on the contrary, following the example of Christ, they continue their prayers till they have proceeded as far as their infirmity allows, then cease for a short time, and immediately after drawing breath return to God. It would have been no slight alleviation of his grief, if his disciples had accompanied him, and taken part in it; and on the other hand, it was a bitter aggravation of his sufferings, that even they forsook him. For though he did not need the assistance of any one, yet as he had voluntarily taken upon him our infirmities, and as it was chiefly in this struggle that he intended to give a proof of that emptying of himself, of which Paul speaks, (<a href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/2-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">Philippians 2:7</a>,) we need not wonder if the indifference of those whom he had selected to be his companions added a heavy and distressing burden to his grief. For his expostulation is not feigned, but, out of the true feeling of his mind, he declares that he is grieved at having been forsaken. And, indeed, he had good grounds for reproaching them with indifference, since, amidst the extremity of his anguish, they did not watch at least one hour.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">41. Watch and pray. As the disciples were unmoved by their Master's danger, their attention is directed to themselves, that a conviction of their own danger may arouse them. Christ therefore threatens that, if they do not watch and pray, they may be soon overwhelmed by temptation. As if he had said, "Though you take no concern about me, do not fail, at least, to think of yourselves; for your own interests are involved in it, and if you do not take care, temptation will immediately swallow you up." For to enter into temptation means to yield to it. [206] And let us observe, that the manner of resistance which is here enjoined is, not to draw courage from reliance on our own strength and perseverance, but, on the contrary, from a conviction of our weakness, to ask arms and strength from the Lord. Our watching, therefore, will be of no avail without prayer.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The spirit indeed is willing. That he may not terrify and discourage his disciples, he gently reproves their slothfulness, and adds consolation and good ground of hope. And, first, he reminds them, that though they are earnestly desirous to do what is right, still they must contend with the weakness of the flesh, and, therefore, that prayer is never unnecessary. We see, then, that he gives them the praise of willingness, in order that their weakness may not throw them into despair, and yet urges them to prayer, because they are not sufficiently endued with the power of the Spirit. Wherefore, this admonition relates properly to believers, who, being regenerated by the Spirit of God, are desirous to do what is right, but still labor under the weakness of the flesh; for though the grace of the Spirit is vigorous in them, they are weak according to the flesh. And though the disciples alone have their weakness here pointed out to them, yet, since what Christ says of them applies equally to all, we ought to draw from it a general rule, that it is our duty to keep diligent watch by praying; for we do not yet possess the power of the Spirit in such a measure as not to fall frequently through the weakness of the flesh, unless the Lord grant his assistance to raise up and uphold us. But there is no reason why we should tremble with excessive anxiety; for an undoubted remedy is held out to us, which we will neither have nor to seek nor to seek in vain; for Christ promises that all who, being earnest in prayer, shall perseveringly oppose the slothfulness of the flesh, will be victorious.</p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-55729796099434509962023-10-25T08:27:00.003-05:002023-10-25T08:27:29.338-05:00Immanuel Kant Presentation<p> With help from: <a href="http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/kant/section1.rhtml">http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/kant/section1.rhtml</a></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">OVERVIEW:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kant’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #00b050;">primary aim is to
determine the limits and scope of pure reason</span>. That is, he wants to know
what reason alone can determine without the help of the senses or any other
faculties. Metaphysicians make grand claims about the nature of reality based
on pure reason alone, but these claims often conflict with one another.
Furthermore, Kant is prompted by Hume’s skepticism to doubt the very
possibility of metaphysics.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Kant thanks David Hume for
awakening him from his <span style="color: red;">“dogmatic slumber” </span>that
had kept him from questioning rationalist metaphysics. Although he was trained
in the rationalist tradition, Kant was heavily influenced by the empiricist
philosophy of David Hume.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Kant is generally <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">credited</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0;"> </span>with effecting a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">synthesis between the empiricist philosophy</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0;"> </span>that had dominated Great Britain and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">rationalist
philosophy</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0;"> </span>that had dominated the
European continent for the previous 150 years.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>By questioning our ability
to rationally justify causation, Hume throws a great deal of rationalist
metaphysics into doubt. Kant was impressed with Hume’s work but not entirely
ready to abandon rationalism.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The mature philosophy we
find in Kant’s Critiques is his attempt to answer Hume’s skepticism. This
answer generates what Kant calls a <span style="color: red;">“Copernican
revolution” </span>in philosophy: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b050;">both in morals and in metaphysics, Kant turns his
philosophical eye inward, investigating or critiquing the powers of the human
intellect itself. Instead of asking what we can know, Kant asks how we can know
what we can know.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">According to Kant, we can never know with certainty what is “out
there.” <span style="color: #7030a0;">Since all our knowledge of the external
world is filtered through our mental faculties, we can know only the world that
our mind presents to us. That is, all our knowledge is only knowledge of
phenomena, and we must accept that noumena are fundamentally unknowable.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Noumenal Realm and
Phenomenal Realm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Noumena are
“things-in-themselves,” the reality that exists independent of our mind<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Phenomena are appearances,
reality as our mind makes sense of it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The Category of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Synthetic A Priori</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Kant inherits from Hume the
problem of how we can infer necessary and universal truths from experience when
all experience is by its nature contingent and particular. We actually
experience individual sights and sounds and so on. We cannot “experience” a physical
law or a relation of cause and effect. So if we cannot see, smell, or hear
causation, how can we infer that some events cause others? <span style="color: red;">Kant phrases this question more generally as the question of
how synthetic a priori knowledge is possible; that is, how can we know things
that are necessary and universal but not self-evident or definitional?</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">Kant’s ingenious solution is that synthetic
a priori knowledge is possible because our mental faculties organize experience
according to certain categories so that these categories become necessary and
universal features of our experience. For instance, we do not find causation in
nature so much as we cannot not find causation in nature. It is a feature of
the way our minds make sense of reality that we perceive causes and effects
everywhere at work.</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0;"> </span>For Kant,
then, the category of the synthetic a priori is the key to explaining how we
gain substantive knowledge about the world.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a posteriori</b> knowledge is the particular knowledge we gain from
experience<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a priori</b> knowledge is the necessary and universal knowledge we have
independent of experience, such as our knowledge of mathematics<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">analytic judgment</b>, the concept in the predicate is contained in the
concept in the subject, as, for instance, in the judgment, “a bachelor is an
unmarried man.” It is true by definition.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>In a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">synthetic judgment</b>, the predicate concept contains information <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not</b> contained in the subject concept,
and so a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">synthetic judgment is
informative</b> rather than just definitional.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Kant argues that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">mathematics and
the principles of science contain synthetic a priori knowledge.</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0;"> </span>For example, “7 + 5 = 12” is a priori because it
is a necessary and universal truth we know independent of experience, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">and it is
synthetic because the concept of “12” is not contained in the concept of “7 +
5.”</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0;"> </span>Kant argues that the same is
true for scientific principles such as, “for every action there is an equal an
opposite reaction”: because it is universally applicable, it must be a priori
knowledge, since a posteriori knowledge only tells us about particular
experiences.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The fact that we are
capable of synthetic a priori knowledge suggests that pure reason is capable of
knowing important truths.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>However,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Kant does not follow rationalist
metaphysics in asserting that pure reason has the power to grasp the mysteries
of the universe.</b> Instead, he suggests that much of what we consider to be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">reality is shaped
by the perceiving mind.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The mind, according to
Kant, does not passively receive information provided by the senses. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Rather, it actively
shapes and makes sense of that information.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If all the events in our experience take place in time, that is because
<span style="color: #7030a0;">our mind arranges sensory experience in a temporal
progression</span>, and if we perceive that some events cause other events,
that is because our mind makes sense of events in terms of cause and effect.</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>According to Kant, the mind
wears unremovable time-tinted and causation-tinted sunglasses, so that all our
experience necessarily takes place in time and obeys the laws of causation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kant is suggesting that time, space, and causation are not found in
experience but are instead the form the mind gives to experience.</b> We can
grasp the nature of time, space, and causation not because pure reason has some
insight into the nature of reality <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but
because pure reason has some insight into the nature of our own mental
faculties.</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">NOTE: This does not mean that Kant believes time and cause
and effect actually exist. Rather, this is a construct of our minds that
everyone constructs with their minds. </span></b><span style="color: #e36c0a; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Time and space, Kant argues, are
pure intuitions of our faculty of sensibility, and concepts of physics such as
causation and inertia are pure intuitions of our faculty of understanding</span>.
Sensory experience only makes sense because our faculty of sensibility
processes it, organizing it according to our intuitions of time and space. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #4f6228; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">These
intuitions are the source of mathematics: our number sense comes from our
intuition of successive moments in time, and geometry comes from our intuition
of space.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">If time and space, among other
things, are constructs of the mind, we might wonder what is actually “out
there,” independent of our minds. Kant answers that we cannot know for certain.
Our senses react to stimuli that come from outside the mind, but we only have
knowledge of how they appear to us once they have been processed by our
faculties of sensibility and understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Metaphysics relies on the
faculty of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">reason, which does not shape
our experience</b> in the way that our faculties of sensibility and
understanding do, but rather <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">reason
helps us reason independent of experience</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The mistake metaphysicians
typically make is to apply reason to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">things in themselves (Which is things in the unreachable
noumenal realm, things as they are APART FROM the mind molding them)</span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span>and try to understand matters beyond reason’s grasp.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #002060;">Kant
redefines the role of metaphysics as a critique of pure reason. That is, </span><span style="color: #e36c0a; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">the role of
reason is to understand itself, to explore the powers and the limits of reason.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We are incapable of
knowing anything certain about things-in-themselves, but we can develop a
clearer sense of what and how we can know by examining intensively the various
faculties and activities of the mind.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SUMMARY: In the Critique of Pure
Reason, Kant achieves a synthesis between the competing traditions of
rationalism and empiricism. From rationalism, he draws the idea that pure
reason is capable of significant knowledge but rejects the idea that pure
reason can tell us anything about things-in-themselves. From empiricism, he
draws the idea that knowledge is essentially knowledge from experience but
rejects the idea that we can infer no necessary and universal truths from
experience, which is Hume’s conclusion. As a result, he avoids the metaphysical
speculations of the rationalists, for which any definite proof seems
unattainable but maintains the rationalists’ ambitious agenda, which attempts
to give some answer to the sorts of questions that inevitably occur when we
think philosophically. By locating the answers to metaphysical questions not in
the external world but in a critique of human reason, Kant provides clear
boundaries for metaphysical speculation and maintains a sensible, empirical
approach to our knowledge of the external world.</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kant thus achieves what he calls a
Copernican revolution in philosophy <span style="color: red;">by turning the
focus of philosophy from metaphysical speculation about the nature of reality
to a critical examination of the nature of the thinking and perceiving mind. </span>In
effect, Kant tells us that reality is a joint creation of external reality and
the human mind and that it is only regarding the latter that we can acquire any
certain knowledge. In order to understand what we can, we must therefore seek
to understand how our minds shape and change the sensations that we receive. <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Critiques of
Kant:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kant has earned the
great compliment of having detractors who criticize him with great insight and
ingenuity. German idealism, which dominated nineteenth-century philosophy,
finds its footing by attacking Kant’s conception of things-in-themselves. <span style="color: red;">Idealists such as Hegel argue that there is something deeply
suspicious about these mysterious entities, which Kant claims are the source of
our sensations while claiming we can have no direct knowledge of them</span>.
Idealism jettisons things-in-themselves and the whole noumenal realm, arguing
instead that reality consists primarily of mental phenomena. <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Analytic philosophy,
which is one of the leading schools of twentieth-century philosophy, also gets
its start through an attack on Kant. The logician <span style="color: red;">Gottlob
Frege criticizes Kant for basing the analytic–synthetic distinction on the
subject-predicate form of grammar, which is not a necessary feature of the
logical structure of language or reality</span>. Frege argues that we should
base the analytic–synthetic distinction on whether we justify a given judgment
by appealing to its logical form or to empirical investigation and that,
according to this distinction, the category of the synthetic a priori becomes
unnecessary. <span style="color: red;">Kant is only able to argue that geometry,
for instance, relies on synthetic a priori knowledge because he fails to
distinguish between pure geometry—the stuff of mathematical axioms and
proofs—and empirical geometry—the application of geometrical principles to
science. </span>Pure geometry is a priori, but it is also analytic, since it is
justified according to logical principles alone. Empirical geometry is
synthetic, but it is also a posteriori, since we only learn from experience
what sort of geometry applies to the real world.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">KANT’S INFLUENCE TODAY:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b050;">Kant’s influence has been revolutionary. No philosopher
since Kant has remained entirely untouched by his ideas. Even when the reaction
to Kant is negative, he is the source of great inspiration. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Kant
has cut off God or the metaphysical from discussion today by saying we cannot
get to Him (we only have access to the phenomenal).<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goodness is defined as behaving rationally,
and behaving rationally is defined as acting in accord with what we discover
through thinking at the phenomenal level, not the meta-physical/noumenal level.
</span><span style="color: #00b050;">This leads to man determining truth as he
perceives it, not as God perceives it</span><span style="color: #0070c0;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">It
also pushes God out of thought or conversation altogether, since he is by
definition unknowable and inaccessible. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Political Influence:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #002060;">He
shaped our understanding of liberalism in his emphasis on individual autonomy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #002060;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #002060;">He
shaped our understanding of representative democracy with his
distinction between republics (he implies representative democracy) and
democracy (he means direct democracy)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #002060;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #002060;">He
gave the idea for the UN with his emphasis on a perpetual peace between
republics by creating a body similar to a World Government. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #002060;">He
developed the idea of 'categorical imperative' and founded the strongest
secular moral doctrine. (Critique of practical reason). <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Judgment on Beauty and Argument For
Designer (God)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Kant’s account of beauty as based in subjective feeling as
well as his struggles with teleology stem from his desire to refute all
metaphysical proofs of God. Kant is by no means an atheist, and he makes
forceful arguments for why we ought to believe in God. However, God is the
ultimate thing-in-itself, and so, according to Kant’s epistemology, the nature
and even the existence of God are fundamentally unknowable. In the Critique of
Pure Reason, Kant provides refutations for all the main “proofs” of God’s existence,
one of which is the Argument from Design. According to this argument, the
patterns and formal perfection in nature suggest the presence of an intelligent
designer. Kant argues that our judgment of beauty is a subjective feeling, even
though it possesses universal validity, in part because arguing that beauty is
objective would play into the hands of those who make the Argument from Design.
If beauty were an objective property of certain objects in nature, the question
would naturally arise of how these objects were bestowed with beauty. This
question would provide a toehold for the Argument from Design, an outcome that
Kant is determined to avoid.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Ethics of Autonomy (and
discussion on morality)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">Kant argues that since reason is the source of morality,
goodness and badness should be dictated by reason. To act badly, according to
Kant, is to violate the maxims laid out by one’s reason, or to formulate maxims
that one could not consistently will as universal laws. In other words,
immorality is a form of irrationality: badness results from violating the laws
of reason</span>. <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">According to Kant, <span style="color: #7030a0;">our rationality is what makes us human, so by acting
irrationally, and hence immorally, we also compromise our humanity. Kant’s
answer to the question “Or else what?” is that we diminish ourselves as
rational human beings by acting immorally. </span>Only by behaving rationally
do we show ourselves to be autonomous beings, in control of the passions and
appetites that might lead us to act against our better judgment.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;">We can determine the worth of the motive behind any given
moral action by asking whether we could turn that motive into a universally
applicable maxim. </span>Reason is the same at all times and for all people, so
morality too should be universal. <span style="color: #c00000;">Therefore, an
action is moral only if it embodies a maxim that we could will to be a
universal law.</span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;">Kant calls it a “categorical imperative” that we must act
in such a way that we could will the maxim according to which we act to be a
universal law. He contrasts this with the “hypothetical imperative,” which
would demand that we act to achieve certain ends (</span><span style="color: #00b050;">Thus he is not utilitarian</span><span style="color: #c00000;">).
</span>The maxim of a hypothetical imperative would assert, “do such-and-such
if you want to achieve such-and-such result.” <span style="color: #00b050;">There
are no ifs in moral action, according to Kant</span>. Morality works according
to a categorical imperative because we must act in a given way simply because
the motive is admirable, not because we have calculated that we can achieve
certain ends as a result.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Once we recognize the
universality of moral law, we must also recognize that it applies equally to
all people. <span style="color: #00b050;">Acting morally, then, requires that we
recognize other people as moral agents and always treat them as ends in
themselves, not as means by which we can achieve our own ends. </span>We must
also ensure that our actions do not prevent other people from acting in
accordance with moral law. <span style="color: #00b050;">Kant envisions an ideal
society as a “kingdom of ends,” in which people are at once both the authors
and the subjects of the laws they obey.</span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A postmodernist
critique of Kant would suggest that Kant is insufficiently sensitive to the
great variety of individual experience and that it is <span style="color: red;">paternalistic,
if not arrogant, to assume that one can apply one’s own moral standards to
peoples and cultures of which one has no understanding</span>. A Kantian would
reply that Kantian ethics are based in a shared humanity that applies to all
people. Certainly, we adopt different practical identities, such that we might
hold different values depending on whether we identify, say, as a Canadian, a
postal worker, or a jazz aficionado. However, <span style="color: red;">Kantian
ethics are based not on these particular practical identities but on our shared
identity as rational beings, which we cannot revoke without revoking our
humanity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Morality is based in
the concept of freedom, or autonomy. Someone with a free, or autonomous, will
does not simply act but is able to reflect and decide whether to act in a given
way. This act of deliberation distinguishes an autonomous will from a
heteronomous will. In deliberating, we act according to a law we ourselves
dictate, not according to the dictates of passion or impulse. <span style="color: red;">We can claim to have an autonomous will even if we act always
according to universal moral laws or maxims because we submit to these laws
upon rational reflection.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">KANT ON FREE WILL AND DETERMINISM<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kant answers the
tricky question of free will and determinism—how can we at once assert that we
have a free will and that we live in a world that functions according to
necessary physical laws?—by drawing on his distinction from the Critique of
Pure Reason between the phenomenal world of appearances and the noumenal world
of things-in-themselves. Physical laws apply only to appearances, whereas the
will is a thing-in-itself about which we have no direct knowledge. <span style="color: red;">Whether the will is actually free we can never know, but we
still act in accordance with the idea of freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kant recognizes that
grounding morality in an externally imposed law compromises the autonomy of the
will: in such a case, we act under a feeling of compulsion to a will that is
not our own, and so we are not entirely accountable for our actions.<span style="color: red;"> We act autonomously only if we act in accordance with a law
dictated by our own reason.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">KANT’S POLITICAL
PHILOSOPHY: Classical Republicanism<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Classical
republicanism became extremely popular in the Classicism and Enlightenment,
playing a central role in the thought of political philosophy since Hobbes,
through John Locke, Giambattista Vico, Montesquieu, Rousseau, until Kant. <span style="color: #00b050;">Some historians have seen classical republican ideas
influencing early American political thought.</span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Kant’s Categorical Imperative: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"Act only
according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should
become a universal law without contradiction."<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Act in such a way
that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any
other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an
end.”<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Kant believed we have
autonomous free will, which must be preserved. Government then should only be
by the consent of the governed, built on a social contract of the consent of
the governed whereby members of society give up some of their rights to have
others protected for them by government.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">The biggest invention
of Kant in the philosophy of law and the political philosophy is the doctrine
of </span><span style="color: red;">Rechtsstaat</span><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">. According to this doctrine, </span><span style="color: red;">the power of the state is limited in order to protect
citizens from the arbitrary exercise of authority</span><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">. In a Rechtsstaat the citizens share legally
based civil liberties and they can use the courts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Kant’s approach is based on the supremacy of a
country’s written constitution. </span><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">This supremacy must create guarantees for implementation of his </span><span style="color: red;">central idea: a permanent peaceful life as a basic condition
for the happiness of its people and their prosperity. </span><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Kant was basing his doctrine on none
other but constitutionalism and constitutional government. Kant had thus
formulated the main problem of constitutionalism, </span><span style="color: #e36c0a; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">“The
constitution of a state is eventually based on the morals of its citizens,
which, in its turns, is based on the goodness of this constitution.” </span><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Kant’s idea is the foundation for
the constitutional theory of the twenty-first century.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Government should be a
form of </span><span style="color: red;">mixed government</span><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">, with checks and balances, in order
to avoid tyranny, even the tyranny of the majority as in a direct democracy.
The government itself is limited by a written constitution which it must abide
by, in order to avoid the tyranny of government.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Mixed government, also known as a mixed
constitution, is a form of government that integrates elements of democracy,
aristocracy, and monarchy</span><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">.
In a mixed government, some issues (often defined in a constitution) are
decided by the majority of the people, some other issues by few, and some other
issues by a single person (also often defined in a constitution). </span><span style="color: red;">The idea is commonly treated as an antecedent of separation
of powers.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">This is similar in
some ways to our own government, which has checks and balances with three
branches of government, legislative, executive, judiciary. We also have a
constitution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most controversial is the classical republican view of
liberty and how, or if, this view differed from that later developed by
liberalism. Previously, many scholars accepted the stance of Isaiah Berlin that
republicanism was tilted more toward positive liberty rather than the negative
liberty characterizing liberalism.[11] In recent years this thesis has been
challenged, and Philip Pettit argues <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that
republican liberty is based upon "non-domination" while liberal
freedom is based upon "non-interference."</b> Another view is that
liberalism views liberty as pre-social while <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">classical republicans saw true liberty as a product of society</b>.
Because liberty was an important part of republican thought, many republican
thinkers were appropriated by the theory of classical liberalism.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><br /><p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-53395878294036254252023-10-03T10:04:00.005-05:002023-10-03T12:54:50.655-05:00What's Happening to Our Nation and Churches?<p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="393" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tQaXDWcwH9Y" width="472" youtube-src-id="tQaXDWcwH9Y"></iframe></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: Lora; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Here are two posts I
made recently that are resonating with Christians in the Evangelical/Reformed
World. I wanted to share it here for further reach. Above is a video I made in light of my posts below. May God use it for His
glory. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: Lora; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">*The references I make
to "negative world" are important to understand, and come from this
article.: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: Lora; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.firstthings.com/article/2022/02/the-three-worlds-of-evangelicalism">https://www.firstthings.com/article/2022/02/the-three-worlds-of-evangelicalism</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: Lora; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Here is a brief
explanation from the article: "</span><span style="background: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: #4d4e4e; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Within the story of American
secularization, there have been three distinct stages:</span><span style="color: #292929; font-family: Lora; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: #4d4e4e; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Positive World (Pre-1994):
Society at large retains a mostly <i>positive</i> view of
Christianity. To be known as a good, churchgoing man remains part of being
an upstanding citizen. Publicly being a Christian is a status-enhancer.
Christian moral norms are the basic moral norms of society and violating
them can bring negative consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: #4d4e4e; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Neutral World (1994–2014):
Society takes a <i>neutral</i> stance toward Christianity.
Christianity no longer has privileged status but is not disfavored. Being
publicly known as a Christian has neither a positive nor a negative impact
on one’s social status. Christianity is a valid option within a pluralistic
public square. Christian moral norms retain some residual effect.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: #4d4e4e; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Negative World (2014–Present):
Society has come to have a <i>negative</i> view of Christianity.
