There are three new posts at Justification by Grace today:

“WHAT SHALL WE DO? Encouraging lost but hopeful sinners” is an article on practical encouragement for those who are not saved, who know they are not saved, but “hopeful” of salvation.

Simon Peter, filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, preached a message that pricked the hearts of many Jews that heard his words. They were convicted by the Holy Spirit of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and they knew they were not saved. That is evident from their cry to the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

They asked about what they should do. Immediately, many of us will slam on the brakes, recognizing that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone; not of works that we do so that we may boast about what we have done (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Yet, for those who have heard a gospel message, when the Holy Spirit is moving upon their souls, He moves them to move. (Read the rest here)

“Book of Martyrs 17″ is the next excerpt from our Foxe’s Book of Martyrs series.

The Gospel having spread itself into Persia, the pagan priests, who worshipped the sun, were greatly alarmed, and dreaded the loss of that influence they had hitherto maintained over the people’s minds and properties. Hence they thought it expedient to complain to the emperor that the Christians were enemies to the state, and held a treasonable correspondence with the Romans, the great enemies of Persia. (Read the rest here)

“Israel’s Zealous Ignorance” is the next article from our expositional series on man’s accountability, responsibility, and culpability to a sovereign God as presented in Romans 10.

Zeal does not save anyone. Zeal doesn’t even aid in pointing you to Christ. Were zeal a necessary component in salvation, Paul would have been on the top of the list because of his religious zeal as the Pharisee of Tarsus (Galatians 1:13-15). (Read the rest here)

For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. (Romans 2:25-29 ESV)

I often receive requests from dear brethren who are desperate for assurance, but as I attempt to “dig into” their spiritual background, so to speak, those with the most dire sense of of that desperation also seem to be mired in a works righteousness type of understanding of salvation. It’s not their fault and we cannot help them if we approach the solution from that angle. Whenever I get a request like this, and they are all different, I think of Luther. He was a monk who was desperate to be right with God, but no matter how hard he worked at being righteous, he was continually confessing his sins to his confessor. It was only as God opened his heart to the wonderful truth of justification by faith alone as he studied the book of Romans that Sola Fide became a reality in his heart and so the spark of the Protestant Reformation was ignited.

(click here to read this post)

Hard not to see it that way. You may recall Hirsch from my post Curious Associations Ed Stetzer, Dan Kimball, And Tim Keller MissionSHIFT.

Today Alan Hirsch, a friend of “missiologist” Ed Stetzer, tweets the following quotes from his book Untamed. First:

pg 46 “The holiness of Jesus, it seems, is a redemptive, missional, world-embracing holiness…”

Really; “world-embracing.” We’re treading very close to universalism there Alan; and how do you then reconcile that with what Jesus Himself said, not the man-pleasing missional one, but the real one:

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

That really doesn’t sound like the universal, dominionist, and world-embracing, missional myth to me. And while no genuine Christian is happy about this my missional pal, Dr. Walter Martin (1928-1989) stated the absolute turth when he said, “The fact is, the vast majority of mankind will be lost; because they just will not repent.”

But Hirsch wasn’t finished with his, centered of the self, sermonizing as he tweets more twaddle:

pg 46 “The holiness of Jesus… does not separate itself from the world, but rather liberates it.”

So now “the world” is liberated; since when? Now that sounds like the foolish theology of hope from apostate (at best) theologian Jurgen Moltmann. Well, I’d say that anyone who thinks this world today is growing better seriously needs to have his spirital head examined.

No, don’t listen to dreamers like Alan Hirsch; for you see, profits saying similar things have been here before:

Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. They say continually to those who despise the word of the LORD, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’”

For who among them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? Behold, the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heart. In the latter days you will understand it clearly.

 ”I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds. (Jeremiah 23:16-22)

Continued from Part Seven at Ligonier blog

Martin Luther, the great reformer, while still a Roman Catholic, had an experience which was the cue to his whole career. It occurred, according to his son, Paul, when, mounting the holy staircase of Rome on his knees in penance, he realized in a sudden flash of understanding the meaning of these words: “The just shall live by faith,” Romans 1:17. Immediately he rose from his knees and walked down the steps. This was the prelude to the Reformation. Was Luther right? Are men justified before God by faith alone? Let us see.

According to the Bible, justification is by faith in Christ; according to Rome, justification is by faith plus works. According to the Bible, justification produces good works; according to Rome, good works produce justification. According to the Bible, justification is by Christ alone; according to Rome, it is by Christ and the sinner. It would appear that the word of Rome and the Word of God are two different things. The following is a formula I have used for over 50 years when explaining this point:

Roman Catholic Teaching:
Faith + Works → Justification

Biblical Doctrine:
Faith → Justification + Works

It can be seen from the diagram that works are necessary for justification in both systems; but in the Roman system they are necessary as a prerequisite; in the biblical system they are necessary as a postrequisite. (For a much fuller treatment of this entire issue, see the book Justification by Faith ALONE, by John MacArthur, R. C. Sproul, John Armstrong, Joel Beeke, and myself, and published by Soli Deo Gloria in 1995.)

