http://www.puritanboard.com/ Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology and just plain Theology discussions Grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pe. 3:18) en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:08:45 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.puritanboard.com/images/retro/misc/rss.jpg http://www.puritanboard.com/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/andrew-murray-beliefs-55659/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:27:41 GMT Hey everyone,

Not sure if this belongs here or not...

I am trying to get some detailed info on Andrew Murray's beliefs. I know he was a Dutch reformed minister but also saw that he was associated with the Keswick Movement. I realize that Keswick was not always associated with the garbage it became later, so I was trying to see where Murray was on the doctrines of Grace.

Any help would be appreciated!

Keith ]]> Theological Forum passingpilgrim http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/andrew-murray-beliefs-55659/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/books-justice-god-55613/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:35:18 GMT Can a person on PB recommend stand alone* works dealing with the Justice of God? Can be from any era of Church History.




(*- Stand alone means not in a section of someone's Systematic Theology) ]]> Theological Forum Backwoods Presbyterian http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/books-justice-god-55613/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/new-reformed-podcast-heidelcast-55610/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:49:06 GMT

We're up to 7 episodes. More info at the HB. Subscribe via iTunes. Contact the Heidelcast at heidelcast@gmail.com.
You can also leave voicemail for the Heidelcast at (760) 278-1563. Leave a voicemail with a question and I may use your message in a future Heidelcast.

The most recent 2-part series was on Bible translations. Next up: The secret of knowing God's will. ]]> Theological Forum R. Scott Clark http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/new-reformed-podcast-heidelcast-55610/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/unforgivable-sin-actually-possible-calvinist-55596/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:05:36 GMT I had this discussion with my senior pastor recently, is the unforgivable sin actually possible? And if not, why is it referenced in the bible? Here is our case: The unforgivable sin is defined most commonly as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit... I had this discussion with my senior pastor recently, is the unforgivable sin actually possible? And if not, why is it referenced in the bible? Here is our case:

The unforgivable sin is defined most commonly as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit or specifically rejection of the Holy Spirit moving and working in our spirit (RC Sproul). I propose that it is not possible to reject the Holy Spirit. Isn't this one of our tenets of the reformed faith, perseverence of the saints. If God has chosen and elected us, He will work to fashion faith in us that we cannot throw off or reject. He will preserve that faith that he has given us unto our salvation. That is similar to the basis of the argument in defense of limited atonement isn't it? Basically that atonement is specific, purposeful, and personal to the elect and that it's success or effectiveness is never in question.

If an individual is not elected, chosen, the Holy Spirit is not working in them and so the Holy Spirit is not present to reject even if the individual had the power to reject it.

So either way, how could you hypothetically have a situation where an individual could commit the unforgivable sin and reject the Holy Spirit?

Those wiser in the reformed faith, please confirm or explain my error. I welcome the reproof if it is warranted.

Thanks! ]]> Theological Forum Von Stroh http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/unforgivable-sin-actually-possible-calvinist-55596/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/poll-christian-required-give-least-10-income-55585/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:40:48 GMT Given the debate here: http://www.puritanboard.com/f117/tithing-55525/, I figured it would be useful to do a more formal poll. Is the Christian MORALLY OBLIGATED to give AT LEAST 10% of his income to the local church? In other words, is a... Given the debate here: http://www.puritanboard.com/f117/tithing-55525/, I figured it would be useful to do a more formal poll. Is the Christian MORALLY OBLIGATED to give AT LEAST 10% of his income to the local church? In other words, is a Christian if he doesn't give 10% or more of his income. ]]> Theological Forum jpfrench81 http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/poll-christian-required-give-least-10-income-55585/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/descended-into-hell-but-paradise-day-55580/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:05:00 GMT In the Apostle's Creed we affirm that Christ died, descended into Hell, and three days later rose from the dead. The affirmation seemingly but not necessarily implies that Christ was under God's curse of Hell until He raised from the dead. Again, I emphasize that the affirmance does not necessarily implicate this, but a plain reading initially leads me to this conclusion.