Being known as a Christian is a social negative, particularly in the elite
domains of society. Christian morality is expressly repudiated and seen
as a threat to the public good and the new public moral order. Subscribing
to Christian moral views or violating the secular moral order brings
negative consequences."<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">THREAD: Here's
why people hate Wolfe. Many of us (under 35-40) entered into
Calvinistic/Reformed thinking through popularizers on YouTube, etc., like James
White. I remember in 2008 learning the "5 points" but struggling on
Limited Atonement, until a helpful article by White.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A lot of people,
I think, got sucked into a particular stream, whether it's James White's
A&O ministry, and its small constellation of friends. White and others make
a lot of dogmatic statements, and to those knew to all this, who are we to
question? We have no traction yet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Add to it our
nation and churches are going belly up, and you finally find some footing with
some of these guys. You embrace the sovereignty of God in salvation. True, some
stop there, go on and on for decades about the 5 points and think it's the sum
total of Reformed Thought. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Or some
meandered their way to Banner of Truth, maybe even find a confessional church
to worship in/at (but let's be honest, many of even some prominent "based
baptists" on Twitter, etc., aren't really at Confessional churches), and
their horizons are broadened a bit. But... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Everyone has an
angle, everyone is trying to make money, gain popularity and control the
narrative on what is or isn't Reformed. That especially happens even in
Reformed/Presbyterian old, stodgy Confessional churches.
@presbycast/@RScottClark types can abound in some circles. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">As we entered
negative world, as @aaron_renn's article puts it, the poo hit the fan hard, and
keeps hitting the fan to this day, and all the fissures are and divides are
splitting open, wider and wider. Whatever recovery of
doctrine/thought/worldview we had was insufficient. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I remember
nodding in perfect agreement with men like Carl Trueman a decade ago or more,
when they basically said we love the Reformed, except their political
theology/ideology, etc. We've learned from that, overcome those blind spots.
All while the USA was imploding politically! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">have a
Bachelor's degree from Sproul's Bible college and learned outside of the
theonomic, presuppositional bubble. Then I went to GPTS where that was very
prevalent a decade ago, though I think that's changing. But I also learned to
appreciate certain strands of theonomy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">As a pastor, I
have some at my church who are wrestling with covenant baptism, and I have to
push back on someone like White who apparently says things like John Calvin
invented infant/Covenant baptism. Paul Washer has said infant baptism was the
golden calf of the reformation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">You look at
Ligonier conferences, and everyone is singing Koombaya, Baptists and
Presbyterians at least. Michael Horton is there along with Al Mohler or Ligon
Duncan, etc. "What's the big deal" is the trickle down effect to the
person on the pew, who doesn't go beyond Ligonier. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What they won't
hear about, usually, is that Ligonier will quietly dismiss certain people that
go beyond their polls of acceptability, at least for a few years. Al Mohler,
for example, is no longer a teaching fellow, but that stuff is never broadcast,
but.... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It is footnoted
at the bottom of an article now some 8 years old:<br />
<br />
Few see this, so there's always suspicions but never real confirmations, only
obfuscations.<br />
<br />
But enough of us have seen these games and the political posturing up close,
& its bad effects.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.ligonier.org/posts/welcoming-albert-mohler-derek-thomas-newest-teaching-fellows" target="_blank"><span style="color: #63615f; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif" style="color: #292929; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.ligonier.org/posts/welcoming-albert-mohler-derek-thomas-newest-teaching-fellows" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2e2c2d;">Welcoming Dr. R. Albert Mohler
Jr. and Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas as Our Newest Teaching Fellows</span></b><span style="color: #63615f;">Dr. R.C. Sproul founded Ligonier Ministries in 1971 as a
teaching fellowship designed to flood the culture with knowledgeable and
articulate Christians. Since t</span></a><a href="https://www.ligonier.org/posts/welcoming-albert-mohler-derek-thomas-newest-teaching-fellows" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1da1f2; font-size: 10pt;">https://www.ligonier.org/posts/welcoming-albert-mohler-derek-thomas-newest-teaching-fellows</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I really don't
know if Sproul would be quite the ally we think he would be in 2023. He died in
2017. He'd do better I believe than most everyone else with prominence, but I
don't think he'd be the rock star we quite hoped for. His legacy was built in
positive and neutral world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But to get back
to the point of why folks hate @PerfInjust for posts like the one he made about
James White. People get strong emotional attachments, especially to
charismatic, dogmatic voices who truly helped you when you came to faith, or at
least came to Calvinistic conviction <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Many never swim
outside of their narrow stream they were brought into, and James White, and a
whole hose of others, themselves likely came into these things in a narrow
stream, truncated view, etc., and started making some dogmatic assertions for
decades that went unchallenged. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">You don't know
what you don't know, & I think it is plain that Reformed resourcement is a
moving target; I don't fully trust any sinner to not put their spin or bias on
it. As Wolfe and others have said, you need to "do the reading" for
yourself. But check the translation/edits! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">If you read or
listen to the popular books and podcasts, they can be helpful, but they are
downstream, and through more lenses of interpretation, biases, etc. I have
found good theonomists, and good C2K, and gladly admit I am ignorant of the
depths of both. I must read more. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But I don't get
bent out of shape when Wolfe or others push back hard against this or that,
call this or that garbage, etc. they've got skin in the game, and frankly, it
is hard to deny that Wolfe, etc., are recovering and articulating much of what
the Reformers held. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So if James
White, R.C. Sproul, etc., is your hero, popularizer, read outside that stream,
realize no one person has the monopoly on all truth/learning, & that we've
been so far gone in the 20/21st century, White, etc., couldn't have put all the
pieces back together themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">And yes, we must
throw Doug Wilson and others into this as well. With all of these men and
movements and groups, we need to not throw the baby out with the bathwater. For
some of them, they may speak very dogmatically and simply be wrong or off a
bit. There's battles to fight. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The best heroes
are dead heroes, and ones that you are fairly sure you've not just been reading
a bunch of hagiography about. Because they can't disappoint you any longer, and
you should see they had their own faults in life as well. There are no impeccable
men to admire. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">This isn't to
say you won't, with wide and careful study, narrow in or close on particular
convictions. I am a Reformed Presbyterian, still learning, but believe strongly
in covenant baptism, recognize paedo-communion is an absolute aberration, but
also am fond of Wilson's works. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I call myself
optimistic amill when someone forces me to "declare" what I am, have
appreciation for theonomist types and C2K types, but also know the best on both
sides could argue their positions better than I could for them, and both sides
have dolts. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The problem is
when people have been blindly zealous and dolts for over a decade, and I've
seen some of them on Facebook for more than a decade, share the same basic 5
pointer-isms that are shibolleths with little power to do us good at this stage
in the decay. Wolfe is hated by <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">PerfInjust A lot
of people like this, because it's been easy and comfortable to feel, and likely
be, more sound and learned in doctrine and the church than 97% of Christians in
our brain-dead and apostatizing nation. But go back 150 years or so, and even
as I a pastor would be middle class. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Lack of study or
honing in on one or two men or ministries, and giving blind allegiance to them,
is sin. Doing that for decades leads to hating men who know and teach better
than your heroes, who border on idols. This could be true for some
"Wolfe-ites" that form in years ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So in short, can
you stomach someone calling your heroes and theological movements of the 20th
century "garbage", even if not all of it is equally garbage? Or does
that so upset you that you just jump in with calling Wolfe, well, a wolf in
sheep's clothing? That's the test. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">PerfInjust It
really shouldn't be a hard test. But for so many it is, especially with the
rules of speaking niceties and pleasantries and disagreeing as gently and
agreeably and disguisedly as possible. How about we just study, learn, pray,
and plow ahead in service to the Lord? /end <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">One last note, I
never had the antipathy to natural law so many presup/theonomic types have/had,
but some are moderate on those points and seem solid enough overall to me.
Others are wrong and obnoxious. I'm not big on Van Til overall or the "how
do you know that" mantra. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">THREAD: Will our
living, Reformed heroes fully betray us?<br />
<br />
Yesterday's post has gotten a lot of response, so I thought I'd say some more.<br />
<br />
Some are choosing to double and triple down in support of their old Reformed
heroes from the last few decades, as said heroes double down. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Many have been
molded into a narrow stream of thought, but believe it is rich fullness because
it has the label "Calvinist" or "Reformed" slapped onto it,
and their own churches aren't confessional, or are confessional in name only, and
lack the full, richness as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I am still
thankful for ministries like James White, Doug Wilson, R.C. Sproul/Ligonier,
etc. Even John MacArthur's or John Piper's were both influential on me early,
and brought many Christians into a better pipeline/thinking. But not without
its own baggage in negative world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I never really
was much involved with G3, as that arose really after I was licensed/ordained
as a confessional Reformed Presbyterian. In the very early days, I was a junkie
for Wretched Radio/TV with Todd Friel. But I haven't watched that in over a
decade, and see its goofiness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But Wretched did
used to show a lot of clips of other ministries that I was unaware of. I still
remember waking up early to watch Sproul on NRBTV, his classical apologetics
series, etc. Good, blissful times of learning. I told my father, an Elder in
our church, I found support. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Meaning, in the
wilderness & madness of the Christian world, the Reformed/Calvinistic
churches were faithful, an oasis, that believed in the sovereign grace of God,
cared for its people, and wouldn't betray you but would support you and
minister to you. That honeymoon was brief. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I went to
Covenant College, the College of the PCA, in 2009. When I say I
"attended" I mean I lasted all of about 10 days. It was horrible.
From the exuberant tuition (over $30,000/year I believe), to the low-class RA's
lusting to incoming freshman about hot female students, to.. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">our dorms
flooding & my roommate having nothing whatsoever to do with
Calvinstic/Reformed faith, but was there because his coach found him a place to
play basketball. Nothing personal against him, I can't even remember his name,
but he was just a black man looking to play ball. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I was looking
for something like a Bible College, to be fair, & Covenant College wasn't
that, but it hardly seemed Christian. Just a bunch of wealthy PCA kids who
lived near Lookout Mountain, but had long lost any heart for the Lord and the
faith. There were exceptions of course. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The icebreaker
for me, after getting the flu from our flooded dorm, was my first day of
psychology class, and the professor says his male friend was a hero for
marrying a woman and only occasionally cheating on her with other men! I spoke
up, and after class a student thanked me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I'm not
misremembering this by the way, if you go to the old BaylyBlog website, back in
2009 or 2010 or so, I first explained these things on there. Even there, as I
recall, and elsewhere, I was told no Christian college could remain faithful
today and fund itself/survive. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I was told
looking for a faithful, Christian college was a pipe dream, almost sinful, and
what I should do is find a faithful Reformed Church and go to a secular
college, etc., that only really in seminaries would you find faithfulness. Boy,
they were wrong about that too! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Before Covenant
College, I had interest in pastoral ministry, but because I believed the
Reformed world and thus the church was in "good hands", I went to
Covenant College to major I believe in Journalism, or English, or something
like that. I wanted to be a writer, teacher, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I was going to
minor in theology and was told I could transfer credits to Covenant Seminary.
So, I was undecided, but after having the smoke blown away and seeing the
hypocrisy in high places in the Reformed world, the Lord used that to convict
me to pursue pastoral ministry. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So I, like many
others in many different denominations/Christian colleges & seminaries,
etc., have seen things that are atrocious going back decades, and how so much
is built upon a lie and deception. The PCA and even the most conservative men
in there initially ignored Revoice. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So then I went
to Reformation Bible College, Sproul's College, in 2011, transferred 2 years of
credits in, finished up in 2 years, married my wonderful wife Jocelyn, and
we've had 7 kids in 10 years of marriage. Best oasis and period of my life were
those few years in Florida. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But there too,
sadly, a lot of the grandeur & glory was blown away, even from what I alone
saw, and then what my wife revealed to me, having worshiped at St. Andrew's for
many years, her father being on staff, etc., I was more disheartened. (It wasn't
Covenant College level bad). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I was actually
initially told by some in high places at RBC, Ligonier/St. Andrew's, etc., not
to go to GPTS, even though I distinctly recall GPTS being one of the first
blurbs of support for RBC when it was forming in 2011. I am told the tune has
changed at RBC, but it's funny... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">How divided
these groups really are, when you get a little bit on the inside, and people
talk to you, thinking you are just young and impressionable, which I was, and
won't notice the duplicity, etc. I was told those who graduate from GPTS can't
get jobs pastoring/preaching. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I did have 1
professor strongly encourage me to go, & I am glad he did. Funny enough, he
is a professor at GPTS now, when he was at RBC. The schools have a stronger
relationship now, in truth, though it was made to appear that way all along.
Hire & fire "business" is prevalent. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Fast forward a
bit, I am back in NC, serving at the PCA church I grow up in. We go to
presbytery, and all the effeminate Elders (most of them) are not sure what to
do with practicing homosexuals who, let's say, came from a PCUSA church and
just have a "blind spot" on this issue. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I as a Ruling
Elder am the first & one of the only ones to speak up against this, along
with my father, also an RE, and our pastor at the time, maybe 1 or 2 others at
a table of 20+ Elders. We are patted on our heads as country folk who don't
know the challenges of city ministry. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Then when these
presbytery men found out I had written against pastors preaching in skinny
jeans, they revoked my approval to come under care, said I was binding the
conscience, etc. Even when I told prominent conservative men in the PCA, they
had sympathy for me, but no help. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I believed the
PCA was toast, really back in 2009 at Covenant College, but that conviction was
fully realized (good eschatology joke somewhere here) by 2015 or so and what I
was seeing in presbytery, and frankly at the local PCA church I served as an RE
in. Compromise & cowardice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I realized, even
then, I would have to sear my conscience, become a PCA/NAPARC company man,
blind my eyes to the duplicity, compromise, etc., to maybe get in good with the
right people and land a comfortable job, in a church likely with people who
don't really want to be fed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">That wasn't
going to happen, by God's grace, I had resolved that. I had a young family,
little money, and what support I had at my local PCA church I grew up in had
dried up as well, where I served as an RE. SO my family along with a few others
went to a much better PCA church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">That church is
facing rocky times now, and was even when I first came there, as they, too,
hated that I would seek licensure in another, micro-denomination, while
attending their PCA and interning there. The pastor, a godly man, had me come
with him to their presbytery meeting... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">This was when
Howard Brown, one of the few black ministers in Central Carolina Presbytery,
hosted the meeting & preached a white guilt sermon, I think from Rev. 5 or
6, and said "Why is the PCA so white?" And all the white ministers,
RTS-Charlotte bigshots, etc., Amen'ed it all. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">My pastor
apologized to me and said this was the worst meeting he had ever been to. He
was formerly in the SBC and became Reformed/Presbyterian, and seeing how bad
the SBC is, anything better was like the golden land for him. I think many
others have felt similarly. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But even the
RE's wanted the name brand "glory" of PCA, argued that could bring in
more people to the church, etc. It's all a sick system, and if you cross it,
especially publicly, some sort of heresy charges or character charges will
absolutely be leveled against you at local.. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">and presbytery
levels. Possibly even publicly, even though you are never allowed to publicly
notice and state the garbage.<br />
<br />
So to the point -- Will our legacy Reformed heroes & ministries, still
living and active, totally betray us, as the denominations and local churches
have? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Some of these
ministries, thankfully, have spoken "outside the box" and crab barrel
to give a hint of exposure to the issues. James White's ministry has done that.
I thought he handled the Mohler/Phil Johnson blow up well on one of his
dividing lines, one of the few I've watched. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But now that we
are in negative world, and things we didn't see, or didn't make a big stink
about, that now are absolutely crucial and should have been addressed while
still in neutral world, are biting us in the butt. So we have to look at our
heroes of neutral world, and judge. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">We have to say
thank you, but there are things you missed, and you've built up your ministry,
reputation with many people, etc., and now that you are receiving criticism
from some of your own, will you, too, betray us, and bite and devour us for
seeing the speck in your eye? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">When I look at
how @PerfInjust or White Boy Summer, etc., has been viciously attacked and
misrepresented, even if some things in WBS I, too, initially didn't like, and
still would differ on, I had no legacy and built up ministry that required me
to see the speck long in my eye. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I may well have
had a blind spot, or speck/error needing correcting, and to see more clearly
the glory of nations, God's purpose for them, the need to maintain them as part
of what is naturally good and good for the sake of the kingdom of God, grace
restoring nature, etc. But... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">For me to grant
as much wasn't costly. I hadn't spoken against those things for decades, and
amassed a following based on incomplete or misinformation or some things that
were at least slightly off. I never bought into presupp or the worst forms of
theonomic #datpostmill cringe. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So when a better
game came to town, a more biblical, Reformed resourcement, argued carefully
& something I was familiar with from personal studies & college and
seminary education, which few had because even in so-called
"Calvinistic/Reformed" institutions they don't teach it... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I could receive
it with arms wide open, but also not uncritically, because I really don't have
the same sort of skin in the game. I do in the sense that all these things
reach the people in the pews I myself pastor, and so I have to work through
these things, but many pastors... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Instead of
"doing the reading" just parrot these things that are popular, and
whatever retains or draws in and rides the wave of the latest viewpoint, to get
them in their churches. I have to say it, but it sure seems @ostrachan does
this on a large scale, with a seminary, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to wrap this up, our Reformed heroes have
choices to make, to either be faithful to God's Word and adjust to both conform
to what is reasonable, natural, and biblical when they've been long in error,
even if only slightly but causing damage in negative world, or defend
their.. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">...errors
instead of humbling themselves, being grateful for greater clarity, and moving
forward in righteousness accordingly. I guarantee you, if someone did that
sincerely, who had real prominence, he wouldn't lose his platform, his
ministry, but God would triple it hastily. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It would signal
to me real reformation and revival, if we want to put it like that, was coming,
because prominent, godly men with massive ministries displayed publicly
humility, rather than public pride that makes them not think straight and
rebuke the good teachers & Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I think
increasingly God is opening the eyes of those in the pew to all this hypocrisy.
Some are still holding on to their old heroes, even as their heroes compromise
further the truth out of pride, blindness, or whatever the case may be. But God
is turning things over. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">We need to pray
for our leaders, but if they show themselves incorrigible and slanderous, and
increasingly willing to shoot down even their former supporters, we need to
move on, even to some extent with our efforts in our prayers. Time and energy
is short. Labor faithfully. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The charade will
not be able to continue much longer, as the faithful keep pushing and holding
others to account, and being willing to be corrected and held to account as
well. There will be more splintering, but God must cut down the postwar
consensus and Big/Mid Eva to dust... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">to raise up
something more faithful, vibrant, battle hardened and battle ready for negative
world.<br />
<br />
To get to woke world, our churches had to be utterly leavened with unrighteous
leaven as well. It was foolish of me to think somehow that leaven hadn't come
to the Reformed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">We must remember
that King David and Solomon did great wickedness, despite much good and reform.
Today, we must own that we had no thorough-going reformers, heroes of the
faith. Even the best left some high places for the wicked that were not taken
away.... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Realizing that,
admitting that, is half the battle. The other half is acting in faith, seeking
to tear down those high places, or better if you are not a King/ruler in our
nation or Pastor/Elder in our church, to urge those leaders to be thorough
Reformers, or vote with your feet <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Run for office,
in church or state, yourself if you are a godly man. More crucially, and of
first calling and importance, get married, have children, raise them for the
Lord. If you've messed up here, reform your own life there, and quite fighting
battles online! Do your duty. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But in closing,
we need to have the policy of No More Heroes. No heroes. No King but Christ.
That's not an anti-political statement. Many things that are wicked must be
torn down, chopped down with an ax even, inside & outside the church, &
much must be built simultaneously. /end<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-65022977378216934412023-09-26T10:31:00.007-05:002023-09-26T10:53:04.541-05:00The Priority of the Family in the Life of the Christian<p> </p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 15pt; line-height: 107%;">The Priority of the Family in the Life
of the Christian<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It doesn't matter if you preach with a golden tongue, have a
successful business, own the libs, etc., if you lose your family. What does it
profit if you gain the world, but lose your soul (Mark 8:36)? Worse, what does
it profit if you gain the world, but lose the souls that belong to you and are
entrusted to your care, that is, your family, your wife and children (I Tim.
3:4-5, Titus 1:6)? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is a matter of priority, of ordered loves, of
intentionality and focus. We must have good preachers/churches, good
businesses, good governments, and our labors to these ends are not in vain. But
if we have those good things, but do not have our families, we have sinned
grievously, are worse than unbelievers in our neglect even of their bodily needs (I Tim. 5:8), and will be utterly
miserable and destitute in the end (Prov. 17:25). Better to part with good
health, than to part with our own flesh and blood family. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This means that our work schedule, whatever our vocation,
secular or within the Church, must not compromise our first and highest duty to
our family, our wife and children. The family is in God's covenant, under
Christ's blood, and as such, is precious to Him. The Lord has instituted
marriage to reproduce His very image in offspring, and to provide a holy seed
for the Church, to baptize and teach, nurturing them in the Lord as His
disciples from birth (Deut. 6, Eph. 6, etc.). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We once understood this as a nation. We have long forgotten.
The solution is multi-pronged, but at root, a return to the God-ordained
priority of the family, of the home, of covenantal faithfulness down through
the generations, of churches and communities that emphasize this priority and
minister with this as the chief priority, is absolutely essential. We need the
cover of government that will also emphasize this, but when the church herself
does not emphasize what God commands, it is hard to conceive of government
officials, in mass, doing so. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But being fruitful and multiplying has a way of scaring the
overlords and tearing down strongholds. Israel in bondage in Egypt, we are told
in the opening chapters of Exodus, "were fruitful and increased
abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled
with them."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From faithfully having many children, teaching them to
remember the LORD and be separate from the pagans around them, the midwives
sparing the male children, and Moses being protected and floated down the river
in a miniature ark, defying Pharaoh's edict of abortion and infanticide of male
Israelite children, God raised up a deliverer of His people, Moses, who was
trained by the King of Egypt, in Pharaoh's walls, in order to ultimately
destroy Pharaoh and his mighty armies, just as Pharaoh feared in Exodus chapter
1. God wrought salvation through means of covenantal faithfulness in very
practical, seemingly small things. Having many children, raising them to know the
Lord, not murdering but rather protecting your children and defying the wicked
government edict.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The very command Pharaoh instituted to prevent his
destruction, God used to bring about his destruction. As God promises, He
always destroys the enemy in their own nets, in their own pits, in ways we
cannot imagine (Ps. 37:14-15, Ps. 141:10, etc.). This is God's story, and he
uses us in it, but He shall have the glory, He is always the main actor, and He
brings about His glory and kingdom. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That King of Egypt, that Pharaoh, died, but then Israel
groaned out to the Lord because of their bondage, and God in His covenant
faithfulness heard their groaning, and God "remembered His covenant with
Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of
Israel, and God acknowledged them." (Ex. 2:24). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Those who are in Christ today are Abraham's children, heirs
according to the promise (Gal. 3:29), and God still remembers His covenant with
Abraham, continued, renewed, and realized now in the blood of Christ, the new
covenant, and gives us, the children of Abraham, His aid, Heb. 2:16. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We do not need to reinvent the wheel. We, rather, need to be
faithful to God and do what He commands, being fruitful and multiplying, not
raising our children for Pharaoh, not raising our children and neglecting our
duties to them by sending them to government schools that hate us and our Lord,
but raising them up in the fear, nurture, and admonition of the Lord, Eph. 6:4.
We must disciple our children, from infancy, baptizing and teaching them all
that the Lord has commanded, Matt. 28:19-20. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We do this in great hope and confidence, despite the
"odds" as we look around us, that God will cause us to multiply in
the land, our enemies to shudder and fear, bring about mighty conflict, and
give to us mighty deliverance as we cry out to the LORD and serve Him. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here’s the brass tacks steps that you need to take to
achieve these ends, by God’s grace. If you aren’t married, pursue marriage to a
godly spouse. Be a godly man, a godly woman, and in your marriage, be a godly
husband/head of home, or a goldy wife/homemaker, and child-bearers. Parents,
raise your children in the Lord, which means you must be willing to have
children, lots of them as/if the Lord blesses, and raise them up for the Lord,
with Fathers leading in family worship, in example, etc. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the same time, you need the shepherding care and
preaching ministry of a faithful church, which like finding a godly/excellent
wife (Prov. 31:10), can be hard to come by these days. But it doesn’t matter.
