Dummies Guide to Calvinism - TULIP

When a Calvinist answers Yes to one question people in their heart think they are answering No to another. So here is the quick and easy nondefinitive dummies Guide to Calvinism. Those well founded in the reformed doctrine of TULIP won't get anything new below but will reminisce those times you laboured passionately to reveal the answers.

T - Total Depravity
What is man depraved of? The Spirit of God
Before salvation is man dead in Sin? Yes
Does this mean we should do nothing for them? No
Can a depraved man choose Jesus? No
Should we tell him to believe in Jesus? Yes
Is it their fault they are totally depraved? Yes

U - Unconditional Election
Does God elect everybody? No
Do we know which people are elect? No
Can I elect myself? No
Can I help God elect someone else? No
Should I evangelize to people even if they probably aren't elect? Yes
Can I know if I am elect? Yes
What if I do good things will this give me better chances for election? No
If they will get saved anyway is there a need to preach the gospel? Yes

L - Limited Atonement
What is Atonement? The penalty of sin being dealt with in full on the cross. (Like forgiveness)
What is Limited? Not everyone or Very specific to the elect
Was the death of Jesus on the cross for every single human being? No
Should I stop telling unbelievers that their sins can be forgiven? No
If I do something wrong should I bother to confess my sins? Yes
Since God is a God of Love why doesn't he just Atone the sins of everyone? Because his glory is shown even in the destruction of sinners.
Then how can he blame sinners? Who are you oh man to answer back to God?

I - Irresistable Grace
Can I do anything to earn God's Grace? No
Can saving grace be rejected? No
Should I tell of Gods Grace to every single person? Yes
Does grace need to be "activated" or "accepted"? No
Will someone with this grace automatically Love God? Yes
Can someone with this Grace Hate God? No
If I have this grace can I give it away through my choice or sin? No
Should I pray for others to receive irrisistable grace? Yes
Can someone come to Christ without being first drawn by God? No
Will Christ save all who come to Him and believe on his name? Yes

P - Perseverance of the Saints
What is Perseverance? Continuing in Christ to the very end.
What is a saint? Someone who is completely sanctified (Set apart)
Is this the same as "once saved always saved"? No
Will every single saint persevere till the end? Yes
Should a saint stop worrying about the things of God then? No
Was someone a Saint if they fell back into sin even to death? No
Who makes sure the saints always persevere? Jesus

TULIP
Is the Free-Will gospel False? Yes
Does this determine if they go to hell? No
Then does it matter which gospel we preach? Yes
Should I preach TULIP to the unsaved? No, Preach Jesus one mighty to save to the uttermost.

Further Reading
A Defence of Calvinism - Charles Spurgeon (Absolutely Brilliant - The definitive defence)
Tulpedia - An abundance of scriptual proofs when the Yes No just doesn't cut it.

John Huss - Burnt Alive

From Wickliffe to Huss - The Dawn of the Reformation
Through John Wickliffe the Lord had distributed the bible and his doctrines against popery and ignorance spread all through Bohemia. It was John Huss who took up the tenants of the reformation even to death.

Younger Years
John Huss (1380) like many of the puritans was very devout in the word. By the time he was 18 he had attended Prague university and went on to complete a bachelor of divinity. At a very young age he became the chosen pastor of Church of Bethlehem and dean of his University.

Attempts to stop Wickliffes doctrines
Wickliffes doctrines "protest-ant" against the catholic church and the then archbishop condemed his writings. This archbishop approached 4 doctors to give up their copies and prohibited them from preaching. This is where John Huss opposed him and was strong till the very end.

The Pope vs Huss - Take 1
The affairs of John Huss were made known to the pope who summoned him to appear personally at the court of Rome on his heresies. John Huss desired not to attend and because he was well liked in Bohemia the King Winceslaus, the queen and their nobles along with the university sent representatives to appear instead of John Huss. They requested to be free to preach the gospel without interference from Rome.

John Huss took to the Pen
This bought John Huss time and he wrote numerous letters and books defending their right to Protest against the catholic church. He wrote on many other doctrines such as justification which essentially was keeping the reformation moving.

Received as a Hero in Germany
Because of disunity amongst the catholic church itself where three popes reigned they needed to sort out who was the real Pope. A council was set up to sort out the problem and John Huss was summoned. On his way through Germany it was said that he received an almost heroic welcome as his works had been spreading. You can imagine his surprise.

John Huss Arrested
Reaching Constance he took lodging in a private place however Stephen Paltz was already commissioned to arrest him and bring him before a trial. His arrest was illegal and the pope made it clear he was not bound by the laws of an emperor.

The Inquisition
A council started proceedings and orders were made to dig up Wickliffes bones and burn them. Meanwhile Bohemia and Poland were interceding for Huss however the wheels were already in motion and he was bought before the court. In his defence he simply talked of Christ.

"Who is then a higher Judge than Christ? Who, I say, can know or judge the matter more justly, or with more equity?"

He was hissed at and mocked and condemned for treason. They stripped his garments and placed a paper miter on his head which had pictures of devils painted on it with the inscription. A ring leader of heretics. The bishop then said. "Now we commit thy soul unto the devil." which Huss replied heavenward "do commend into Thy hands, O Lord Jesus Christ! my spirit which Thou has redeemed."

