If you want a good seat...

We are off to a great start with week one under our belts. Nothing like a packed room indulging in some good theology for breakfast.

Read chapter two for Tuesday (pp.33-47). With chapter one's preview behind us, VanDrunen will now establish the crucial theological structure for moving forward. First on the list is a biblical "Adam theology."

Here's a foretaste: “If we do not understand the biblical theme of the two Adams and its corresponding doctrine of justification then it is impossible to hold a biblical view of Christianity and culture” (Living in God’s Two Kingdoms), 34.

Best Hollywood Jesus

Any guesses on what makes this the best Hollywood Jesus? Hint: It isn’t the hair (as nice as you might think it is!). The person of Jesus is the focus of our next conversation. Please tell me you show up for more than the Peet’s House Blend Coffee by doing the reading (Chapter 14-15 of A Summary of Christian Doctrine by Berkhof), 71-81.

Don't Confuse Me with the Facts, I'm Told What to Believe

“The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him” (The Catechism of the Catholic Church). So, then, um, when the Bible teaches justification by faith alone, it does not mean what it says and when it says that we have one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus, it doesn't mean that either? And this is because God lacks the ability to be clear in his book apart from Rome explaining how God doesn't mean what context and grammar clearly indicate that he does mean?!?! Baffling and worthy of the word PROTESTant. Read chapters 8,9,&10 for Tuesday, May 17th. Great and vital stuff to work through.

Sola Scriptura or Sola Ecclesia?

Here is the video that we didn't have time to watch this morning. Read and come ready to discuss chapters 6 and 7 for our meeting on Tuesday, May 10th. There are more copies of the book in the OBC bookstore if you still need one.

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Please read this famous sermon, let it impact you, and come next week ready for some good discussion. For a view from outside of “the camp” (which I think can be helpful), here is a sample article. In perusing one source designed to help American high school students better understand Edwards, I found this quote telling:

“These revivalists, such as Jonathan Edwards and the Englishman George Whitefield, stressed that believers must rely on their own conscience to achieve an inner emotional understanding of religious truth. Jonathan Edwards gave an impassioned sermon called “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” in which he proclaimed that man must save himself by immediately repenting his sins.”

Finally, here is a link to the notes on the sovereignty of God discussed in connection with our John Bunyan conversation.