Find a godly spouse, get married, have children as the Lord provides, raise
them for the Lord, and do so in the context of a solid church. If there isn’t
one in your area, move to one. If you cannot find one, find if there are other
godly families, and form a church plant. Trust the Lord, pursue and prioritize
this, or your life and your family will be diminished at best, damned at worst.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What if your family situation is already broken and
sinful? You yourself are wallowing in sin, not obeying God, not loving your
spouse and children? Repent, truly, get the help you need, take responsibility
for your own sins, and then build upon the firm foundation the Lord has
provided. This, too, must be done in the context of a healthy church. <o:p></o:p></p>
<span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Forming godly families within godly churches, as briefly mentioned in the last three paragraphs, is the key to transformation for yourself, your family, your churches, and by extension society. Sacrifice work, comforts, everything else, for these things, under God, and for His glory. If you have the above, you have the Lord’s blessing, for you, your house, and the church to which you belong. You can weather the storms, come what may. You have the community of the faithful, and God Himself. But when there is deep sin well-rooted in your own heart, in your family, or in your church, that leaven, in each of those places, spreads its wickedness to all that it touches, I Cor. 5. Your sin affects your family, and familial sins affect your church, and the sin in the church affects the general population and communities that you live in.</span><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">There is good news. Wonderful news. We aren't merely Israel
in bondage or languishing in the wilderness any longer. As God's people and in
worship particularly, we come to the heavenly Mt. Zion. We are filled with
Christ’s Spirit and covered by His already shed blood. Do not refuse Jesus
Christ who speaks to you from heaven. Serve the Lord with fear and trembling,
with hope and gladness, with confidence that He will subdue the nations under
His feet, remembering that the Church as the body of Christ are His feet, Psalm
47:3, Rom. 16:20.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Take heart, in this world we will have trouble, but for
those in Christ, He has overcome the world, and we in Him have risen, and will
rise, and will overcome through Him, John 16:33, Rev. 3:21.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you lack a faithful church with the right priorities, come
join us for worship at Heritage, to know, serve, and worship the Lord, for
family building, and family healing, as God's covenant people: https://www.heritagereformedchurch.com/ <o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-7683472951084467032023-09-11T13:38:00.003-05:002023-09-11T13:38:29.255-05:00HAS AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY IDOLIZED THE GREAT COMMISSION?<p> <b><u><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">HAS
AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY IDOLIZED THE GREAT COMMISSION?</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br />
In many ways, America was a Christian nation, and still, thankfully, has many
true Christians in it. But the true is mixed in with many more who are false
professors of Christ, even among church members. Overall, the United States
seems to be apostatizing from its Christian Heritage. Some, thankfully, are
being stirred up by God’s Word and Spirit, striving to recover what has long
been forgotten, while others are continuing on faithfully, but with some bad
doctrine that has long been “normalized”.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Satan is the master of deceit, the father of lies. He lives
off of twisting the Truth, not complete or total contradictions necessarily,
just distortions and confusions that turn into a muddled mess. One of his
masterful, cunning tricks that he has been turning for many generations is turning
the “Great Commission” into something that actually hampers our ability to
reach sinners and see them built up in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are clear distinctions and priorities that Scripture
places before us, and the light of nature indicates to us. There is such a
thing as common sense, but that good sense can become quite distorted in a
nation that has long abandoned it, due to hard-hearted sinfulness, or bad
theology and/or philosophy, or pagan religion, propaganda politics, etc. The
devil never takes a day off. <br />
<br />
At the same time, what God emphasizes and prioritizes cannot be imposed in the
abstract, in a vacuum. You have to see where a given people are in a nation,
and more particularly in a given state, town, and community. Particular families
and individuals must be addressed. Each level, each layer, matters, more than
we often think or realize. And this is not to say that all matter equally. But
all do matter. In fact, they do not matter equally, and when we try to equalize,
or we mis-prioritize, therein lies our problems. The devil is always in the
details, messing up the details, and thereby messing up the whole thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
It is clear in Scripture, and evident from nature, that of great importance is
family, the Christian family, the Christian home, the covenant household. It is
incredible that some Christians and outlets, such as The Gospel Coalition,
continue to trot out articles urging us not to "make an idol" of the
family. The family in this nation has never been so torn apart, divided, and
confused. It is closer to being torn down and burned as a false idol, than
elevated on a pedestal and worshiped like a god. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We do not know what a man or woman is, children are chopping
their body parts off and taking (or are forced to take by their parents)
hormone/puberty blockers. Drag Queens dance before children, barely disguising
their lust for child flesh, and we open our libraries so these degenerates can
read to our children. But sure, the problem is we’ve idolized the family. Yeah,
right. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In many churches that are supposedly conservative and pass
as "Bible-believing", while they may have a basic understanding about
the distinctions between men and women, they still do not know what men and
women are for, what marriage is for, and frankly, hardly know what children are
for. Even if they do know in general what they are for (families serving and
worshiping God, etc.,) they do not know how to go about pursuing this. That is not
the culture of many of our churches, or even supposedly Christian families. We
have generational breakdown and backsliding, more often than we have
generational faithfulness to God and our offspring. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even some of the most conservative Evangelical and/or
Reformed Pastors seem to wince or bend over backward to apologize for the Bible’s
teaching that not only women cannot preach or teach, but they must be silent in
the church and learn at home from their husbands, I Cor. 14:34-35. Further, Scripture
(and nature) are clear that women are to be homemakers (Titus 2:4-5),
child-bearers (I Tim. 2:15, which even connects women bearing children to their
salvation!), nurturers of their children (Prov. 22:6, Col. 3:20, etc.), and
helpmeets to their husbands (Gen. 1-3, and basically all the verses above, and many
more could be listed, but again, this should be common sense). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How many misogynistic hate crimes did I just commit,
according even to some conservative churches today? Husbands have tons of duties
and responsibilities to their wives and children, to love and lead them and
provide for them, so that the wives can be freed up to do the very things they
are called to do, etc. But in a feminized nation and church culture, even me
stating this will not “make up” for what I said above. They think I’ve committed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>blasphemy, when God literally says wayward
women and enabling them in culture and our churches are the ones who are
blaspheming God and His Word, Titus 2:5. <br />
<br />
So the bad fruit of all this in our churches leads to things like having jokes
about PK's and MK's, Pastor kids and Missionary kids being notoriously ungodly
or apostate. The culture and expectation (or fear) of many churches is our
children will deny the faith for a time, sow their wild oats, and then the
church must pray and hope they have a "born again experience"
somewhere down the road. Even some staunchly doctrinal, Reformed Presbyterian
denominations have delayed communion for covenant children until they are out
of the house, and I have heard, urged not to take even until they are married
or much older, out of some misguided fear and lack of understanding of the
family and God’s working through it! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Well, what you expect and plan for is usually what you'll
get. If you look at the qualifications for Pastors/Elders in the Church, they
are to rule their own households well, with obedient and faithful/submissive
children. Otherwise, they are ordinarily disqualified from ministry. We cannot
delete that qualification anymore than we can delete the qualification that a
pastor not be a drunkard, unfaithful to their spouse, or unable to teach or be
sound in the faith. Pastors and Elders are not required to be CEO’s, slick and
suave, or massive soul-winners that lead Billy Graham-like Evangelistic
crusades. They are to be faithful to the flock, and caring for the community
around them, praying and desiring the Lord would grow and build His church there
spiritually and numerically, deep and wide. But the priority is on vitality and
spiritual health, not on numbers at the expense of spiritual health/maturity. <br />
<br />
Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it was never rescinded. It
is still in effect. It will continue until Christ returns and we receive our
glorified bodies, Luke 20:34-35. The Dominion Mandate is given to all, directly,
for we all come from Adam. Being fruitful and multiplying is a general command
to all mankind. God’s purpose for marriage is to provide a godly seed for
Himself, His Church, and parents, Mal. 2:15. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Great Commission, however, is NOT given to all mankind,
and is not even given to all in the Church, at least not directly. Further, if
the dominion mandate/being fruitful and multiplying is not followed and obeyed
by humanity in general, there quite obviously will not be nations to disciple,
a Great Commission to be realized. But it will be realized, and so sex and marriage
and babies will continue until Christ returns. The Church will, by God’s grace,
get these priorities right once again, eventually, and God will bless
abundantly. But He will accomplish this through preaching and exhorting on
these matters with all longsuffering and patience, as Paul says to Timothy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Christ commanded His 12 Apostles, He commissioned them and them alone, to go to
the ends of the Earth with the Gospel of the Kingdom, to make disciples of the
nations, baptizing and teaching, etc. Do all Christians have the authority and
right to baptize and teach/preach? Do all Christians have that calling or duty?
No, though many Evangelical Christians presume that they do, or that this is
the highest and greatest good, the most urgent and important thing, and all must
burden themselves with this, even if they do not go into “full time” Christian
ministry. As if all of your life isn’t Christian ministry, lived for the Lord,
regardless of your particular vocation. There’s a reason they (we?) are called “Evangelical”
Christians. But the rhetorical position of having to argue against the Great
Commission and being Evangelical, as it is understood today among Christians,
is difficult. Satan has done a masterful job. We have normalized saying the
family is idolized precisely when Satan and the godless have come together to
destroy the family and male and female. And we have done so quite often by
elevating “soul-winning” at the expense of everything else, including the
family. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now to be abundantly clear, a burden for sinful souls,
witnessing to our neighbors and those in our community, praying for their
conversion, is certainly a good and necessary thing. We do this and pursue this
at our church every Sunday in worship, and throughout the week. If there is no
burden in the Church in general and its leadership in particular for the salvation
of sinners in its region, it is a church that is uncaring, cold, and will dry
up. But these concerns are not the only thing to be concerned about, and it is
not even the most important thing for most Christians and most churches, except
in missionary settings and truly pagan lands that are largely unreached or have
long forgotten the Triune God of Scripture and His Son Jesus Christ. Our own
personal holiness, worshiping the Lord, and ministering to our own blood family
and church family should be of utmost importance, including among ministers/elders,
and as we shall see, doing so is also being Evangelistic in its own way, with
proper priorities. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Apostle Paul had his helpers/evangelists, Timothy and
Titus, appoint elders in cities where his apostolic/missionary work spread out
and God sovereignly saved sinners and brought them into His fold. Churches with
Elders had to form, and what was lacking at that time (Titus 1:5) was not
Evangelistic/missionary fervor, but trained and qualified Elders, pastors and
teachers for the building up of the saints/church (Eph. 4:7-16) with sound
teaching, for the warding off of wolves (Acts 20), etc. <br />
<br />
No true Christian intends to idolize the great commission, just as no true
Christian intends to idolize the family. The two harmonize together, for every
Christian, as I'll note below in a moment. But Christianity will be healthy and
great again in this nation when we do not have to explain this harmony -- when
it is once again self-evident, so much so that we do not have to constantly
remind ourselves of this connection (as I still must do and I am sure many of
us must do), but is second nature. <br />
<br />
Again, the call to be fruitful and multiply, in general, applies to all, and
the rare gift of celibacy (in order to use extra freed up time and less
familial obligations to serve the Lord and His Church and Kingdom in different
ways, not to be a bum or lazy, etc.) is the main grounds for righteously disregarding
the command to marry. Marrying in this nation and culture today is difficult,
not easy, but should still be pursued by all Christians ordinarily. If you are
pursuing sex and have a sexual appetite, God is calling you to marriage and to
have fruitful sex in the bounds of marital love with your Christian spouse. Porn
is pervasive, women filming themselves and men viewing it, even among
Christians. Very few have this gift of celibacy. <br />
<br />
Getting married and having many children, as a general principle, is commanded
by God in Scripture to all mankind, and to all Christians especially, with only
rare exceptional circumstances. In a healthy society, family and procreation,
and strong family bonds, are assumed, not something you have to argue for,
anymore than one has to argue that you should work a job to earn a living (of
course, we have to argue for that today in our nation as well, but I digress...though
this is all interrelated). <br />
<br />
So, here is what must be taught and emphasized in our churches and among
Christians, until it is seen from Scripture and the light of nature that has
been so suppressed, believed and loved once again, to the point it becomes
second nature for us once again: Raising our children in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord, teaching them diligently, is where the Dominion Mandate
and Great Commission kiss for all Christians. How so? Well, if you are raising
your children in the Lord and for the Lord, they belong to the Lord and His
kingdom, as Christ Himself said of believer's children, even from their
infancy, Luke 18:15-17. If they belong to the Kingdom, they belong to God's
everlasting covenant, and should receive the covenant sign of inclusion,
baptism, but this isn't my main point and focus at the moment. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The point is our first duty to others for the sake of the
Gospel is to our own children. “Go into all the world” begins by staying and
remaining in your own home, and reaching and building up in the faith those
that are there. This duty is especially for fathers, and mothers alongside the
fathers for the children. Paul was unmarried, but noted that Peter and all the
other Apostles took their believing wives with them on their missionary
journeys, I Cor. 9:5. They did not abandon their duties to family, but kept
them and led by righteous example. Contrast that with the PK and MK mantra
today, and consider supposedly great “missionaries” like Wesley, or even
Whitefield, or even the family dysfunction of men like Jonathan Edwards, and
you’ll see we’ve been backwards on this as a nation for hundreds of years, and we
are undoubtedly now reaping the bad seed that we have sown with whirlwind speed.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So my main point is that we have so emphasized, on faulty
and unbiblical grounds, the priority of the Great Commission for all Christians,
that we have necessarily subordinated and denigrated that which actually should
have that pre-eminence and priority among all Christians as a normative and
general rule for all generations until Christ returns – namely, the Dominion
Mandate, understood not in a bankrupt and secular way, but as God intended it,
to be fruitful and multiply, fill the Earth and subdue it for God’s glory, precisely
so that the Gospel of the Kingdom, God’s promise to Abraham that he would be
the father of many nations, might be fulfilled in Christ and His redeemed bride.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God’s Gospel, God’s covenant, works down through families,
down through the generations, and thereby leavens nations, and the Gospel
promise that Abraham would be the Father of many nations, that Kings of nations
will come to the Lord, etc., is realized in this way. We want to grow deep and
wide, having outreach and in-reach, but the Scriptural priority, and what is
normally recognized naturally by all mankind, believer and unbeliever alike, is
that in-reach takes precedence. I have a duty before God and man to my family
first, my wife and children, my extended family, my local church, and as a
minister, the sheep in the fold, not the lost outside of the fold, first. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The anger and complaints against what I am saying will be
that this will kill Evangelistic fervor, that it is Hyper-Calvinism, unloving,
selfish, etc. It is none of these things. It is thoroughly biblical, natural,
and logical, but we do not live in a land that is still biblical, natural, or
logical. And that’s the challenge. When you live in upside down <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>clown world, and the church has imbibed much
of that, turning things right side up is going to make everyone queasy during
the process, including the true Christians. Believe me, I am going through the process
still myself. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And none of this justifies cowardice or coldness, none of
this justifies failing to be salt and light before unbelievers, or telling them
of Christ, especially when God gives you opportunity and drops it right in your
lap. None of this precludes handing out tracts, telling others of Christ, and
reasoning with them and pleading with them to come to Jesus for salvation, to
repent of sin, etc. The question is one of priority and place, and who has what
responsibilities, and in what pecking order. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here's something that really can upset God-fearing,
well-intentioned, zealous Christians today, especially younger ones who are
very gung-ho. The Great Commission was fulfilled in the 1<sup>st</sup> century,
before the Temple was destroyed in AD 70. It was given to the Apostles, and was
fulfilled by the Apostles, even though the Church still, collectively and as a
body in its proper place, continues to build upon that foundation and call
sinners in this world to faith and repentance in Christ. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Paul in Col. 1:6 and 1:23 says the Gospel has come to “all
the world, and is bringing forth fruit” and that we were reconciled to God
through Christ’s bodily death to “present you holy, and blameless, and above
reproach in His sight – if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and
steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which you heard,
which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a
minister.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Note how Paul both speaks of the Gospel going to the ends of
the earth and being preached to every creature under heaven, and the emphases
and duties of Christians to both continue and grow in the faith, being grounded
and steadfast. He doesn’t urge them all to join him in going to the ends of the
Earth taking the Gospel, but rather to mature in the faith where they are, whether
slave or free, male or female, etc. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(Note, is it any wonder when we absolutize and nearly
idolize the “Great Commission” that women begin to be called Missionaries, and
we revere such in women like Elisabeth Elliot, Amy Carmichael, etc.? These
ladies were used by the Lord, but should not be called Missionaries. That has
helped paved the way for Beth Moore, Jen Wilkin, and Aimee Byrd types, for
women in the pulpit, etc. Further, it has led to denigrating if not despising
and being embarrassed about the true calling of womanhood, being fertile and
fruitful in the home for the sake of husband and children.) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Elsewhere in Paul’s letters he gives us the household codes,
emphasizing family and home life, nurturing children, loving our spouses, all
picturing Christ and the Church (see Eph. 5-6 for just one place Paul speaks of
these matters). Paul labors for the Church, that Christ would be formed in her,
that they would be pure and holy. Even John Piper, with his heavy missions/missionary
emphasis, is known for saying that “missions exists because worship doesn’t.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dispensational Theology and its far-reaching fingers to many
of those who would hate to be labeled and reject Dispensationalism has clouded
our vision and understanding of much of this. Consider <b><i><u>Matthew 24:9-14</u></i></b>,
<i>“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be
hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will
betray one another, and will hate one another. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then many false prophets will rise up and
deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow
cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. <b><u>And this gospel of
the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations</u></b>,
and then the end will come.”</i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That last verse in particular is noteworthy. While
Dispensationalism and some others would take this to refer to Christ’s final
coming at the end of time, at the point when marriage will come to an end, and
glorification begins, this is actually speaking of the Apostles being betrayed,
killed, and hated by all nations/the world. They, the Apostles, will preach the
Gospel of the Kingdom to all the world, and Paul has said he has done so along
with his fellow Apostles, and then “the end will come”. This end is not the end
of history, but the end of the Jewish age, the end of the city of Jerusalem
with its temple worship, prophesied by Christ and fulfilled in AD 70 by the
Roman armies destroying the city of Jerusalem along with its Temple and
inhabitants. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is why the following verses in Matt. 24:15ff. urge those
in Judea to flee to the mountains, to get out of dodge, quite literally to run
from Jerusalem and not look back, like Lot’s wife, and not linger, as Lot
himself did at Sodom’s looming destruction. Christ in Matthew 24 even says woe
to those who are pregnant and nursing babies in those days. He says to pray
that the escape may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For this Great
Tribulation will be greater than anything ever seen. Christ says in Matt. 24:34
that the present generation would not pass away until “all these things take
place”. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We must recognize, then, that the Great Commission was
fulfilled, or at least had its primary fulfillment, in the 1<sup>st</sup>
century through the Apostles, to whom it was given. Even if we take the rest of
the chapter, verses 36ff. to refer to the final coming of Christ, the end/culmination
of the new age which has now broken in but is not yet fully realized, we still
have to recognize that the Gospel through the Apostles was preached and
proclaimed in all the Earth, and therefore fulfilled. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So there is a sense, at minimum, in which the Great
Commission was not given directly to any of us living today, and further, that
the Great Commission was fulfilled in the 1<sup>st</sup> century, in the
Apostle’s day, and was therefore part of the foundation of the New Testament
Church, and not something building upon that foundation. Again, none of this
denies the need for those outside of Christ and the Church to hear the Gospel.
None of this denies that there are remote regions where the Gospel has either
been forgotten or never brought to in any meaningful way, at least since the
days of the Apostles. Many neighbors in our own nation have precious little
understanding of the pure Gospel of Christ, or have been so distorted by false
teachers, that they desperately need teaching and education and refutation,
even as Christ and Peter and Paul reasoned in the synagogues and in the
streets, etc., to the Jews who long had the law and Gospel, Gal. 3:8. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But who can deny that the American Church in general, and
the Evangelicals in particular, have regarded the Great Commission as
sacrosanct, and have essentially said it applies to most all Christians
indiscriminately, and should have pride of place in all Christians’ priorities?
But from Scripture and nature, how can we not see that this is simply
wrongheaded in the extreme, and the implications are serious? So serious, that
as our nation was founded upon a Christianity that was born out of Revival that
quickly descended into Revivalism, Finney-ism, and all the rest of altar calls
and seeker-sensitivity, that we must recognize that we must go back to the Magisterial
Reformers, to Calvin and Knox and the like, and to some of the best early
Puritans to get corrected on all this? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As we do so, we will recover from Scripture and from our
Reformed heritage the primacy of place of the Christian family, the covenant
home, that our children belong to the covenant and are born into it, and must
be nurtured in the Lord and with the eye to it (and confidence in the Lord and
His Gospel promises) that through the Gospel and Covenant Nurture our children
indeed will be born again and pass down the Christian faith through the
generations. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Family is the first Great Commission, if we must insist on
speaking of an abiding obligation of the Great Commission that trickles down to
every Christian living today. We are commanded to marry, to have children, and
to disciple them, raising them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Psalm
78:1-8 is so clear it can just about establish the point all by itself, though
the totality of Scripture and many particular passages plainly teach this: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>Give ear, O my people, to my law;<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>I will open my mouth in a parable;<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>I will utter dark sayings of old,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>Which we have heard and known,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>And our fathers have told us.<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>We will not hide them from their children,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>Telling to the generation to come the praises of
the Lord,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>And His strength and His wonderful works that He
has done.<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>For He established a testimony in Jacob,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>And appointed a law in Israel,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>Which He commanded our fathers,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>That they should make them known to their children;<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>That the generation to come might know them,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>The children who would be born,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>That they may arise and declare them to their
children,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>That they may set their hope in God,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>And not forget the works of God,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>But keep His commandments;<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>And may not be like their fathers,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>A stubborn and rebellious generation,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>A generation that did not [c]set its heart aright,<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>And whose spirit was not faithful to God.<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Church is to be a city set on a hill, a great light to
the unbelievers around us. But our light has become a great darkness and
hypocrisy, because we claim we have the words of light, but in our own homes there
is so often great darkness, confusion, bitterness, hatred, apostatizing and
covenant breaking. If we cannot, by God’s grace, keep the light of the Gospel
lit in our own homes, what business have we trying to shine it into the lives
and homes of others? We must tend to our own fields, our own homes first. And
then within our churches, the House of God, there is often the same issue. We
prioritize the sinner on the street, when God commands we nurture and
prioritize the Christian in the pew. And no wonder many of its ministers should
have been disqualified for having ungodly families/homes and have failed to
rule in their own homes well. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Someone will object and say we cannot pick between the lost
and the found, the elect in the Church, and the elect not yet brought into the
Church. But this has never been how God has worked. Israel was to be a light to
the nations. Christ is the light of the world, and has made His Church in
particular, His body, to now be that light. The holiness of the Church
determines greatly its effectiveness in witness to those outside the church. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So let us see the Great Commission for what it is, what it
was, and how it has been fulfilled. Let us see how the Church is built upon the
foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Eph. 2:20, and the need for Pastors
and Teachers, Elders and Shepherds, godly parents and faithful spouses and children,
to see the Gospel of the Kingdom bloom and grow and leaven the nations for the
glory of God and the name above all names, Jesus Christ. May we prioritize what
God commands us to prioritize, and may we trust that His program, His purpose
for building the Church and Kingdom, is wiser than ours, is holier than ours,
is more loving than ours, and may we submit to it with firm confidence that His
will shall be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Amen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-86821038581491363672023-08-22T11:14:00.003-05:002023-08-22T11:14:58.880-05:00Covenant Continuity and Succession Down through the Generations<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Covenant Continuity and Succession
Down through the Generations<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Throughout Scripture, in Old and New Testament alike, believer’s
children are always included in God's covenant, and receive the covenant sign.
