Urban Puritano

Pastor Mike Neglia invited me to The Expositor's Collective to discuss my recently published book:Christ's Scope and Scepter: His Word, His WorldWith his permission, I've slightly edited it and chopped it up in a good way...not like the way the Quadriga chops up the Word of God.Speaking of chopping things up that shouldn't be chopped up, we discuss the continuity between a Christocentric interpretation of the Word and a Christocentric interpretation of the world. For me that has taken me on an adventure in Christian Education, Spanish lay preaching in church, and healthcare chaplaincy. This conversation scratches the surface on issues covered more in depth in my book. Don't just take up and listen for my spicy, confessional take on the pre-critical Quadriga. Stay for the encouragement to join the ranks of lay ministers in church and chaplains in healthcare. The harvest is ripe and the Christocentric laborers are few!

Reformed Baptists. Confessionalism. Honoring our predecessors, investing in our successors. Religion & the State. A Political Reckoning in America. Leftist Meltdowns. Masculinity. On Wives and Hobbits. Getting to know the neighbors. Zachary Garris. "Sinning in the right direction."Joel Webbon. White Knight Syndrome. "Attractional Church Model." Is re-posting Andrew Tate approvingly equally as problematic as re-posting Calvin Robinson? Wes Huff, Joe Rogan, Billy Carson. Networking. Moody Bible Institute students. A smorgasbord of topics!

FROM THE VAULTS! This episode survived a house fire and was almost lost. Now, a year later, it has been recovered for such a time as this! Biblically, theologically, and pastorally, we scratch the surface on Dr. Jared Moore's book titled, “The Lust of the Flesh: Thinking Biblically About Sexual Orientation, Attraction, and Temptation.”Gird your loins and ponder the verities of this solid conversation about an issue the church in North America, especially, has had a lot of unnecessary confusion about.

Like a bombshell on the lay theologian's playground, I am happy to announce a forthcoming new book I wrote that I hope serves the body of Christ! (https://urbanpuritano.com/new-book-preview).CHRIST'S SCOPE AND SCEPTER: HIS WORD, HIS WORLD scratches several layers below the surface to show the continuity between a Christocentric interpretation of the Word and a Christocentric interpretation of the world, the trinitarian contours of which all believers should be familiar with.In this episode, I give a little bit of the back stories of how this work came together and how the fusion of hermeneutics, Biblical Theology, and worldview thinking can benefit the Church for such a time as this. Part 1 lays the groundwork for interpreting the Word. Part 2 is a rubber meets the road extending reading and test case from the Old Testament. Part 3 concludes with a Christocentric vision of the world.In unabashedly confessional Calvinist fashion, the book shows how the rays of Christocentrism shine forth in the midst of the endarkenment of medieval interpretive sensibilities such as found in the Quadriga. Finding the Bible's meaning involves not an ascent to higher realms of spiritual meanings, but a sometimes arduous descent and digging into the text of Scripture. No dualism exists in the Word. The Bible's meaning is at once nothing more than literal and nothing less than spiritual. This same posture is taken in order to rightly "see" the world. In His light, we see light. In the pursuit of faith seeking understanding, God's truth is all truth! Readers will be able to use this book as a resource at Church, in small groups, at home, Bible College, Seminary, and of course, by yourself with your Bible under a tree!  Take up and read a free preview! 

What's on the menu for today's discussion? Topical? Textual? Verse by verse?No! It's the other white meat: Redemptive Historical Preaching!I would actually liken it to red meat since Redemptive Historical Preaching is a form of Expository Preaching. From the vaults of the "Cross-Eyed" Podcast with Bryant Rueda, we are serving up much food for thought concerning the Redemptive Historical approach to preaching. * Why is Redemptive Historical Preaching Important?* What is its relation to Christ-centered hermeneutics?* Is there a Redemptive Historical formula or algorithm to follow?* Do we set aside a Literal-Grammatical Hermeneutic?* Is it Scriptural?* and more!In today's environment, the Redemptive Historical approach to preaching may seem alien. Is Redemptive Historical preaching from Mars and Expository Preaching from Venus?Gird your loins as we scratch the surface on the theory and nuts and bolts of Redemptive Historical Preaching!"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:12-14 (KJV).Resources:https://urbanpuritano.com/podcast/cross-eye-biblicism-a-back-to-basics-conversation-featuring-bryant-ruedahttps://urbanpuritano.com/podcast/biblical-interpretation-according-to-calvinismhttps://urbanpuritano.com/podcast/a-christocentric-alley-oophttps://urbanpuritano.com/podcast/jerusalem-and-jesus-the-shadow-of-christ-in-the-conquest-of-zion

