Theological Treatises

  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 ...

  The Saints' Love For One Another   The older I get, the more impressed I have become by the amazing and wonderful fact of and truth of  the saints' love for one another .  Some important definitions are necessary.  By "saints," I mean truly born-again (regenerated) Christian church members, who sincerely love God through Jesus Christ, and whose testimony has proven to be credible via perseverance in the covenant of grace.  I do not mean any other kinds of religious (or non-religious) people, be they professing Christians or otherwise.   The church's true saints are a unique breed, indeed.  They have a heavenly "origin," and they are very much "aliens" and "strangers," both  in  and  to  this world.  The fallen world of ordinary sinners  does not  and  cannot  understand us.  They view us with amazement, disdain, wonder, and confusion.   "Who are these peopl...

  The Most Underrated Theologian In Church History?   First of all, I recognize that  all  regenerate Christian churchmen  qualify  to be among the  greatest  theologians since the post-apostolic era.  God alone knows  who  these dear saints  are . . . . But, for the  rest  of us, we are limited to those dear theologians who have  left  their  written  gospel ministrations  with  us.  Many of us know who these eminent and dear fellow-believers are; and the following names typically come to our minds: Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Owen, and Edwards.   That  is a pretty impressive list right there; and it is far from exhaustive or comprehensive.   . . . But, what about Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680 AD)?  In my humble opinion, I am becoming more and more convinced that  he  is very-possibly,  the most underrated theologian...