Don't Be a Bellarmine!

Bellarmine, the Roman Catholic arch rival of Protestantism understood that the imputation of Christ's righteousness was the foundation for justification through faith in Christ alone. Therefore he rejected it. Unfortunately some Protestants such as N.T. Wright, Federal Vision, and certain dispensationalists are joining Bellarmine in their denials and are thereby assaulting the very foundation of justification. Here is a paper on this important gospel topic protesting Protestants denying the gospel foundation of imputation. 

The Falling Church

The doctrine upon which the church stands or falls is justification by faith alone. Likewise, it is the doctrine upon which the individual stands or falls spiritually. So let's get this one figured out and more significantly, let's know the Savior who justifies. Help can be found at theology for breakfast on Tuesday, December 6th. Read chapters 21-22 on justification and sanctification in Berkhof.

The Mass Atones?

"As often as the sacrifice of the Cross by which 'Christ our Pasch has been sacrificed' is celebrated on the alter, the work of our redemption is carried out" (Catechism). Is this true? Is it likewise true that the Mass atones for our sins? To learn more about Rome's claims and the importance of the issues, read chapter 11. Also read chapter 12 for a consideration of purgatory (and we don't mean Purgatory the ski resort!). So read 11-12 for Tuesday, May 24th.

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.

The Roman Catholic Controversy—New Series

Starting Tuesday, April 26th our men’s group will commence a new series of discussions based upon James White’s book entitled The Roman Catholic Controversy: Catholics and Protestants—Do the Differences Still Matter? Plan to discuss the first two chapters on the 26th. To learn more about James White, check out his site or the interview I did with him entitled Leading Questions. James is a blessing to the Body of Christ for his fidelity to the gospel and willingness to address the issues. *The books are being ordered so contact me if you need the a preview copy for chapters 1-2.

Vicious Calvinhound Sited

Catholic officials so despised John Calvin in the 1500s that some named their dogs after him. Thankfully he obnoxiously yelped "sola, sola, sola, sola, sola"! [5 times!!!]

If you did not pick up the excerpt from Calvin's Institutes this morning for next week, email me and I will get it to you. The reading is on repentance. Should be a good sample. Today's discussion of Luther's Tabletalk was edifying. As I said, I am reminded of why I like Luther as well as why I am not Lutheran. Appreciate your engagement. See you Tuesday! Bark on. Here are some Geneva pics from a trip there a few years back.