“Mystical techniques and the inward journey have no place in true biblical spirituality. If there is reality experienced in such things, it is a reality other than that promised in the gospel … Christian spirituality, consequently does not journey inward in search of an immediate experience of oneness with God. Instead, through the indwelling HolyContinue reading “TRUE BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY”
Author Archives: davidsteele1966
THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – John Frame (2008)
The Doctrine of the Christian Life by John Frame is the third installment in his Lordship series. The preceding work, The Doctrine of God is the most influential book I have read to date, outside the Bible. Every seminary student and pastor should carefully read The Doctrine of God. The contents are sure to revolutionizeContinue reading “THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – John Frame (2008)”
WHAT IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE?
Do a quick search on any online bookseller or browse the shelves at a large bookstore and you will undoubtedly be confronted with a plethora of books on spiritual warfare. Unfortunately, many of the popular books being published on this subject are unhelpful at best and unbiblical at worst. What is Spiritual Warfare? by StanleyContinue reading “WHAT IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE?”
WHAT IS VOCATION? – Stephen J. Nichols
What is Vocation? This question is rarely asked anymore and Stephen J. Nichols laments this reality in the latest installment of the Basics of the Faith Series by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing. Nichols begins by alerting readers to the definition of vocation: “The English word vocation comes from the Latin word vocatio or, in theContinue reading “WHAT IS VOCATION? – Stephen J. Nichols”
WHAT IS A TRUE CALVINIST?
Philip Graham Ryken continues the Basics of the Reformed Faith Series with his excellent work, What is a True Calvinist? Ryken does not rehash the traditional five points of Calvinism as formulated at the Synod of Dort. Rather, he seeks to set forth a “practical introduction to Reformed spirituality.” Six pillars comprise the edifice ofContinue reading “WHAT IS A TRUE CALVINIST?”
WHAT IS PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS?
What is the Perseverance of the Saints? Michael A. Milton does an exceptional job in his attempt to answer the question. Milton’s tackles this important topic by considering four aspects: Defining the Doctrine The author cites Berkhof – “Perseverance may be defined as that continuous operation of the Holy Spirit in the believer, by whichContinue reading “WHAT IS PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS?”
WHAT IS BIBLICAL PREACHING?
Eric J. Alexander has hit the bulls-eye in his little book, What is Biblical Preaching? While not designed to be a textbook on the subject, it adequately describes the preaching task. Alexander maintains that biblical preaching can be boiled down to eight key propositions: 1. Biblical preaching is fundamental in its importance. 2. Biblical preachingContinue reading “WHAT IS BIBLICAL PREACHING?”
WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER?
What is the Lord’s Supper? Richard D. Phillips answers this important question in a straightforward and biblical way. “The Reformers” writes Phillips, “emphasized that a sacrament – that is, a sacred mystery prescribed for our worship – must have been instituted immediately by our Lord.” Also referred to as the Eucharist (1 Cor. 11:24) orContinue reading “WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER?”
WHAT IS JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE?
J.V. Fesko answers the all-important question, “What is Justification by Faith Alone?” The author begins, “All people must at some point in their existence stand in the presence of God and be judged. There are two possible outcomes, either a guilty or not-guilty verdict. Or, in biblical terms, God will either condemn or justify theContinue reading “WHAT IS JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE?”
WHAT IS HELL?
Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson join forces to answer one of the more controversial questions of the 21st century, “What is hell?” Careful readers notice from the outset that the very question implies the existence of hell. The authors begin with the classic formulation, “Would a loving God really send good people to hell?” ThreeContinue reading “WHAT IS HELL?”
Veritas et Lux 