But someone will ask, does the Bible not also state that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20)? Does it not go on to say that such a faith cannot justify? Does it not imply that faith must be supplemented by works in order to avail? Is the Catholic doctrine not right after all: justification is by faith plus works? The answer is simple—justification is by a living and active faith (this is understood everywhere in the Bible; it is made explicit in James). Now, a living faith leads to good works. So justification, which is by a living faith, is by a full-of-the-promise-of-good-works faith. “Justification is by faith alone, but not by the faith that is alone.”

Continue reading ‘A Primer on Roman Catholicism (pt. 8)’

A religion adviser to President Obama has close ties to a radical Muslim group that was an unindicted co-conspirator in a scheme to raise money for Hamas.

Read the entire article at WorldNetDaily.

An exhortation to Christians in this short piece not to give in to musings of scientists and seek a compromise position I call evolu-creation.

There are five new posts at Justification by Grace today:

“In the Word and with the Word” is a devotional thought from Mark 10.

Mark 10 is an interesting portion of scripture as it presents some interesting contrasts that provide the saint incredible encouragement. (Read the rest here)

“Book of Martyrs 16″ is the next excerpt from our Foxe’s Book of Martyrs series.

Julitta, of Cappadocia, was a lady of distinguished capacity, great virtue, and uncommon courage. To complete the execution, Julitta had boiling pitch poured on her feet, her sides torn with hooks, and received the conclusion of her martyrdom, by being beheaded, April 16, A.D. 305. Hermolaus, a venerable and pious Christian, of a great age, and an intimate acquaintance of Panteleon’s, suffered martyrdom for the faith on the same day, and in the same manner as Panteleon. (Read the rest here)

“Christian Behavior 33″ is another excerpt from John Bunyan’s treatise edited in modern English.

Lastly, Consider this: to provoke you to good works you will have of God when you come to glory, a reward for everything you have done for him on earth. Little do the people of God consider how richly God will reward what is done for Him here on earth from a right principle and to a right end; not a bit of bread to the poor, not a drink of water to the lowest of them that belong to Christ, or the loss of a hair from your head shall go without its reward in that day (Luke 14:13-14; Matthew 10:42). (Read the rest here)

“Foundation of Peace” is from The Wednesday Word by Miles McKee.

Someone once said that the Bible is a blood stained book and that Christianity is a blood stained religion. Like it or not, ‘blood’ plays a central role in our salvation. Thankfully, God has told us why He emphasizes the blood and it is as we understand what He says about this matter, that we get an insight into the very foundation of our peace with God. (Read the rest here)

“Israel’s Unsaved Condition” is the next article from our expositional series on man’s accountability, responsibility, and culpability to a sovereign God as presented in Romans 10.

After the almost-relentless teaching of Paul to drive the truth of sovereign election into us, by the remaining corruptions of our flesh we might be tempted to say (and sadly so many people do), “Alright already, I believe! God is sovereign in the election of man unto salvation;” and then we will stop right there at sovereign election and forsake the truth concerning man’s responsibility. We will continue to justify our own selves because of our corruption saying, “Okay, if God is sovereign, then it’s not up to me…,” and then we do nothing at all. (Read the rest here)

Many today are almost beyond being able to be shocked. That statement by Ted Haggard, which you’ll see in this post, may have came close.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:4-16 ESV)

Biblical discernment is not legalism. It is not being a know-it-all who just rains on everyone’s parade, taking all the fun away from those exploring new ways of “experiencing God” or “expanding their faith.” No, it isn’t that at all. First and foremost it is done from the context of maintaining unity within one body and one Spirit through speaking of truth in love so that all truly in Christ will grow up in every way into Him who is their head. Those who exercise this discernment from this motive may at times appear to be focusing on the shortcomings of certain “Christian leaders” to the chagrin of those who follow them. Well, the reason we do that can be quite exasperating on our part I assure you. Why? Those who are deceived by these deceivers DO NOT LISTEN.

(click here to read this post)

Obadiah 1:15 For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head.  (NASB)

Charisma magazine reports that self-proclaimed prophet to the nations, Cindy Jacobs, has just received a word about the American economy.  Jacobs says the balance of the American economy depends on how you fast, pray, and cast your vote in the next election.  She’s calling upon people to join her in a 40-day prayer challenge. 