Final Moments (1415)
With sticks piled up to his head and chains around his body he spoke "My Lord Jesus Christ was bound with a harder chain than this for my sake, and why then should I be ashamed of this rusty one". When asked to recant his doctrines he replied "No, I never preached any doctrine of an evil tendency; and what I taught with my lips I now seal with my blood"

HE WAS BURNT ALIVE

Further Reading
The Persecution of John Huss - By John Foxe
Profiles in Reform – John Huss - Solio Deo Gloria

Know Christ By His Spirit

If you know Christ through observation of other people, you have not come to know him aright.

If you know His fullness through the creation, know it will be destroyed with burning fire.

If you know Christ through cleverly crafted theology books and in depth study of the bible. Your knowledge is but a spec in comparison to the knowledge of Satan and his demons who tremble. (Jonathan Edwards)

If you know Christ through prayer. Alas, what dull work it is unless the Spirit makes intercession for you!

If you know Christ for you are conquering sin. Would you be holy?

Do you know Christ because you preach him and minister the gospel. How can you unless the Holy Ghost touches your tongue?

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This fire is a blessing Christ did not bring us in person, but one that He now gives through His Spirit to the church. Prince of Preachers

You must know Christ by His Spirit.
"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23

Further Reading
The Superlative Excellence of the Holy Spirit - Charles Spurgeon
How To Know If You Are A Real Christian - Jonathan Edwards

How Do You Recognise Christ?

2 Corinthians 5:16
"even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer."

Our understanding of this verse effects the gospel we preach and the Jesus we know. Therefore if we no longer know Christ according to the flesh.

How Do You Recognise/Know Christ?

If there were only one prayer that I might pray before I die, it should be this: “Lord, send Your church men filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” Prince of Preachers

Friday Top Posts - Brilliant

Below are some brilliant posts I enjoyed reading and have been encouraged by.

1. Running Well - A Great Legacy to leave - 50 secs - Let Mr Spurgeon share with you his fruit of soul winning.
2. Puritan Belief - John Wickliffe - Burnt His Bones - 1.5 min - Now here is a hero of the faith you will want to know more about.
3. Godward Thoughts - Satan's Dread - 1.5 min - "God is always working in His Children and uses many things to grow our faith"
4. Semper reformanda - This is worth my life, that is, the Gospel - 1.5 min - It is so worth dying for it, that it is what I want to live for.
5. A Form of Sound Words - Canadian Election Results - 40 sec - Trusting in the King of Kings even though an encouraging win for the right wing conservatives.
6. Always Reforming - My Views on Socializing - 4 min - A well discussed view on group activities within the body of Christ.
7. Preach the Word - Jesus was a Calvinist - 8 min - A great look at John 6 showing how Jesus was a Calvinist.
8. Heavenly Heartburn - Embracing Weakness - 1.5 min - A very balanced view on weekness from Pauls thorn in the flesh.
9. Solio Deo Gratis - The Golden Chain of Redemption - 3 min - Romans 8 talks about being foreknown, predestined, Justified and Glorified. A great look at this verse in context.
10. Solio Deo Gloria - The Riches of His Glory - 1.5 min - How the Lords Blessings compare to big business.

Samuel Marsden - Australian Puritan

Please hover your mouse above so you can understand Australian Slang
"G'Day Mate howes ya Australia Day goin"

"Not to bad mate, gonna get a barbie happenin maybe have some bangers and mash and get out of the big smoke."

"She'll be right mate, I'll bring some dampa round and we'll get a billy goin, throw some shrimp on da barbie and have a chinwag."

"bonza, I'll just go to the John and tell me old man I'm off, then drop off at da servo."

Australias Beginnings - 1788
Let me set the scene: Boat loads of debauch murderers and thieves called convicts from overcrowding British prisons sailing to an unknown land. They were brutally ruled by authorities and soon to be slaves to the entrepreneurial settlers who would also rule the native Aboriginals for their often selfish purpose.

Recipe for disaster right?

Meet Samuel Marsden the Australia Puritan (1764-1838)
Inspired by the Journals of David Brainerd (compiled by Jonathan Edwards) concerning the conversion of the Indians of North America. He said.
"The same power can effect a change upon those hardened, ungodly sinners to whom I am about to carry the words of eternal life." He was right.

Setting Sail for Australia (Terra Australis) Marsden could not wait to preach the gospel to the convicts on the ship. The captain conceded and the gospel was proclaimed to these blaspheming God haters even on the journey.

Parramatta in Sydney Australia was one of the largest colonies consisting almost entirely of criminals. "I am surrounded," says Marsden, "with evil-disposed persons, thieves, adulterers and blasphemers."

He was persuaded that the gospel was equal to the task of even the vilest and most depraved sinner and so began proclaiming
Luke 4:18 ".. he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives,"

The Flogging Parson (Flogging Pastor)
Because even the authorities of the day were corrupt they placed the only righteous man they could find Samuel Marsden in charge of the discipline of Paramatta. He was a strong man and although preaching the graces of Christ he also did what David did (purged the evil). Soon the local newspaper criticized him as the "Flogging Parson" and police from England were sent out to investigate. He was cleared on all accounts.

