Apologetical Articles

  Introduction In this article it is my desire to deal with a few questions that the non-reformed opponent raises against the reformed position (with the aim of discrediting and discounting the position); but in truth all they do is show a very shallow understanding of both the scriptural teachings at this point and as a whole; and at the same time, the position they are so willing to deny.  It is my position that passage of scriptures teach the reformed position and that is from a biblically balanced and faithful exegetical stand-point. In other words, we can use the same methodology to come to the doctrines of the trinity and justification by Faith as we do for the doctrines of grace. There is no inconsistency.  Were Abraham’s six additional Sons among the reprobate? This was, of course, the first question that Leighton Flowers asked James White in the Romans 9 debate in 2015. And the answer given to it was fantastic even though it was short. Let us now provide some answers as it nee

  "I have become convinced that nothing less then the very Gospel of Jesus Christ is at stake when we speak of the proclamation of the Gospel in preaching...." (Pg. 11) These are the first words of the second paragraph of the first chapter of this most important work on how a Christian minister,  if they are truly in that position by the appointing of God himself and affirmation of the congregation,  must treat His Word with the upmost respect and that should reflect in what you preach and how you preach the Word. In a more general sense, this chapter is simply an introduction into the multi-dimensional attack on the Word that is passed as being preaching. After this we have two chapters going through the strong case for faithful preaching based on the book of Acts and the Pastoral letters: 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus. Let us be thankful for book such as this one-- short it may be but is still worth the read. Now two chapter that stand out for very different purposes are th

  John MacArthur states: There are basically only two kinds of religion in the world: those based on human achievement and those based on divine accomplishment.  One says you can earn your way to heaven; the other says you must trust in Jesus Christ alone. 

 It is a rather curious thing to see how far society has let go of what once was a good principle for   living: "everyone is worthy for have a life to live."  Or another way to put that is this: the dignity and worth of human lives. This was the ethic and foundation which Christianity had given to many different civilisation that it encounter and won over (How Christianity changed the World!); but of later we see a complete reversal of this wonderful notion. But now we see that due to secular thinking and scientism; then ideologies like feminism and so on such a notion which is other-centeredness has been replace a sinful self centred deception.  Let us consider a few facts that have shaped this new way of thinking. The scale of time This ethical revisionist ideal has come on us fast-- real fast in fact, but even so there have been clear signs of it taking place. For  the wrath of God  is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their un

 Spurgeon stated: Let me look at its date. It is dated from the hills of heaven. Let me look at its letters. They flash glory on my eye. Let me read the chapters. They are big with meaning and mysteries unknown. Let me turn over the prophecies. They are pregnant with unthought-of wonders. Oh, Book of books! And were you written by my God? Then will I bow before you. You book of vast authority, you are a proclamation from the Emperor of heaven. Far be it from me to exercise my reason in contradicting you. Reason! Your place is to stand and find out what this volume means, not to tell what this book ought to say. Come you my reason, my intellect, sit you down and listen, for these words are the words of God. I do not know how to enlarge on this thought. Oh! if you could ever remember that this Bible was actually and really written by God! Oh! if you had been let into the secret chambers of heaven, if you had beheld God grasping His pen and writing down these letters, then surely you woul

This is a fantastic work by Dr. Steven Lawson on the act of writing a sermon and preaching from the book of Psalms. He opens this series of lectures in order to give some understanding into what must be the most important part of a Pastor's duties before the people of God. Let us be sure to understand that it is divided into several sections (five units): 1. the preparation phase with three chapters. 2. the exploration phase with six chapters.  3. the interpretation phase with eight chapters. 4. the assimilation phase with with six chapters. 5. the proclamation phase with two chapters. at this point, if one thing can be said about this book, it is very thorough and that is what is needed in these times, when there are groups who lack such a foundational truth in their midst.  And why do a book on preaching the Psalms? Dr Lawson puts forth this answer:" As a result" he say referring to the fact the Psalms pose real challenges to every expositor. He continues: "the Psa

William Cowper has said the following:  Christian joy can only be realized, when Christ reigns there, alone and uninterruptedly. If the world is permitted to occupy a larger share of the affections and the heart – if plain and known duty is neglected – if the means of grace are carelessly used – if in all your efforts, your duties, and your services – whether in the Church or in the world, you do not entreat the Divine blessing and the Divine aid – then the Spirit of God is grieved. He withdraws His cheering influence; and it is utterly impossible to have the peace and joy, which flow from the inward, abiding presence of the Savior – and which is the work – the entire work, of His Divine Spirit, the true and only comforter.