The purpose of the covenant being extended down through the generations is so
that God can accomplish His Gospel, to have an inheritance of nations, His holy
kingdom that covers the whole Earth. Without children belonging to the
covenant, receiving the covenant sign and admission into the church, and
thereby being raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, the Gospel
cannot be accomplished on the scale that God promises and intends – for Christ to
have an inheritance of nations where kings bring their glory in, etc. And yet
the promise of the Gospel is that Christ would inherit nations, that kings of
nations will come and worship Him (Isaiah 49, 60, Rev. 21:24, etc.). Without covenant
succession, without God’s covenant of grace being passed down from generation
to generation, the church has no holy seed, and the kingdom of God has no
mechanism within itself by which it will grow from a seed to a great tree over
many generations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
So in that sense, the covenant and covenant/household baptism is a Gospel
issue, for it has everything to do with the church, the kingdom of God,
Evangelism, Discipleship, church discipline, training and nurture of children,
etc. I will list some verses below and make brief comments upon clusters of
them interspersed throughout.<br />
<br />
Genesis 17:4ff.:<br />
<br />
“As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many
nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be
Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you
exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from
you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants
after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you
and your descendants after you...<br />
<br />
"And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and
your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant
which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every
male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in
the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me
and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male
child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money
from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 He who is born in your house
and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall
be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male
child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall
be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”<br />
<br />
Genesis 18:17-19:<br />
<br />
"And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, 18 since
Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of
the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have known him, in order that he
may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of
the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham
what He has spoken to him.”<br />
<br />
Jeremiah 32:38-40:<br />
<br />
"They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them
one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and
their children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them,
that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their
hearts so that they will not depart from Me."<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We see that these promises of God, Gospel promises to
Abraham and his children, are both Abraham and his children’s. These promises
are more fully realized and fulfilled when Christ comes in the flesh. There is
no discontinuity on this from the Old to New Testaments. Christ was with Israel
in the Old Testament, and they had real, spiritual communion with him, see I
Corinthians 10, etc. Though as we shall see, that communion, though real and
true and spiritual, was inferior, shadowy, and thankfully temporary. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
Luke 1:17:<br />
<br />
"He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn
the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom
of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”<br />
<br />
Luke 1:46ff. <br />
<br />
And Mary said:<br />
<br />
“My soul magnifies the Lord...And His mercy is on those who fear Him From
generation to generation....He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of
His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers,<br />
To Abraham and to his seed forever.”<br />
<br />
Luke 18:15-17<br />
<br />
"Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when
the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and
said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such
is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the
kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”<br />
<br />
Acts 2:38-39: <br />
<br />
"Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to
all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As promised in the Old Testament, the New Testament with
Christ’s coming still emphasizes and includes the children of believers,
including the children of Gentile believers. The promise of receiving forgiveness
of sins and the Holy Spirit upon repentance/faith is extended to believers and
their children. The covenant sign is no longer circumcision, but is now
baptism. Just as any adult pagan/Gentile/unbeliever outside of the covenant
would first have to repent and believe in order to receive the sign of
circumcision, thus granting admittance into God’s covenant/church/people during
the old covenant administration under Abraham/Moses, etc., so in the new
covenant administration Gentiles must first repent and believe (as well as the
Jews since they have largely rejected God and Christ the Messiah and do not
have a claim of being His exclusive covenant people any longer) in order to be
baptized, thus granting admittance into God’s covenant/church/people. Abraham
first repented and believed, and then was given the sign of the covenant, not
just for himself, but for all his children/descendants. Christ, in fulfilling
the Abrahamic covenant and ushering in the new covenant administration,
requires the same. Faith first, as the Gospel first goes out in the New Testament,
and then the promise and sign of the covenant (Baptism) now belongs to
believers and their children. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The question, then, is what about the children of believers?
In both the old and new testament/covenant administrations, children of
believers are included in the promise. See the verses below: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Galatians 3:8-9: <br />
<br />
"And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by
faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the
nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with
believing Abraham."<br />
<br />
Romans 3:1-4: <br />
<br />
"What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?
Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.
For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of
God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a
liar. <br />
<br />
Romans 4:9ff.: <br />
<br />
"Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the
uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for
righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or
uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he
received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith
which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all
those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be
imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only
are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our
father Abraham had while still uncircumcised." <br />
<br />
For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to
his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith...Therefore it
is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be
sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those
who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is
written, “I have made you a father of many nations”)..." <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So we see in this text that the true seed of Abraham are
those who have true faith. These are the elect. But the covenant, and the sign
of the covenant, is broader than the elect. The covenant is a means to the end
of election. Circumcision was not unprofitable. Romans 3 above says it was
profitable “much in every way!” The chief reason being that God had entrusted
to Israel the oracles of God. Their unbelief does not make this null and void,
it does not make circumcision unprofitable. Why? Because circumcision was not a
sign of one’s faith or salvation, but a sign of the covenant promises of
salvation extended to God’s covenant people, which should elicit the RESPONSE
of those covenant people to repent and believe. Per Genesis 17:14 above, any
uncircumcised male child was cut off from the covenant people, and cut off from
the covenant Lord/God. Thus, they would not have received the oracles/words of
God, the law and Gospel. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But here’s a simple question. Do you bring your children to
church for worship? Do you believe they should come to church, that the oracles/words
of God belong to them? If so, then you should baptize them, because
circumcision, as Romans 3:1 shows, is profitable as it marks one as having the
right to the Bible/God’s Word, the oracles. If there is but one believing
parent, then God and Christ and the Church belong to that child, for that child
is holy to the Lord, I Cor. 7:14. The father is duty bound to bring that child
to all that belongs to the child. This means to the Word of God, not just in
the home, but in the church, and to inclusion in the covenant community of the
church, by means of baptism. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The New Testament is not silent about household baptisms
either. There are several accounts of these, but just one is listed below.
Christ when speaking of Zacchaeus also declared that salvation has come to his
house when Zacchaeus repented and believed in Christ. Further, the basis of
baptism is not to make the child holy, but because the child is covenantally
holy, that is, by virtue of being born within the covenant to at least one believing
parent, that child is holy/set apart to the Lord, like those infant children
that Christ took into His lap, prayed for, and blessed, saying the kingdom of
God belonged to them, Mark 10:13-16. This is no different than babies born to
Israelite children under the old covenant. They were covenantally holy, and
thereby fit to be in the camp of God’s presence, that is to say, part of His people,
part of His church. Those male children who were uncircumcised, however, were
regarded as covenant breakers and cast out, unfit to be in the camp, liable to
God’s judgment, Gen. 17:14. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
Acts 16:14ff.: <br />
<br />
"Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from
the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the
things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she
begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to
my house and stay.” So she persuaded us." <br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 7:14 -- <br />
<br />
"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the
unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be
unclean, but now they are holy."<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is clear from Scripture that children are to be raised,
from infancy, as covenant children, receiving the sign of the covenant,
baptism. Just as Christ received literal infants into His arms to pray for,
bless, and declare the kingdom of God belongs to them, so we bring our babies
to Christ to pray for, bless, and declare the kingdom of God belongs to them
when we present them to the Lord for baptism. <br />
<br />
It does no good to say that we cannot baptize them as babies because Christ,
though He blessed them and prayed for them, did not then baptize them. We only
ever read of baptism with Christ and His disciples in John 3 and 4. This is
early in Christ’s ministry, while John the Baptizer is still ministering and
baptizing. The baptism seems to have much in common with John’s baptism of
repentance. <br />
<br />
We are told explicitly in John 4:2 that Jesus Himself did not baptize, only His
disciples. Many came to Christ throughout His ministry, and Jesus says that
their faith has made them well and their sins are forgiven. And yet, not a word
is said about He or His disciples baptizing them. Besides, Christian baptism
into the triune name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is instituted by
Him at His ascension into heaven when He tells the apostles to go out into all
the world, not during His earthly ministry. <br />
<br />
What lesson would the disciples have learned from Christ their Lord? The Gospel
is the good news of the kingdom of God. Christ says repent, for the kingdom of
God is at hand, yet at the same time declares that infants/babies/young
children belong to that kingdom. Jesus rebuked the disciples for
forbidding/trying to prevent parents who were bringing their babies to Jesus. <br />
<br />
If the disciples found those parents and babies after Christ ascended, do we
really doubt that both the parents and the babies would be baptized? How could
the water of baptism be withheld from the children to whom it belongs, for the
kingdom of God, the good news of the Gospel, belonged to them. Christ the King
of the Kingdom belonged to them, and received them into His lap, and prayed for
them and blessed them, per Mark 10. Since Christ truly did, and truly continues
to do, all these things for our children, how can we not give them the covenant
sign of these things, baptism, when they already have the reality of them in
Christ?<br />
<br />
This is all meant to nurture our infant children in the Lord, as belonging to
the Lord, for the Lord truly lays His hands on them in prayer and blessing, and
bids them trust in Him and follow Him in true faith and repentance all their
lives. Let us not squander these means of grace!<br />
<br />
And as such, we can understand why the household codes, as they are called,
such as the text in Ephesians 6 below, include the children of believers. They
are not exhorted to “repent and believe, be baptized, and then if you do this,
obey your parents in the Lord”. No, rather, they are commanded from the outset
to obey their parents in the Lord. <br />
<br />
Further, the covenant law is applied to them, to honor father and mother, and
the covenant promise is applied to them, that it may be well with them and they
may live long on the earth. Finally, the covenant duties of fathers are
highlighted, to rear their children in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Not to Evangelize them as if they were pagans, withhold baptism from them until
they repent and believe, and if only they ever do that, to then raise them up
in the training and admonition of the Lord. <br />
<br />
No, all fathers must raise their children in the Lord’s training and
admonition, because they are the Lord’s children received by Christ, which
should be symbolized in baptism. All these things are advantageous to the
covenant child, including water baptism, not in a magical way or simply by the
act of applying water, but as a true means of grace, under the Word of God, and
alongside prayer, that God uses and works in, by His Spirit, according to His
will and in His timing, to regenerate precious covenant children and give them
the blessings/life of the covenant in which they are already in. <br />
<br />
If parents, fathers especially, and the church, Elders especially, neglect
these means of grace for our covenant children, we sin grievously against the
Lord, against our children, and may find indeed that our children are never
regenerated, and never brought to saving faith and repentance by the Lord. But
if we parent by God’s covenant promises, trusting in Him, praying to Him for
our children’s souls, giving our children the covenant sign and seal of baptism
as babies, bringing them to the words/oracles of God in the home and in the
Church, we have a firm hope and confidence, a covenantal expectation, that the
blessings of the covenant will soon be realized inwardly in our children, and
they will not face the covenant curses as apostates/covenant breakers. <br />
<br />
While we can note hard providences, prodigal sons, Job-like burdens that the
Lord in rare circumstances puts His people through, the plain rule and teaching
of Scripture is that the Lord includes believer’s children in the covenant, not
to damn the great majority of them even when parental and pastoral nurture are
faithful and steady (though always imperfect and sinful as we all are), but to
save/give the new birth to the great majority of them, particularly when
parental and pastoral nurture are faithful and steady, as the Lord commands and
as is our solemn duty.<br />
<br />
Apart from the covenant being cut/extended to and including our covenant
children, and further, apart from the covenantal hope and expectation that God
will give the blessings/life of the covenant to the great majority of our
children who are raised and nurtured in the fear/admonition of the Lord, it is
not possible that God will build and grow His kingdom gradually, slowly but
surely, as Scripture describes it. The history of the Christian Church and its
growth bears this out. When the Church is being faithful, the children are
being trained and catechized well, and many are repenting, believing, and
persevering in the faith to the end, and in turn passing the faith along to
their children. <br />
<br />
When the church is unfaithful, that unfaithfulness/neglect obviously begins
with the adults/parents, and thus likewise their nurturing and rearing of their
children is neglected, either because they do not do it at all, or they do it
quite hypocritically, and thus the covenant chain down through the generations
is broken. Judgment comes. Look at where we are today in our nation. We do not
baptize our children, we do not catechize them, and so we don't even know what
a man or woman is, we abort and murder the babies that we do have, and we
double and triple down on seeker-sensitive Evangelistic gimmicks, and worldly
consumerism is ushered into the Church.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For those born within the covenant (covenant children), the
covenant sign of inclusion (circumcision in the old, baptism in the new) is a
sacrament, a means of grace that God may well use to bring, through the Gospel Word
and with prayers of parents, pastors, and church together, to saving faith and
repentance, so that the outward administration becomes an inward reality. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Colossians 2:11-12: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision
made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh,
by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you
also were raised with Him through faith in the working of
God, who raised Him from the dead.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
Ephesians 6:1-4: <br />
<br />
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your
father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may
be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”<br />
<br />
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in
the training and admonition of the Lord." <br />
<br />
The Lord commands us to acknowledge that our children are holy, by being born
to at least one believing parent, and that His covenant of grace, traced
through from Abraham to the New Covenant, has always included the children of
believers, and therefore, the children of believers along with the parents are
part of the church, because they are within the covenant of grace, and are to
receive the sign of the covenant of grace, which was circumcision and is now
baptism, in order to officially be admitted into the membership of the church. Parents
and Pastors are to nurture these covenant children from this privileged,
covenantal position, knowing that the oracles/words of God belong to them,
parenting by God’s promises, and admonishing and encouraging the children to
follow the Lord, trusting in Christ as their Lord and Savior who has brought
them into this covenant and church. Just as a faithful pastor calls the church continually
to repent and believe in Christ, so we should do with our covenant children, in
the church and the father in the home as well. But this is not evangelizing
pagans, but discipling our children, bringing them up in the covenantal nurture
and admonition of the Lord, as Eph. 6 commands. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our Evangelical church today is largely Dispensational,
Arminian, and anti-paedobaptist/oikobaptist (infant/household baptism). But
note that the Reformed, while certainly Covenantal over against Dispensational,
and Calvinistic over against Arminian, are NOT anti-credobaptist. This is not a
debate between paedo-baptism vs. credo-baptism. All paedo-baptists are credo-baptists
in the biblical sense, meaning, we all agree that those outside of the covenant
must first repent and believe before they can be baptized and admitted into the
membership of the church. It has always been that way, from Old Testament to
New Testament. But we also recognized that those born to believing parents,
those born to church members, are themselves church members, are themselves born
into the covenant of grace. As such, they receive the sign of the covenant,
then circumcision and now baptism, and are thereby admitted into the church
really, truly, and visibly. Just as many Israelite children perished in their
sins despite belonging to the covenant/church, so many Christian children may
yet perish in their sins despite belonging to the covenant/church and receiving
the covenant sign of inclusion (baptism now). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But why were so many Israelite children broken off, covenant
breakers, apostates? It had much to do with the prophets, priests, kings, and parents
themselves being dead in sins, or at the very least, not raising their children
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord as commanded by God. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the new covenant, in Christ’s blood and the greater
outpouring of the Spirit, we have a firmer and deeper hope for our covenant
children. Why? Because God’s means of grace, through Christ and His outpoured
Spirit, are deeper and richer than they were before Christ came. It was still
Christ’s blood and Spirit working upon Israel of old, but now the new Israel,
Jew and Gentile together in Christ, have a better covenant, that is, a fuller
and deeper administration of God’s covenant, founded on better promises, taking
His covenant/church people not to a temple made with hands, but up into heaven
itself! See Hebrews 8-9 on the superiority of the new covenant administration
under Christ, but also the greater judgment for breaking this new covenant in
Hebrews 10.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ultimately, if we believe that God’s church and kingdom will
grow, that His kingdom will come, and His will shall be done on earth as it is
in heaven, slowly but surely, like a mustard seed becoming a tree that birds
nest in as Christ describes it, we must have covenant continuity, covenant
succession. The promises of God and salvation must be, as they always have been,
to us and our children, down through the generations. Parents and pastors must believe
these promises, lay hold of them in baptism, raise their children in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord, and as the children come to understanding and
expression of faith (in God’s blessing often sooner rather than later in their life),
they shall then come to the Lord’s Table as the visible expression of those who
have tasted and seen, truly, that the Lord is good, and have trusted in Him as
their Lord and Savior from a circumcised/baptized heart, the sin cut out and
washed away through the blood/cross of Christ and His outpoured Spirit. At that
glorious point of coming to the Lord’s Table, what they have been born into will
have been seen to have been born into them. They were born within the covenant,
and now the life/blessings of the covenant, the Spirit of God working with,
through, and alongside the Gospel Word of God, have caused them to be born
again, and with the eyes, hands, and mouth, both physically and spiritually/by
faith, they take and eat, take and drink of the bread and wine, of the
sacramental body and blood of the Lord, with the risen Christ Himself serving
us of His life-giving power by His Spirit from heaven above. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-78284870371620935362023-08-19T08:23:00.003-05:002023-08-19T08:23:54.430-05:00THE RICH MEN RUNNING THE REFORMED SEMINARIES VS. THE POOR MINISTERS:<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">THE RICH MEN RUNNING THE REFORMED SEMINARIES VS. THE POOR MINISTERS:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMuTLONFQdXAsZSKdL2VAsC9W3Z6s-o8j7e_tyL6OKmrYn_ZyaTI8KniFkdJaVOks8r6Q23aAXmj1I_Qtl7fl3xY-yiZJTU5itMk7narBuq0idcvtavzk5KlHK1f06BZTo09d32Kjw0WjIkgWqmoEhJvDFItaRqYmaBH0gJ0VaPMOYDKSmstA2av0Ls0A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="776" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMuTLONFQdXAsZSKdL2VAsC9W3Z6s-o8j7e_tyL6OKmrYn_ZyaTI8KniFkdJaVOks8r6Q23aAXmj1I_Qtl7fl3xY-yiZJTU5itMk7narBuq0idcvtavzk5KlHK1f06BZTo09d32Kjw0WjIkgWqmoEhJvDFItaRqYmaBH0gJ0VaPMOYDKSmstA2av0Ls0A=w503-h232" width="503" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">In many situations, men looking to enter pastoral ministry, especially in Reformed and Presbyterian circles (and some Baptists as well with their seminaries), are expected to not only have a solid undergraduate degree, but go to seminary and earn an M.Div. (100 credits or so) as well. Overall, I agree with the required rigor. We want our ministers trained. We ARE professionals, in at least some real sense. <span style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><a style="animation-name: none !important; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>Those unskilled in handling the Word of God ought not to be ordained, and intensive and comprehensive training along the lines of seminary by godly, qualified men is necessary. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">The problem is less the training and more the costs and dynamics at this present time. I have known pastors, even with various financial aids, having to still pay off their seminary work into their 40's. I remember a few years back hearing about how many ordained ministers there are in the PCA, and how the number of actual churches was something like half. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Being paid well, especially as a President of a thoroughly biblical and sound seminary, isn't an issue. If the seminaries and men listed below, especially the one at the top, were solidly faithful and biblical, and the men they were training were entering into a pastoral ministry/job market that was reasonable, what would be the problem? </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Tuition at RTS is about $600/credit hour, not sure if that varies between which RTS you are at. At WTS in Pennsylvania, it is more than double this at $1230 per hour! </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">If there are 100 credits in an M.Div., that's anywhere between $60,000 and over $120,000 for an M.Div. This is on top of whatever a student had to pay to get through undergraduate work. It is true, most seminaries offer decent scholarships, tuition discounts, etc., but between undergraduate and seminary, it is likely you are being saddled with $50,000-80,000 you've had to pay out of pocket or go into debt to cover, just to then compete for a job market that will often pay poorly, relative to the costs to qualify to serve in that job. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">And often if you want to compete for a larger church/top end ministerial position, you'll need a Doctoral Degree, or at least further certification, etc. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Yes, ministry is a job, and the ideal is not bi-vocational/tentmaking ministry, even though for many it is a necessity given the dynamics. But have we considered that the command to "not muzzle the ox" and "the worker is worthy of his wages" (I Tim. 5:17-18) has to take into account the debt or costs of qualifying to labor in the field of pastoral ministry?</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Now, what are the qualifications to serve as a Pastor/Elder according to Scripture? It includes being the husband of one wife, and ruling your household well. This presupposes, at the very least in normal circumstances, that the one serving as Minister is not a bachelor, but a married man, and ideally with children to provide for, and has some demonstration of competency in his own home. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">I Tim. 3:4-5, "One who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence" (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)".</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">It seems today we almost wink at this as a qualification. Not only are there jokes about PK's (Pastor's Kids), but today we launch young Johnny into the ministry at 22 (or younger) because he led a good college group and just graduated. No, he isn't married, trained, or qualified, but let's make him a youth pastor, or an associate pastor, or if we've really got a prodigy on our hands, our senior pastor! </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Even if you marry at 21 or 22, it will take a few years to have some demonstration of ruling your house well, and to bear children. This, combined with the training required for pastoral ministry, means typically one shouldn't be ordained under 25 years of age or so. This is a good thing, not a bad thing. But given these realities, we need to help young men preparing for ministry, with a new family, with young children, all while learning Greek and Hebrew, likely uprooted from their local family and community to attend Seminary for several years. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">And realistically, with the costs of seminary, unless you have the fully funded support of your local church (and praise God if you do), you're going to be working a fair bit while in Seminary, and taking classes likely only part time. It took me 7 years to complete seminary, and this was after graduating from Bible College (and I did this with church financial support and not going to the bigshot seminaries but more affordable ones, like GPTS and later RITS). Even with all your seminary costs covered, are you going to have your wife, bearing your babies, work while you simply study and train? Ideally, you are going to be working some, if not close to full time, regardless. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">I do think all of this lends itself to distance based/online seminary learning. At the same time, my two years on campus in Bible College and year on campus in seminary, plus intensive courses that lasted a week or so that I traveled to, were invaluable. Some sort of hybrid model is likely ideal, and possible in our day and age. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">You would think that tuition would be discounted for distance students, but my experience and searching online says this is not the case. In fact, they may charge you a bit more for a technology fee. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Add to this that some of these Reformed seminaries seek accreditation, or have to jump through various hoops, all hoops that cost money, and this cost gets passed down to the student. Further, these mainline Reformed seminaries are also, in many cases, compromised today. Due to costs and compromise, I'd never recommend them. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">There are free seminaries options online like the Log College and Seminary. But there's also affordable options. I finished my M.Div. with Reformation International Theological Seminary, and I do some work for them now as well. I am very grateful for how the Lord provided in this way. Tuition is only $95/credit hour, and the recorded lectures used have been used for many years. You don't have to worry about woke teaching, because all our lectures predates woke-world, and many of our lectures are audio recordings from other seminaries, used with their permission. Your material is graded by our Dean of Studies, you get to interact with him on your assignments, all lectures are transcribed, etc. It's a solid, streamlined, affordable option. You can learn more here: <span style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Freformationseminary.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2mpvc2x2BqYhGsCR8_RGPkMStjeuGcOr4witECPhuB6EsVKU1XQnYXY5M&h=AT09ZknR-fhifWd89cRo0gYIWHas4w27QqCRvYbTehywskaS2J_e1Pq5cnigO397wXY5l-7Sl90YnOYaRIhuOZcgc3sYvPHx9-jmqQYHe64C3R_2L5ow0tq9-01h5pKsZ5oPXeYGjzpD-wljbA&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1l8zZCRRSrByJNxZy8qkdBKnLMmy-KW16VNNwRNxDGAhjG_WwbcKdk5FGhjiwBcuuhJoJChcYvcKd_Z_2cY3SILl2lVtkBnQ6fGRaUTa1XQ5x4FkGzkOMr9TPxGNxOGmTggiTm70KgCAsaGE1KkRBRgf-BYA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; animation-name: none !important; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://reformationseminary.org/</a></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">I say all that to say this. The state of the church and our seminaries is quite poor right now, including and in some ways especially our Reformed seminaries. There are a few exceptions, but they are few, and I fear they might not be exceptions 10 years from now. We need to guard against degree credentialism, as if simply having an M.Div. or doctoral degree makes you wise and sound and qualified and godly as a minister. We also need to guard against lowering the academic standards and bar for ministers. It has been drastically lowered over the last 100 years or so. A child 100+ years ago given something of a classical, Christian education would probably have the equivalent of a solid Bible College or even seminary degree today, especially knowing Latin and Greek. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Godly men who are in a financial bind due to college and seminary costs, then finding out that their denomination is compromised and/or going woke are having to make hard decisions. Lots of times, their local churches aren't what they expected, their Elders are untrustworthy and often unqualified, etc. It is a hard time. I am pleading with ministers to be faithful if this is your situation. Trust the Lord, come out from among them, and be ye separate. Be faithful, and if you have to leave your church or denomination, do so. Do not compromise for the sake of money or ease. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">But let's admit that the present system is failing. The mainline Reformed seminaries are increasingly expensive dinosaurs that are inadequate and compromised. I didn't even mention probably the greatest offender, Covenant Theological Seminary along with Covenant College. It is time for new works, to God's glory. New, small Christian co-ops and schools for youth, Bible colleges and seminaries, and new church plants that are done ignoring the real, sinful issues.</div></div>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-14073685463535808092023-08-16T09:21:00.011-05:002023-08-16T12:25:48.253-05:00Baptism: Sprinkling or Immersing? <p> By: Thomas F. Booher</p><p>BAPTISM: SPRINKLING/POURING or DUNKING/IMMERSING?<br /><br />I've seen maybe one or two baptisms by immersion in person. It's always surprising to me. But I've watched more online so my sensibilities are less surprised than before. <br /><br />So I can imagine how jarring it is for our largely Baptistic Christian culture to see a baptism by sprinkling/pouring, and of course for most of them they would say it isn't even a true baptism because we didn't dunk. <br /><br />The symbolism isn't meaningless though. While we would accept immersion as a true and valid baptism, we do not use immersion as the proper, or at least most proper and accurate mode of baptism. <br /><br />Pouring or sprinkling water upon the head of the recipient, whether adult or covenant child/baby, symbolizes Christ's blood covering His people, and His Spirit being poured out upon them. <br /><br />Ezekiel 36:25-26, "Then I will SPRINKLE CLEAN WATER on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."<br /><br />Hebrews 10:19-22, "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our HEARTS SPRINKLED from an evil conscience and our BODIES WASHED with pure water." <br /><br />Notice that God's promise is what He will do. He will sprinkle clean water upon us, cleanse us from filthiness, give us a new heart and His Holy Spirit within us. We are passive in baptism, outward and inward baptism, the sign and the thing signified. <br /><br />Baptism is not primarily a sign of our faith, but what God does for us, to be received in faith. It is true, in Romans 6, we can speak of being buried with Christ and raised to new life, and our union with Christ is certainly the overarching and undergirding picture of our salvation, which baptism signs and seals. Yet how was Jesus buried? I am certainly no expert on burials in the time of Jesus, but Scripture tells us that He was buried, not as we often do today by being put 6 feet under the ground, but in a new tomb hewn out of rock, such that a large stone had to be rolled against the door of the tomb, Matt. 27:57-60. This is the common pattern throughout Scripture in both Testaments. Abraham was buried in a tomb/cave for example, Gen. 25:9. <br /><br />Now even I, a Reformed Presbyterian who always sees baptism by sprinkling/pouring, will admit that I typically think of Romans 6 and coming up out of the ground, like one who is buried today. But that would not have been the imagery, at least not the primary one, in Jesus' day. We are buried with Christ, but Christ was buried in a tomb. So picturing resurrection with/in Christ as coming up out of the ground/water, as many churches today in our nation do, is inaccurate. Christ came out when the stone was rolled away. He walked out, He did not come out of the top of the tomb. <br /><br />Baptism does not mean immersion, or at least it does not only mean immersion. This is what so many Baptists and others will say, and there is an etymological case to be made as I understand, but that simply isn't how the word is only used in Scripture or during the early history of the Church. Historically, more or less, only the Baptists baptized by FULL immersion, and only the baptists withheld baptism from the babies of believers. Calvin and some Reformed (a small minority) do speak of baptism as an immersion, but not necessarily a full emersion. In other words, there might be the waters coming up to one's feet, or knees, but the water could still then be scooped up and poured upon the head, to symbolize, again, the sprinkling of the blood of Christ and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, just as was promised in Scripture and as the blood of the covenant before Christ came was sprinkled on the people, Ex. 24:8 -- <br /><br /> "And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, 'This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.'” <br /><br />The burden of proof is on Baptists/those who baptize by full immersion to show how the covenant has changed from sprinkling to immersing/dunking. But that calls into question the unity of the covenants and the unity of salvation, because there's a big difference theologically and illustratively between sprinkling/pouring and immersion. This is not inconsequential. Baptism is a sign of salvation, I believe most all would agree with that. Even if some say it is primarily about our faith (which is not true at all, salvation is God's working not our doing/believing), most would acknowledge that we do not bury ourselves with Christ, regenerate ourselves, raise ourselves to new life. Any who says that we accomplish this is not a Christian, but a heretic saying he can give himself new life, that he can save himself. <br /><br />In Exodus 24, we see Moses taking the blood of the animal sacrifices and sprinkling it upon the people after reading the law/God's Word to them. The people had just essentially taken membership vows, pledging obedience to all the Lord has said. Moses explains that the blood of the covenant, which is upon them, was made with them by the Lord, not by them, and according to the words of the covenant, not their words. Yes, the covenant is meant to elicit the response of faith, of obedience to the law, etc., which the people vowed, though for many we know they would break the covenant and apostatize, not having genuine faith and true obedience. <br /><br />This ceremony in Exodus 24 implicitly includes not just the men, but the women and the children/babies as well. In Ex. 10, Pharaoh is trying to negotiate with the LORD/Moses about the release of the Israelites. Initially Pharaoh will only permit the men to leave, not the "little ones". But in 10:9 Moses had said, "We will go with our young and our old; with our sons and our daughters, with our flocks and our herds we will go, for we must hold a feast to the Lord.”<br /><br />All, the young and old, the adults and children, whether older children or babies, were all delivered by the LORD for their salvation from Pharaoh/Egypt, in order to become God's people, be covered with the blood of the covenant, and to hold a feast to the Lord as His covenant people. The final plague, involving the death of the firstborn, is a plain indication of the covenantal/household nature of God's salvation. All the house of Israel is to be delivered, not just the men, but the women too. And not just the adults, but the children, including the babies as well. Do we really think Moses/God told Pharaoh they can keep their babies? Perish the wicked thought! Moses himself was delivered through a baptismal ritual when he was floated down the river in a small basket, the Hebrew word being the same word for ark, picturing a Noah in miniature, and we know that Noah and the flood is explicitly connected to baptism in Scripture itself, I Pet. 3:21. <br /><br />The parting of the waters at the Red Sea is what all Israel crossed through, and do we really think at that point the babies of the Israelites were abandoned to die or be taken again by Pharaoh's armies? Perish the wicked thought! And I Corinthians 10 tells us that all were baptized there as they passed through the waters of the Red Sea. Further, I Cor. 10 says all ate and drank the same spiritual food, from the rock that followed them in the wilderness, and that Rock was Christ! <br /><br />The Old Testament/Old Covenant is neither graceless nor Christless. It is full of grace, and it is full of Christ. It was an administration of the one covenant of grace spanning all of Scripture, at that time administered under Moses and the Aaronic priesthood, now administered through Christ our great High Priest, and in His precious blood. <br /><br />So all that we find in the New Testament/Covenant must be in complete agreement with what we find in the Old Testament/Covenant. The Old Testament pictures and foreshadows what is to come in Christ. Further, it is an administration of Christ Himself, as I Cor. 10 and other passages even more plainly show. So we simply cannot change baptism from sprinkling to full immersion, or exclude our children from the covenant, when God included them from the beginning, and that covenant has always included Christ from the beginning. <br /><br />In baptism, God comes to us, receives us, and pictures before us His His work of salvation for His people. It is all God's actions. We are passive, indeed, dead in sin without Christ. Baptism is no more a sign of our faith than circumcision was a sign of Abraham's faith or his 8 day old male children's faith. It is a sign of God's covenant promises of salvation, which is to be responded to and received in faith. <br /><br />But the Baptistic understanding inverts this and makes the primary, essential thing the faith of the one being baptized, rather than the promises of God to the one God is baptizing. But the blood and Spirit symbolized in baptism is not our blood and Spirit, but Christ's! God has chosen His people, covenant families, to be part of His Church, His people. Believer's children, even as infants, are to be baptized, because they were always part of the covenant and received its sign, circumcision under the old administration, baptism under the new administration of the covenant of grace. The child, just as the adult, is to respond in faith, but the validity of the baptism and the rite to it does not rest upon a presently possessed faith by the recipient. For the unbeliever or the one who goes on to apostatize, to break the covenant, they receive the curses of the covenant, damnation in hell, just as many Israelites did who were sprinkled with the blood of the covenant. Baptism, like circumcision, can symbolize both salvation and deliverance through Christ, or Christ's cutting off and judging through the waters the one who rejects Him and His covenant. <br /><br />All that to say, to baptize by full immersion, especially if the motive behind it is the idea that Christ was buried 6 feet under the ground, and lifted up out of it, is not an accurate or helpful depiction of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and can be misleading regarding the primary/essential nature of baptism. It is not about faith and what we do. It is not about our first moving into Christ by faith, but Christ first and foremost moving into us, uniting Himself to us, covering us with His sprinkled blood and indwelling us by His outpoured Spirit. <br /><br />As such, the element of baptism, the water, is what should be moving upon the person being baptized, for God and His saving work, Christ's blood and Spirit, is what should be moving and coming upon/over/covering the sinner dead in sin. The one dead in sin is not moving into Christ. He must first have Christ's blood and Spirit to respond in faith, that is what must first move into/upon the dead sinner! And precisely because God saves not in response to our faith, but by first uniting us to Christ and giving us a new, circumcised heart/new birth of the Spirit, regenerating us in order for us to have faith, baptism can and should be administered to not only believer's but also their infant children, as a sign and seal of their salvation which they are to lay hold of with a regenerate, sincere heart of faith. <br /><br />Unlike in the Lord's Supper, where the ceremony itself requires one being alive spiritually to partake of the sacrament with the mouth of faith, and literally requires the ability to "take and eat/drink" the elements of bread and wine, this is not the case in the essence of baptism. Water is poured out upon the recipient, not drunk. The recipient does not take a cup of water and baptize himself, pouring the water upon himself, but rather, it is poured upon him by the minister, representing God. Even in the Baptistic practice of dunking/fully immersing the one being baptized, it is the minister who dunks/immerses, not the one being baptized himself. And yet, if the main focus and point of baptism is a presently possessed and expressed faith, then why shouldn't the person, in a demonstration of such faith, fall back into the waters, go under the waters completely, and come up himself, without the minister's assistance? Is this not a point of tension, and perhaps a subtle admission, that the focus is not on, or should not be upon, the faith of the recipient, but the Savior who pours out His Spirit and sprinkles His blood upon the recipient, making His covenant with the one being baptized? <br /><br />Most Baptists, including Reformed Baptists, will not accept my baptism, since I was baptized by sprinkling/pouring. They would not accept baptism of a baby/infant, but likely not even accept an adult baptism that was performed by sprinkling/pouring, since most demand that baptism mean full submerging/immersion. I pray I have demonstrated that not only is full immersion/submersion unnecessary, it may even be unhelpful given the misunderstanding of Christ's burial (tomb vs. 6 feet in the ground, etc.) and that the essence of baptism is what God offers and promises to the recipient, and not what the recipient offers and promises to God by an act of faith.<br /><br />Finally, it should be pointed out that immersion in Scripture more often pictures God's judgment in baptism, rather than His salvation. Israel passed through the waters of the Red Sea for salvation, they were not immersed/submerged in the waters. But Pharaoh's army was. The same is true, of course, in the global flood in Noah's day. That baptism was salvation for those who passed through the waters, but was damnation/judgment for those submerged/immersed in the waters. <br /><br />Sprinkling vs. immersing are not essentials of the faith, insofar as they determine whether one is truly saved or not. But this does not mean they are unimportant. They are incredibly important, for sacraments are real means of grace, and they also serve a didactic/teaching purpose in that they visually demonstrate, as a sign, the covenant of grace. The imagery of a person being sprinkled with water brings to mind something different than a person moving to be submerged under water. <br /><br />Jesus' Spirit is said to be poured out or to come upon God's people in Acts 2, and we see that Christ's blood, both in the old and new testaments, is referred to as a sprinkling. I believe it is also in some places referred to as a pouring, but don't have that in front of me right now. But never is it explicitly referred to as a dunking or immersing. The only way one can conclude that is if one demands that the word baptize itself (and there's several similar words for that in Greek) means, and only and always means, full immersion/submersion. This is what many Baptists will claim, but that is a highly disputed and doubtful point, and has been shown, does not comport with Scripture and its imagery of our salvation and the blood of the covenant. <br /><br />I conclude with one final Scripture passage, which hopefully gives more and fuller meaning to God's work for us in Christ, and the importance of Christ's blood sprinkled, from Heb. 12:22-24: <br /><br />"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, TO JESUS THE MEDIATOR OF THE NEW COVENANT, and to the BLOOD OF SPRINKLING that speaks better things than that of Abel."</p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-21579571240976417362023-08-12T11:05:00.003-05:002023-08-12T11:05:20.651-05:00Herman Bavinck On Calling, Regeneration, and Preaching<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Bavinck also takes up a discussion of covenant adults and their spiritual state, and here Bavinck specifically takes up the work of preaching -- both preaching unto the last afar off and preaching to covenant members of the church. Whereas it is wrongheaded to treat covenant people as unbelievers, it is likewise wrongheaded to fail to call them to faith and repentance after the pattern of the Old Testament </span><span style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a style="animation-name: none !important; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="-1"></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">prophets, as well as John the Baptist and Jesus. Similarly, the apostolic letters refer to the covenant people as God's elect and members of Christ, yet the churches could be infected with hypocrites not yet detected and with various forms of error and unrighteousness that require continual calls to faith and repentance. Scripture teaches us to regard one another as God's people, but also to be aware that false brothers and sisters slip in as fakes, and they do not constitute the essence of the church.</span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This discussion clears the way for Bavinck to take up calling and regeneration in relation to the preaching of the gospel. Here Bavinck contrasts a Reformed understanding with a Methodistic approach. He also contrasts it with an approach which assumes that all in the church are saved and therefore they should only hear preaching that edifies -- that over against a preaching that also exposes sin, hypocrisy, and consequently, calls to faith and conversion. The ethical method of preaching inevitably leads to a dead orthodoxy, says Bavinck. He believes both forms of proclamation are necessary in the church; otherwise one-sidedness is the result -- the one-sidedness of presupposed regeneration and the one-sidedness of presupposed non-regeneration. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is the answer to the second key question -- does the direct operation of the Holy Spirit exclude the use of means? Bavinck maintains that though the Spirit's work is internal and irresistible, the Reformed never called regeneration "immediate" in contrast with and to the exclusion of the Word as a means of grace, to which the Holy Spirit joins himself and makes effectual." </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">From J Mark Beach's introductory essay of Saved by Grace: The Holy Spirit's Work in Calling and Regeneration</span></div></div>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-67369509334554122952023-08-03T10:39:00.001-05:002023-08-03T10:39:17.843-05:00What is Christian Worship?<p> <br /></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; text-align: center; transition-property: none !important;">WHAT IS CHRISTIAN WORSHIP? </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivklDn-Rxi22ZuMDUiz6uJthD9UTjCBgjgO-uDATTOT7jhB31NsnPOAkgWjDAdU9DGASRe0_JxrSCIdFEtFKX-zElfIBDnw76pETrccfCDjMwJZAFlFuA7u-L__BwFxH4iirG9ngzJDwe_KcmehjqaFXizgZPHr_To1WpMQ0EjtX615ejIM-JEQQnP3dY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="554" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivklDn-Rxi22ZuMDUiz6uJthD9UTjCBgjgO-uDATTOT7jhB31NsnPOAkgWjDAdU9DGASRe0_JxrSCIdFEtFKX-zElfIBDnw76pETrccfCDjMwJZAFlFuA7u-L__BwFxH4iirG9ngzJDwe_KcmehjqaFXizgZPHr_To1WpMQ0EjtX615ejIM-JEQQnP3dY=w359-h150" width="359" /></a></div>If we understood worship and loved to truly worship God, we'd not come to gather for an entertaining time of music, sights and sounds, smells and bells, etc. Rather, we'd come in faith, believing what God says truly happens in worship, and coming to worship Him how He wants us to do so, for His glory and our good. Worship transcends this realm in a way invisible to the flesh, but tangible only to the eyes and heart of faith. It transcends stupid and <span style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><a style="animation-name: none !important; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>unhelpful fog machines or light shows or guitar solos or orchestras or candles and images and icons that turn God's people into passive watchers rather than active worshipers.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Whether contemporary pop Christian "worship" that is focused on stage performers rather than corporately worshiping God, or high church liturgy, it's all a dazzling of the eyes, one to entertain and draw seekers, the other to vainly attempt to draw near to God through temples and things crafted with hands, that appeal to the smells and sights and senses, but distracting from heart worship in Spirit and in Truth. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Worship is simple, pure, and glorious. This is printed in our bulletins every Sunday, so that our members can be reminded from God's Word of the invisible, glorious realities of entering heaven itself by the Spirit to worship God, on the Lord's Day/Sunday as Christ commanded. It is also printed for visitors and any unbelievers who attend to understand what God and His people are doing together in worship. That is both true, Spiritual worship that will actually draw sinners to something higher as the Lord works in the hearts of sinners. It is seen by the eyes of faith, faith in God's Word and what God tells us worship is. It is not by and large externalized beyond the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, symbolizing Christ's work for His people in washing them of their sins, pouring out His Spirit upon them, and feeding them of His life-giving sacrifice for them at His table in heaven above, as a glorious foretaste of the wedding supper of the Lamb that God's people will partake of in the flesh in heaven above, when Christ returns. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Come and worship Jesus Christ, according to God's Word, in Spirit and in Truth. Leave these false churches with their false worship that God hates and condemns and kills for because of its vain worship, as if we can approach God how we want, not how He has prescribed. As if we can improve upon what God has arranged, or as if we can make worship to be about those who do not know Him, rather than a communion of the bride/body of Christ with the Triune God. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">WORSHIP AT HERITAGE:</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">In worship, God’s people enter Heaven though Christ’s blood (Heb. 10:19-20), approaching the thrice holy God’s throne of grace as His children, to be blessed by His presence & receive His Word (Heb. 12:22-25)! We come giving Him the glory due Him (Ps. 29:1-2) in word, prayer, & song, in the forms of confession, adoration, thanks-giving, etc., by His Spirit & Truth (John 4:24) according to His will in Scripture. So, our “Order of Worship” is a covenant/family dia-logue, initiated by God with His people, Christ’s body/church. We worship corporately, as God’s one temple & Christ’s one bride, with reverence & joy in the Lord that strengthens us week by week.</div></div>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-64739095185528775002023-07-14T12:11:00.008-05:002023-07-14T22:46:02.659-05:00Counsel for Women/Wives/Mothers<p style="text-align: center;"> <b><u><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 107%;">Counsel
for Women/Wives/Mothers:</span></u></b></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>First, remember your ultimate authority is God Himself, and that is mediated to you by the head of your household, which is to be your father while young/unmarried, but particularly your husband, whose name you take upon yourself. I Cor. 11:3, "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God."</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Marriage is
normative, and should be pursued. But do not marry an ungodly or foolish man.
Marry in the Lord, so you are loved as Christ loves the Church, and are more eagerly
able to submit to your husband as to the Lord.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Husbands, as
head in the home as Christ is head of the Church, are to lovingly rule over
their family "in everything" by leading their families as ministers
in their home, giving them God's Word, leading by godly example, being strong,
protecting and providing, etc. (Eph. 5:22-6:4).</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And yet, your
husband’s mission and calling is something you enter into, as a
helper/helpmeet, Gen. 2:18-20. Men literally cannot fulfill their calling
without marrying and becoming one flesh with you, as wife, to be fruitful and
multiply, to have a home and land to develop and take dominion over in love for
God’s glory.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You were not an
afterthought in creation, but the necessary completion to creation for God’s
purposes and man’s mission to take dominion and spread God’s glory over creation.
Your position and calling is glorious, and it is to your husband, to be a
necessary helper to him and his glorious work. You and your husband work
together, he as your head, and you as his devoted bride and helpmeet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You represent
the Church in its devotion, service, and purity to Christ within your marriage.
As you submit to the Lord, so you are to submit to your own husbands, for your
husband does represent Christ in the home, to you and your children. As Christ
is the head of the church and Savior of the body, so your husband is your head
and “savior” of you, the body, in protecting and providing for you in the home.
As the church is subject to Christ in all things, the wives as well are to be
subject to their own husbands “in everything” (Eph. 5:24).</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Particularly,
your husband is to lead and guide you in God’s Word, as well as the children.
You will assist in this with the children especially, but I Cor. 14:34-35 even
says, <i>“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted
unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith
the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home:
for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.”</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Not only does
this show that husbands are to lead their wives doctrinally and in lived
example, but wives are to submit to their husbands in leading them in word/doctrine.
When husband and wife disagree on doctrinal matters, on God and His Word, that
is going to make for a difficult marriage. If you cannot agree on who God is
and what He says to do, you will not agree on who you are as man and woman/husband
and wife and what you are to do as such. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The husband has a
duty to teach his wife, and the wife has the duty to learn and listen to her
husband, even as she would listen to her pastor in church, but in some ways
even more than her pastor. For she is to not speak in church, and if she has a
question, the first person she should generally go to is her husband, not her
pastor, even in doctrinal matters.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There is a real
sense in which the pastor is preaching to whole families, but keeping in view
that husbands are heads and pastors in their home. Fathers/husbands learn from
their pastors, and take what they learn to further teach the word to their
families, wife and children, in the home. This obviously does not mean women
can never ask their pastor a question, but they should not go “over their head”,
which is quite literally their husband. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Of course, just
as your husband is not sinless and a perfect representative of Christ, you are
not a perfect representative of the pure, devoted, sinless Church. Yet as the
man is called to picture Christ in His leadership and perfection, you are to
picture the Church in submission and devotion to your husband. You are one
flesh with your husband, even as Christ has entered into a “one flesh”
relationship with His Church, such that He is the head, and we are His body/bride,
Eph. 5:30-32.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This is why in
Eph. 5:33, we see that the husband must focus on truly loving his wife, as
Christ sacrificially loves His bride, the Church; likewise, the wife must
respect her husband. Respect shows true devotion that you are to have to your
husband, even when he is not loving you perfectly, which he never will, even as
you will never submit to and respect him perfectly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The word “<i><u>respect</u></i>”
is phobia, which we know in English refers to fear. We are to fear the Lord,
have a reverence and awe and respect for Him. This is how the word is being
used in Eph. 5:33, in regards to wives respecting/reverencing their husbands.
The KJV rightly translates this “the wife see that she reverence her husband”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Reverence,
honor, fear/respect is given to those in authority over you. Your husband does
have authority over you, especially in the home, and he is to be Christ to you.