Female Prisons, Schools and Orphanages and hospitals
Samuel Marsdon took great pity on the female convicts as they were not separated from the males. The atrocities against them were huge and overlooked and even his heavy handed discipline made little headway. He built a female prison to separate them. He also built schools and orphanages and started churches and hospitals and developed much agrigulture.

Evangelising the Maoris in New Zealand
New Zealand was home to the native Maoris. They were cannibals, witch doctors and debauch superstitious murderers with little or no chastity. 5 ships had landed on New Zealand soil near these people and bar a few survivors they had been brutally murdered and devoured.

Civilization is not necessary before Christianity
Many believed that you had to make a tribal nation act like Christians before they could be converted. Samuel Marsdon thought otherwise. There were some of these Maoris in Australia and he befriended them having often 50 in his own home. Finding no ship willing to take him to the cannibal parts of New Zealand he purchased his own little brig called Active.

Samuel Marsden the New Zealand Puritan
With the stories of bloodshed of the most recent ship named Boyd who were all murdered and devoured he landed in a very similar place with his small ship. Thoughts of Boyd's crew would have been in his mind but he had a greater thought in mind the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Taking a horse he rowed ashore. The Maoris appeared to be in a frenzy. A band of naked warriors, armed with clubs and spears occupied a commanding position. Decorated with necklaces made from the teeth of slaughtered enemies and gold from the previous ships they ransacked. Samuel Marsdon was unarmed.

Captain Fitzroy's Account
"Seizing their spears, they brandished them as if in fury. Screams and yells were heard on every side, Every face was fiercely distorted, and every limb employed in the wildest gesticulation. It was their war-dance.... but it was a welcome for the name of Marsdon the friend of the Maories who had reached them through his countrymen in Paramatta."

That night Samuel Marsdon slept amongst the Maories as a friend.

Christmas Day
The coming Sunday was Christmas Day and they made ready for the first Divine worship service. Creating seats from canoes and a pulpit for His bible. Samuel Marsdon that day didn't try and tell them to put on clothes and act civilised but he preached the gospel using the text through an interpreter a native Maori.

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." Luke 2:10

Although not all at once many of the Maoris believed on the name of the Lord for their salvation. Samuel Marsden left 3 missionaries on the island and returned to the convicts of Parramatta but his heart was for the Maori people. He would make 7 trips back to the island before his death.

History
Later a British colony was set up in New Zealand.
"We see here a whole nation of pagans converted to the faith. Thousands upon thousands of people, young and old, have received new hearts, are offering up daily their morning and evening prayers,"

You would think that this man would be remembered for his great works in Australia and New Zealand however this is not the case. His history is badly tainted with being a cruel man and taught in schools as the Flogging Parson.

Today we celebrate Australia Day. May we remember the likes of Samuel Marsdon who forged our Christian Heritage.

Further Reading
Samuel Marsden: New Zealand, 1814-1838
Samuel Marsden: Bearer of Good Tidings in New Zealand and New South Wales
Samuel Marsden – “The Flogging Parson” - Wickedly recording his life to mock the gospel.

John Wickliffe - Burnt His Bones

Imagine being so hated and reviled that 41 years after your death your bones were dug up, burned to ashes and thrown into the river in the hope that the memory of your name and doctrines would perish.

Before there was John Knox and Calvin and Luther there was John Wickliffe. (1324-1384)

Education
Most of his life was spent learning and teaching at Oxford's extensive library and was recognised by The Duke of Lancaster as one with extraordinary gifting in theology and preaching.

Controversy - Take 1 - Against Rome
Many of the popes, bishops, priests and clergy were extremely lazy living off the squalor of the Roman Catholic church. John Wickliffe was the first to vehemently oppose them. In reaction the Roman Catholic church issued a "Papal Bull" against him at Oxford to be stepped down and requested that he stand before another hearing which charged him of heresy.

Controversy - Take 2 - The Mass
Unlike many other heretics who would have been hung John Wickliffe was a politically asteemed man and in many ways protected so he next attacked the Mass. Rejecting the transubstantiation and the clerical power of priesthood.

Controversy - Take 3 - AntiChrist
John Wickliffe was one of the first to publicly label the Pope the Antichrist and the church of Rome the whore of Babylon. For the love of God they taught was Universal (define:catholic) in direct opposition to Gods true love.

Controversy of Controversies - Translating the Bible from Latin into English
The bible was read and recorded in Latin so that only the Priests and scholars could understand. It was John Wickliffe who first translated the Latin Vulgate to English and was the first to place the bible into the hands of the people.

Revival - Heralding the Great Awakening
Under Luther and Knox, then Whitefield and Edwards came revival. In my opinion it was John Wickliffe who was heralding these events when the word of God was preached and taught for the first time by many of John Wickliffe's lay preachers who would preach to the peasants and commoners far and abroad distributing the Bible.

Died a Peaceful Death
The Roman Catholic church perhaps from disunity never caught up to John Wickliffe to burn him at the stake. He died from 2 strokes at the ripe old age of 60 (great for back then) (1384)

Burning John Wickliffes Bones
The church of Rome could have no greater fear then the truth of the scripture being in the hands of the people. 41 years later John Wickliffes body was dug up and they burnt his bones to ashes and cast them into the river.