When crucified, Christ was also accompanied by two thieves, one which reviled Him, and the other who rebuked the other thief and asked Christ to remember him when He came into His Kingdom. Christ assured that he would join Him in Paradise that day.

This seems to present a conundrum that is only properly reconciled by an understanding of the Creed where Christ descended into Hell but was raised to Paradise, albeit not resurrected, on the same day. From this, I conclude that if true, Christ was in Paradise for at least two days before God resurrected Him.

This is my conclusion, but do any of you have anything further to add on the subject, or perhaps a different resolution? ]]> Theological Forum Zenas http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/descended-into-hell-but-paradise-day-55580/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/gods-divine-eternal-attributes-55542/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:35:41 GMT Having not done a search for any related threads on this particular, when we speak of God's eternal attributes, we include Justice, Mercy and Wrath (unless I am mistaken in the category). In eternity past, then, before anything had been created that was created, we understand that God was Perfect in Himself.

My Q, then is this: How can we say Justice, Mercy and Wrath are Eternal attributes when there were no conditions for these to be necessary?:book2: ]]> Theological Forum D. Paul http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/gods-divine-eternal-attributes-55542/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/god-led-me-55532/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:10:35 GMT Building a bit off of a recent thread entitled, "God told me!", Id like to find out what you all believe is reasonable with regards to looking at how the Holy Spirit led and directed saints in the OT, and especially in the book of Acts, and applying that sort of guidance to us today? Does the Holy Spirit, in your opinion, no longer prompt God's people, or work within their heart (i.e. desires, inclinations) to bring about a certain decision?

I personally believe in the sufficiency of Scripture, but am still wrestling through such things. ]]> Theological Forum TKarrer http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/god-led-me-55532/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/god-told-me-55531/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:08:45 GMT I was a telling a friend about a buddy of mine who had been frustrated in talks with his family. They are Oneness Pentecostal. My friend then asks the question, "Did God tell your buddy to talk with his family about this? Or did he decide to do this on his own?" My reply was along the lines of, "Yes, he has been spoken to through scripture to renounce false doctrines, etc (gave scriptural references)." She then tells me that the frustration is probably stemming from the fact that the Holy Spirit didn't verbally tell him to do so. I asked her if the Holy Spirit has done this for her and she responded yes. I asked for an example and this is what I got in condensed form.

"I was driving down the street and the Holy Spirit told me to turn left, but I decided to turn right, and I ran into traffic. God tried to lead me around the traffic but I disobeyed."

Two questions: 1. What type of revelation would this be categorized as? My question is not whether or not her "experience" was legitimate, I just want to know if someone can place a label on it for me. 2. I don't doubt she had this experience, but I do doubt that this was the Holy Spirit talking to her. Can anyone direct me to scripture first, and secondly to any good books dealing with professing Christians of this variety?

If I've muddled this post in any way let me know and I'll try to clarity. ]]> Theological Forum Daniel Haley http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/god-told-me-55531/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/eurpoean-reformation-55529/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:54:34 GMT Is the Carter Lindberg book the best? Any really great just just on the English Reformation? For the Reformation, is RPTS the best place for lectures? Is the Carter Lindberg book the best? Any really great just just on the English Reformation? For the Reformation, is RPTS the best place for lectures? ]]> Theological Forum Andrew Short http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/eurpoean-reformation-55529/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/william-perkins-55512/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:05:42 GMT what good materials are there on his theology? what good materials are there on his theology? ]]> Theological Forum Andrew Short http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/william-perkins-55512/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/1-5-kingdom-view-55506/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:54:10 GMT One question I've been considering lately is "Do I fall into the One Kingdom View or the Two Kingdom View?" I became interested in the subject because of the recent Westminster Seminary California Evangelium and the discussion in the Christian Renewal. This topic seems very complicated to me as there are positives and negatives I see to both sides.

