Theology

Melissa Morgan, writing for By Faith magazine, interviews Thomas Purifoy, producer of Modern Parables. I previously reviewed Modern Parables, a rare blend of cinema and theological truth, produced and directed with finesse and creativity. Here's an excerpt of their rendition of the parable of the two Prodigal Sons (Luke 15:11-32) -- which goes excellently, I might add, with Tim Keller's forthcoming book The Prodigal God (release date: October 31). Related: Interview with Tim Keller on The Prodigal God. … [Read more...] about Narrative And Theology: Modern Parables

The last message of the conference was given by Dr. R.C. Sproul. He began by announcing a pop quiz. We were each to privately answer the question: What is the Gospel? [That happened to also be the title of Dr. Sproul's message.] He read to us from Romans 1, culminating in verses 16-17. Then R.C. took us over to Galatians 1:6ff. Paul was "set apart" (vs. 15) unto the gospel of God. The gospel is a message that is authored and owned by God. THREE USES OF THE WORD GOSPEL How should we understand the word "gospel". There are three uses: 1. The word "gospel" is used to describe a literary … [Read more...] about Ligonier West Coast Conference – R.C. Sproul – II

THREE REASONS TO BE INFORMED ABOUT POSTMODERNISM The topic of Dr. Duncan's second message was Should the Church Embrace Postmodernism? Dr. Duncan gave us three reasons why we should study postmodernism (though he noted the church ought not to embrace it). 1. It is pervasive in our culture today. We need to know what is out there. 2. If someone truly embraces the tenants of postmodernism, it makes it more difficult to hear the claims of Christ that are being addressed in the gospel. For believers that dabble in the ethos of postmodernism, it weakens their discipleship at critical points. 3. … [Read more...] about Ligonier West Coast Conference – Ligon Duncan – II

DOES RESPONSIBILITY EQUAL ABILITY? One asked: "How can man be responsible to believe in Jesus Christ if he is not able to do so?" The response was that man is unable to believe in Christ, but he is responsible for that inability. The command that people repent and believe remains. Dr. Duncan referred us to Martin Luther's The Bondage of The Will. Also, see the objection that Paul anticipates in Romans 9. CAN CALVINISTS AND ARMINIANS FELLOWSHIP IN A LOCAL CHURCH? Another asked how we can maintain fellowship with Arminians in a local church setting. Dr. Duncan responded that we ought to … [Read more...] about Ligonier West Coast Conference – Q&A Session II

After singing six verses of The Church's One Foundation, Dr. John MacArthur gave a message on the question Is Jesus the Only Way? John noted that, in our day, the exclusivity of Jesus Christ is not an obvious truth for many professing evangelicals. When he began his ministry, John had not anticipated such an attack on the gospel from within the church itself. Today, an ambiguous gospel is being promoted by many. But we cannot get this issue wrong without eternal consequences. True Christians have always believed that unless you hear and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ you cannot be … [Read more...] about Ligonier West Coast Conference – John MacArthur – II

Photos courtesy Lukas VanDyke. … [Read more...] about Ligonier West Coast Conference – Photos – Day 1