For Further Reading
John Wickliffe Starting the Reformation - A Puritans Mind
An Account of the Life and Persecutions of John Wickliffe - Fox's Book of Martyrs
Profiles in Reform – John Wycliffe – Part 1
"John Wickliffe is known as the morning star of the Reformation"

Does God Love Everyone?

People often say "but God loves the world" and by this they think that God loves every single person in the world the same. So without further ado let us examine world in the following verses.

"Now all these things are from Christ who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Namely that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself." Corinthians 5:18-19

According to this verse does God reconcile every single person in the world to Himself? or does he reconcile only those whom He loves out of the world? The above verse starts with "Now all these things" so therefore the previous verse should give us our context.

Verse Before
"If anyone is in Christ he is a new creature..." v17
The context here is clearly talking about those whom He saves from the world not everyone.

Verse After
".. not counting their trespasses against them" v20
Again direct to those He loves. Anyone whose sin is not counted against them is Justified.

A Love Without Adultery
The love of Jesus for those He saves is like the love that a husband has for his wife. It is specific, it is targeted only to her otherwise this love would be adulterous. When Christ reconciles you to Himself you now know the Love of Christ. A love just for you and this love controls us. (2 Corinthians 5:14)

A Jealous Love (Gods Name is Jealous Exodus 34:14)
Salvation is something that must be owned not earned. For Jesus our bridegroom, chose us out of the world and when this happens you are His. The love of Christ is only for His bride and He loves no other. He will stop at nothing for you and His love for you is jealous.

Jesus Prayer was for those whom he would set apart from the world.
"..these things I speak in the world so that they may have my joy made full in themselves" John 17:13

Conclusion
"We love Him for He first loved us". 1 John 4:19
Not
"Jesus loves everyone" - found nowhere in scripture

Further Reading
The Rich Young Ruler - LOVE
Ten Leprous Men - Example of the Father Reconciling the World to Himself
Limited Atonement - Tulipdia
John 3:16-21

Blogs Quoting Puritans

Puritans Of Old & New

It has been a pleasure reading through a lot of your blogs and I notice that there is often a Puritan (Believes and teaches the purity of the gospel message) who you love quoting.

I have linked to your blogs on the right according to which puritan I think you often quote. If you would like me to add another puritan or I have placed you under the wrong puritan then please leave a comment below. Also if you are not listed and your blog often quotes the puritans then please leave a comment so I can check out your blog.

Prince Of Puritans - John Owen

"perhaps, the most profound divine who ever lived." Spurgeon on Owen

John Owens Youth
Undoubtedly a child prodigy, John was born to a Puritan pastor in 1616. At age 12 he was enrolled in Oxford and by the age of 16 he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts then his Master of Arts at age 19. During his youth he thought it wise to treat himself to only 4 hours sleep at night hoping that by his achievements he would impress his peers.

Conversion
Like many puritans like Spurgeon, Huntington and Whitefield although he was well grounded in the scripture from very early on he doubted his salvation and wanted the Lord to make it clear to him.

In deep search of salvation John Owen thought that he would hear a well known preacher by the name of Dr. Edmund Calumny but to Owens disappointment an unknown preacher filled in that day. His cousin with him wanted to leave but from exhaustion Owen decided to stay.

The text was “Why are you so fearful, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 8:26 Through this mans preaching on such a simple verse John Owen was changed dramatically, born again in the fullness of the Spirit.

Family Life - Acquainted with Grief
John Owen Married Mary Rooke and together they had 11 children. The first 10 died in infancy 2 died from the plague of 1655, the 11th daughter survived but had an unhappy marriage and after returning home she died in early adulthood with tuberculosis. Later his wife died and Owen lived another 8 years on his own. None of these events are mentioned in his writings.

John Owens Political Life
Most people under Owens circumstances would kindly say due to personal problems I am unable to continue with my work commitments. Not for John Owen he was heavily involved in the politics of one of the most turbulent times in History. The day after the beheading of Charles I, Parliament asked Owen to preach, Owen was under high pressure to side with Parliament or the king. Instead he argued for religious freedom.

Oxford
John Owen was appointed dean of Christ Church, one of Oxfords most prestigious colleges. By appointing Godly men he rebuilt its infrastructure to teach the growing student body. Cromwell who led the puritan parliament often called on Owen for consultation on issues such as church and state.

Persecution
Cromwell died and after rapid decline the kings army Charles II conquered and he resumed the monarchy of his father. At this time it seemed like the labour for the new Puritan Parliament was all in vain. Soon after the puritans were hunted down and persecuted like John Bunyan.

John Owen and John Bunyan
After the persecution subsided John Owen and John Bunyan became friends and it was in fact John Owen who found a publisher for the first edition of Pilgrims Progress.

Final Years
At the age of 60 he was suffering from gout and stomach problems yet the vigor of his youth had not left him and in the year before his death he wrote Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ. Even as Owen lay dying his publishers were with him editing.

Last Letter
"I am going to Him whom my soul hath loved, or rather hath loved me with an everlasting love; which is the whole ground of all my consolation. .."

