The PuritanBoard - The Pilgrims Progress http://www.puritanboard.com/ as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him (Col. 2:6)]]> en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:32:42 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.puritanboard.com/images/retro/misc/rss.jpg The PuritanBoard - The Pilgrims Progress http://www.puritanboard.com/ The Duty of the Husband http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/duty-husband-55664/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:18:53 GMT The Duty of the Husband by Brian Schwertley (http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=4290313929) Excellent sermon on the responsibilities of men in marriage. The Duty of the Husband by Brian Schwertley

Excellent sermon on the responsibilities of men in marriage. ]]> The Pilgrims Progress Blue Tick http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/duty-husband-55664/ Self-defense http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/self-defense-55655/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:58:33 GMT Trying to form a Christian theology of self-defense. I'm not talking about police or soldiers but everyday folks. And I'm also looking at it from the perspective of a single- I know there is the particular duty of husbands to protect their wife and kids. I also know there is the OT passage about a raped woman not bearing blame if she screams. And certainly there are preventative measures (not walking alone after dark) and ways of escape (if only I can find a big enough basket...) But what about when the only way of escape is hurting the attacker (and it is a matter of your own safety and not fighting for another's safety?) How much is allowable to hurt him? Is it permissible to kill him? How does turning the other cheek fit in here? ]]> The Pilgrims Progress MarieP http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/self-defense-55655/ Intellectualism http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/intellectualism-55611/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:55:04 GMT I just thought to post this because I have been thinking for a while: A lot of my brothers who I am in ministry with, also a lot of theologians, recent and old school (puritans) who I look up to are very, very intellectual..which I think is awesome!... I just thought to post this because I have been thinking for a while: A lot of my brothers who I am in ministry with, also a lot of theologians, recent and old school (puritans) who I look up to are very, very intellectual..which I think is awesome! Being that is seems most modern evangelicals have frowned upon being intellectual therefore, resulting in sooo many absurdity's that could have been avoided if it would have been thought through and reason would have been applied. Now the issue is, I feel like sometimes I am not the intellectual type, even though I would like to be..(Not making this about knowledge) But I really do like to think (Out Loud lol) and reason as well, but it seems like reasoning, thinking through arguments, or objections especially in defending the faith, or expounding exegetically on certain issues,or teaching, come easier to some of my brothers, than it would for me, then I have the whole could I have thought of that moment (even though God is the One who guides in directs us) Sometimes I feel like no matter how hard I try I'm not good with reason or just not as Intellectually sharp as some others are. Debating with people who are very intellectual (Or think so) espescially at a secular college I can find myself thinking (Man, I wish my boy who is on this guys' level intellect wise was here, he can put up far more of a better fight or defense) Do you guys think that someone being an intellectual is a Gift that The Lord has blessed them with, or something that God allows us by His Grace to be able to develop Over time and discipline??? I've always wanted advice on this from a bunch of solid brothers/sisters as yourselves???

PS I'm not trying to focus on a bunch of head knowledge over knowing The Lord, nor depending on your own intellect for anything..but being fully dependent on The Lord Jesus Christ. ]]> The Pilgrims Progress A.Hudson http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/intellectualism-55611/ Fantastic Sermon Jams http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/fantastic-sermon-jams-55581/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:17:17 GMT Hi!

Anyone have any great little sermon jams from Youtube they can post for the benefit of us PB'ers?

I don't always have the time to listen to a whole sermon, so hearing the conclusion can often be a great sort of daily devotional.

I'll post a couple of my favorites up here for discussion, but please add your own!

(Hope this is in the right section of this forum)




Blessings,
Paul ]]> The Pilgrims Progress Lincolnshire Paul http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/fantastic-sermon-jams-55581/ Self control in an electronic age. http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/self-control-electronic-age-55560/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:54:49 GMT Here is a very convicting message from Josh Harris. YouTube - Self-Control in a Wired World Here is a very convicting message from Josh Harris.

]]> The Pilgrims Progress Kevin http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/self-control-electronic-age-55560/ Emulating Godly Men in Speech, etc. http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/emulating-godly-men-speech-etc-55559/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:39:51 GMT As I was reading through Henry's Commentary today, I had particular application of this little note he commented in the context of Abram's imitation of Melchizedek's manner of speech concerning religion:
Quote:
It is good to learn of others how to order our speech concerning God, and to imitate those who speak well in divine things. This improvement we are to make of the conversation of devout good men, we must learn to speak after them.
It reminded me of how thankful I am for godly influences in my life and how I want to try and emulate other godly men in the way they write, speak, pray, etc. I know that it's really not popular in our day to conform to others, with everyone desiring to be "unique" and "find themselves," etc., but I have been a blessed beneficiary of the manner of speech, prayer, and conversation of many godly men and am most thankful therefore.

