Author: fundyreformed

Bobspotted Blogroll: November 11, 2006

~ fundyreformed


Must Read Devotional

  • Nathan Pitchford recently posted “Confessions and Pleas”, a puritan-like prayer that will bless and encourage (as well as challenge) your soul.

On Psalter-Only Worship

  • Nathan has also given us a great post on “The Regulative Principle and Psalter-Only Worship”. It is a short read, yet it utterly devastates that position (in a loving way, mind you). I thought some may be interested in this, as music has been much on the mind around here lately!

On Discernment

Toward a Taxonomy of Fundamentalism

  • Joel Tretreau also of Neo Fundamentalist, has posted the introduction to what will surely prove to be a thought provoking series of posts entitled “Three Lines in the Sand”. In this article, Joel seeks to provide a taxonomy of fundamentalism. He labels some Type A, others Type B, and the conservative evangelical crowd (like Piper and MacArthur) get a Type C rating.
  • It is extremely difficult to define fundamentalism, as my own attempt at a taxonomy proves! But I think Joel’s approach will prove to more than descriptive. It will be very helpful and hopefully serve to enable a greater unity among all of us who prize the fundamentals of the faith so dearly.

On 4 Point Calvinism

  • If you are interested in the difference between 4 point and 5 point Calvinism, check out this post by Reformation Theology blog. The discussion can be a bit deep at times, but you may find it helpful in thinking through that whole issue.

Artificial Heat

~ fundyreformed ~ 7 Comments

I came across an interesting article on global warming. Now, I am all for caring for the environment in a Biblically responsible way. We are called to steward God’s creation not abuse it.  

However, there has long seemed to be an ulterior agenda behind the scientific “consensus” concerning global warming. And I have never taken their claims too seriously.    One reason concerns the fact that the vast majority of greenhouse gases are purely wator vapor! Add to that the fact that one  giant volcanic explosion  (like that of Krakatoa), can in one instant launch more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than all the pollution mankind has achieved in more than 100 years!

Well, here is the article from the Telegraph.    By reading it I learned several interesting facts, some of which I will list here below, and others  you  will only  see if you go read the article yourself (HT: Phil Johnson).

  • There was a global  warming period back in the Medieval Age  (from around 1000 to 1400 AD). This period had average temperatures well above our own. (For example, back then Norwegians could farm the soil in Greenland, today we cannot as it is under a layer of permafrost.)
  • This warm period has been edited out  in the United Nations’ most recent global warming report. This was achieved through an ingenious method of redefining terms and messing with data.
  • In the past half century, the sun has been warmer than it has been in the past 10,000 years plus! Certainly this fact could be seen as a big cause in the recent warmer temperatures! (We haven’t polluted the sun yet!)
  • “In 1988, James Hansen, a climatologist, told the US Congress that temperature would rise 0.3C by the end of the century (it rose 0.1C), and that sea level would rise several feet (no, one inch).”

∼striving for the unity of the faith for the glory of God∼ Eph. 4:3,13 “¢ Rom. 15:5-7

More on Music

~ fundyreformed

Around here, we have been having quite the discussion on music lately! And that has been the case around the fundamentalist blogosphere for the most part, as well.

I just wanted to take this time to highlight a great post on the subject by Tom Pryde. It would be well worth your time to read his thoughts on this matter.

Let me give a few excerpts here, too, if I may.

The problem is that it really isn’t about drums, guitars, microphones, or any other atomistic element of the issue. The whole question is one of communication. Of course, it is true that this communication is heavily dependent upon cultural context, but this is hardly a justification for “anything goes.” The fact is that our culture can identify the emotional content of music more clearly than many would like to admit, and since we are not independent of our culture, it makes little sense to argue as if we are outside of it.

The fact is that the better the emotional expression fits both the message and the context, the more clearly, powerfully, and effectively the message will be conveyed. This is at least one very good reason to take music seriously. It is also true that musical communication is highly flexible and not at all precise. This means that context can heavily influence the nature of the emotional expression.

….

Proper corporate worship requires us to adapt to a form of expression that suits the whole, rather than our own individual tastes. If we fail to adapt, then we are left finding music that suits us, or we at least want the occasional use “our” kind of music. In both cases, the focus is wrong, and a deep misunderstanding of both music and worship is revealed. When my heart is right before God, the style of music matters far less than my own heart’s expression to God. If you need a particular style to “feel” worship, then there is a deeper problem in your worship.

For these reasons, at least (there are more reasons) a more conservative approach to corporate worship is essential. In the first place, it drives us to music that is less faddish and more enduring. In the second place, it drives us to music that is easily accepted by the entire congregation and is especially suited for congregational singing.

The careful reader will notice that I have not actually endorsed any style or approach to church music. Rather, I believe a principled approach will lead each Spirit-filled congregation to expressions of worship that are meaningful and communicative in their context.

…

Do go and read his post, there is much more on this over there. And while you’re at it, you may want to keep an eye on Brian McCrorie’s recent post on this subject too!

∼striving for the unity of the faith for the glory of God∼ Eph. 4:3,13 “¢ Rom. 15:5-7

A Rugged Cross, a Glorious Gospel, and the Ted Haggard Scandal

~ fundyreformed ~ 7 Comments

The Glory of the Gospel of Jesus ChristI was saddened to hear of the Ted Haggard fall this past week. And I must confess that when it became apparent that he was guilty, for a short while I may have sneered at him. But before long God gave me a prayer that Christ would be exalted in all of this. I believe that prayer is being answered, and Christ’s glory is being seen even in this sad scandal.