Further Reading
JohnOwen.org
Camp On This - John Owen on Spiritual Gifts - Also where I got the cool caricature
Reflections on the life and Thought of John Owen By John Piper

The Rich Young Ruler - LOVE

"Master, all these things I have observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him ... Mark 10:20-21

Will we see the Rich Young Ruler in heaven?

The story of this Rich Young Ruler is often preached first to get more tithes from the congregation and secondly to show that "the love of money is evil" and we should give up everything for Jesus.

When confronted with the question of the Rich Young Rulers salvation people always focus on these verses.

... But at these words he was saddened and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much money ... Mark 10:22

And also

"... It is easier for the camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God ..." Mark 10:24

This is true for all of us when we try to be justified by the law. Jesus purposefully asked him something that he could not fulfill for he was trying to enter eternal life through the law.

Very rarely does the bible single out a person whom Jesus felt a love for as in this story. It is clear that Jesus loved this man deeply and it is apparent from the disciples astonishment when they exclaimed "Then who can be saved".

The love which Jesus showed for this Rich Young Ruler will not be found on any sinner now in hell. It is safe to say that those in hell have never known the full love of Jesus. Jesus love never fails and although with man it was impossible for even the Rich Young Ruler to be saved yet with God all things are possible. I believe we will see the Rich Young Ruler in glory for we have been shown this same everlasting love from Jesus.

Jonathan Edwards

1703-1758 (only 55)
Jonathan Edwards was a preacher during the Great Awakening and known for both his fire and brimstone preaching such as Sinners in the hands of an angry God and also his preaching on Grace. Like Spurgeon and Knox and all the great puritans his defence of Calvinism can be seen in every sermon.

Early Years
He was born to Timothy Edwards who was also a minister and was the only Son amongst 10 girls. Education was part of his family life and His father was a tutor. During Jonathan's youth he was tutored by his father and elder sisters and entered Yale College at the tender age of 13. Even before entering college he wrote an incredible essay on the soul and also on the flying spider. His writings in college can still be read on science and philosophy.

Salvation
Like many of the Puritans such as Spurgeon and Whitefield who were often preaching and teaching before their conversion. Jonathan Edwards when he was saved no longer felt that the Lord Loving only the elect was a "horrible doctrine" and afterwards he thought this doctrine to be "exceedingly pleasant, bright and sweet". After his salvation everything looked better. He now enjoyed nature with more vigour and delighted in books such as Song of Solomons.

13 Hours Study Per Day was his rule he imposed on himself after he became a young minister at Northampton and in that same year he married Sarah Pierrepont (Her dad was a founder of Yale). He was 24 and she was 17 and they had been friends since she was 13. All accounts show her to be a model wife with piety, bright and cheerful and a practical housekeeper. They had 12 children.

Great Awakening
In 1731 just before the Great Awakening Edwards preached publicly against Arminianism. Then in 1733 a revival broke out that reached its peak in 1734 so that businesses in the town were threatened with little workers and interest.

The Sermons Jonathan Edward Preached
Jonathan recorded with great enthusiasm what happened during this time of revival such as A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God in the conversion of many hundred souls in Northampton (1737). He said that the sermons that were most effective were Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners. Although the revival did subdue it was not for long and he came into contact with George Whitefield and it was after this that he preached his most famous sermon titled Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.

Bodily Effects
During the revival there were bodily effects such as trembling, groaning, being sick, crying out, panting and fainting. This caused much uproar by many of the conservatives in the area and Edwards wrote pamphlets to distribute to explain them.

No Stranger to Controversy
His church the Half-Way Covenant made baptism alone the condition of church membership. Edwards in his sermon Religious Affections outlined his dislike for this practice. With a vote of 200 to 23 he was dismissed from the church yet due to no one taking his place his last Farewell sermon was preached much later with no rancour or spite.

Last Years
Just prior to his death he reluctantly agreed to become the president of the college of New Jersey (Now Princeton University) to replace his late son in law. Shortly after he died of smallpox.

Jonathan Edwards writings and sermons have been published and republished and are incredibly popular to date.

Further Reading
JonathanEdwards.com

Young Men Preaching

This weekend I visited Kyogle (Picture to the right is part of my Pops farm) where I was bought up and after helping out with a Rabbit infestation on the Saturday we attended church on the Sunday. To my pleasant surprise there was one of my old friends a young man of 25 preaching a sermon on The Blood.

Young Men Preaching - The Puritans
Charles Spurgeon, George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards and John Knox just to name a few were preaching from very young ages (easily 25 and under)

Young Men Scriptures
"You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders;" 1 Peter 5:5
"...to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you." 1 John 2:14
"..Likewise urge the young men to be sensible...with purity in doctrine, sound in speech which is beyond reproach." Titus 2:6-8

When Should Young Men Preach?
Now although the bible is quiet on exact ages that a man should start preaching in front of the church I would like to give what I think is a good age to start: 17 years and onwards.

If we are to urge the young men to be sensible, pure in doctrine, sound in speech why not each week get one of the young men up to give something that he has prepared with Lord during the week. I think it would be great for the older men in the faith to provide feedback and encouragement to spur them on to good works.