Mind you, I'm not saying that our sanctification stops at emulation of their mere words, etc. In fact, we must own our language and back up our speech by our actions. Nonetheless, I think this is a good practice upon which Henry hits with this little bit of commentating. Pay attention to your elders, your pastors, and other godly men. Emulate them insofar as they are godly, etc. There is nothing shameful about learning from our fellow brethren, nor our elders in the faith. ]]> The Pilgrims Progress Joshua http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/emulating-godly-men-speech-etc-55559/ <![CDATA[Men's Fashionable Clothing - is it sinful?]]> http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/mens-fashionable-clothing-sinful-55541/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:21:48 GMT This isn't a joke post, but there's a topic which I've become recently very interested in. As I grow up and advance into becoming a man in comparison to being a boy (Some that, with all due respect to my parents, they never really made me work on), I've recently started to want to dress as such.

I don't care about fashion but I happen to like white clothing. For instance, I recently bought a pair of white leather shoes (don't laugh, they look great) and am planning on buying some white trousers (I need new ones badly anyway) as well as perhaps a pastel shirt (Please refrain from Benny Hinn jokes :D ). Is it sinful and fleshly to want to look nicely presented?

I know also on the topic of wasting money, and although i don't want to seem like I'm trying to justify myself, new clothes are something I really need to acquire.


What do the PB and more spiritually discerning among us think?

Sincerely,
Paul ]]> The Pilgrims Progress Lincolnshire Paul http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/mens-fashionable-clothing-sinful-55541/ End of Life Issues: Medicine http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/end-life-issues-medicine-55466/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:35:49 GMT Another thread got me thinking about this (and I mean no disrespect to anyone who might disagree with me or who has just made decisions about this) issue of the end of life and the use of medicine to bring comfort. Sometimes in the use of using... Another thread got me thinking about this (and I mean no disrespect to anyone who might disagree with me or who has just made decisions about this) issue of the end of life and the use of medicine to bring comfort.

Sometimes in the use of using the medicine to bring comfort it places the person receiving the medicine in many different scenarios (because of the medicine that is bringing comfort):

1) coma (spelling?)

OR

2) Not aware of one's faculties

3) there could be more but I am unaware


If such medicines at the end of life to bring comfort cause a coma or cause one no longer to be aware of their faculties, should such medicines be used?

If possible, shouldn't we be aware of what is going on? Shouldn't we want to have control of our faculties as we near death (if possible)? ]]> The Pilgrims Progress Romans922 http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/end-life-issues-medicine-55466/ Modesty and its definition http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/modesty-its-definition-55379/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:13:13 GMT I'm preaching on sexual immorality from Ephesians 5, but I am also applying it in terms of modesty. I was thinking about a definition of encouragement, would this be a good one.

'Modesty is a delicate yet formidable power that God has given you.'?

Obviously the power described is not some supernatural power, just a natural power.

I found this in a book on modesty and it is sort of modern evangelicalish.

What do you the women and men think? ]]> The Pilgrims Progress Romans922 http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/modesty-its-definition-55379/ <![CDATA["The terrors of Law and of God"]]> http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/terrors-law-god-55209/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:57:16 GMT The title is quoting "A Debtor to Mercy Alone" and the phrase ends, "...with me can have nothing to do." I heard a sermon tonight on Luke 13:6-9, the barren fig-tree. The application to the members of the congregation was that we must remember both the kindness and the severity of God, and that we do not know the "hidden boundary line" between His patience and His wrath. In other words, don't presume on God's grace, and bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

I understand how the fruit of the Spirit and assurance of faith are closely intertwined, but assurance wasn't ever mentioned. I see how pointing Christians to their duty from the Word is good and right and we need to be stirred up to love and good deeds. I do not see how threatening Christians into "bearing fruit" is. Maybe during the sermon I was thinking too much of a poem I once heard, and so am attributing too much of the poem's spirit to the sermon, but regardless, here is a stanza (it is by John Bunyan, drawn from the same parable, and every stanza ends the same way to emphasize the urgency of the command):

What, barren here! in this so good a soil?
The sight of this doth make God’s heart recoil
From giving thee his blessing; barren tree,
Bear fruit, or else thine end will cursed be!

If I am understanding the poem in the context of the parable, I can only see three options:
a) we are Pelagians who believe that it is our duty to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, and if our efforts are not good enough, then we will be cast off by God;
b) we are aware that not all who profess faith are truly regenerate, and as their works before God are not borne of the Spirit and covered by Christ's blood, they will indeed be eternally cut off from God; or
c) we are Calvinists who believe that God does require that His people bear the fruit of a new heart; yet that fruit is ultimately wrought in them by God's own Spirit, and our status as His beloved people does not change regardless of our degree of sanctification or "fruit-bearing," in which case the application of this poem and the sermon I heard Confuses Me Greatly.