I would direct you to go read the letter that Ted wrote his church to confess his guilt. It seems to be a very sincere and true hearted expression of repentance. And then read the short note Ted’s wife read to their church. It is full of a faithful covenant love toward her fallen husband. The letters are both available to read here, compliments of Justin Taylor.

Many who would consider themselves more conservative theologically than Ted Haggard and his church, have had some reactions to all of this which might flow from some unChristian pride of heart. Many have deep-rooted convictions which result in some big methodological and philosophical differences with Haggard’s church. And so they have assumed that such a fall as Ted evidenced is par for the course. They have got what’s coming to them. That won’t happen to us.   Oh really? It has before and it will again, although sometimes theological conservatives can float under the radar, if you will.

And with such an outlook, pessimism would be expected. I admit I was quite pessimistic as to how this all would play out. But wonder of wonders, the Gospel is shining through. And the true unmistakable depth of Christianity is being revealed. Not only has Ted’s church handled the problem in a straightforward and Biblically faithful manner, Ted and his wife are evidencing repentance and forgiveness in their most  unmistakable hues.

This morning, with the above backdrop provided, I urge you to please read Tim Challies’ most recent post on this scandal (HT: Justin Taylor). He has written from the depths of his heart concerning the spiritual lessons for all of us in this mess.   The truth is we are just as messy as Ted Haggard, and but for the grace of God, the darkest sins of our heart would be exposed to and condemned by all as well. And God is the True Judge to fear, and so we should shudder in amazed awe at the wonder of his grace!

I wrote the following in response to Tim’s post. I placed it as a comment on his blog, but thought I would share it here. May these words not be mere talk, but may my heart and yours be raised from the squalor of the sin problems of this fallen world to the sublime grandeur of the Glorious Gospel revealed on that Old Rugged Cross.

Thank God for this post. Truly, it is an answer to prayer. I have prayed that Christ would be exalted even through the blatant ugliness of this whole affair, and I am sure others have as well.

I would like to just add one further level of thought. Yes, Ted is a sinner. Yes, we are too. And oh, we should let it sink in just how horrible we all really are. And yes, too, despite the assurances to the contrary by postmodern and liberal theologians, God’s wrath is suspended over us, and naught but grace stays His Holy Hand. And we are thus beckoned forcefully to thank God unceasingly for that grace.

But let us not forget Christ as the Reason for that grace. Let us be sure to lift Him up. And let us be sure to trumpet the Gospel as the unmistakably jaw-dropping truth that it is. That because of God giving up His only Son Jesus–the most Worthy and Holy Individual there is–He thereby offers to us–the most wicked and despicable, undeserving creatures there are–infinite and priceless grace. He places all of Ted’s black sins, and all the as yet unseen or unappreciated black sins of my own heart, and yours, on His Spotless Son–the Lamb of God–and then provides for people like Ted and you and me infinite Righteousness and Holiness. So that He not only restores us, even as Ted’s wife has been willing to restore her guilty husband, but that He raises us up to an unspeakable level of honor. We become joint heirs with Christ! By means of Jesus’ very blood, we inherit all of Jesus’ wealth!

Let us be shocked anew at the wonder of such an incredible message. Let us be amazed at the wonder of grace, as measured not only by the depths of our own sin but by the heights of the Glory of that Perfect Lamb Who was sacrificed on our behalf!

Worthy, Worthy is the Lamb! Glory be to our Great God and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ!

∼striving for the unity of the faith for the glory of God∼ Eph. 4:3,13 “¢ Rom. 15:5-7

Understanding Lordship Salvation

~ fundyreformed ~ 7 Comments

Many a fundamentalist has a real hard time with the idea of “Lordship Salvation”. (With Calvinism too, but that is another post…) They have a “knee jerk” reaction against these doctrines, and yet in many ways I would view this as healthy. You look shocked, but let me explain. Fundamentalists often misunderstand these views, and with regard to “Lordship Salvation” they think of it as a “works-based salvation”. And to react strongly against works based salvation is very commendable and healthy.

But Lordship Salvation is not a works based salvation scheme. Let me say that again, Lordship Salvation is not works based salvation!

I just finished reading a series of articles which in my opinion is extremely helpful for anyone desiring to understand Lordship Salvation. And in all honesty, to understand Lordship Salvation you need to go to the horse’s mouth, so to speak. I have little patience for people who claim to seriously hold a position on a debated issue yet who have never read anything written by the other side.

Well, here is your chance. Nathan Busenitz at Pulpit Live (affiliated with John MacArthur’s church) has just finished a series of five posts critiquing Lou Martuneac’s new book In Defense of the Gospel: Biblical Answers to Lordship Salvation. Lou is a fundamentalist who has concluded that Lordship Salvation is another gospel. And Nathan explains how Lou’s conclusion is wrong by showing how Lou misunderstands Lordship Salvation. So in Nathan’s critique of Lou’s book, he provides a clear explanation of what Lordship Salvation really is.

So without further ado, let me provide the links here to Nathan’s critique of this book, and let me encourage you to check out these posts in order to have a better understanding of Lordship Salvation.

UPDATE: Here are two last links to Nathan’s final discussion of Lordship Salvation. Also, I threw in a link to the last post of Phil Johnson’s personal testimony in regards to this debate. Phil’s posts are very informative as to the history of the Lordship debate. He provides links to all the posts in that series at the bottom of the post linked to below.


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