Should there be conditions?
* The young men preaching should be born again.
* The young men preaching should be encouraged to use expository preaching and keep analogies and stories to a minimum.
* The young men should not be hindered in their preaching scope.
* This list should not be to long.

Feedback
I would love to know what your church does in relation to their Young Men Preaching or your thoughts on this subject.

Ten Leprous Men and The Glory

The Glory
The story of the ten leprous men is one which children learn in Sunday School and in my own experience the full glory of this miracle is rarely proclaimed from the pulpit. Hidden within this miracle is the glory revealing the deity of our Lord and Savior Jesus.

The Ten Leprous Men and The Glory
Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! When he saw them He said to them "Go and show yourselves to the priests" Luke 17:13-15

As per the Law for a man to be cleared of Leprosy he must go to the temple and be examined by the priest. For when you are cleared you give glory to God in the temple where God dwells and where the Jews were taught to worship Him.

"Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God"

At this stage it is safe to say that the other nine continued onto the temple so that they would be pronounced clean by the priest and once again would be able to go within the city gates just as Jesus commanded. Yet one turned back.

Here Comes the Glory
"Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine-where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" And He said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has made you well."

What was it that this one leper realised that the other nine didn't? After all did not the other nine do exactly as Jesus commanded?

The answer of course is in the glory. The Father was not in the temple as the Jews believed the Father was in Jesus reconciling the world unto himself. When this Samaritan fell on his knees before Jesus he saw the glory of the Father dwelling in Christ and when he was worshiping Jesus he was worshiping the fullness of the Father.

This man was worshiping and giving glory to Jesus on his knees when Jesus said "Was no one found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner"

Remember This
Next time you hear this story don't focus on the miracle or glean that we should always say thank you to God but remember the Glory.
Related Posts
Doubting Thomas or Believing Thomas
His Joy

Fridays Top Posts Mixed

I have read so many spiritually sound and uplifting posts this week along with a bit of humor. I couldn't fit everyone in but there is always next Friday.

------- RANK - BLOG - POST - TIME TO READ - WHAT I ENJOYED -------

1. Call To Die - Perseverance of the Saints - 2 min - Tackling the harder verses in Hebrews and giving great insight.
2. A Form of Sound Words - Friday Night Notes - 2 min - Street preaching how to guide. Gives insight into technique and using scriptures on the street. LOVE IT!!
3. Puritan Belief - George Whitfield's Passion - Image hearing that Whitefield was in town, dropping everything and running for miles to hear him preach to 100 000 people with no amplification.
4. Proclaiming the Sovereignty of God - Adam's Predicted Best Selling Books - 30 secs - Extremely funny fictional book list featuring Rick Warren, The Pope and more. (Reformed Joke, You have been warned!)
5. Preach the word - Free Will a Slave - 40 min - Absolute brilliance by Charles Spurgeon on the perils of believing in doctrines of free will. Broken into four parts: 1 2 3 4
6. Righteous Sinner - Prayer and the Victory of God - 1 min - What areas of our life should we seek Jesus for in prayer?
7. Modern Day Magi - a jack of all trades - Nice bit of trivia from Benjamin Franklin on this familiar saying (Benjamin Franklin was a friend of George Whitefield by the way)
8. Godward Thoughts - Thoughts on Soul Winning - 1 min - Spurgeon gives the ins and outs of soul winning. Very easily understood.
9. Drinking Deeply - John 6:35-71 - 4 min - Universal Call or a specific call for the elect to come to Christ?

Award for causing the most disturbance throughout the reformed blogosphere this week.

1. Free Grace Theology better known as Expensive Works Dogma - Why Sacrifice for God if You Can't be Certain that Christ Sacrificed for You? - 5 waisted minutes - May Antonio understand the meaning of 2 Peter 1:10 by the Spirit of Jesus and not His intellect.
   

George Whitefields Passion

John Wesley
George Whitefield had been accused openly and in public by his familiar friend Wesley who denounced Calvinism. One time a friend who also felt betrayed by Wesley asked this:

"George, Will we see Mr Wesley in Heaven?"
Whitefield pondered the question and then answered Solemnly.
"No"
"Mr Wesley will be so far up the front praising Jesus that we will be unable to see him."

When reading through Whitefield and Wesley's friendship you can not help be amazed at the grace and time Whitefield gave to his close friend Wesley through letters.

Everyone knows the name Wesley as there are Wesley hospitals, Wesley colleges and Wesley churches.

Whitefield preached across the world to far more people then Wesley opening orphanages and schools but his name is scarcely remembered. Whitefield said of his name "Let the name of Whitefield die so that the cause of Christ may live."

Close Encounters With Death
In 1744 George Whitefield almost became a martyr. A man yielding a gold-headed cane came at him with ferocious swearing and force beating him to the ground until he lay unconscious.

On another occasion at age 42 in Dublin Ireland where he was preaching to a large crowd, Dirt and stones were thrown at him and a mob gathered to take his life and even those with him fled and he was left to travel a half mile alone while rioters threw stones at him from all directions leaving him covered with blood. "I received many blows and wounds; one was particularly large near my temples."

Last Sermon
In his later years he prayed "Lord Jesus, I am weary in thy work, but not of thy work. If I have not yet finished my course, let me go and speak for thee once more in the fields, seal thy truth, and come home and die."