FROM THE VAULTS! This episode was recorded at the end of 2023. Better late than never!I was like a fly on the wall to the weekly Pastoral Prayer and Care Meeting where the Pastor and two Pastoral Assistants, Matt and Stephen, conduct a Lord's Day Service review, pray for each other and the church, and plan ahead for ministry.Little did we know how much on the verge of WW3 2024 would be! Regardless of the chaos, however, I was encouraged to hear how committed to faithfully proclaiming God's Word these men were. Among the topics we scratched the surface of were:* Confessionalism* Seminary* Church Life* Egalitarianism* Christendom* Christian Nationalism* Moscow Mood* Political Theology* Reformed 2K* A Republic if you can keep it* Two Tables of the Law* The Church's Purpose* Discerning the Times* and more!I greatly appreciate the wide range of issues that are on their pastoral radar and the desire to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. These gifted brethren bleed Bibline! 

There once was a pastor from ScotlandWhose name was Begg, not McLachlanOut of no where one dayTo old ladies he'd sayBring gifts and attend that transgender function.Well, despite my attempt at capturing one particular example of doctrinal and pastoral decay in American Evangelicalism, am I really that far off? Poetically, yes. Actually, no. Allow me to extend podcast hospitality to two guests in discussing their article and their mention of the now infamous case of Alistair Begg's advice to a troubled soul concerning participation in a transgender wedding mirage ceremony. Pastor Brandon Myers and Scott Polender.What can be assessed based on the known facts? Is theological triage applicable here? Should ministers circle the wagons around Begg's ministry and counsel? Has Scripture been faithfully interpreted and applied? Is repentance by those who disagree with Begg in order or does Begg need to repent for the way he handled Scripture and this counsel to a troubled conscience?   Read the article that first shined the light on this and other symptoms of doctrinal decay:The Desperate Decay of Doctrine in American Evangelicalism - American Reformer

Un Devocional Expositivo de Romanos 1:16-17 | El Evangelio de la Reforma es el Evangelio de las Escrituras 

On today's episode, Pastor Brandon Myers of Christ the King Reformed Baptist Church joins me for a chilled out conversation along the banks of the Tiber River. What are some areas of appreciation and even possible alignment with Romanists in common cause for the common good? What hath Papists to do with "separated brethren"? Well, our conversation covers four broad areas of possible cooperation with our Roman Catholic friends. Join me with your preferred cigar and adult beverage on the banks of the Tiber as we scratch the surface on culture, common ground, and co-belligerency with our Roman Catholic friends. 

Let's be real. Family worship is a little known subject among evangelicals. It is more known and practiced among Dutch Reformed denominations. Anecdotally speaking, I've known and worked closely with Presbyterians in my life, and although it's a known subject, it isn't practiced as much as you may think. Same goes for Reformed Baptists. But overall, this situation is changing as more resources are produced. Family worship is having a renaissance of sorts.Welcome to Urban Puritano. On today's episode, we scratch the surface on a valuable resource for family worship, the Family Worship Bible Guide, published by Reformation Heritage Books. Gird your loins and stay tuned. #LayingTheFoundation#TransformYourHome

Disputes among Christians on social media are funny...until they aren't. When things heat up, it's either someone's intelligence, integrity, or orthodoxy being questioned. When things calm down, we are told to keep discussions focused on doctrines, not dudes.The same thing can be seen in the discussions of the needlessly frustrating topic of Biblicism. What is Biblicism and why does it matter? I bet you're wondering what side I'm on.Recent developments on the history and use of the term have me thinking: does original use preclude others from co=opting it for their purposes? Is a pejorative sense of Biblicism the only one? Who decides?Perhaps our theological betters are to be followed with an implicit faith and lesser creatures should just go along as many pastors and podcasters have done.Hey, thanks for listening to my podcast! As always, gird your loins as we scratch the surface of Biblicism!Dont forget to check out urbanpuritano.com for more content. 