When your husband sins or commands you to sin, you must obey God rather than
man, even your husband, but otherwise, even if you do not like it or disagree
with what he is advocating, you must obey/submit yourself to the headship of
your husband.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Even as we plead
with the Lord in prayer according to His word, with respect, wives can and
should also plead with their husbands when the situation calls for it. And
because husbands are not perfect and all-knowing, etc., wives may inform their
husbands, help their husbands, and even give their thoughts and counsel to
their husbands.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But, wives must
do this not as a competing head, forming a two-headed monstrosity in the home, but
as a faithful, devoted, respectful wife. If you would not speak to God in such
a way, then do not speak to your husband in that way either. This is hard,
because you know your husband is a sinner, yet remember you, too, are a sinner,
and your husband has to bear with you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Remembering that
you are made in God’s image as female, you are feminine, and are to live in
accordance with your femininity. As woman was made from the man and for the man,
she is not to teach or have authority over men (I Cor. 11:8-9; 1 Tim. 2:8-15). In
1 Tim. 2:9-10, women are to adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety
and moderation, not braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, for that
is not proper for women professing godliness with good works. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Peter 3 is
even stronger, saying wives are to submit to their husbands, even those who are
unbelievers, so that you, without a word, may win your husband to the Lord by
your chaste conduct, by fear/respect for your husband, and further, your
adornment is not on externals but the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible
beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of
God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Peter commends
the godly women of former times, in the Old Testament, such as Sarah obeying Abraham
and calling him lord, and says to be a true daughter of Abraham (and Sarah) if
you do good and are not afraid with any terror. Do not listen to the feminist lies,
even pastors or women in the church who tell them, that submission to your
husband is different now that Christ has come. The New Testament teaches the
same as the Old on this, and gives the example of Sarah’s submission to
Abraham. To be Christ’s child, you must be Abraham’s daughter, and to be such,
you must submit like Sarah did to Abraham. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Titus 2 and
Proverbs 31 are key passages for women/mothers. And remember, all these
commands in Scripture flow from the nature of women as made in God’s image as
feminine, as females, as helpmeets to men/their husbands in particular. Titus
2:3-5 shows this is to be multi-generational; older women are to be reverent
still in their behavior, not slanderers, not drunkards, but teachers of younger
women, teaching femininity and the domestic arts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Older women are
to “admonish” the younger women to love their husbands and children. This
presupposes that you will marry and bear children, and love them well in the
home. Titus 2:5 says you are to be “keepers at home”, obedient to your
husbands, etc., and if you are not, you are blaspheming God’s Word.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Proverbs 31:10-31
gives a beautiful description of a godly woman who weaves all these feminine qualities
together. Note that as a godly, virtuous wife, you are worth your weight in
gold! In fact, Proverbs says your worth is “far above rubies”. Your husband’s
heart trusts you completely, knowing you will beautify the home and love him
and the children well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You are willing
to work with your hands, gathering food, weaving clothing, rising early to
prepare breakfast, purchasing land for the family, running and operating a
vineyard for profit for your family! So, women are not forbidden from being in
business, but notice the business is for the home, her husband and children, not
for some corporate boss.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The virtuous
woman sells her merchandise and labors to make things that others desire. From
her abundance that she produces, she has enough to give to the poor and needy,
and is generous to help them. She prepares for winter and clothes her family in
warmth that she has woven by her own hands, of quality and beauty, purple, a
sign of luxury/royalty. Obviously if she is selling such, she can buy such, and
this isn’t a strict command to never purchase products from the store, but it
does commend women making things for family.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This even distinguishes
her husband from other men/elders in the land. She is strong, honorable, wise. Yes,
she speaks with wisdom, but with the “law of kindness” as is keeping with the
feminine nature God has made her in, to reflect His kindness and tenderness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The results of
such a godly, virtuous, feminine, hard working woman, is that her children rise
up and call her blessed, and so does her husband. Even as Christ delights in
His Church/body/bride’s devotion and diligence in serving Him, so a good and
godly husband will praise you and delight in you as you serve him and your children,
in all love and respect, for God’s glory.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Prv. 30:10
describes all this as a woman who fears the Lord, and will surely be praised
for it, and will be blessed by the fruit of her own labors, and her works will
praise her within the gates of the city. You are not to be out of sight and out
of mind if you work hard in the home, but your work and labors for the home
will extend beyond the walls of the home, which will well adorn your whole
family, and bring in honor and praise to your hard work and devotion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But if you are
not devoted to your husband as head and your children as your charge as mother,
you will not receive this praise. If you are focused on what Prov. 30:30 says
is passing and fleeting, “deceitful charm and fading beauty”, being a seductress,
you will not be praised but bring yourself and your family to ruin, and perhaps
other families as well with your adulterous behavior. So serve the Lord in the
home for your family, and God will see to it that your diligent labor for your
family is praised by them, and by others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-25681183973036110802023-07-10T12:07:00.008-05:002023-07-10T17:23:49.360-05:00Counsel for Fathers <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Counsel
for Fathers, Part 1:</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">
1.) As head of the home (of both wife and children) as Christ is head of the
Church, husbands are to lovingly rule over their family "in
everything" especially by leading their families as ministers in their
homes, giving them God's Word, leading by godly example. (Eph. 5:22-6:4). <br />
<br />
2.) Quality time with wife and kids is important, but cannot make up for lack
of quantity altogether. You have to work, but what are you working for? Better
to have quietness and godliness with poverty than feasting with enmity and
strife -- or absenteeism (Prov. 17:1). Better to be a little hungry in the body
than to be starved in the soul. So feed your family a feast of the True Bread
from Heaven. If you are constantly away from your family for weeks or months at
a time, your quality of time cannot make up for your lack of quantity/presence.
The ache of your absence will be felt and remembered by your wife and children for the
rest of their lives.<br />
<br />
3.) We are made as male and female in God's image, to reflect His glory in
unique ways. Thus, our differences are not simply roles that we play, but
reflective of who/what we are as men/masculine made in God's image. Don't
demand your wife be a man, even when it comes to intellectual and theological
pursuits. Women are to nurture the children and take care of the home (Titus
2), so encourage them in that, and provide for them (financially, with physical
strength, with assistance in the home, with spiritual care above all), such
that this can be possible. <br />
<br />
4.) You cannot micromanage as head of the home, but at the same time, you
cannot be ignorant of the daily happenings in your home, even when you are
away. Talk with your wife about these things. You must cultivate a healthy,
loving, godly relationship with her, for the sake of your marriages, and then
also for the sake of your children. She will be formative, not just in the
earliest of years, but throughout their lives in the home. <br />
<br />
5a.) Family worship/reading God's Word to your children, with a brief
explanation and application, is your duty as a father. Especially when your
children are young and not working, you need to be daily in the Word with your
wife and children. How else can you fulfill Deut. 6? “You shall teach [God's
Word] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your
house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You
shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between
your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your
gates." Your wife will supplement and help with this, but you must lead in
this and perform this primarily. <br />
<br />
5b.) This is not only a formal sitting with your kids to read a passage of
Scripture (likely from a story Bible like Catherine Vos's Child's Story Bible
when they are younger), pray, and possibly sing a psalm or hymn with them (all
of which can be done in 5-10 minutes at breakfast and/or dinner, especially
when kids are younger). It is, as Deut. 6 says, the air that you breathe. As you
sit in the house, when you get up, when you go to bed, as you walk through your
yard, your heart and mind is teaching your children the things of God,
illustrated in the things of life, and to praise, thank, and glorify God for
all things. Having the 10 Commandments posted in your home for your wife to
review with the kids during the day, to memorize that and other Scripture,
etc., is a good, literal fulfillment of Deut. 6. <br />
<br />
6.) This all requires competency and knowledge in God's Word. Note, the pastor
and Elders are just supplementary to this for your children. We catechize our
youth at the Church, but that's once a week Sunday morning. You, the father,
the pastor in your home, are the backbone of the training of your wife and
children. No, you will likely not be as skilled or knowledgeable in God's Word
as your pastor and Elders, but that's okay. There are plenty of aids to help
you lead, and your pastors and Elders should be willing to provide tips and
resources as well. This is a duty fathers, so if you are inadequate, repent,
own it, but don't feel ashamed, and get help, ideally from your godly pastors
and Elders. If you do not have such a church with such pastors and Elders, it's
time to find a faithful church. <br />
<br />
7a.) "Train up a child in the way he should go,<br />
And when he is old he will not depart from it....Foolishness is bound up in the
heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him."
(Prov. 22:6,15). Fathers, training and raising your children in the nurture of
the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4) requires knowing the way you yourself should go, knowing
something of how to go that way, to actually be going that way, and then, by
word and example, train up your children to go in that way as well. This will
require recognizing that your children are sinners by nature, and foolishness
is in their hearts. As you train them in the righteous way, with wisdom and
counsel and leading by example, you must also administer the rod of correction
-- something like church discipline for the home. This will often require a
literal rod, a swat on the butt, to remind of the sting of sin, that it leads
to death, but that the righteous way in which you are training them leads to
life. At other times, this may require being sent to their rooms, having
privileges taken away, etc. All of this is correction that stings. All of this
requires wisdom, which we will discuss more in part 2. <br />
<br />
7b.) Note, this is not a rod only until the child repents and believes, nor a
rod that begins only after the child repents and believes. You must raise your
children as Christian children, in a Christian home, from their infancy.
Further, what child in a Christian home will not profess faith in Christ at a
tender age? Our training/raising them up and using the rod of correction guides
them in that righteous way of Christ, recognizing the kingdom belongs to our
kids from infancy (Lk. 18:15-17); thus they are covenant children, disciples,
and therefore are to be baptized and taught all that the Lord commands (Matt.
28). This is how you disciple, how you raise children in the discipline, the
nurture and admonition, of the Lord. Only disciples are trained in the way they
should go. Only God's people receive and are taught all of God's Word. Don't
withhold these from your children or treat them as pagans. The point at which
the Lord regenerates our child and brings them to repentance and saving faith
is not always discernable, but that is besides the point. <br />
<br />
7c.) The Lord says disciple your children from the tenderest of years, from
birth. My own babies have been able to begin the children's catechism even
before they are a year old. They have also received spankings (small ones)
before they are a year old, for their sin, and have understood it in a basic,
intuitive way, and benefited from it. <br />
<br />
Your discipline as father of your children must coincide with the heavenly
Father's discipline. We are discipling our children, from infancy, in the way
they should go, with the rod of correction, to serve the Lord, to yield that
peaceable fruit of righteousness. If we are not, we are sinning against God,
and against our wife and children especially, treating our children as
illegitimate sons. We are bastardizing them. Hebrews 12:6-11:<br />
<br />
"For whom the Lord loves He chastens,<br />
And scourges every son whom He receives.”<br />
<br />
"If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son
is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of
which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them
respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of
spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to
them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no
chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless,
afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been
trained by it." <br />
<br />
Christian fathers do not merely correct their children "as seems best to
us" but as seems best to God, for the sake of our children's souls. Be
like the heavenly Father and discipline your children.<br />
<br />
7d.) Practice what you preach. When you sin, do not deny it, but repent, even
to your children, particularly when you sinned in front of them, or against
them, or against your wife. Pray with and for them constantly, not just at meal
times, but bed time, in the morning, in the middle of the day when things
aren't going well, or even when they are and you want to give thanks to the
Lord. <br />
<br />
8.) Do not lost heart. You will see ups and downs, progress and fallbacks in
your children. I have 7 kids, and they are still kids, the oldest is only 9.
Parent by God's promises, for He is God to you and your children, and raise them
up in that confidence, that in His good timing and sovereign pleasure, He will
regenerate them if He hasn't done so already, and the fruit of that new birth
will manifest itself more clearly over time. Remember your own sinful heart.
Remember your own ups and downs. Don't apply a stricter standard to your
children than you apply to yourself. Sanctification is a life-long process that
is never completed and requires that Christ deliver us from our wretched sinful
flesh at His return. <br />
<br />
There is more to say, but I need to eat breakfast. So this is a start.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Counsel
for Fathers, Part 2: <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i><u>The Necessity of
Wisdom</u></i>: Wisdom comes from observation, reflection, and being steeped in
the Word of God, along with understanding human nature (male and female),
children and adults, etc., and pulling out principles from nature and God's
Word and molding them to fit present circumstances which stand before you in
your particular place and time, with your people/family. Leading your wife and
children in the home is not a paint by numbers project, but because Christians
today often treat all of life, and the Christian life in particular in this way
(with proof-text Christianity), we often think that it is. In fact, the
Westminster Divines, when crafting the Westminster Confession and Catechisms,
did not want to put in the proof-texts originally, but were required by the
government/parliament that convened them to do so. They knew that the doctrines
they were upholding and putting in confessional and catechetical format cannot
be cherry picked from a few verses, but are only discerned through an intimate,
thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. So the proof texts served something like “exegetical
mile markers” as others called it, but to really grasp these doctrines, you
have to do more than look at the proof texts. You have to know your Bibles
thoroughly, intimately, and as an unfolding story, which is what it is. You
need the wisdom of the Bible, not just proof texts pulled out of context. </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Certainly, it likely has to
begin that way (with proof texts/painting by the numbers) when we do not have
basic competency or are trying to acquire it. What I mean is, proof texting
does not make for good parenting, or good living, or good Bible study. Yes, we
typically begin with paint by numbers, with basic "proof texts", to
fill in that section of the painting, to fulfill that duty that we have, but does
this make for a masterpiece? Does this perform the duty with skill and
precision? No. Many think Scripture is a sort of step-by-step how to manual,
and in many ways it is. But that’s just the beginning of what the Bible is. The
depths, the gold, must be plumbed. You cannot have an excellent painting that
uses the paint by numbers method. You cannot have excellent parenting and
fathering using a proof text/manual method either.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>As noted, wisdom and craftsmanship
as a father comes by observation, reflection, steeped in God’s Word and deep
reflection upon it, prayer, help from others, good sermons, observing other godly
men and fathers in all aspects of life that they do well, etc. In other words,
it is going to take time, and life long progression/improvement. But if you
live by “No, I don’t need or have to do that, there isn’t a Bible verse for it,”
you aren’t going to develop much as a man, a Christian, or a husband and
father, beyond painting by numbers really well. You will be short on wisdom
because your methodology isn’t even pursuing it, and deep competency in many
aspects of life will elude you.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>If you are well-gifted in your
work/occupation, or in a hobby, think about how you acquired such proficiency.
Sure, you may have had a natural knack, gifting, inclination, etc., but it wasn’t
that alone. You observed, reflected, were steeped in the skill set and
knowledge base needed for that proficiency, that competency, that mastery of
your work/occupation/hobby. You poured your heart and soul into it, and engaged
it so much that it became second nature, intuitive, and you began to master
things and do things that you can’t simply point to a verse or a saying or
whatever to demonstrate how you did it. You had wisdom, skill, in playing that
musical instrument, in playing point guard in basketball, in farming or carpentry
or dentistry or whatever it is that you really excel at. You went beyond the
paint-by-numbers approach in this thing. Well, pursue being a godly father and
husband to your children and wife in the same way. Ask the Lord for wisdom and
skill and understanding as a father and husband. If people are willing to spend
tens of thousands of dollars and dedicate years of their lives to become a
doctor, a pastor, a lawyer or businessmen, pour yourself into parenting with
something of that same zeal and purpose.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>You are a father and husband,
whether you like it or not. It is your calling, in fact it is your greatest
calling. So be great at it. You can do it, by God’s grace, equipped with His
word, with example, with the Church and encouragement, and with a pursuit of wisdom,
steeped in prayers, with the intent not to remain forever painting by numbers.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->6.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i><u>The necessity of
humility</u></i>: A lack of wisdom, we know intuitively, exposes our ignorance,
and when it comes especially to incompetency or lack of wisdom as a father and
husband, it exposes great shortcomings. We all have these shortcomings, and so
we must all be humble and repent. The greatest father is still a sinner, still
an imperfect parent, still has much to learn and improve upon, and will have
much to repent of and trust that the blood of Christ has covered. But the worst
thing we can do is double down on our ignorance, or refuse to get help from
others when we need it.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->7.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>As men, we can be stubborn,
prideful, ashamed to get help, rather than being ashamed of our inadequacy and
driven to get help by wiser men to help us overcome our inadequacy. I am, sad
to say, quite inadequate and unskilled at making things with my hands, or
repairing things, beyond the most rudimentary matters. I have to admit that and
get help from men who have skill in these things and learn what I can from
them. It may not be my natural gifting, and it may not be something in this
culture and time in history that I have to have supreme mastery over to
literally get by (what if I had to build my own house, or kill and slaughter my
own animals to provide for my family?), but such skills are good to have, and
can teach your children, your boys especially. We have some land and own some
chickens. My wife and I together have a garden and a chicken coop and a fence
with T-Posts. My wife learns much about gardening and is gaining mastery,
starting to move beyond a “paint by numbers” approach, along with some of the other
women in our church who all help one another. The men and women have come
together to butcher chickens and process them. I defer to those in my church
who are more skilled at these things, to learn from them and get better as
well, even if in many ways I’m still having to paint by numbers.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->8.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>But what all married men with
children must pursue and acquire, sooner than later God willing, is competency beyond
painting by numbers in being a husband and father. This is for all men,
Christian men in particular, not just pastors and elders. So if we ought to be
humble and learn from others anywhere, it ought to begin right here, with being
a good father and husband. But precisely because it is so important, it is
often a place where we can be most prideful and stubborn. It’s one thing to
come to another man and say I don’t know how to garden or play basketball or
shoot a gun. It’s more difficult to say I don’t know how to be a good father or
husband, or to say, I don’t really know how to be a man. But we all need the
help of one another. The body of Christ needs the body of Christ. Men need men.
Help and serve with all humility and love. </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->9.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>To these ends, we need the
wisdom literature of Scripture. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived save the
God-Man Himself, gave us (under God’s inspiration) the Proverbs. It is written
to know wisdom and instruction. It is for the young man to acquire knowledge
and discretion. Master it, be mastered by it, and then pass it along, by word and
example, to your family. A great book on this is “Solomon Says” by Mark Horne.
Other books of yesteryear are invaluable, to get us out of our own cultural
moment and see the wisdom of the ages, such as J.C. Ryle’s “The Duties of
Parents” or “Thoughts for Young Men”. Doug Wilson’s <i>Father Hunger</i> and<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Future Men</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> is good,
as is </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Reforming Marriage</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> and others of his writings. Zach Garris’s </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Masculine
Christianity </i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">is a great work and a must read for Christians today, men and
women alike, and Michael Foster’s writings on manhood are good, and he has a
book along with co-author Bnonn Tennant called </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Its Good to be a Man.</i></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->10.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>But remember, too heavy reliance upon books and learning, rather
than reflecting and doing and learning from mistakes, is going to make you
susceptible to falling back into a paint by numbers approach. Rather than
really knowing what to do, and why, whether it can be explained or simply known
intuitively through mastery, you will simply paint where the numbers are,
simply do what you are told, artificially, without understanding why really.
Brothers, this is true even with the Bible itself, if we approach it in this “proof-texting”
sort of way. Your wife and children, whether they are conscience of it or not,
will sense this. It is like a preacher who is gesturing, saying the right
words, but something is just a bit off. He’s mimicking, imitating, doing what
he’s seen done, but doesn’t really own it for himself. He’s more an imitator of
good and godly preachers than actually a good and godly preacher himself. It is
artificial, unnatural, even if one gets good at covering up that artificiality.
Even if you hide the fact that you are painting by the numbers, and become
quite sophisticated at it, the reality will still seep through. You are
hamstrung and handicapped. I remember a PCA minister who, in his presbytery,
led a study committee on the issue of homosexuality. He spoke of how he read
over 60 books on the issue, but still was okay with same-sex attraction. He,
after all, still struggled with it himself. I asked him what Romans 1 said on
this matter and homosexuality in general, and he said “That’s a good question,
I’ll have to look at that and see.” Sometimes lots of reading is a cloak for
disobedience, for hard-heartedness, engaged in to cover up your sin rather than
take action against it and overcome it. Sometimes, this can be even true when
using the Bible as a “proof-text” magic 8-Ball.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->11.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>So, don’t be a knock off brand, a cheap imitator, even if you
get really good at it. Be a godly man, a godly father, a godly husband, with
mastery attained through wisdom over time, with the humility required that
seeks help from others and is not too lazy to engage in serious reflection,
observation, and prayerful dependence upon God and His Word to acquire such
mastery. Proverbs 1:5-7 says, “A wise man will hear and increase learning, And
a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, To understand a proverb and an
enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” We need wise
counsel, godly examples. We need a godly community. We need faithful churches,
with faithful, competent men and women who have mastery. Ideally, the older men
and women who have long been faithful have this and pass this along, as
Scripture commands in places like Titus 2:1-8. Sadly, we don’t have a lot of
this today, we have had a lot of ignorance and paint by the numbers/proof-texting
at best, and outright hypocrisy and false teaching and living at worst and in
many churches. If your pastor is an immature man-child, and your churches “worship”
is reduced to singing contemporary pop songs with a shallow or perverse Christian
veneer, repent and grow up yourself, and find a faithful church where serious,
faithful men and women and families are at. Grow, learn, and become a man that
can instruct other men in the Church as well. But begin by being a godly,
loving husband to your wife, and father to your children.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->12.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Proverbs 1:8-9 go on to say, “My son, hear the instruction of
your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a
graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.” For those of you who
had good parents, or at minimum godly men and women in your life who essentially
took upon something of this role (though it can never truly be replaced) in
your life, heed it throughout your life, so that it will adorn you well, and in
turn, you can well-adorn your own children.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->13.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span> I will close with this –
do everything in love, for God’s glory, and the good of your family. Pursuing
wisdom and mastery in husbandry and fathering, but not doing it from the heart,
in love for God above all and in love for your family as yourself, will not end
well. One of the greatest comforts as a child was hearing my father (and
mother) tell me he loves me, regularly, daily, and then demonstrating that in
all that he did. His discipline, his teaching and instruction, were constant,
and still is to this day. But also in playing with me, spending time with me,
reading me books, spending countless hours playing baseball with me and serving
as my personal catcher while I mastered pitching all the way through high
school and even beyond (he caught for me, with full catcher’s gear, until he
was about 60 years of age I believe!), demonstrated his love. So demonstrate
your love to your children. Yes tell them, yes learn for them, but demonstrate your
love and learning in tangible ways, in sheer love from the heart for them.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->14.)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Does it matter to you that you know Christ’s love, that He has
saved and redeemed you and bought you and made you His own, for your good and
His glory? Then tell and show such love to your family, your wife and children.
Demonstrate it to them, for “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Your children, yes even
baptized, covenant, regenerate children, are still sinners. While sinners, as
sinners, because they were sinners, Christ died for them. Christ still lives
for them and works in all of our hearts, though even as Christians we still sin
against Him daily. Your kids will sin daily against you. Continue to love them.
Continue to live for them, so that when you die, your children will know that
next to God Himself and the wife of your youth with whom you were one flesh,
you lived and poured out yourself for them more than for anything or anyone
else, to show them God’s love in Christ to them, that they may be godly men and
woman for God’s glory, in whose image they were created. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-7884162944914392032023-06-24T11:30:00.002-05:002023-06-24T11:30:16.181-05:00PCA's 50th General Assembly: A Review<p> </p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Alright, here's my deepish dive into the PCA General Assembly, using Ryan Biese's overly rosy (but helpful) summary of the events of the GA. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I even get into </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/zach.garris.5?__cft__[0]=AZVLml5ID1aqHv7nKSDXCGhsyekaN9046cxJAqSbT8TBL_QnyiqxWpV_erc2Z9gvneVjQ6qY_1qcl9H0TYfrrqsYe9DgaP4JFKt_VquMSst9aPxbzNjEnvIrCsgUKsRp96A&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span class="xt0psk2" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">Zach Garris</span></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">'s/his church's proposed amendment to the BCO that would have removed the female teacher/Aimee Byrd issue, and Covenant College allowing women to lead chapel services, etc. But conservatives aren't </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">conservative enough for that. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="403" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nz-MmrSdQE0" width="485" youtube-src-id="nz-MmrSdQE0"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-28300470327265450262023-05-26T11:18:00.001-05:002023-05-26T11:18:11.657-05:00Masculine Christianity Book Outlines: Intro and Chapter 1<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masculine Christianity (by Zachary
Garris) Chapter Outlines <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Introduction & Chapter 1 <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Why this
book?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i>Recovering Biblical Manhood
and Womanhood </i>by John Piper and Wayne Grudem is helpful but it is a large
collection of essays that lacks cohesion, etc. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Further, the book deviates
from some historic Christian views, as shown in Masc. Chris.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Modern commentaries are
feminist, ignore the issue, cast doubt on male headship, etc.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Zach Garris will bridge the
gap between popular level works and dry academics. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Conservative academics are afraid
to publish in this area, due to controversy [getting canceled], etc., and
publishing companies are unwilling to publish on such issues. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Masculine Christianity is
an anti-Feminist and pro-Partriarchal book that engages the “Evangelical
Feminists” of today. “Feminism is false teaching that distorts the Bible’s
instructions for godly living” and therefore cannot be taken lightly. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Garris’ key distinction in
his book that goes beyond most complementarian works of today is the teaching “that
male authority is rooted in the differing natures of men and women and that
there is a hierarchy of rank (not value) between the sexes.” (page IX). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This is where the
Complementarian movement falls short, and as a result, it tends to pit church
against society, where a woman is forbidden authoritative positions in church,
but not in society. This is also fueling society’s sexual and gender confusion.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Garris’ book is a critique
of narrow complementarianism and advocates for a “comprehensive and consistent
biblical view of men and women where men rule in the home, church, and society.”
