davidsteele1966

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?”

WHAT IS TRUE CONVERSION?

We live in a culture where a majority of Americans make some kind of a faith commitment. Indeed, many Americans call themselves Christians. It is in this context that Stephen Smallman answers the question, What is True Conversion? Smallman’s work is somewhat autobiographical as he recounts his conversion experience. He notes the impulse to “reformContinue reading “WHAT IS TRUE CONVERSION?”

What Can a 508-Year Old Man Teach Us?

July 10, 2017 marks the 508th birthday of John Calvin. But the streamers and balloons are nowhere to be found. Simply put, we live in a day that is so wrapped up in technology and new inventions that we tend to forget the lessons of the past, especially the lessons of dead guy. Calvin’s lifeContinue reading “What Can a 508-Year Old Man Teach Us?”

SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD

Today is the anniversary of Jonathan Edwards famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. America’s greatest intellectual preached the magnificent message at Enfield on July 8, 1741 – just 269 years ago! Edwards warns: “There are the black clouds of God’s wrath now hanging directly over your heads, full of the dreadfulContinue reading “SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD”

WHAT IS PROVIDENCE?

Derek W.H. Thomas answers the question, “What is Providence?” with a deep biblical knowledge and an ability to connect with a wide range of people. He begins by citing the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions.” ThomasContinue reading “WHAT IS PROVIDENCE?”