Phil Ryken on the doctrine of justification

JP: Phil Ryken on the doctrine of justification
Acceptable to God Through Keeping the Law?
“When it comes to being accepted by God, observing the law is completely ruled out. Here Paul makes an absolute distinction between salvation by works of the law and salvation by faith in Christ. Law-keeping cannot justify anyone.
Not that there is [...]

The Law’s Relationship to sanctification

Click above for larger image
Notes for this week’s study are available here.
About the image: Illustrates Romans 7:2-3, “if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. … if … she marries another man … she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another [...]

A Spelling Bee word for our times!

And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither [...]

The blessing of unanswered prayer

JP: A good article on prayer by Jean Williams.
The blessing of unanswered prayer
Excerpt:
In his mercy, God doesn’t say “yes” to my petulant, childish demands. Like a loving parent, he says “no”. When I respond with whining self-pity, like a spoiled child declaring, “It’s not fair!”, my wise Father doesn’t give in. He gives me [...]

Contentment in a Consumer Culture

JP: John MacArthur on consumerism and contentment
John MacArthur: Contentment in a Consumer Culture
Excerpt:
… another secret to contentment from Paul’s life [is]: “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live [...]

“dog tags”, Metro Women’s Center, & Ice Cream

JP: Service opportunity for Metro Women’s Center.

What: Earn $ 750. for the Metro Women’s Center Amazing Grace Home
When: Friday, June 5th @ 7:00 p.m.
Location:

Map
City of Plymouth: Millennium Garden
Address: 14800 34th Ave N / Plymouth, MN 55447

How: Put rubber “silencers” on metal dog tags
Steps:

Take metal dog tag
Put rubber grommet (called a “silencer”) on the dog tag
Chain [...]

Take your medicine and put your trust in God

JP: Albert Mohler addresses the case of Daniel Hauser of New Ulm that has been in the news:
First the news items:
CNN: Hearing Tuesday for 13-year-old cancer patient
Boston Globe: Court orders Minn. parents to treat son’s cancer
Star Tribune: Daniel Hauser faces custody hearing today
Excerpt:
NEW ULM, MINN. — Colleen and Daniel Hauser, who [...]

Dave Doran on “appreciating the strengths of a man’s ministry”

JP: Dave Doran is the Pastor of Inter-City Baptist Church and the President of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. Here he comments on a blogger’s criticism of his (Dave’s) appreciation of aspects of John Piper’s ministry.
I post this because I believe this is the kind of Christian charity that should be a mark of a [...]

Firm up your faith!

JP: Jay Adams on knowing “Why do you believe what you believe?”. Image is of Doug Hepburn, a Canadian world-champion weightlifter.
What Do You Believe, Christian?
Excerpt:
…. faith, not firmly grounded, is shaky, and could be knocked sideways by some attractive, but specious arguments of unbelievers or cultists.
God wants you to be able to give a [...]

How can any church retain a minister who denies belief in God?

JP: Another case of theological insanity:
Albert Mohler: Waving God Goodbye — The Tale of the Unbelieving Bishop
Excerpts:
Richard Holloway is a Bishop of the Scottish Episcopal Church. There seems to be on obvious problem — he doesn’t believe in God. In the Scottish Episcopal Church, that must not be a problem.
Bishop Holloway served [...]