The two kingdom view seems strong to me because it distinguishes between this life and the life to come. I also see the value of the one kingdom view as all of creation is under God's rule and the fact that now does count for eternity. I'm starting to think I have a 1.5 kingdom view. :) I have 2k in me because I believe we need to focus on eternity and the things of God, and I believe that the salvation of souls is more important then anything else in life. Then there's the 1k side of me, where I see the importance of work and using the creation around us wisely. I also think we need to work at transforming the culture and fight against things like abortion and gay marriage.

Anyone else on the fence on this issue? I am curious to see other people's opinions on the matter. Also, here is an blog post that I thought was helpful in clarifying some of the strengths and weaknesses of both.

Two Kingdom Theology and Neo-Kuyperians – Kevin DeYoung ]]> Theological Forum ChariotsofFire http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/1-5-kingdom-view-55506/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/getting-my-church-gospel-centered-55482/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:00:08 GMT Hi there,

This is really a follow up topic from this sequence of events:
http://www.puritanboard.com/f22/prayer-my-pastor-55288/

This Lord's day I'm happy to say I heard a very great gospel presentation and I pray this will just be the beginning.

However there is a lot more to be done and me and my pastor are currently trying to find other ways other than just preaching to get the gospel basically permeating the congregation.

Some short notes on the congregation that may inform your suggestions:
- Old congregation, mostly people who grew up in the church of Scotland but never really met Jesus along the way.

- 60 or more people regularly attend.
- Had a liberal minister for years then no pastor for 2 years or more till Peter came along last year. I'd say they were gospel ignorant instead of really being liberals themselves due to these factors and from getting to know them.

Very hard to tell who is and isn't saved.


So one suggestion I have is I'm gonna stand with my pastor at the door when the service ends and as people are leaving hand out gospel tracts. I'll do this maybe one week every month just so people are consistantly confronted with the gospel and so it can saturate theie thinking, along with peter's evangelical preaching.

I've discussed this one with Peter and he thinks its a good idea and I have his support.


Any other suggestions? Maybe things that your church does?
I'm really willing to tackle even the most outlandish or crazy suggestions you have.


I also want to thank you all for your praying and truly a work has begun and by God's grace it will continue.

Also I'm in good contact with my pastor by email, would there be any perhaps online resources, pdf files, sermons or things that would help him be encouraged and to lead him to be more gospel centered and evangelistic in the way he leads? For example "The Resurgance(acts29/mark driscoll/john piper)" recently provided a booklet called "Grow" that was very much centered on helping pastors be missional, gospel-centered etc...
Things like that can encourage him and you know give him vision for change in our church.

Thanks a lot Guys,

Regards,
Lee. ]]> Theological Forum LeeJUk http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/getting-my-church-gospel-centered-55482/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/six-days-creation-defense-more-traditional-reading-55474/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:08:17 GMT Some Bible scholars have felt constrained by the claims of modern science to reformulate their reading of the creation week and to offer alternative interpretations that allow for a much greater span of time than that permitted by the more... Some Bible scholars have felt constrained by the claims of modern science to reformulate their reading of the creation week and to offer alternative interpretations that allow for a much greater span of time than that permitted by the more traditional six-day framework. I survey these modern alternatives in Part 1 of the study linked below. In my estimation, however, I am not convinced that scientific evidence for an old earth and universe is conclusive. I have found no compelling reason from Scripture or from science to reject the traditional view of six days of Genesis 1. In Part 2 of this series, I offer six reasons why we ought to interpret God's creative activity in Genesis 1 as occurring in a space of time corresponding to six 24-hour solar days.

The Six Days of Creation: Some Modern Interpretations of the Creation Week in Genesis 1

The Six Days of Creation: A Defense of the More Traditional Reading

Your servant, ]]> Theological Forum Dr. Bob Gonzales http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/six-days-creation-defense-more-traditional-reading-55474/ http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/lectures-puritan-theology-55464/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:40:38 GMT There's Beeke and Packer and McMahon. Any others? ]]> Theological Forum Andrew Short http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/lectures-puritan-theology-55464/