Ray Ortland (quoting John Newton):If you account him [your opponent] a believer, though greatly mistaken in the subject of debate between you, the words of David to Joab concerning Absalom are very applicable: “Deal gently with him for my sake.” The Lord loves him and bears with him; therefore you must not despise him or treat him harshly. The Lord bears with you likewise, and expects that you should show tenderness to others from a sense of the much forgiveness you need yourself. In a little while you will meet in heaven. He will then be dearer to you than the nearest friend you have upon … [Read more...] about How A True Calvinist Fights
Theology
Eschatology Evening At Bethlehem Baptist Church
This looks interesting: Sunday night, September 27, following the Desiring God National Conference, there will be an eschatology panel at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Conference speakers Sam Storms and Doug Wilson have graciously agreed to stay with us for an extra evening, and Jim Hamilton from Southern Seminary will be joining us (and lecturing to Bethlehem College and Seminary the following day), as John Piper hosts “An Evening on Eschatology.” Piper will interview the panel; Storms will represent the amillennial position, Wilson the postmillennial, and Hamilton the historic premillennial … [Read more...] about Eschatology Evening At Bethlehem Baptist Church
A Balanced View on Singleness & The Gift of Celibacy
Years ago I was involved in the debate over what some call "the gift of singleness." Some tend to think of the gift of singleness as the state of singleness: to be single, is to have the gift. I wholeheartedly disagree. I think it is better to differentiate between a gift for celibacy and the state of singleness. Not all who are in the state of singleness are gifted to remain there--though, of course, celibacy is the biblical requirement of all singles. Which is one of the reasons most of them should marry (I Cor. 7:9). As I wrote in a 2006 essay: [The gift of celibacy] is a rare gift that … [Read more...] about A Balanced View on Singleness & The Gift of Celibacy
Interview With Randy Alcorn
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries, a Bible-believing, Christ-centered nonprofit organization with two goals: (1) to teach the principles of God's Word, emphasizing an eternal viewpoint; (2) to reach the needy in Christ's name. If you buy this book, you won't enrich Mr. Alcorn at all, as the book includes this note in the opening pages:"One hundred percent of the royalties from this book will be given to promote good, oppose evil, and relieve suffering around the world."That's not surprising for those of you who know of Randy Alcorn's longstanding … [Read more...] about Interview With Randy Alcorn
SBTS Panel Responds to N.T. Wright on Justification
The panel was moderated by Dr. Albert Mohler and consisted of Dr. Denny Burk, Dr. Tom Schreiner, Dr. Mark Seifrid, and Dr. Brian Vickers. Here is the video of their approximately one hour discussion: The men on the panel interact on John Piper's The Future of Justification: A Response to N. T. Wright (Crossway, 2007 -- available for only $6.30! Skip your lunch today and buy it) and the response to that volume by N.T. Wright, Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Vision (IVP, 2009). HT: Denny Burk … [Read more...] about SBTS Panel Responds to N.T. Wright on Justification
What Will We Suffer if We Refuse to Suffer for Christ?
A Christian dies for their faith somewhere in the world at a rate of approximately one every 3-4 minutes (160,000/year). David Sitton writes: What will I suffer if I refuse to suffer for Christ? What will I lose if I refuse to lose my life with Jesus for the nations? What “glory” (Paul’s word – Romans 8:18) will I miss out on if I shirk suffering for the gospel? There is something in suffering for the gospel that produces supernatural affection and compassion within you towards those who are harming you. At the same time, when one can praise God instead of denying him in the midst of … [Read more...] about What Will We Suffer if We Refuse to Suffer for Christ?