Challies.com
The New Paganism by Tim Challies
Tim discusses a section from Bruce Waltke's book entitled Old Testament Theology,
RBS Tabletalk
In This New Year, For Me – To Live – Is Christ by John Reuther
John encourages us to "press on" as the New Year approaches.
Ligonier Blog
Plumbing the Depths of Christ's Person by R.C. Sproul
Dr. Sproul asks us to reflectively consider the person of Christ
Pulpit Magazine
Pragmatism: Modernism Recycled by John MacArthur
John MacArthur explains that the roots and fruits of Pragmatism stems from Modernism.
What Is Pragmatism & Why Is It Bad? by John MacArthur
John continues his series on Pragmatism.
"FIGHTING MAD" Or Other Articles of Interest
WorldNet Daily
Obama's ‘Most Important’ Message by Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris (Yes, it's that Chuck Norris) describes President Obama's compromise of the truth of the Christmas message during his visit to the Boys and Girls Club in Washington D.C
Press On Until Glory
You're Not Him by Leon Brown
Leon explains the dangers in comparing ourselves with other evangelists.
Ligonier Blog
Anchoring Your Soul by R.C. Sproul
The Christian's focus is on the biblical hope of the future not on the temporal trials of this present world.
Founders Ministries Blog
Iain Murray on what is lacking in modern preaching by Tom Ascol
Dr. Murray gives his reasons on why modern preaching is lacking.
Reformation Theology
The Doctrine of the Trinity and the Source of the Christian Mission by Nathan Bingham
Nathan concludes his series on the Trinity and Christian missions.
Desiring God Blog
Joseph: (Un)Planned Detours by Jon Bloom
Jon shows us how God is sovereign and in control of all things in spite of those unexpected detours in our lives.
"FIGHTING MAD" or other articles of interest
Pulpit Magazine
Unholy Trinity by John MacArthur
John on why the teachings of the word faith/prosperity gospel movement via TBN and other Christian networks are spreading false teaching and a false gospel.
from R.C. Sproul
On November 20, 2009, a document called the Manhattan Declaration was presented to the public by a coalition of cobelligerents. The document is concerned primarily with three very important biblical and cultural issues: the sanctity of life, the meaning of marriage, and the nature of religious liberty. Without question, these issues are up for grabs in our nation.
As anyone familiar with my ministry will know, I share the document’s concern for defending the unborn, defining heterosexual marriage biblically, and preserving a proper relationship between church and state. However, when the document was sent to me and my signature was requested a few weeks ago, I declined to sign it.
In answer to the question, “R.C., why didn’t you sign the Manhattan Declaration?” I offer the following answer: The Manhattan Declaration confuses common grace and special grace by combining them. While I would march with the bishop of Rome and an Orthodox prelate to resist the slaughter of innocents in the womb, I could never ground that cobelligerency on the assumption that we share a common faith and a unified understanding of the gospel.
The framers of the Manhattan Declaration seem to have calculated this objection into the language of the document itself. Likewise, some signers have stated that this is not a theological document. However, to make that statement accurate requires a redefinition of “theology” and serious equivocation on the biblical meaning of “the gospel” (2 Cor. 11:4).
The drafters of the document, Charles Colson, Robert George, and Timothy George, used deliberate language that is on par with the ecumenical language of the Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT) movement that began in the 1990s. The Manhattan Declaration states, “Christians are heirs of a 2,000-year tradition of proclaiming God’s Word,” and it identifies “Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelicals” as “Christians.” The document calls Christians to unite in “the Gospel,” “the Gospel of costly grace,” and “the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in its fullness.” Moreover, the document says, “it is our duty to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in its fullness, both in season and out of season.”
Without question, biblical truth must be proclaimed and the gospel preached prophetically to our nation. But how could I sign something that confuses the gospel and obscures the very definition of who is and who is not a Christian? I have made this point again and again since the days of ECT. Though the framers of the Manhattan Declaration declaim any connection to ECT, it appears to me that the Manhattan Declaration is inescapably linked to that initiative, which I have strenuously resisted. More than that, this new document practically assumes the victory of ECT in using the term “the gospel” in reference to that which Roman Catholics are said to “proclaim” (Phil. 1:27).
The Roman Catholic Church has a long history of using studied ambiguity in order to win over opponents. Let me be unambiguous: Without a clear understanding of sola fide and the doctrine of the imputation of Christ’s righteousness, you do not have the gospel or gospel unity (1 Cor. 1:17; 2 Cor. 5:21). The ECT initiative repeatedly avowed that the signatories had a unity of faith in the gospel. This included Roman Catholic signers who affirm the canons and decrees of the sixteenth-century Council of Trent, which anathematizes sola fide. I believe there are true and sincere Christians within the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox churches. But these people are Christians in spite of their church’s official doctrinal positions.