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">j.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>We must show the good for
both men and women of the Bible’s hierarchical and Patriachal teachings, for it
is in fact the cure for the world’s sexual chaos. Amen! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Gender,
Sex, and Masculine Christianity: <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“sex” is biologically
determined, “gender” is its social expression (masculine vs. feminine). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>But this distinction is
exploited now to say one can identify as a gender different from their sex.
This is transgenderism. Garris will emphasize “gender roles” relating to
males/females.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“God has assigned different
gender roles and duties to humans based on their biological sex…they are rooted
in creation, not culture.” (xi). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The book is titled <i>Masculine
Christianity </i>because God is referred to in masculine terms (He, Him, Father,
Son) and this is associated with strength, authority, responsibility, and
mission. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Thus God places men and not
women in leadership, for God appointed men as kings, priests, and elders in the
O.T., and now calls men to lead the church, home, and society. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christ took on male human
flesh, He became a man, not a woman for all these reasons. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Being feminine is virtuous
and proper for a woman, but sinful effeminacy for a man. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Survey of
each Chapter in Masculine Christianity: <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Chap. 1</u>: The rise of
feminism and erosion of masculinity in the West. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Chap. 2</u>: Call to
repentance from sexual rebellion, including/especially feminism. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Chap. 3</u>: How
complementarianism is the church’s response to feminism, but compromised.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Chap. 4</u>: Christianity
is thoroughly Patriarchal. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Chap. 5-6</u>: Gender
roles and male rule are rooted in the creation order. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Chap. 7-11</u>:
Masculine authority and rule in the home (7), church (8-10), & society
(11). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>Chap. 12</u>: Call for
men to leave a godly legacy by loving and leading their families, raising godly
children, and building for the future. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Chapter 1:
The Rise of Feminism and the Erosion of Masculinity:</span></u></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Rather than aiding men as
wives and mothers, women are competing with men in jobs, academics, etc.
Marriages are in shambles and many men have decided to forgo marriage.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>When men are weak, the
world is weak. Women are left vulnerable, children unloved, etc.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“The decline of men has
coincided with the rise of the welfare state, as civil government seeks to
provide financial assistance” (2) filling the role of the father.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This system is abused,
rewards bad behavior, and usurps church’s diaconal role. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Feminism’s
War on the Family:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“Feminism is the belief
that men and women are fundamentally the same and thus interchangeable.” Diminishes
sex distinctions, pushes women away from home/into careers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The goal is for women to hold
equal political and economic power with men. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>All branches of feminism
unite in the conviction that women can only find purpose in career.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>F. Carolyn Graglia</u>
(author who left lawyer career to become a homemaker): “Feminism has actively
sought the traditional family’s destruction”.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Graglia: Feminism holds
that equality means sameness (men and women must do the same things) and that
most differences between men and women are imposed by culture. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Garris’ challenges both
assumptions, showing <i><u>“equality” should mean men and women each have “equal
value” before God and man, not equal functions, and that men and women have
different natures rooted in God’s design, not culture</u>.</i> (page 4).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b><u>Waves of
Feminism: 1<sup>st</sup> wave (1830’s-1920’s); 2<sup>nd</sup> wave (1960’s-90’s);
3<sup>rd</sup> wave (1990’s-present):<o:p></o:p></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Susan B. Anthony
(1820-1906) & Elizabeth Stanton (1815-1902) led 1<sup>st</sup> wave, sought
economic, political, social equality of women with men. Political goal=women’s
right to vote.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Urged equal wages, property
rights, marriage rights, social causes against slavery/alcohol.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>With 19<sup>th</sup> Amendment
in 1920 women were given federal right to vote. <i><u>Was this good</u></i><u>?</u><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Feminism is a revolutionary
movement, urged abolitionism rather than gradual emancipation of slaves,
stoking Civil War (1861-65), and Prohibition of alcohol, 1920-1933.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This emerged primarily from
the North, e.g., 10 southern states opposed women voting.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Further, only some but not
all women wanted the vote, so men thrust upon women the duty to vote. This
placed upon women duties outside the home, leading to more waves of feminism.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Theologian B.B. Warfield
(1851-1921) said feminism viewed the individual rather than the family as the
basic unit of society. “To [Apostle] Paul, the human race is made up of
families… to the feminist movement the human race is made up of individuals; a
woman is just another individual by the side of the man.” (page 7). Family was
the first government and men, as heads of households, alone had the duty to
participate in the civil sphere.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Garris notes that 1<sup>st</sup>
wave feminism setup the others, and is also wrong, stemming from the radical
wing of the Enlightenment, the Jacobins, which carried out the Reign of Terror
in 1793-4 of the French Revolution. The British/American view of equality meant
equal treatment under the law, but for the Jacobins it meant <i>sameness. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were egalitarians, tearing down hierarchy
and role differences, which was applied by feminists to gender roles.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Egalitarians despise authority
and thus reject hierarchy. Christianity affirms God’s authority over all
creation, and thus affirms hierarchy, with authority structures in place on
earth: Husbands in home, parents over children, elders over church, civil
officials over citizens. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">j.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Jacobin equality led to
Quakers and other heretics, like Unitarians, rejecting Trinity/diversity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">k.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Stanton became an atheist
and attacked biblical gender roles, Anthony was a Quaker (first to allow women
preachers) and possibly became a Unitarian later in life. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Flowing from this, the late
19<sup>th</sup> century saw women start 2 false churches/cults, Seventh Day
Adventism (Ellen Gould White) and Christian Science (Mary Baker Eddy).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">m.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Stanton wrote, urging for
women in the ministry and other public affairs in the church. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">n.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>She was also a forerunner
of no-fault divorce, saying only “love” should hold marriage together.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Stanton even published <i>The
Woman’s Bible </i>which dismissed whatever passages she and her committee
considered unfavorable towards women, said Bible taught evil things, etc. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">p.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Anna Howard Shaw, first
ordained woman in Methodist church, said women didn’t need protection/provision
from men anymore. Women can protect themselves now. She wanted women to get to
serve in political office, serve as police officers, fight in military combat. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2<sup>nd</sup>
wave Feminism and the Sexual Revolution:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Fought for women’s right to
initiate divorce, no-fault divorce, right to abortion, equal wages.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>The invention of the birth control
pill in 1950 helped set off this 2<sup>nd</sup> wave. Now women could have sex
with many men without consequences. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“When sex and children could
be disconnected, traditional roles could be discarded. Women were freed to have
sex apart from marriage and jobs apart from children. Enter the modern world”
(p. 17). 1<sup>st</sup> wave = independent from men; 2<sup>nd</sup> wave = women
can act like men. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Women traded home and
raising children for careers more and more, birth rate plummeted, children were
raised by other people than their parents increasingly. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Feminism was greatly aided by
the Industrial Revolution and technological advancement. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Industrialization from
1780-1830 broke the bond of work and home, where the entire family worked to
support the family business and husbands were more involved with childcare.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Men were driven out to work
in factories, grocery and retail stores made work for women at home much
easier/quicker. It was now possible for women to leave the home for long hours.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b><u>3<sup>rd</sup> wave
feminism</u></b> is more eclectic, but focuses on pushing for homosexuality and
sexuality as a means of empowerment (18), enshrined in 2015 Supreme Court
ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states (Obergefell), and 2020
anti-discrimination laws to homosexuality and transgenderism (Bostock v.
Clayton County). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><u>R.J. Rushdoony<b>: </b></u>“Religion
is seen as a projection of the family, and the family must therefore be
destroyed in order that religion may be destroyed.” This is what Feminists have
aimed to do.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Feminism Ingrained in Our Laws:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This leveling of our laws
between men and women has harmed men and women. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>For example, many states
have abolished the common law requirement for a husband to provide for his wife
and children. No fault divorce is now law in every state, and either a man or
woman can commit adultery, then initiate divorce and take 50% of the marital
property, including splitting child custody and parenting time. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>It is now illegal to pay women
less to do the same job a man does, even though women are often less efficient.
Women now compete with breadwinner jobs, further eroding our national birthrate
and making it harder for a man to be the sole income provider for the home.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Statism/government has
displaced fathers, providing needs from cradle to grave.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Laws financially incentivize
women to have sex/babies out of wedlock.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Feminism Infecting the Church: </span></u></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Gender role debates exploded
in the 1980’s in the Church, the CBMW/complementarians opposed to the CBE,
Christians for Biblical Equality. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Many Protestant Churches
are functionally Egalitarian, if not outright so in doctrine. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Many church women pursue
careers (and take on debts) instead of children and homemaking. Yet they still
want to marry a man who makes more money than them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“<b><u>Feminism is the twisted
idea that a woman is free when serving an employer but a slave when serving her
family</u></b>” (page 24). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Our churches are feminist
and as such weak and impotent, trading its masculine calling for effeminacy. It
has left God’s design and now cannot live out God’s calling to lead the world!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>No wonder even in the
church we have homosexuality and transgenderism rampant. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“What we are dealing with
is the triumph of progressivism. The political and social left rules the West,
and its evangelists have infiltrated the Church.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Evangelicalism itself is
compromised and too weak and soft to fend off the onslaught. “The effeminacy of
the Church explains why so many Christians have embraced leftist views.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>“The feminist movement as a
whole is a rebellion <i><u>against</u></i> historic Christian society and its
authority structures. Yet the church has embraced its very enemy. Feminism is
no longer just an enemy without, but also an enemy within.” Individual vs.
family, egalitarian vs. hierarchy. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">j.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Garris argues it is women
in particular who are not following their natural role and bear much blame for
this, but men bear the ultimate responsibility for allowing this to happen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">k.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christian men have failed
to respond biblically, and have been passive and effeminate, while women have
been misled by bad actors who have left us with an effeminate church. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christian fathers and
pastors have allowed their daughters to go the way of the world rather than
train them to seek children and domesticity. Pastors fail to address this sin
in church.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">m.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>We are facing a crisis of
masculinity in the church, and to recover it we must start with God the Father,
with worship, <i><u>for Christianity “has a masculine message of a husband who
lad down His life for His bride</u></i>” (27). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">n.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Dabney predicted in 1871
that feminism “will destroy Christianity and civilization in America.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Repentance should have
happened 100 years ago, and things are very bad now. So repent! <o:p></o:p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-87337053325675602782023-04-18T08:18:00.008-05:002023-04-18T08:55:27.848-05:00 RAISING CHRISTIAN KIDS IN A WICKED, WOKE WORLD: <div style="text-align: justify;">By: Thomas F. Booher</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1.) Mom and Dad have to resist their own carnal desires first and foremost. If they live and lead by example, practice what they preach, and repent when they fail, the kids will learn by example.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2.) God has given parents responsibilities, especially the father as head of the home, to not provoke their children to wrath but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord, Eph. 6:4.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">3.) Moms, especially while the children are younger, should be the primary nurturer of the children. Ideally, mom is at home with young children (this is essentially commanded in Scripture, Titus 2:4-5), dad is working to provide, and so mom must lead by example, but also in Bible study/memorization, and catechizing in Bible doctrine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What does it mean to catechize? It is simply a question and answer format to learn the Christian faith. We do this with all 7 of our children. They start answering basic questions like "Who made you?" Answer: "God made me!" before they are even a year old. Believe it or not, public schools in this nation used to actually use catechisms to train children in Christian doctrine. But this responsibility always falls first and foremost on the parents, not the school or even the church.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">4.) Which leads to my next point. Don't expect even a Christian school or Church to replace your essential duties to your children. Fathers, not pastors or teachers, are to bring their own children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. If fathers are not spending time with their children for these purposes, and for other life skills and fun times, how will the children learn that God the Father loves them, disciplines them, and enjoys them? I am a pastor and have taught in Christian schools, and the ache for godly parents, the "father hunger" as it has been called, is real. Teachers and Pastors, helpful as they can be, cannot replace fathers and mothers. Moms, nurture your children in the home, no one can replace what you do with your children in their tender youth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">5.) Emphasize that God made us in His image, and that Gen. 1:27 is clear that "in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Don't merely teach this in a negative sense, such as, "see kids, there's only two genders, not 500 like all these weirdoes say", but show them the goodness of being a man in the image of God, or a woman made in the image of God. Positively reinforce that it is good to be male, it is good to be female, and therefore glorious for boys to be masculine, and girls to be feminine. Relate this to how boys and girls each uniquely bear the image of God in ways that the other cannot, and they will embrace and lean into their God-given sex, seeing it is what they were created for and is glorious and good.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also point your children to Ephesians 5 and how the man/husband represents Christ, and the woman/wife the pure Church, in marriage. Of course, mom and dad, you have to model faithfulness in your marriage, the man leading in love and the wife submitting in respect, and we will all surely fall short and need to confess that to God and our children as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">6.) Some practical things: The internet is a dangerous place, especially for children. Scripture says bad company corrupts good morals, and today the company of children, sadly, is more often whatever pops up on their phones, even more than real flesh and blood children/playmates. Parents abdicate their duties by giving their young children a phone all day, opening up YouTube for them, usually to watch something mindless and mind numbing. Of course, the algorithms on YouTube, with each video automatically loading and the wicked commercials that pop up, will lead your kids to places I sure hope you don't want them to go. The same applies to video games, etc. Limit screen time, and always supervise it. If you are too lazy to do that, then repent and get off of your own phone or game or whatever you are distracted with. Give them good books to read if they are old enough, or read good things to them. At the least, give them something quality and educational to watch.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also, get your kids outside, have them dig in the soil and grow a garden with you, learn some basic skills. Fathers, throw the ball with your kids and teach them some basic things around the house and yard. Give your children responsibilities, chores, which will be harder at first as you have to train and discipline them and rebuke their whining, but in time will not only pay off for you, but pay off for your children, as they learn to do things well and persevere when they fail. If they do not learn these things while under your care, they will be setup for failure and sin and fall prey to the victim mentality and culture of this wicked, woke world.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">7.) Bring your children to church, and take them to a faithful, Bible believing and practicing church. So many churches today are shallow at best, teaching error often. Kids are whisked away for play time when the service starts, and parents have no expectation that their children can learn from the main service, or that they ought to teach their children to focus, sit still, and worship the Lord. While there may be a place for a nursery, and certainly a place for mothers to take their babies to nurse or fathers to discipline disobedient children, the Scriptural pattern shows that children remain in the worship service, to worship the Lord in His holy presence and learn to serve the Lord, Deut. 31:12-13. Of course, if your church is just doing entertaining things rather than preaching the Word and praising the Lord according to His Word, then you need to find a faithful church. Ideally, your church really is like a family, and your children's best friends are other children in your own, Bible-believing and teaching Church.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">8.) Finally, and certainly not least, pray. Pray for your children, for their salvation, sanctification, and perseverance in the faith. Pray that you would persevere in raising them to serve the Lord. Pray trusting the Lord, that He is the covenant Lord who is faithful and merciful to the thousandth generation to those who love and keep His commandments, Ex. 20:6</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It goes without saying that we cannot do these things without the body of Christ. While parents are irreplaceable as parents, Grandparents, other friends and family, and especially the Church to which you belong are necessary, as the body of Christ bears one another's burdens, encourages one another, and when necessary corrects and lovingly rebukes one another as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You may have messed up with your kids. The best thing to do is repent, confess, and correct immediately, as much as you can, even if the kids are now teenagers. If your kids are still young, but you're a dual income family and don't know how mom can quit her job, remember these verses: "Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice" (Prov. 16:8) and "Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife" (Proverbs 17:1). I grew up in a mobile home, and after married lived in one for a while, but it was worth it. My mom was home with me, and my wife has been home with the kids. God has blessed us now with a nice house as well. But who cares if you have a nice, two story house if the actual "home"/family is falling apart?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The breakdown of the family in general, and the Christian family in particular, is what has led to where we are today in this nation, and across the world. But if God would grant us repentance, if we would loathe and grieve our sins and failures, especially in these areas, and live for the Lord, raising our children for the Lord, as man and woman, husband and wife in Christ, you would see true reformation in the churches and likely eventual revival among the unbelievers. Conversely, if we cannot even love one another in our own Christian families, and do the basic duties that pagans of yesteryear showed to their families, then we cannot expect any real reformation or true revival in our churches and land, only that which is drummed up and fabricated, and there is certainly plenty of that in our churches and nation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">If you are looking for a church that strives to practice these things and raise our children to serve the Lord and resist the wickedness and depravity rampant in Sanford and our nation today, come check us out:<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="x1fey0fg xmper1u x1edh9d7" href="https://www.heritagereformedchurch.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.heritagereformedchurch.com/</a></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-5683260688673419862023-04-17T09:21:00.003-05:002023-04-17T09:21:40.698-05:00WHY OUR REFORMED DENOMINATIONS ARE DYING (or are already dead):<p> </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><u>By: Thomas F. Booher</u></b></span><br />
<br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;">The short answer is the faithful Elders, as a class, failed to heed Paul's
words to the Ephesian Elders in Acts 20:28-29,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the
Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He
purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage
wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among
yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the
disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years
I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">False teachers rising from among the Eldership is not a surprise, it's a
Scriptural promise. Hence Paul warns the Elders to keep watch, vigilantly, and
take swift action. Nothing will poison churches, denominations, the Christian
faith at large, worse than its leadership being run by savage wolves in sheep's
clothing, by false prophets, unregenerates appearing as angels of light when
they are doing the devil's bidding.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Secondly, I have never seen a Reformed/Presbyterian conservative minister
repent or apologize publicly for anything. I'm serious. Maybe there is some
exception somewhere, I'd be glad to have a link to it. Tom Ascol in the SBC
repented of being asleep at the wheel while the Southern Baptists drifted
further and further away from fidelity to the faith. Then he took decisive
action and is doing what he can. That's faithful shepherding, acknowledging
your failure, repenting, then bearing fruits of repentance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No, our Reformed Presbyterians are too smart and sophisticated to issue a
straight up apology and repent with tears. We tout our ecclesiology as the
Savior, "trust the process", and have our own version of the SBC's
11th commandment -- thou shalt not speak ill of anyone in your presbytery, or
call them a wolf, because that's not the presbyterian way; only presbytery's
can say if someone is a wolf or not.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, when Jesus sent out His disciples in the midst of wolves and urged them to
be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16), we decided we'd be as
wise as doves and as harmless as serpents. We get played by the progressives
every time, thinking our Presbyterian system (a twisting and deformation of it
IMHO) will save the day (dove wisdom), and therefore we wait in vain for years,
for 2/3 of presbyteries to ratify an amendment to our book of church order for
something that we should be able to just thunder down with "Thus saith the
Lord" (that homosexuals cannot be ministers in our denominations -- here's
looking at you PCA). So who gets stung in all this? The faithful men trying to
enter ministry, who are killed in the "candidates and credentials committee"
crib because the godless liberal Elders have stacked the deck there and serve
as the gatekeepers and molders into pastoral ministry.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When faithful shepherds don't kill the wolves, especially the ones who have
positioned themselves as shepherds, the wolves eat the sheep, or turn them into
wolves in sheep's clothing with them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So when this becomes so obvious that something official has to be done, what
happens? We form the Gospel Reformation Network in the PCA many years too late
and many decibels of intensity too short (Harry Reeder literally said the
progressives in the PCA were, I kid you not, something like "sheep in
wolves' clothing"; then you have Kevin DeYoung and Tim Keller buddying up
on the sexuality report at GA, saying they are center right and center left,
and basically declaring they are the uni-party in the PCA).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then in Machen's warrior fanboy OPC, we have a who's who list of notable
pipe-smoking sophisticates that sign a "much concerned" letter on
high priestess Aimee Byrd's personal blog, who role plays as Machen's girlboss
destroyer of biblical manhood and womanhood when it suits her, then quick
changes into a damsel in distress needing a strong OPC Elder to deliver her
from those bully GC men when they expose her for what she really is -- a
Feminist bordering on mysticism. But boy did the men step up to the plate for
her. <a href="https://aimeebyrd.com/2020/06/22/an-open-letter-from-concerned-ministers-and-elders-in-the-opc/">https://aimeebyrd.com/2020/06/22/an-open-letter-from-concerned-ministers-and-elders-in-the-opc/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By the way, have any of these men publicly apologized for any of this? Shoot,
I'd even take one of them publicly saying they are now "very
concerned" about Aimee Byrd.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For decades, probably generations, our conservative Elders, as a class, have
downplayed or simply not understood the importance of family and place.
Sacrifice all to uproot your family, and then sacrifice your family for the
sake of the greater ministry of the pastorate. Sure, they would never say it
this way, but when you hear pastor's wives tell seminarian wives "don't
expect your husband to take out the trash for you, he's too busy" you
realize something has gone horribly wrong. And that's the conservative end of
the spectrum. The liberal/progressive end is holding conferences for the cute
"gay-but-celibate" crowd.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For years, writing something like this would get me in trouble, sometimes at
the local church level, always at the presbytery level. So men like me realized
we have one of two choices. Castrate ourselves, fall in line, tout "the
presbyterian way, the presbyterian system" and post a lot of good reports
on social media about progress in voting on something that is already crystal
clear in Scripture and our confessions, and keep pretending that the opposition
Elders in our own denomination are men of good faith, or that they are even men
who have saving faith at all. Never question that, that would be to run ahead
of the presbyteries, and then you might get put under swift church discipline
yourself. Punch right, lean left, but say you are perfectly balanced, as if
balancing truth and error is ever a good thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The other option, which many younger ministers are taking, is to get out of
NAPARC denominations. But other men cannot or will not do this, because the
cost is so high. They know how bad things are, say things when and where they
can from within, but realize they are constantly being gagged -- by their own
fellow Elders, by the presbytery, and by the General Assembly often times (I'm
thinking of PCA especially here). But to leave NAPARC, and to further openly,
publicly speak against NAPARC, you're cutting out probably 95% or more of
Reformed/Presbyterian pulpits in North America, blacklisting yourself from all
the Reformed seminaries and institutions of higher learning that could pay you
a reasonable salary, etc. Right or wrong, some men try to work from within,
falling in line to some extent, or pushing the limits until they are kicked out
in one form or another, or find a church/presbytery that serves as a bastion of
faithfulness in the midst of a crooked Presbyterian generation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of our denominations ordain deaconesses, and some like the PCA would love
to do so. Try returning to biblical fidelity on that issue, and you'll be told
that some prominent churches/elders/ministers will threaten to leave the
denomination. And it's not like the ARP has too many prominent congregations,
or Ligonier Ministries wants to nix another teaching fellow that went
semi-woke. Also, I keep hearing something about plagiarism being ignored or
covered up if you are "too big to fail" but that's probably none of
my business, as is everything I have written about here thus far, since that
might wake people up, or offend someone, or slightly give the wrong impression.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know some ministers/elders who have left NAPARC denominations because they
got sick of this, and then of course many of them get chewed out, ever so
gently and passively of course (publicly at least), for abandoning the fight.