Welcome, once again, to Urban Puritano!On today's episode, we scratch the surface on a classic allegory of the Christian life according to good ol' fashioned classical Calvinism: The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.Charles Spurgeon once said of Bunyan, "...his very soul was saturated with Scripture...he cannot give us his Pilgrim's Progress...without continually making us feel and say, 'Why, this man is a living Bible!' Prick him anywhere--his blood is Bibline, the very essence of the Bible flows from him."The edition I'll be working with is the Young Reader's Christian Library published by Barbour Publishing. It's a small, illustrated abridgement that I probably picked up at Half Price Books some time ago. I supplemented the reading with an assist from The Pictorial Pilgrim's Progress from Moody Publishers for the ending scene.Gird your loins and stay tuned for an educational, edifying, and encouraging episode that can serve as a springboard for you to explore other unabridged editions of this important and delightful book of unadulterated Calvinism.

We live in a world that offers competing forms of Revelations and Traditions. In the Church, one or the other or perhaps a combination of the two are set forth as a Rule of Faith.But what type of Revelation or Tradition is offered in the Bible? Is the Bible a sufficient Rule of Faith or is it inherently in need of a parallel source of material that constitutes, in perpetuity, an equal Rule of Faith distinct from Holy Writ?Whether it's the Rich man being told that the writings of Moses were sufficient to testify to his brothers to avoid eternal, conscious torment or the Bereans being commended for verifying Paul's preaching and teaching by searching the Scriptures for themselves, the Bible must be consulted to decide the issue of what constitutes the Rule of Faith, doesn't it?This episode is brought to you by Psalm 119!

You, too, can be a Master of Sacred Scripture! The Scripture of the Old and New Testament is unique theological literature. The inspired Word of God is Special Revelation. From God to us through His messengers throughout time, space, and redemptive history. As such, it is understandable via ordinary methods of learning appropriate to its nature. After all, its nature is to communicate. Therefore, don't despair!You, too, can grasp the communicative intent of God's Word. The question is, "How?"Some say a Literal Grammatico-Historical method will do the trick. Others argue for a Redemptive-Historical method. Still, others opt for various other methods. What are some basic, Biblically informed presuppositions that affect the nitty-gritty work of "opening the Scriptures"? What should be the confessional Calvinist's interpretive control beliefs for the concrete work of drawing out a true sense of Scripture?Today's episode is a chilled out conversation from Bryant Rueda's Cross-Eyed Podcast from 2022 where we scratch the surface of such matters. Get busy reading the Word or get busy dying! Hope it is stimulating and a blessing to you! Suggested resources for further study:The Reformation and the Right Reading of Scripture by Iain ProvanA Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible: Playing by the Rules by Robert SteinHermeneutics as Apprenticeship: How the Bible Shapes Our Interpretive Habits and Practices by David I StarlingBiblical Hermeneutics: Five Views (Spectrum Multiview Book Series) by Stanley Porter(Editor), Beth Stovell (Editor)Engaging the Old Testament: How to Read Biblical Narrative, Poetry, and Prophecy Well by Dominick S. HernándezOpening Scripture  by Patrick FairbairnAll Roads Lead to the Text: Eight Methods of Inquiry into the Bible by Dean B. DeppeA Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised by Miles V. Van PeltA Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized by Michael J. KrugerAs always, keep it locked on urbanpuritano.com and check out https://youtu.be/VZB4o1zHODM for the original podcast from which today's episode was chopped and screwed! Thanks to Bryant "John Donne" Rueda!

Once upon a time, a budding, young Calvinist preacher heard a guest preacher preach a sermon on a robust Text of Scripture. He was excited as he anticipated a rich, spiritual banquet on Acts 8:26-35 which consists of the hybrid textuality of a dialogue between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch concerning a Messianic prophecy in Isaiah. Alas, the budding young Calvinist (and the rest in the congregation, whether they recognized it or not) were instead treated to a sub-Christian sermon on that Lord's Day. Why, you may ask? Because all in attendance were exhorted to "Be in order to do."What about God? What about the Gospel?As you consider this passage of Scripture, keep in mind:Both Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch were sinners. According to their fallen nature, separated from God and each other. But God's grace  overcomes man's sin. God promised that He would extend His grace towards undeserving sinners just like them regardless of their status or history. Moreover, God provided His Only Begotten One as glorious fulfillment of that promise of grace and redemption. Why? Because God and God alone saves sinners!This is precisely the Good News we all need. Salvation is centered on Christ alone, not in any way supplemented by us. As a Puritan once said, "To supplement Christ is to supplant Christ."Therefore, people like Philip, the Ethiopian eunuch, and YOU can receive salvation because it has been accomplished by God in Christ as foretold in the Old Testament and gloriously fulfilled in the New Testament. Today's episode will scratch the surface on a relatively easy entryway into a Christ centered reading and preaching of Scripture by attempting to kill multiple birds with an Ethiopian stone. Gird your loins!