I thought there was a fundamental difference between the fear of God that a Christian has---a reverent yet childlike disposition to please Him---and the fear of God that an unbeliever has, which is more like hatred of God mixed with fear of judgment. In short, what place does fear of judgment have in a Christian's life? I thought we were supposed to take refuge in Christ, knowing that we have been saved unto His service, rather than anxiously eyeing the law, counting up our failures to bear fruit, and counting on something akin to threats to stir us up to obedience.

One last thing: is it possible that the parable of the barren fig tree is chiefly directed toward Jerusalem in Jesus' time, who would not repent and believe on account of His signs or His words? Then there would be no personal application to "bear fruit or be cut off," which would resolve my confusion. Any help on this front is much appreciated, and I hope I have not been too long-winded or confusing in the way I've written. ]]> The Pilgrims Progress Laura http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/terrors-law-god-55209/ <![CDATA[Dazzle the world with light by opposing with your tongue (Andrew Bonar & John Calvin)]]> http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/dazzle-world-light-opposing-your-tongue-andrew-bonar-john-calvin-55185/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:51:44 GMT I would appreciate thoughts on the following regarding when to speak out and when to hold our tongue. I recently finished reading Andrew Bonar’s commentary on Leviticus... I would appreciate thoughts on the following regarding when to speak out and when to hold our tongue.

I recently finished reading Andrew Bonar’s commentary on Leviticus. In regards to 24:1-4 and the priest setting the lamps in order daily, Reverend Bonar asserts that
Quote:
this represents Christ causing his people daily to receive and give forth light and life. In the midst of a dark world, believers are set up as lights
and he references Philippians 2:14 and Matthew 5:16. He continues,
Quote:
They should be as the Baptist, "burning and shining lights." They should be representatives of Christ himself, who "shone as the light in darkness."
He proceeds to explain seven ways believers must shine:

1. Not by natural gifts, but by grace
2. Clearly
3. Constantly
4. Calmly
5. In the face of the world
6. So as to show the golden table and the golden altar
7. As if you alone were responsible for the enlightening of the dark world

In particular to number five, Reverend Bonar comments (emphasis is mine),
Quote:
“Cast your light fair on the world's sins, that they may see them. Point out their ungodliness, their lawlessness, their unbelief. Reprove their acts of Sabbath profanation. Check them when they swear in your presence. Bear your testimony where the truth is denied in your presence. Never be afraid of dazzling the world with too much light; but plainly show them that they are wholly sinful, wholly ruined, wholly helpless; arid speak of a present, immediate, free, full pardon in the Saviour.”
To be lights of the world, are we commanded to speak up against all sins as we encounter them? I do not hear preachers speak like this these days. I find it interesting that of all examples Rev. Bonar uses “Sabbath profanation." I notice in my own church through various conversations many who do not keep the Sabbath according to the scriptures and our confession. I hold my tongue and assume they must take an exception to the Reformed view on the matter. Should I heed Rev. Bonar and reprove their acts of Sabbath profanation? When my unbelieving neighbor is working on his lawn or house on Sunday, must I let my light shine and reprove him? What are your thoughts on Andrew Bonar’s charge to Christ’s sheep?

I just came across the following passage today in Calvin’s commentary on Christ driving out the den of robbers from the temple in Matthew 21:10-22, Mark 11:11-24, and Luke 19: 39-48. He also asserts that believers should speak up (emphasis is mine):

Quote:
And yet there is no reason to doubt that he declared himself to be both King and High Priest, who presided over the temple and the worship of God. This ought to be observed, lest any private individual should think himself entitled to act in the same manner. That zeal, indeed, by which Christ was animated to do this, ought to be held in common by all the godly; but lest any one, under the pretense of imitation, should rush forward without authority, we ought to see what our calling demands, and how far we may proceed according to the commandment of God. If the Church of God have contracted any pollutions, all the children of God ought to burn with grief; but as God has not put arms into the hands of all, let private individuals groan, till God bring the remedy. I do acknowledge that they are worse than stupid who are not displeased at the pollution of the temple of God, and that it is not enough for them to be inwardly distressed, if they do not avoid the contagion, and testify with their mouth, whenever an opportunity presents itself, that they desire to see a change for the better. But let those who do not possess public authority oppose by their tongue, which they have at liberty, those vices which they cannot remedy with their hands.
]]> The Pilgrims Progress ChristopherPaul http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/dazzle-world-light-opposing-your-tongue-andrew-bonar-john-calvin-55185/ <![CDATA[The Believer's Obligation to Mortify Sin]]> http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/believers-obligation-mortify-sin-55128/ Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:01:44 GMT
"If you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live." "If YOU."