But staying to fight is to agree to fight with pillows, while your enemy has
armored tanks. Pull out your own heavy weaponry, and inexplicably, those you
thought were on your team start saying, "No, no, we aren't REALLY in a
war, those on the other side are just a tad confused, they'll lay down their
weapons once we reason gently with them. Maybe offer these pillows for their
heads." What sane person wants to stay around for that slaughter?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Someone will say "Ah, but Greg Johnson left the PCA, see, we got a killshot;
or, Aimee Byrd left the OPC, see? Presbyterianism FTW baby." Sure, they
left. But there was never an immediate threat of church discipline coming down
upon either of them. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, the Cerberus heads
will grow back. No one has tried fleecing the wolves yet, that'd be risky,
they'd show their teeth and bite and then everyone would know they were wolves.
But that would put us in harm's way. Let's not go that route.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But finally, here's the biggest issue of all. Actual godly, faithful,
confessional men in NAPARC are fewer and further between than we were led to
believe, especially among the most prominent. Not all the high places will be
torn down. Ligon Duncan is, to put it as politely as possible, a moderate. So
is Kevin DeYoung. Others would call them liberals. That's fine, perhaps better,
given the far left really are bloodthirsty radicals that want to tear down not
just our churches, but sane society as a whole. Our GRN and various leaders,
initially at least, pretended the other side had something of a point,
something reasonable to say that had to be carefully corrected. A dead giveaway
that DeYoung is controlled opposition more than a real fighter was DeYoung's
own post on The Gospel Communist, I mean The Gospel Coalition -- the battle cry
today must be carefulness, not courage, and DeYoung will lead the charge of
careful warriors that "pay attention to our language and our
definitions". By the way, he said that in regards to race, politics, and
gender in our nation today. But brother Kevin, transgenders are shooting our
Christian children, do you think being "careful" is what we need
right now?!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/why-reformed-evangelicalism-has-splintered-four-approaches-to-race-politics-and-gender/">https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/why-reformed-evangelicalism-has-splintered-four-approaches-to-race-politics-and-gender/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">(As an aside, this is one reason why most of these men have either openly despised
or quietly ignored Doug Wilson. For all the things Wilson doesn't get quite
right, he got family and polemics right, and those are two crucial things in
this divided day and family hating era that we live in. Some seem to be
softening toward him a bit and realizing he might have some things to
contribute after all. Others, well, they'll keep on silencing you as if saying
DW is saying the name Voldemort.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When DeYoung says we must be careful, stylizes himself as center-right, and is
chummy with Tim Keller and describes him as center-left, you would think masses
would realize they are being played. When OPC scholars are sucking up to Aimee
Byrd (I chose not to use some of the more modern language here to describe
this), when an RTS President is seeking to essentially bring another Minister
under church discipline for he/his session not clapping hard enough for his
traveling wife scolding other churches over who knows what, probably not
listening to women voices enough, and these guys during the daylight pretend to
be our betters and conservative stalwarts, it's time to ring the bell. These
men who are supposedly our conservatives would have been the progressives just
a decade or two ago! But that's the thing. Many of these men likely had these
sympathies or leanings a decade or two ago. It just wasn't revealed yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When conservatives like DeYoung (I think it is he/his church, could be another
one, I am sure if I am wrong I'll be ordered to repent immediately or face
God's wrath by some lion of the conservative establishment AKA damage control
specialist) have women reading and/or praying in the worship service, I do not
know in what sense he ought to get to wear the badge of conservative. When he
snuggles up to Tim Keller, someone who leans if not outright is a theistic
evolutionist, a Democrat, and who knows what he even thinks on Abortion, why
would any sane minister of the Gospel, let alone any Bible-believing Christian,
want these men for generals? I've been at Presbytery with DeYoung, he's a great
preacher, but he isn't a fighter, he's not a General.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The PCA is the cutting edge of departing from the faith, but many (most?) of
NAPARC is not far behind, at least the denominations that can muster triple
digits in numbers of churches. And of course, the PCA is larger than all the
other NAPARC denominations a couple times over.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But the bottom line is we have compromised, often cowardly men fighting with
compromised, limited machinery against the liberals who have control of the
chess board. They've swapped out several pawns for Queens already, and they'll
probably get away with dressing the bishops as Queens soon enough (tis a joke
today, a reality tomorrow).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But there are faithful foot soldiers who will blindly sacrifice their lives,
their tithe money, their blood, sweat, and tears, for acronyms, for the PCA,
the OPC, etc. They still believe the GRN or the OPC powers that be are
rock-ribbed confessional conservatives. I can sympathize, I used to think so
too, not all so long ago (well, not the GRN, I was pretty sure they wouldn't
quite rise to the occasion from the outset). After all, it is from these men
that we often learned about the Reformed faith, learned what it means to be
confessional, and even among the church historians, learned what it means to
truly fight for the faith once delivered. The problem is, these men, with some
rare exceptions, don't practice what they preach, don't put their book-sales
and conference speaking monies where their mouth is when and where it actually
counts -- on their social medias, and even more importantly, in the
presbyteries/church courts. They are as silent as lambs there, or soft as a
feather in their words, when we need lions, we need strong shepherds.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So our Reformed/Presbyterian denominations will continue to die. And What I am
most concerned to see happen is pivoting away from these supposed conservative
men who, whether in one year or 5 years from now, will give some PR release and
spin doctoring to say they now grant popish permission to join them in their new
denomination. If they didn't fight in the old and lost the play fight they
waged, why would you follow them into a new denomination? The rot will set in.
Yes, it may take a decade or two, but it will come, and in this environment, it
will come much faster than what it took the PCA, for example, to get where it
is, or the OPC to take 80+ years to wobble. It will only be a decade, or two at
most.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So come out from among them, and be ye separate. Wake up, and repent. Fight the
good fight of faith. There are better, godlier ministers to look to for the
future of the Reformed faith in our nation. They are usually the ones who got
ostracized for crossing the conservative establishment. They may well not have
prominent or large churches. They may well be utter unknowns, or voices crying
in the wilderness. But let's promote them, let's not let them be wilderness
voices any longer. They may be rough around the edges, but we could use some of
that. And God willing, He will bless them and those congregations in the years
ahead.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The alternative is the slow death and gradual apostasy of our most prominent
NAPARC denominations, permitted by men who claim to be conservative and
confessional, men who just so happen to have the comfiest positions in the
colleges, seminaries, and pastorates, and will see to it that it remains that
way. Gut them. Let these apostate institutions die. Take your kids out of them,
and your money from them. Build new institutions with godlier men and leaders
who have stood courageous over the last 10 years or so of all the madness we
have faced.</div><o:p></o:p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-26504354368891120622023-03-28T22:06:00.005-05:002023-04-14T10:12:31.163-05:00The Decline of Biblical Evangelism/Revival in the United States<div><b>The Decline of Biblical Evangelism/Revival in the United States: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtzAzUFFvvLfowk6ZCeAZveI1rY9IOCLQengwM6jVF1XBQftu_t2zewf00aBBvqTAnN2yns8goFtghkrVWR8HX7BFZ4Mq0wHzL4052E54NsStbfsUAm-jtReEXHO5KIr6AprSzrLL1LV3rAu0bEiMXL3JrKjxxQ9yUqldNKixiuw_iZoi3dawg17HD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtzAzUFFvvLfowk6ZCeAZveI1rY9IOCLQengwM6jVF1XBQftu_t2zewf00aBBvqTAnN2yns8goFtghkrVWR8HX7BFZ4Mq0wHzL4052E54NsStbfsUAm-jtReEXHO5KIr6AprSzrLL1LV3rAu0bEiMXL3JrKjxxQ9yUqldNKixiuw_iZoi3dawg17HD" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Here's the hard reality, but it is the truth -- for over 200 years in this nation, and more and more in recent generations, those in the church have had increasingly itching ears, and many have been greedy for "numbers" of souls saved, which is not much different than being greedy for the "gain" of tithes and offerings that comes with getting "souls saved" and keeping them coming to your church. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">We have had the downgrade, the descent into easy believe-ism and revivalism that can be traced back almost exactly to the year 1800, if you follow Iain Murray's account in <i>Revival and Revivalism</i>. At that time, Calvinism began to increasingly be switched out for Arminianism. Prior to that time, virtually all denominations were Calvinistic. In essence, Calvinism proclaims from Scripture that one must be born again by the power of the Holy Spirit in order to repent and believe in Christ for salvation. Arminianism denies this, and says that one does not need to be born again by the Holy Spirit in order to repent and believe. Our sinfulness is only as deep as our wills our bent in the wrong direction, says the Arminian. No, the Calvinist says, we are not merely sick with sin, but dead in sin, and must be born again by the Spirit before we will ever break off from sin and turn to Christ as Lord and Savior in true faith and repentance. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">As said above, prior to 1800 most all denominations and preachers upheld the Calvinist understanding of the Gospel and the need for the new birth. But after 1800, the need for the new birth worked by God the Holy Spirit was preached less and less, the anxious bench and altar call were born, and the justification was that these "new measures worked". Charles Finney even said you can have a revival anytime you want, if you use the new measures. Thus was born our deformed American Evangelicalism, and it is getting more deformed by the day. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Instead of preaching the need to be born again, or at least preaching knowing that the Spirit must cause one to be born again if any will come to Christ for salvation, all that is preached is to "make a decision for Christ" and the "new measures" are used. Say the sinner's prayer, walk an aisle. Rather than seeing sinners dead in trespasses and sins, sinners are told they are just sick with sin (if they are told they are sinners at all), and have enough in themselves to just bend their will in the right direction. Of course, this bending of the will is not done primarily through faithful preaching and prayer depending and asking the Holy Spirit to work, but rather is nudged with a little help from emotional manipulation by revivalist preachers, soft piano music, etc. Thus mood music, dimmed lighting, "every head bowed and eye closed," and often today fog machines, worldly entertainment, etc., are all mixed together to try to do what only the Holy Spirit can do -- bring a sinner to Christ in true faith and repentance through the pure proclamation of the Gospel. Now, today the aim is at getting a decision, whatever it takes to get a decision. Man can cause himself to be born again if he just "picks" Jesus. This, at root, is the false teaching that is dominant in churches today.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">That ungodly, wicked fruit has seen iteration after iteration, generation over generation, including the much beloved Billy Graham and his crusades. While some have been well-meaning (as I am sure Billy Graham was), not all have been, and even those who are do not have an excuse. Few should become teachers, Scripture says (James 3:1), and pastors/teachers are held to a stricter judgment for good reason.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I have known people to be baptized many times, and Iain Murray points out in his book one lady (from the 1800's) who said she had been baptized 10 times, and not one of them "took". Yet churches keep using the "new measures" over and over, ignoring the bad fruit and claiming salvation when no work of the Spirit actually occurred to save sinners. Another hinge point around 1800 -- before then, no one was automatically added to the church and insta-baptized, they still believed what John the Baptist and Jesus taught, that you must bear fruits of repentance. So, they catechized/taught the persons who felt conviction for sin, and if they continued to learn, showed genuine faith and repentance, then some months down the road they'd be baptized and added to the membership rolls; after 1800 that began to change, and the "new measures" were so crass that at times, these "new school" men with their new measures would even refuse letting people leave until they "decided" for Jesus, in order to count them as a soul saved from hell! That practice is still alive and well, I've sat through it before (and yes, I remained seated, thankfully God assured me through His Word that I was saved, and no sham Evangelist was going to convince me otherwise with manipulative tactics and emotional appeals). </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">This all happens because many churches do not believe in the sovereignty of God in salvation. If one must be born again in order to repent and believe, then God truly saves, and man has no goodness, no willpower because of his or her sinfulness, to come to faith in Him apart from God first choosing them for salvation and working faith into their hearts by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">So it is believed by most churches today that the sinner's deepest issue is only his willing, not his very being. Again, before 1800, virtually all churches of all denominations would reject this, and affirmed that regeneration preceded faith, that the new birth was necessary for faith and repentance, that man was dead in sin, not merely sick with sin. The only notable exception was John Wesley and some of the Methodists, though George Whitefield, also a Methodist, was firm on this issue that the new birth was necessary for faith and repentance. And even Wesley's error on this was nowhere near as extensive as those who came after 1800. Asbury was also a Methodist, whose namesake is given to the school where the so-called revivals have been taking place in this year, 2023. It is curious that many there are claiming a work of the Spirit, which praise God the focus is placed upon the Spirit having to work for sinner's to be saved. But one cannot know the Spirit has worked until the evidence of the Spirit's work, the fruit of the Spirit, has been seen. That will take some days, weeks, and months to manifest. Remember the parable of the 4 soils in Scripture. Some respond in faith instantly, but have no root in them, or the thorns choke them out. The cares of the world or fears of persecution show that this was not a saving work of the Spirit, but an emotional "high" in the moment of sinful man, and nothing more. There may have been a taste of the heavenly powers (Hebrews 6), but it was not a saving taste. Such a person who falls away was never born again by the Spirit through the Gospel to begin with. Those who are born again are born of the "imperishable word" the living and abiding word of God, I Pet. 1:23. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Friends in Christ, doctrine matters, because the Gospel is a proclamation of doctrine! Whether man is dead in sin, needing the new birth, or merely sick with sin, able to change his own will in his own strength, is a huge difference. When the Gospel in its purity is proclaimed again, the cry of Christ will be heard in pulpits and among Evangelists and street preachers: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 4:17). " Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom He has sent,'" (John 6:29), "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out...no one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:37, 44), "It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh profits nothing" (John 6:63). </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">But today, churches are seeker sensitive, which can only be a model of church growth if you have a faulty understanding of doctrine and the Gospel. So many churches cater to the sinner because they think unbelievers can actually seek God. But note Romans 3:10-12, "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God...no one does good, not even one." </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">When you reject the sovereignty of God over all things, His glory as the greatest good, and the necessity of the new birth by the Spirit, being born of God's will and power rather than your will and power (John 1:12-13), you get seeker sensitive Christianity, with revivalism, emotionalism, and entertainment. You get a lot of decisions, but few actual conversions, though all is counted as the same and there are instant declarations of salvation, works of the Spirit (though everything was structured to deny the need of the Spirit with the use of the "new measures"), and thus instant baptisms. People eventually become treated more as victims, less as sinners. This all seeds the soil for the woke world that we have reaped, and it only took 200 years of this nonsense. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">As God through His prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel said, the false prophets of Israel/the Church today prophesy "peace, peace" when there is no peace, and they heal the wounds/sins of the people only lightly, not truly. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Faithful ministers of the Gospel, and I myself as a minister, plead with the American Church to repent of her wicked and false teaching, even if done with good intentions. Return to your biblical, Calvinistic roots that the churches of this nation were founded upon; return to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and the deadness of sinners in their sin, the absolute necessity of the new birth, and the call to repentance and receiving Christ not merely as Savior, but as Lord. Repent of chasing charismatic experiences that were never purposed or meant for the Church past the apostolic age, but proclaim the full Christ from the completed, Spirit-inspired Scriptures. Proclaim the full counsel of God, preach through His word exegetically, expositionally, and do it all with the zeal and determination that Paul urges Timothy to do so in 2 Tim. 3:16-4:5. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Indeed, the Church has been "turned aside to fables" because they have turned their "ears away from the truth" (2 Tim. 4:4). But by God's grace, may all true ministers of God's Word "be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry" by "Preaching the word in season and out of season". And may God by His Spirit grant the new birth through the pure preaching of His Word to many sinners, who will then come to true faith and repentance in Jesus Christ, giving credit and glory for doing so to God alone, that His name may be hallowed in all the Earth.</div></div></div>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-12618921272057795632023-03-09T10:35:00.003-05:002023-03-09T10:56:40.922-05:00How to Study and Apply the Bible<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="381" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tRyRdevHL3Q" width="458" youtube-src-id="tRyRdevHL3Q"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 107%;">Rules for Understanding and Applying
the Bible</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 107%;"> (From
Pastor Joseph Spurgeon of Sovereign King Church: https://www.facebook.com/SovereignKingChurch)<br />
</span><br />
1. <b><u>The Holy Interpreter</u></b>: The Holy Spirit is the only infallible
interpreter of Scripture. Thus, when the Holy Spirit inspires a writer in one
portion of the Bible to interpret another section of Scripture, we know that
interpretation is the true interpretation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
2. <b><u>The Rule of Scripture:</u></b> The Scriptures never contradict
themselves. Whenever we encounter a section that we are finding difficult to
interpret, we should seek out other places where the Scriptures speak to the
same issue with more clarity. We interpret the harder from the clearer.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
3. <b><u>The Rule of Faith:</u></b> All of Scripture is God-breathed. When
interpreting a passage, we must realize that the Bible is a complete
revelation. A passage must be considered in light of the rest of Scripture.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
4. <b><u>Context</u></b>: The context of a passage is both immediate and
remote. That is, it is in the surrounding verses and chapters of the text being
studied, but it is also in related passages in other books, especially by the
same writer. The proper understanding of a text is always obtained by seeing it
in its context.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
5. <b><u>Relation of the Testaments</u></b>: The Old and New Testaments inform
each other. One cannot properly understand one without the other. The movement
of Scripture is from the Old to the New. There is an unfolding of revelation
from the beginning to the end. We must notice this unveiling of revelation as
history moved toward Christ. However, we cannot become evolutionists. God does
not evolve through time nor is the Bible an evolving revelation. We must guard
against flattening out the Bible and against having too much discontinuity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
6. <b><u>The Old Testament</u></b>: Every doctrine that we need to believe or
commandment of God for our living is found in the Old Testament in at least its
kernel form. This is why Paul told Timothy that the Scriptures would equip him
for every good work and make him wise for salvation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
7. <b><u>The New Testament</u></b>: It is the blossoming of those kernels into
full form. The New Testament brings about the fulfillment of the promise of the
Old. It shows us that certain aspects of the Old were types and shadows
pointing to Christ. We therefore must not go back to these types and shadows.
Furthermore, when the New Testament interprets the Old Testament, that
interpretation is true and infallible.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
8. <b><u>The Church is Multi-generational</u></b>: The history of the Church is
an important help in our hermeneutics. God has provided men of wisdom and the
Holy spirit through the history of the church. We do not have to start fresh
every new generation with interpretation and theology. This does not mean that
there is a magisterial office in the church that provides an infallible
interpretation of Scripture. It does mean, however, that we should not
disregard lightly the weight of historical interpretation of Scripture found
widely in the church. Confessions and creeds in the church are subordinate to
Scripture but they are invaluable helps to interpreting Scripture.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
9. <b><u>The Sufficiency of Scripture:</u></b> Scripture is efficient and
sufficient for all instruction in righteousness and godly living. The church in
the Old Testament is an example for us of how to live and how not to live.
Their faithfulness is an example for us. Their faithlessness is a warning for
us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
10. <b><u>Christ is Central:</u></b> The Bible is the revelation of Christ, his
glory, his work in redemption, and his Kingship. He is the focus of Scripture
and yet never in a wooden or contrived way. Therefore, we do not have to seek
to shoehorn him into every passage yet all of it is his word.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
11. <b><u>The Clarity of Scripture</u></b>. Scripture is understandable with
the diligent use of means. The more one studies scripture the greater one grows
in understanding it. Scripture is meant to be a revelation. Therefore a
Christian using due diligence and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit can
understand what the scriptures mean.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
12. <b><u>The Application of Scripture to all of life:</u></b> The Word of God
is applicable to every area of life. God has not left us to fumble around in
darkness. He has given us instruction that touches on every area of life. In
any area that scripture speaks to, it speaks authoritatively. We ought to obey
it. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
13. <b><u>Natural Revelation</u></b>: God has revealed himself in nature and
there is much that we can learn in his natural revelation. This natural
revelation is authoritative, yet, scripture is the highest authority and will
always guide our understanding of nature.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
14. <b><u>The Use of Wisdom</u></b>: Applying scripture to life requires the
use of wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit. As we study scripture to
interpret it, we should pray for the wisdom of God to apply its commands,
virtues, principles, warnings, and promises to the areas of life we are
confronted with. Biblical wisdom begins with the fear of God and love of his
word.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475092859972822963.post-66846036039841596652023-03-02T12:06:00.006-05:002023-03-02T12:06:45.581-05:00Why we Baptize by Sprinkling/Pouring not Immersion<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qSZpJ1csLRM" width="320" youtube-src-id="qSZpJ1csLRM"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Why Do We
Baptize by Sprinkling/Pouring and not Immersion/Dunking? <o:p></o:p></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Ex. 24:8 Moses sprinkles
people with blood of covenant.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Mt. 26:28; Mk. 14:24; Lk.
22:20, Christ says He “pours out” His blood of the New Covenant.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Heb. 9:19-20; 10:29 connect
Moses to Christ, do not reject the blood of the new covenant by which you were
sanctified, and thereby outrage the Spirit of grace. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Ezek. 36:25-26 “I will <b><u>sprinkle
clean water on you</u></b>.” Also says new hear and spirit is given, removes
heart of stone. Compare this to the new covenant as promised in Jeremiah
31:31ff. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Baptism does not mean “immersion”.
It has a range of meaning of various washings/cleansings (you can bathe by
taking a shower or a bath, sponge bath, etc.). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Acts 8:38-39, Philip and
the Ethiopian Eunuch go down into the water, but only after this is the
Ethiopian said to be baptized by Philip. They both then come up out of the water.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>If going in and coming out
meant immersion, then not only was the Ethiopian immersed, so was Philip, the
one doing the baptism! This is an absurd idea. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Mk. 1:8-10, Jesus is
baptized by John, going into and coming out of the water. Again, as seen from
Acts 8 above, this does not mean He was immersed. It means he walked into the Jordan
river. The Ethiopian’s baptism likely didn’t even have enough water to immerse
his whole body.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>After Christ’s baptism, as
He comes back to dry ground, the Spirit “<b><u>descends</u></b>” upon Him.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>John the Baptist says he
baptizes with water, but Christ will baptize with the Holy Spirit. We see
Christ is now baptized/full of the Holy Spirit, and will soon, after He ascends
on High, baptize His people with the Holy Spirit, by pouring out His Spirit
upon them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Acts 1-2, Apostles must
wait for the Spirit to be “<b><u>poured out</u></b>” from Christ on high. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Acts 1:5, Jesus says, “they
will be baptized with H.S. soon. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Acts 2:3, Holy Spirit <b><u>comes
upon/sits</u></b> disciples/apostles like tongues of fire. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Acts 8:14-16, H.S. had not
yet “<b><u>fallen</u></b>” upon the Samaritans. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Acts 10:44, Peter is
preaching and the H.S. “<b><u>falls upon</u></b>” the Gentiles. The Jews are
astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit is “<b><u>poured out</u></b>” also
on the Gentiles. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Peter then says in Acts
10:47-48, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, <b><u>who have
received the Holy Spirit</u></b> just as we have?” And he commanded them to be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>We see baptism in the new
covenant/for us today is deeply connected to the blood of Christ and its sprinkling/pouring
out. And because Christ’s blood cleanses/covers His people, it is a baptism
that can also symbolize the Holy Spirit’s outpouring/being received by God’s
people. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Christ’s blood cleanses us,
and makes us fit to receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>So baptism symbolizes
Christ’s blood and Spirit. So how does His blood and Spirit come upon us? Plainly,
Scripture shows it is by pouring or sprinkling, not immersing or dunking! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>This shows the Lord is
sovereign in covenanting and redeeming His people. He is the one who covers us
with Christ’s blood, and pours out His Spirit upon His people. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>But in immersion, the
water, which is meant to symbolize the blood and Spirit of Christ, is passive,
and the person is active. While this might be said to symbolize burial with Christ
and rising to new life akin to Romans 6, this is not the focus of the
Scriptures on baptism’s meaning.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>But since God is the
initiator and the one who promises Christ’s blood and indwelling Spirit to His
covenant people, we can see God’s sovereign grace, and that He can make this
covenant and its promises of Christ’s blood and Spirit to whomever He wishes. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Since God has always
covenanted with believers and their children (Gen. 17:7; Acts 2:38-39), then
babies of believers also ought to be baptized, and as the child grows in age,
they should be taught that their baptism shows God has covenanted with them and
promised them the blood of His Son and the Spirit of His Son, to be received savingly
by faith and repentance. <o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Thomas F. Booherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11736735827849283028noreply@blogger.com0