The Bible records the long, post-fall struggle between believers and the tyranny of sin. Oftentimes that tyranny takes the form of hostile governing authorities. Even theocratic Israel under human kings would have a propensity towards injustice. Remember what God told the prophet Samuel?So, how is the Christian to relate to Caesar when Caesar is schizophrenically equal parts secular and pagan? What principles can we find in the Bible? Does one size fit all? Despite the bluster often found in online echo chambers, the rubber has to meet the road in actual circumstances--not the over realized eschatology of the vivid theo-brosical  imagination. But whatever the circumstances, God has spoken unequivocally in His Word.What saith the Lord?Are we to embrace the imperial suck as Daniel did under Nebuchadnezzar? Was the Apostle Paul wrong to actively avail himself of his rights as a Roman citizen? What can American Christians do as the culture crumbles all around them while governing authorities cheerlead on the sidelines?Gird your loins for a fiery, but mostly peaceful episode on Political Biblicism!

Today, we scratch the surface on what made the Puritans so special. Was it their politics, their agenda to purify the worship of the church, or their theology? The Puritans are often the whipping boys for Romanists and secularists alike. But, too often, the Puritans are thrown under the bus even by their own spiritual heirs. What made the Puritans so special, in my humble estimation, was their preaching in both content and style. Stay tuned as we scratch the surface on the elements of Puritan Preaching and offer a brief sermon, originally preached in Spanish, patterned after Puritan homiletical method. Gird your loins and stay tuned as we follow the method to their madness! Theory and Practice unite! Urban Puritano! Living unto God! Jesus is King!(No wiccans were harmed in the production of this episode. Just a few trees).

The Apostle Paul Wrote a detailed and systematic explanation of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. His audience was a diverse metropolitan mix of believers. Urban Christians! Aren't we all? Paul's method of missionary fund raising is as counter intuitive as God's work of redemption in Christ. Romans is Paul's tour de force theological treatise concerning God's tour de force purpose of acquiring a people for all of history. God's Word to all of us is to know His will in salvation. For that to take hold, Paul had to explain the nature of our predicament and why it is so great. Therefore, he also needed to explain why believers all stand in so great a debt of so great a salvation.That sinners can be acquitted for transgressing God's holy standards is the greatest news possible! Episode 13 covered the first part of an essay on Romans that Reformed theology stalwart, Gordon H. Clark, wrote for the Biblical Expositor in 1960. We continue in this episode to look over the shoulder of one who traced the argument of the Apostle Paul and, therefore, the Holy Spirit. What follows for the normal Christian once believers are by grace through faith acquitted for their sins? May God cause teachers, preachers, pastors, church planters, and lay people to get the Gospel right for the glory of God and the good of His people!

The providential intersection of lives often leads to unexpected outcomes. In light of Pastoral Appreciation Month and on the eve of Reformation Day, we offer a chilled out conversation with Pastor Brandon from Christ the King Reformed Baptist Church and talk about his road to and through the ministry.Whether you are Baptist or Presbyterian, pastoring a church requires grit. Church Eldership is not for the faint of heart. What theology best serves as the foundation for God-glorifying pastorate? You guessed it: Reformed Theology. Robust, realistic, and always rallying to the Word of God for the people of God!https://christthekingrbc.org/https://christthekingrbc.org/church-bloghttps://christthekingrbc.org/church-blog/jerusalem-and-jesus-the-shadow-of-christ-in-the-conquest-of-zion

The Apostle Paul wrote a detailed and systematic explanation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His audience was a diverse metropolitan mix of believers. Urban Christians! (Aren't we all?)Paul explained that we are all great sinners who are in great need of so great a salvation. As we approach the anniversary of the Reformation, let's start the celebration early by listening to what a Reformed stalwart of yesteryear wrote on the Reformation's central tenets. Gordon H. Clark wrote what he called a "bare outline" in the Biblical Expositor of 1960 on Paul's Epistle to the Romans. May God cause teachers, preachers, pastors, and church planters to get the Gospel right for the glory of God and the good of His people!

