Theological Treatises

  "Sheep To Be Slaughtered"/But Also Perfectly Protected   The elect and redeemed members of the body of Christ, the church of the Living God, are, without doubt, a unique and fascinating company of souls.  At  once,  we are the beloved of God the Holy Trinity; while, at the  same  time, we are the target of the rage and fury of all God's enemies: be they demons or unredeemed humans.   Our loving Heavenly Father Himself affirms that we, His children, are, [quoting from Rom. 8:36, which itself is citing Ps. 44:22],  "Sheep to be slaughtered."   And yet, at the  same  time, all of the promises of God, which are all "Yes," and "Amen" in our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1:20), are  also  ours (who are in Christ Jesus).  Among those promises, are those numerous sweet ones found in Psalm 91.  There, we discover that, though others fall and die, the saints stand and live.   . . . What are we ...

  Two Worlds   Ever since the fall of Lucifer from heaven, along with the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden, the entire "universe" of all reality has been divided into  two  distinct realms.  On the  one  hand, is the Kingdom of God, the created part of it now ruled over by the crucified, risen, glorified, and crowned God/Man Jesus Christ.  On the  other  hand is every reprobate rational being--be they of demons and/or human (non-redeemed) sinners.   In  one  sense, as the old saying goes, "Never the twain shall meet."  In other words, the Two Worlds in some ways  never  engage each other, they can never be reconciled; and, in a very real sense, the "fallen" World can never understand the redeemed World.   . . . But, in  another  sense, these Two Worlds collide and interact everyday in the current environment on earth, preceding The Great Judgment Day.  This dynamic is...

  Encouragement For The Church in Iran   Dears, I am not a "high-tech"-type person; and I do not really understand a lot of the details involved in internet technology, etc.  But just this morning, I was able to access some information relative to my (this) blogsite (re. "Theological Treatises in Retirement")--and I see where a  lot  of people from the nation of Iran are accessing my "treatises," or articles, or papers.  I want you to know that if this is true; and I think it is--then I am both humbled and honored to be of any service to you, especially if you are Christian churchman in the land of Persia.   In harmony with what I just wrote, I want you to know that I am not personally worthy of your kind attentions; but that I am more than willing to do all I can to "shepherd" you into the embraces of your King and Savior Jesus Christ.  If you are born again members of the church of Jesus--even if you are unable to see this manifes...

  Most People Are Not "Bad" Enough To Be Saved   It is a strange irony that the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ and His blood atonement requires the recipients of this infinite mercy to conceive of themselves accurately and honestly--as completely wicked sinners.  After all, the Blessed Redeemer did not come here to earth to rescue "good" people who do not "need" Him.  Instead, He arrived on this planet to save wretched people who desperately need Him.   In the Fall of Adam, we sinners have become our own worst enemies.  God holds out perfect clemency and peace to us in His Son Jesus Christ; and we, in our stupidity, pride, and ignorance think we are too "good" for this mercy.  On the Great Day of Judgment, all the damned will fully realize that their salvation was a close to them as their hearts and mouths--and yet they refused it, being willing instead to trust in their own "righteousness."   No one  can  be born ag...

A Reformed Protestant in Trent Yesterday, Lesley and I arrived in Trento in northern Italy. Today, we entered the big church building, where the notorious Council of Trent was held, from 1545-1563 AD. Before I get into the theological discussion, I must mention that Trento is a charming city of about 120,000 inhabitants. It also has a large university with around 25,000 students. The people here are very friendly. In the 16th century, Trento was part of the Austrian-Hungarian empire. Though the citizens here have spoken Italian for centuries, the district including Trento only became officially part of Italy in the 20th century. If you hold the same view as I do concerning the edicts of the Council of Trent, then you also believe that the desperate papal prelates essentially condemned not only all Reformed Protestants, but also the gospel of grace, the true church, and even the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Are these words extreme? Check out the Council of Trent for yourself, and draw you...

  A Most Remarkable Lady   Last Sunday, I had the privilege of preaching the gospel in one of our presbytery's churches; and, after the Service, I met a most remarkable lady.   This woman, who will go unnamed, is 101 years old.  She was born in 1925.  I sat across from her during some fellowship time; and I was absolutely amazed by her.  First of all, she has been a faithful Christian church member all these years.  She could remember her earlier years in Christ; and even the different names over the years of the church she was attending (that day).  We were all enjoying some finger foods-- and guess who provided the food?  You guessed it!  She did .   Here is a lady who is 101 years old, and she is the one concerned to think about bringing some snacks for the saints, so that they had something to eat (after the Worship Service).   This lady's mind was perfectly sharp.  There was no ...