He then gave his last Sermon titled: Faith and Works barely able to stand at first but he preached for 2 hours to a crowd that no building then could contain.

His last words were "I'm dying" before the Lord himself received Him and would say "You Live"

He was buried as he requested under the pulpit of the Old South First Presbyterian Church. Thousands attended his funeral. (1770: only 55 years old)

Further Reading:
George Whitefield Early Years
George Whitefield Biography
George Whitefield's Letter to John Wesley
Wesley's Sermon against Predestination and in essence Whitefield

George Whitefield Early Years

(1714 - 1770)
"...Some few mocked, but most for the present, seemed struck, and I have since heard that a complaint was made to the bishop, that I drove fifteen people mad, the first sermon." George Whitfield (More than 18 000 sermons followed)

It is said "his voice could be heard a mile away", and his open-air preaching reached as many as 100,000 in one gathering, the largest congregation before amplification.

Conversion
Whitefield like William Huntington had strong conviction of His sin to the point of sickness before the Lord did His work of salvation, He was only ~17 years of age.

Early Days
While his close friends Charles and John Wesley were in Georgia America urging him to join them. George Whitefield was in London and delayed the journey for a year where he often visited the prisoners in Oxford and travelled around London preaching so that no church was large enough to hold those coming to listen (Just think no advertising just word of mouth)

Finally he took to sea heading for Georgia for the first time. (He would spend another 782 days at sea during his life.) He loved Georgia and would preach many sermons yet had a deep concern for orphans and would collect funds and he also opened schools in Highgate and Hapstead as well as a girls school.

Upon returning to England he was not warmly received because of his connection with Wesley. Yet some did accept him and the crowds being drawn could not be contained which soon led to Whitefield being one of the first to embark on open air preaching in fields.

Open Air Preaching
His first sermon drew 200 people on Kingswood Hill but soon after some 10, 000 people would attend often standing in the rain. (After all this is England Not everyone enjoys Sunshine like Brisbane Australia :)

Although it must have been amazing for him to have so many people come to listen to him preach it was not all glorious.

"I was honored with having stones, dirt, rotten eggs and pieces of dead cats thrown at me."

The mornings attracted 20, 000 and evenings would attract 35,000 And he was my current age only 25 years old.

Only about 90 of his sermons can be found today and they fade in comparison to the likes of Charles Spurgeon yet it was said of him this.

"He could paint word pictures with such breathless vividness that crowds listening would stare through tear-filled eyes as he spoke."

While Preaching as many as 500 would fall prostrate, People were saved during his sermons as the gospel would bellow through the valleys. Yet there was no alter call.

Quotes from George Whitefield
"Man is nothing: he hath a free will to go to hell, but none to go to heaven, till God worketh in him to will and to do his good pleasure"

George Whitefields Passion Continues Tomorrow

Preaching to the Flesh

A missionary was sent overseas to preach the gospel. He was a man who loved scripture and loved verses like "Go into all the world and preach the gospel". When he arrived he used all the enthusiasm he could muster and taught the verses the Lord had given him to preach.

Back in those days before blogs and email they sent and received telegrams and His church sent one asking him "how is everything going?" He then sent a telegram back saying "Jesus is doing a mighty work here I am so happy to be part of it." The church received this with joy and thought of the revival that would be going on in a far away land so they quickly sent back another telegram "how many people have joined the church?" He replies "none, but hundreds have left".

We often concentrate on the times when Jesus fed the 5000 or the crowds that were so big that men would lower a crippled man from the roof so Jesus could perform miracles. Times were not always like this with Jesus. There were times when Jesus would proclaim the truths of the scripture often about election and there would be no one left except His disciples and even they would exclaim "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?" John 6:60 (Concerning eating His flesh and drinking His blood). Jesus never preached to the flesh he always preached to the Spirit of a man. For the kingdom He established is Spirit and Truth.

For an in-depth study please read Drinking Deeply's Post on John 6:35-71 (7 mins)

Knowledge of Good And Evil

"...in the day that you eat from it you will surely die" Genesis 2:17

Why do you think God placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden?

There are many ideas, here is the Arminian to start it off.

Because God wanted to give man a free will.

Fridays Top Posts: Evangelism

I have read some great blogs this week and notice that there has been a renewed focus on evangelism. So here is this weeks best.

------- RANK - BLOG - POST - TIME TO READ - WHAT I ENJOYED -------

1 - A Form of Sound Words - Friday Night Notes - 2 min - Making number 1 position because this post tells first hand about soul winning in season and out of season. Very encouraging.

2 - Semper reformanda - Why Evangelism makes sense from a Reformed Perspective - 1 min - A new blog I am reading, has a 4 point outline on evangelism and why Calvinist should be the first ones on the battle line.

3 - Always Reforming - Why Read the Puritans - 5 min - A great outline on what the puritans stood for, showing a very strong connection to evangelism as a way of their life.

4 - Puritan Belief - John Knox - 2 min - "John Knox's gospel is my gospel. That which thundered through Scotland must thunder through England again." - Charles Spurgeon

5 - I see Daylight - The Goodness of the gospel - 50 secs - Who loves to hear the gospel?