The Covid-19 pandemic turned this country's workers into patients, worshippers into zoomers, and its citizens into subjects. We are now denizens. Strictly speaking, it's not Covid's fault. The fault lies squarely at the feet of the ruling class at the federal, state, and local levels. The medical industrial complex (Big Pharma and Big Government with its useful idiots in the complicit media) successfully transformed healthcare's medical paternalism into medical tyranny. Seemingly, overnight.Where were Christian ethicists? There were lockdowns, school closures, businesses ruined, parks filled with sand, vaccination passports, and thousands coerced to receive a medical intervention to retain employment they were carrying out before Covid-19 vaccines were available. Informed consent? Coercion? Therapeutic proportionality? Autonomy in assessing beneficence and non-maleficence?Where was the Church? Does the Christian faith have moral eyes and ears or an ethical voice or is she deaf, dumb, and blind to the concerns of the common man? Does the sovereignty of God in the area of ethics even apply or must Christians accept the utilitarian ethics of soft totalitarianism? I am simply asking the questions.There will be a reckoning. It's already started...

The right reading of Scripture neither bifurcates the Old from the New Testament nor the literal from the spiritual sense of Scripture. In fact, "when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly." Are you an audacious or an arrogant interpreter of Scripture? 2 Samuel 5:6-10 is a fascinating test case for a seriously literal, full, single sense, Christocentric understanding of Scripture. I know "manifold" (multiple or many) senses of Scripture are becoming all the rage amongst a few Protestant scholars, some pastors, and their seminarian whippersnapper acolytes. But a seriously single sense of Scripture should be embraced by all Protestant believers because it emerges from Scripture itself. After all, the Reformation's "Dangerous Idea" is that the Bible was addressed to the populace at large and that because the Scripture is perspicuous and rational, a correct understanding is within everyone's reach. Scripture's message is sufficiently clear and evident to all who apply a due use of the ordinary means. The conquest of Zion as detailed in 2 Samuel 5:6-10 has deeper, not dual or quadruple, meaning. Let's take a look and scratch the surface on Jerusalem and Jesus: The Shadow of Christ in the Conquest of Zion.

The providential intersection of lives often leads to unexpected outcomes. Today, we offer a chilled out interview with Pastor Moisés from Iglesia Cristo el Redentor and talk about his road to and through the ministry. From Amistad Cristiana to Nuevo Pueblo (an OPC Church Plant ministry) to Cristo el Redentor. Learning from diverse and various experiences and people is God's providential design. Whether you are Baptist or Presbyterian, church planting requires grit. Church planting is not for the faint of heart. What theology best serves as the foundation for God-glorifying church plants? You guessed it: Reformed Theology. Robust, realistic, and always rallying to the Word of God for the people of God! 

The beauty of God's Word is that whether you read it with a Systematic Theology lens or a Redemptive Historical lens, you will always find coherence and consent of its parts. In EP 8, we scratched the surface on the spiritual dynamic that gave birth to the Church and the ensuing spiritual antithesis that was realized after Genesis 3:15. We perceived a theological resonance between the enmity God graciously and sovereignly placed within redeemed mankind and the serpent and what the Scriptures later develop as the doctrine of effectual calling. We continue our consideration of the people of God as an assembly of the saints through the Biblical motif of the "kingdom of God". Gird your loins and attune your heart to the theological resonance found in Scripture concerning the kingdom of God. 

