What does it mean when the Bible says, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” (Rom. 9:13)? Can God really hate people? (We know it is righteous to hate sin.) If so, how is that hatred righteous (as it must be for God to be God)? And what specifically did it mean when Paul quoted […]
Read More Does God hate?For all the questions that may be raised about the doctrine of divine, unconditional election, what is particularly striking about Ephesians 1:4 is its clarity and simplicity. That God was the one doing the choosing is unmistakable. That man is incapable of offering anything meritorious for his salvation, is also clear. God chose before the […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers (5/3/09)What if the swine flu becomes bad? Really bad? Of pandemic proportions? How will the Christian respond? As Al Mohler notes this morning in “Love in Time of Swine Flu,” such an epidemic will create unique opportunities. [Aside: neither he nor I are predicting such an impact from this flu is imminent, only that it […]
Read More What if the swine flu becomes pandemic?In preparation for yesterday’s message on Ephesians 1:4 (and the one or two that will follow it), I have not only done a fair bit of reading, but have also listened to a number of sermons that have benefited me. The ones I have linked below have been the greatest help to me. [Aside: I […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers (4/26/09)Title: God’s Light on Dark Clouds Author: Theodore L. Cuyler Publisher: Banner of Truth Trust (Reprint), 2008; 134 pp. $10.00 Recommendation (4-star scale): Many years ago, when I was still in seminary, Raye Jeanne and I received a phone call telling us of the death of one of our family members. As we reflected […]
Read More Book Review: God’s Light on Dark CloudsThis month the Scripture memory verse for the church is Romans 8:28-29 — And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of […]
Read More Why memorizing Romans 8:28-29 is importantJohn Frame, The Doctrine of God: God prevents fallen men from doing all the wrong they could do. He places a mark on Cain, so that others will not take his life (Gen. 4;15). He confuses the languages of men during the building of the tower of Babel, lest “nothing they plan to do will […]
Read More Today’s Quote – Common Grace (Frame)George Whitfield: Was there any fitness foreseen in us, except a fitness for damnation? I believe not. No, God chose us from eternity, he called us in time, and I am persuaded will keep us from falling finally, till time shall be no more. Consider the gospel in this view and it appears a consistent […]
Read More Today’s Quote (11/3/08)The doctine of divine sovereignty, particularly as it relates to election is sometimes supposed to be harsh — an angry God uncaring about the eternal destiny of sinners to hell. Yet there is much in the doctrine that is compassionate, beautiful, and comforting. The big question is not why He didn’t choose some; the primary […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers (11/2/08)John Piper, Pleasures of God: God elects, predestines, and secures for one great ultimate purpose — that the glory of his grace might be praised forever and ever with white-hot affection. This is why God delights in election. It is the great first work of free grace that takes away the final refuge of human […]
Read More Today’s Quote (11/2/08)Thomas Watson: Let us then ascribe the whole work of grace to the pleasure of God’s Will. God did not choose us because we were worthy, but by choosing us, He makes us worthy.
Read More Today’s Quote (11/1/08)John Piper, What Jesus Demands from the World: …don’t be angry in a way that contradicts your confidence in God’s care over your life. God’s providence should change the way we experience circumstances that would otherwise be totally infuriating.
Read More Today’s Quote (10/25/08)Derek Thomas, What is Providence?: Providence has wider issues in mind than merely our personal comfort or gain. In response to the oft-cited question in times of difficulty, “Why me?” the answer that the narrative [of Joseph’s life] gives is, “Them!” He allows us to suffer so that others may be blessed.
Read More Today’s Quote (10/24/08)Steve Lawson, Made in Our Image: In governing the universe, God controls all occurrences, events, and actions. It may seem to some people that this world is out of control — but such is not the case. Tragedies come; trials buffet us; the unexpected occurs. Yet, despite outward appearances, God fully controls all events and […]
Read More Today’s Quote (10/23/08)A. W. Pink: Nothing is too great and nothing is too small to commit into the hands of the Lord. (HT: CQOD)
Read More Today’s Quote (10/21/08)