Octavius Winslow:

The believer is not a cipher in this work. It is a matter in which he must necessarily possess a deep and personal interest. How many and precious are the considerations that bind him to the duty! His usefulness, his happiness, his sunny hope of heaven, are included in it. The work of the Spirit is not, and never was designed to be, a substitute for the personal work of the believer. His influence, indispensable and sovereign though it is, does not release from human and individual responsibility. "Work out your own salvation," "Keep yourselves in the love of God," "Building up yourselves," are exhortations which emphatically and distinctly recognize the obligation of personal effort and human responsibility. The reasoning which bids me defer the work of battling with my heart's corruptions, of mortifying the deeds of the body, until the Spirit performs his part, argues an unhealthy Christianity, and betrays a kind of truce with sin, which must on no account for a moment be entertained. As under the law, the father was compelled to hurl the first missile at the profane child, so under the gospel- a milder and more beneficent economy though it be- the believer is to cast the first stone at his corruptions; he is to take the initiative in the great work of mortifying and slaying the cherished sin. "If you do mortify." Let us, then, be cautious of merging human responsibility in Divine influence; of exalting the one at the expense of the other; of cloaking the spirit of slothfulness and indolence beneath an apparently jealous regard for the honor of the Holy Spirit. How narrow is the way of truth! How many diverging paths there are, at each turning of which Satan stands, clothed as an angel of light, quoting Scripture with all the aptness and eloquence of an apostle! But God will never release us from the obligation of "striving against sin." "I keep under my body and bring it into subjection," was Paul's noble declaration. Is no self-effort to be made to escape the gulf of habitual intoxication, by dashing the ensnaring beverage from the lips? Is no self-effort to be made to break away from the thraldom of a companionship, the influence of which is fast hurrying us to ruin and despair? Is no self-effort to be made to dethrone an unlawful habit, to resist a powerful temptation, to dissolve the spell that binds us to a dangerous enchantment, to unwind the chain that makes us the vassal and the slave of a wrong and imperious inclination? Oh, surely, God deals not with us as we deal with a piece of a machine- but as reasonable, moral, and accountable beings. "I drew you with the bands of a man." Mortification, therefore, is a work to which the believer must address himself, and that with prayerful and resolute earnestness.

http://www.gracegems.org/WINSLOW/The...tify%20Sin.htm ]]> The Pilgrims Progress JM http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/believers-obligation-mortify-sin-55128/ Sabbath Observance http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/sabbath-observance-54998/ Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:20:47 GMT OK, in the recent thread regarding the Sabbath that is getting to the point of :deadhorse:, I would like to know more about this subject. I know what the confession(s) say, and the hot topic seems to be regarding recreation. I will do my own... OK, in the recent thread regarding the Sabbath that is getting to the point of :deadhorse:, I would like to know more about this subject. I know what the confession(s) say, and the hot topic seems to be regarding recreation. I will do my own research on this subject, but what I'd like to know from you all is how do YOU (emphasis on the "YOU" in case the bold, italic, underlined word didn't give it away) observe the Sabbath?

I don't want this thread to turn into a "how you think others should observe the Sabbath," and I don't want to know what you don't do on the Sabbath; but I am really interested in how others seek to satisfy this:

Quote:
This Sabbath is to be kept holy unto the Lord when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts about their wordly employments and recreations, but also are taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. (WCF 21.8)
Thank you! ]]> The Pilgrims Progress carlgobelman http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/sabbath-observance-54998/ ROMANS 7 - a Regenerate Paul? http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/romans-7-regenerate-paul-54929/ Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:05:42 GMT I am interested in support for the varying views concerning whether Paul, in Romans 7:1-24, is discussing his condition before, after, or before AND after his regeneration. Direction to any previous discussions/threads on the topic would also be... I am interested in support for the varying views concerning whether Paul, in Romans 7:1-24, is discussing his condition before, after, or before AND after his regeneration.

Direction to any previous discussions/threads on the topic would also be appreciated.

Blessings,

Mike ]]> The Pilgrims Progress msortwell http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/romans-7-regenerate-paul-54929/ Testimony of a USS Cole Survivor http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/testimony-uss-cole-survivor-54749/ Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:52:18 GMT Listen and be edified!!! Greg McDearmon is a deacon at my church and a great blessing to know! SermonAudio.com - Reformed Baptist Church (http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=102305125323) Listen and be edified!!! Greg McDearmon is a deacon at my church and a great blessing to know!

SermonAudio.com - Reformed Baptist Church ]]> The Pilgrims Progress MarieP http://www.puritanboard.com/f25/testimony-uss-cole-survivor-54749/