At least one of the document’s framers, Mr. Colson, sees the Manhattan Declaration as a way to revitalize the church in America. In his commentary on November 25, Mr. Colson said the Manhattan Declaration is “a form of catechism for the foundational truths of the faith.” He suggests that the Manhattan Declaration is an antidote to “biblical and doctrinal ignorance” within the church. However, true reformation and revival within the church and the winning of our culture to Christ will come only through the power of the Holy Spirit and our clear, bold proclamation of the biblical gospel, not through joint ecumenical statements that equivocate on the most precious truths given to us. There is no other gospel than that which has already been given (Gal. 1:6–8).
The Manhattan Declaration puts evangelical Christians in a tight spot. I have dear friends in the ministry who have signed this document, and my soul plummeted when I saw their names. I think my friends were misled and that they made a mistake, and I want to carefully assert that I have spoken with some of them personally about their error and have expressed my hope that they will remove their signatures from this document. Nevertheless, I remain in fellowship with them at this time and believe they are men of integrity who affirm the biblical gospel and the biblical doctrines articulated in the Protestant Reformation.
Lastly, I stand with the sentiments expressed by my friends Alistair Begg, Michael Horton, and John MacArthur, and I appreciate their willingness to say “no” to the call to get aboard this bandwagon as they continue to stand firm in their proclamation of the gospel and the whole counsel of God as it pertains to all matters of faith and life, including the sanctity of life, the meaning of marriage, and the nature of religious liberty. It is only in our united proclamation of the one, true gospel of Jesus Christ that any heart, any mind, or any nation will truly change, by God’s sovereign grace and for His glory alone.
Puritan Fellowship
Preaching with Power by Iain Murray
Iain Murray discusses the preaching ministry of D. Martyn-Lloyd Jones and the importance of preaching with power.
Pyromaniacs
Thanks for the universe (Thanks from Genesis 1:1, part one) by Dan Phillips
Thanks for the universe (Thanks from Genesis 1:1, part two) by Dan Phillips
Dan Phillips explains why believing the right interpretation of Genesis 1:1 is key to understanding the rest of Scripture. Parts one and two.
Reformation Theology
Monergistic Regeneration by John Samson
The importance of the Holy Spirit's role in salvation.
Ligonier Blog
Divine Repentance by R.C. Sproul
Dr. Sproul deals with the thorny issue, "Does God Change His Mind?"
Institute for Nouthetic Studies Blog
Imitation by Jay Adams
Jay gives practical principles on how we can be imitators of the Apostle Paul.
Pyromaniacs
Settled Certainty by Phil Johnson
Are Christians displaying arrogance when they claim personal assurance of salvation?
DeYoung the Restless and the Reformed
Prayerlessness is Unbelief by Kevin DeYoung
Excellent and convicting article by Kevin on prayer and what our lack of prayer reveals about our Christian walk.
Desiring God Blog
9 Ways to Know the Gospel of Christ is True by John Piper
The White Horse Inn Blog
From A Movement to a Church by Michael Horton
Are parachurch ministries replacing the church? Dr. Horton's first post in a series of articles dealing with this issue.
"FIGHTING MAD" or other articles of interest
Ligonier Blog
Asking the Most Important Question by R.C. Sproul
Dr. Sproul on the importance of Christians believing their assurance of salvation.
Dr. Mohler's Blog
The Marriage Index – A Revealing Look at the Nation by Al Mohler
Dr. Mohler reviews the study of marriage done by the Institute for American Values.
Ligonier Blog
Facing Our Fears by R.C. Sproul
Fear not by trusting God’s Word.
Apprising Ministries
Mysticism No Deeper Than Self by Benjamin Warfield
Benjamin Warfield addresses the issue of the dangers of mysticism.
Reformation21
Is Idolatry the New Sin? by Carlton Wynne
Has our knowledge of sin and its consequences been replaced by the specific sin of idolatry?
Sovereign Grace Blog
Preaching v. Worship? by Jeff Purswell
The proclamation of the Word of God is always the center and focus of our worship.
"FIGHTING MAD" or other articles of interest
Reformation Theology
Does Reformed Theology Suffer from the Problem that Christ's Sacrifice was Insufficient to Save Everyone? by John Hendryx
Dr. Mohler's Blog
Free to Live and Love as We See Fit? by Al Mohler
Dr. Mohler analyzes the potential consequences of the hate crimes law bill that was recently passed by Congress.
Reformed Baptist Fellowship
The Blessedness of Blindness? by James White
James White on Jesus and the blind man in John chapter 9.
Ligonier Blog
Confronting Darkness by R.C. Sproul
Are we headed toward a return to the Dark Ages?
The Reformed Evangelist
Myth of Free Will by Walter Chantry
Does man have a free will to choose?
Reformation Theology
The Main Difference Between Calvinist and Non-Calvinist Views of Saving Grace by John Hendryx
John responds to forum posts concerning the difference between Calvinist and Non-Calvinist views of saving grace
"FIGHTING MAD" or other articles of interest
MSNBC
U.S. Churches Pave Way for Catholic Switch – The Vatican
One of the consequences of liberal theology invading the main line denominations; a return to Rome.
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