  Here we have the perfect lesson into what happens when political and social ideologies are allowed to infect beloved franchises such as ghostbuster; James Bond and other movies. Now this does not mean you have to be a fan or even like every film that has been released. But still the principle applies: if a series of films is known for a particular ideal or a particular kind of character, then what reason other than to be one of virtue signallers who want to be seen to fit into the latest trend. And there are only two options as far as I can see: either stand against such a perversity or be trampled underfoot and become a dominated slave to the course.  In other words, either you stand apart and stand for the truth or get steamrolled over and become a part of the problem. There can be no originality.           Repudiating the Past One of the clearest pieces of evidence of this "new narrative" happens to be that certain groups who falsely view themselves as being oppressed or

William Wilberforce has said the following: "It makes no sense to take the name of Christian and not cling to Christ. Jesus is not some magic charm to wear like a piece of jewellery we think will give us good luck. He is the Lord. His name is to be written on our hearts in such a powerful way that it creates within us a profound experience of His peace and a heart that is filled with His praise."

In this work 'a body of divinity', Thomas Watson the great puritan reformer, lays out in an expository fashion answers to the 43 foundational questions regarding the faith (this is also known as a catechism).  Now one of the great things regarding this work is that it is design to educate and equip the faithful Christian whether he or she is new in the faith (and that is vital)  or if he or she is a more mature or seasoned Christ who is simply reacquainting themselves with the basics of the faith. And therefore, it is a very wise pattern to set in both the church and at home for these questions to be put forth. Brother Watson lays out his reason for his own congregation; and I would say our reason for doing this: (1) it is the duty of Christians to be settled in the doctrine of faith. (2) it is the best way for Christians to be settled is to be well grounded.  And I believe that the true Christian will ultimately agree.  Let us for a moment consider the lay-out of this grand wo

John MacArthur  has this to say on the subject: Inerrancy demands an exegetical process and an expository proclamation. Only the exegetical process preserves God’s Word entirely and exactly as He intended it to be proclaimed. Expository preaching is the result of the exegetical process. Thus, it is the essential link between inerrancy and proclamation. It is mandated to preserve the purity of God’s originally given inerrant Word and to proclaim the whole counsel of God’s redemptive truth.

It has been well stated by Albert Mohler of the briefing that " We come to understand that human dignity means that human beings made by God are made to relate to one another as human beings. Not to objects, not to abstractions, not merely to names on social media, not just to pictures, highly curated about experiences that are distorting. And for that matter, fundamentally false in terms of reality."   In other words, we have lost a valuable part of our humanity because we do not know how to interact in the manner our forbearers did.  But what is worse is that in this taking place we are allowing a danger to creep in. Let take note of that point. So we can learn some vital lessons: First lesson: an unhealthy obsession.  We can be obsessed by many things; some healthy and good and other not so much. And here we meet one of those latter one which is not only unhealthy but down right deadly as well. It is where teenagers who are already going through self image perplexities su

Some truth on the matter of righteous indignation or anger: A man who does not know how to be angry does not know how to be good. And a man that does not know how to be shaken to his heart’s core with indignation over things evil is either a fungus or a wicked man.  --- Henry Ward Beecher. Righteous wrath is no less noble than love, since both coexist in God.  -- John MacArthur Anger itself is not sinful; every emotion is from God and is good when biblically appropriate.  But, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger,” Paul says (Eph. 4:26). --Jay Adams