Continue reading…

Right now, there is a huge struggle going on inside reformed circles over the issue of HOW it is that we hear from God.  Honestly, this does not seem to be an issue that should be within 100 miles of reformed thought.  And yet, it has come right into the reformed camp, and in a very big way. (Read entire article here)

Hope we are teaching our Christian kids what to believe, because the Muslims sure are teaching their own (footage from a little Muslim girl, 2 years old)

As contemplative spirituality becomes all the rage CRN now gives you the link where you will find your meditation mantra phrase for today.

There are five new posts at Justification by Grace today:

“They Preached the Gospel” is a devotional thought from Acts 14:7.

“And there they preached the gospel.” —Acts 14:7. On May 30, 1792, in a sermon preached to the Baptist Association at a meeting held in Northampton, England, William Carey said, “Expect great things; attempt great things.” There have been some variations to this little phrase. (Read the rest here)

“A Thing of Power” is today’s quote from Mr. Spurgeon.

The gospel is to the true believer a thing of power. It is Christ the power of God. Ay, there is power in God’s gospel beyond all description….(Read the rest here)

“Book of Martyrs 15″ is the next excerpt from our Foxe’s Book of Martyrs series.

Romanus, a native of Palestine, was deacon of the church of Caesarea at the time of the commencement of Diocletian’s persecution. Being condemned for his faith at Antioch, he was scourged, put to the rack, his body torn with hooks, his flesh cut with knives, his face scarified, his teeth beaten from their sockets, and his hair plucked up by the roots. (Read the rest here)

“Christian Behavior 32″ is another excerpt from John Bunyan’s treatise edited in modern English.

Now then, seeing good works flow from faith, and seeing faith is nourished by affirming the doctrine of the gospel, &etc., take these few considerations from the doctrine of the gospel, for the support of your faith, that you may indeed be fruitful and rich in good works.

Consider 1. The whole Bible was given for this very reason, that you should both believe this doctrine, and live in the comfort and sweetness of it: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4; John 20:31). (Read the rest here)

“The Responsibility of Man” begins a new expositional series on man’s accountability, responsibility, and culpability to a sovereign God as presented in Romans 10.

We know those who are very resistant to the sovereignty of God in election and who often slam on the brakes, as it were, when they reach Romans 9. That’s understandable when we consider the depraved condition of man to resist God, though He is only good and though He is ever sovereign. That was Adam’s sin in His rebellious disobedience. He resisted the sovereign authority of God. That is the root of all sin in man’s radical depravity. As far as the doctrine is concerned, in our sinfulness, we will tend to deny the sovereign authority of God, dismissing His plans, purposes, and divine prerogative to elevate our own authority, autonomy, and free agency. (Read the rest here)

In this article I begin showing you there’s real reason to be concerned about the “going beyond” Bible teaching of Beth Moore’s good friend Priscilla Shirer.

Benny Hinn’s ministry has posted a video on his website asking for money, and he says it’s urgent.  Hinn claims he is facing a deficit of $2 million.  He lives in a multi-million dollar mansion, but he has a need for $2 million more.

Continue reading…

Eric Barger’s piece gets right to the crux of  the problem with the ECM leaders like McLaren, Pagitt and Bell – they’re progressives!  The Emergent/liberal “journey” will take you down the road to “Social Justice Christianity.”

To be expected in the wacky Word Faith movement, as you’ll see here, the situation concerning TV evangelists pastrix Paula White and Benny Hinn has now taken a twist.

Egypt after all is not far from Palestine, and Jews did live in Egypt; it is not theoretically improbable that they could steal an idea for a Jesus from this place.

But did they? This article takes a close look at “pagan copycat candidates Osiris and Horus” for a better understanding.

To find out the answer watch 2 (disturbing) videos posted over at A Little Leaven.

Both controversial TV evangelists, the flamboyant Benny Hinn and pastrix Paula White, deny they’re having an affair. They both say “Vatican officials” had offered each, separately, “ministry” opportunities.

However, could there be more to the story; you might be surprised here.

The National Enquirer is currently reporting that Benny Hinn and Paula White are having an affair.  I know, I know, it’s the Enquirer and they’re unreliable.  There’s one catch…. they’ve got pictures of Hinn/White going into and out of a hotel in Rome holding hands.  I bought an issue when a fellow researcher called and told me about this story and I have seen the pictures.  Is it true?  I don’t know.  But, judging from the photographs, Hinn may have some explaining to do!

Sometimes The Enquirer has a nasty habit of not getting the facts straight, but pictures speak a thousand words.  I would never quote The National Enquirer as a reliable source for anything, but having seen the pictures, I came to the conclusion that, barring a really good Photoshop job, this warranted posting.  

Continue reading…

Edited for clarity.

A succinct apologetic and devtional post concerning Who Jesus of Nazareth truly is.

Julia Robert’s new movie is about to be released. The movie was adapted from New Ager Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling book — thanks largely to Oprah who promoted it. A couple of years ago Marcia Montenegro reviewed the book. Read the review here