6 - Godward Thought - Glorious Sins - 15 secs - A great quote by Thomas brooks you will want to remember for yourself.

7 - Drinking Deeply - Responding to James - 1 min - Like the blogs name suggests this is a very deep post articulately delving into original sin.

8 - Righteous Sinner - I Trust ___ - 1.5 min - Life as a Christian is not always easy. If you are going through a hard time be comforted here.

9 - Puritan Belief - William Huntington - 3 min - If you love a good testimony then read how William Huntington came to know Jesus in a tool shed.

10 - Puritan Belief - Doubting Thomas or Believing Thomas - 2 min - Which one of Jesus disciples gave the best answer as to who Jesus is?

William Huntington

The man who was saved in a tool shed. (1745-1813)
William Huntington had a testimony where his sin would consume him and the wrath of God would be upon him for weeks at a time.


"At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you," John 14:20

After reading these words William Huntington knew there to be a secret between Christ and those whom He will save that he was unaware of. This started him on some long, hard soul searching. He would confess His sins to God yet dare not ask for forgiveness for he knew himself to be a wretch undeserving of forgiveness.

William Huntington went to many different churches and has as many different dissappointments in them so he stayed home studying the scriptures for himself. He would write scriptures down that showed mans hopelessness vs Gods sovereignity.

"No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him," John 6:44

"I know whom I have chosen", John 13:18

After going through the entire bible William Huntington was in a worse dilemma than ever and he felt the damnation that was common to all the non-elect. ...What if all his repentance and sorrow for his sins, however true were in vain.

Huntington would think of his bastard birth and would be in terror when thinking that both his father and mother would be in Hell. For his mother took the Lord's Supper regularily but lived in adultary. He also knew the verses of the old testament that damn bastards as he was.

When at work he would tell the horses and cows that "they would never have to stand trembling at the Judgement seat only to be cast into hell". He even considered taking his own life yet thoughts of wrath after death made him think more soberly. One time he yelled out to his wife ""Molly, I am undone for ever; I am lost and gone; there is no hope nor mercy for me; you know not what a sinner I am, nor what I feel!" Even his work mates thought that he had gone mad.

The Tool Shed
While he was pruning a pear tree and in great self pity a bright light swept his anxious thoughts away and as clear as a bell he heard these words.

"But the comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. . . . . . . let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

climbing down the ladder he cried out "what is it?" "what happened?" He then heard these words:

"Lay by your forms of prayer, and go pray to Jesus Christ; do not you see how pitifully he speaks to sinners?"

He then dashed into the tool shed with his apron over his head and face for fear. Then on his knees

"Oh Lord, I am a sinner, and thou knowest it I have tried to make myself better, but I cannot. If there is any way left in which thou canst save me, do thou save me; if not, I must be damned, for I cannot try any more, nor won't."

He then saw visions of Jesus on the cross and felt his sin deeper then ever before. Then he prayed:

"I did not know till now that I had been sinning against thy wounds and blood! I did not know that thou hadst suffered thus for wretched me! I did not know till now that I had any concern in crucifying thee! I cannot beg mercy of my suffering Lord and Saviour. No: send me to hell for I deserve it."

The more William Huntington pushed away Jesus the more Jesus approached him with love. From here Huntington was saved and born again for he had met the Lord where every christian must meet him at the cross. He went into the tool shed feeling damned, He came out of the toolshed with the Kingdom of God established in His heart.

William Huntington Quote
"Christ is the Holy One of his people; and they who are purged from sin by his blood, sanctified by his Spirit, in covenant, in favour, and in spiritual union with him, are complete in him, their Head; who is made of God unto them righteousness and sanctification."

"Such are new creatures, created in righteousness and true holiness; and it is God and none else, who humbles them and sanctifies them."

Further Reading
A Sinner becomes a Saint: William Huntington's Conversion Story

Doubting Thomas or Believing Thomas

Which person gave the best answer concerning who Jesus is?

Person 1:
"Simon Peter answered You are the Christ the Son of the living God" Matt 16:16

This revelation was definitely from God "....was not revealed to you by man..." yet these words do not reveal the full glory of who Jesus is.

Jesus was called the Son of David, the Son of Man and the Son of God yet He himself questions 'Sonship' a little while later saying "What do you think about the Christ whose Son is He?" Matt:22:42 and also concerning the Father He says "... an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father" John 16:25 It is clear that Peters revelation of who Jesus is, was true but was it the best answer given to Jesus?

Person 2:
Doubting Thomas
Whenever people think of the Thomas of the Bible they automatically think Doubting Thomas. He had to see where the nails were and place his hand in our Lords side. He was doubting but His revelation of who Jesus is far outweighs any of the other disciples.

"...Thomas answered and said unto Him My Lord and My God" John 20:28 (KJV)

Behold the glory, behold the majesty, the splendor and mystery revealed to Thomas in this moment. He believed that it was Jesus who was His Lord and God it was Jesus who is the great I AM, the beginning and the end. Jesus is the lamb who sits upon the throne. It is about Jesus that "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord." Mark 12:29

Every Christian hence forth has the same testimony Thomas proclaimed that day when they are born again. Their spiritual eyes are open and they exclaim with Joy knowing Jesus as "My Lord and My God".