Basic Reformed Theology 3
Mark Herzer
Basic Reformed Theology 3 Most people recognize this part of Reformed Theology (RT). In TULIP, the “U” (for ‘Unconditional Election’) stands out to many as the distinctive feature of RT. The Bible’s teaching on election should not be overlooked, understated, or denied. We would not say this doctrine is the “heart” of RT but it […]
Basic Reformed Theology 2
Mark Herzer
Basic Reformed Theology 2 The Bible teaches that man is dead in his trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1, 5; Col. 2:13) and therefore man is spiritually dead and resistant to the things of God. RT calls this “total depravity.” The origin of many theological errors can be found in one’s understanding of man’s fallen condition. […]
Basic Reformed Theology 1
Mark Herzer
Basic Reformed Theology I[1] Doctrine simply means the setting forth of what the Bible teaches on a certain topic. Paul said to Titus, “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” (Titus 2:1) “Doctrine” here means teaching (e.g., 1Tim. 4:16 uses the same Grk word, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching…”). A set of doctrines […]
A Practical Guide to Prayer
Mark Herzer
A Practical Guide to Prayer[1] Before they call I will answer. Isaiah 65:24 Introduction: George Swinnock offers some very helpful and practical steps to praying. He presents several things we should meditate on before praying. It may be appropriate to take each topic separately and then pray in response. He lists six categories on which […]
Leviticus 10, Unauthorized Fire
Mark Herzer
For the first and only time in Leviticus, we are introduced to Aaron’s two oldest sons Nadab and Abihu (cf. Ex. 6:23). From Exodus 28 we learn that they must have participated in the ordination process of chs. 8 & 9. These sons experienced God’s presence in the ratification of the covenant in Ex. 24:1, […]
Will we eat in heaven?
Mark Herzer
Today in our Christian Classics Club, we discussed the last chapter of Wilhemus a Brakel’s The Christian’s Reasonable Service (Vol. 1). We vigorously talked about a short statement made by a Brakel on p. 630 (see below). He explained in what way Christ could have eaten after the resurrection. We considered his words and sought […]
Denominations: Is it wrong to be in a denomination?
Mark Herzer
Being “non-denominational” always sounds better than being in a denomination. No one wants to be “labeled” or narrowly pigeonholed. Some even seem to believe that their non-denominational status is inherently superior to those stuck in an old man made denomination. But is being in a denomination inherently bad? They seem to imply that a denomination […]
CCPC Reading Groups for 2019 (DV)
Mark Herzer
CGG CCC Christian Growth Group Christian Classics Club 1St Sunday of the Month 3rd Sunday of the Month William Gurnall Wilhelmus a’Brakel The Christian in Complete Armour The Christian’s Reasonable Service 3 Vols. (Abridged) BOT 4 Vols. (Unabridged) RHB Jan. Jan. (Vol. 1) 2:21-58 1:381-425 Feb. Feb. 2:58-94 1:427-463 […]
The Glory of Heaven for the Dregs of Earth
Mark Herzer
The Glory of Heaven for the Dregs of Earth These three sentences from Stephen Charnock represent only a small sample of the veritable riches of heart warming theological reflections and meditations found in his The Existence and Attributes of God. Though it is taking me an interminably long time to work through his classic work, […]
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Leviticus 9, The Lord Appears
Mark Herzer
Leviticus 9, The Lord Appears Aaron’s first sin offering as the newly ordained high priest was a “bull calf” — ironically, in Ex. 32, he had previously fashioned an idolatrous golden bull calf and led others astray. That God spared Aaron and destroyed others in that incident is a testament to God’s mercy! But to […]