The Biblical Doctrine of the Church is so multifaceted that it can hardly be exhausted in one passage of Scripture, one podcast episode, one Sunday School lesson, one sermon, or even a seminary education. The doctrine of the Church is deeply rooted in multifaceted motifs and theologies that its exploration begins in this life and will continue on throughout eternity. In broadest terms, the "Church" refers to the whole body or number of believers that have been, are, or shall be recipients of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ, whether they are in heaven or on earth, whether from Old Testament times or from New Testament times and forward. The point is that anybody truly saved by grace has efficaciously been summoned from this sinful state and gathered into one new body under Christ.Today's episode scratches the surface on the spiritual dynamic that gave birth to the Church and ensuing spiritual antithesis that was realized after Genesis 3:15.RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised (Edited by Miles V. Van Pelt)Reformed Confessions Harmonized (Edited by Joel Beeke & Sinclair Ferguson)The Mystery of Christ: His Covenant & His Kingdom (By Samuel Renihan)Los Pastores y El Rebaño (By Humberto Casanova Roberts)

What does the prayer life of a disciple of Jesus look like? On today's bonus episode of Urban Puritano, we continue our exploration of Expository Preaching. My method is eclectic. Broadus-Robinson, Greidanus-Chappell, Beeke-Bunyan. A Text is analyzed according to its subject and complement in order to arrive at the sermon's proposition. A Fallen Condition Focus is infused throughout the message which goes from abasing man to exalting Christ for His provision in His offices. The Biblical Text is privileged with the understanding that no Biblical Text is an island unto itself. Today's Text is Luke 11:1-13."Prayer According to Jesus, Part 1"I. Introduction  A. Secular Point  B. Personal Point  C. Biblical Point  D. Theme Announced/Text Read  E. Prayer for IlluminationII. Body of Sermon    A. Doctrine: The prayer life of a disciple of Jesus should be characterized by the priorities of the Father's Kingdom        1. What Jesus provoked in His Disciples        2. What Jesus provided for His Disciples            a. The Preface: "Father"            b. First Petition: "Hallowed be your Name"            c. Four Uses or Words of Application            d. Second Petition: "Your Kingdom come"III. Conclusion-Summary    

¿Cómo se vé la vida de oración de un discípulo de Jesús? En el episodio de hoy, continuamos nuestra exploración de la predicación expositiva. Mi método es ecléctico. Se analiza un Texto según su tema y complemento para llegar a la proposición del sermón. Un enfoque de condición caída se infunde a lo largo del mensaje. Todo debería conducir a un mensaje que humilla al hombre y exalta a Cristo según el pasaje. El Texto Bíblico siempre es privilegiado.Estén atentos al mensaje basado en Lucas 11:1-13. Se titula, "La Oración Según Jesús, Parte 1"I. Introducción  A. Punto Secular  B. Punto Personal  C. Punto Bíblico  D. Tema Anunciado y Pasaje Leído  E. Oración por IluminaciónII. Cuerpo del Sermón   A. La Vida de Oración de Un Discípulo de Jesús Debería Ser Caracterizada Por Las Prioridades del Reino Del Padre       1. Jesús Provocó En Sus Discípulos el Deseo de Orar Por Su Ejemplo Constante       2. Jesús Proveyó A Sus Discípulos el Currículo de la Oración           a. El Prefacio - "Padre"           b. Primera Petición- "Santificado sea Tu Nombre"           c. Cuatro Palabras de Aplicación           d. Segunda Petición- "Que Tu Reino Venga Pronto"   B. Conclusión- Resumen

Both scholars and laymen can by the same means arrive at the answer to how a holy and just God can bless rebellious, sinful mankind with salvation. As it was before for shepherds, warriors, royalty, and fisherman; as it continued to be for monks, maidens, lawyers, and tinkers; so the Bible's message continues to be now — sufficiently “clear and evident” to all who would apply “a due use of the ordinary means.” On this edition of Urban Puritano, we scratch the surface on the topic of Biblical Interpretation According to Calvinism. What are the contours of a Reformed reading of Holy Scripture?I. Intro - Calvinism approaches Holy Scripture as the absolute word of the absolute God.II. What is Interpretation? 2:54III.Why is Interpretation Necessary? 4:55IV. Going Forward 8:43V. The Posture of Calvinism 10:17VI. Underlying Assumptions and Starting Points 13:42VII. Suggested Reading Strategies for Understanding Scripture 35:48VII. Conclusion - Take up and read your Bible! 41:08

On today's episode (Episode 4) of Urban Puritano, we're having a Gospel Celebration! What is the Gospel all about? Why is it so simple a child can understand it and so profound that a philosopher-theologian can spend a lifetime studying it? Even angels contemplate and ponder the Gospel's message. What do you do with the Gospel? Are you ashamed of it or is it your highest honor and privilege? Let's scratch the surface of Romans 1:16-17 and find out what the Gospel essentially consists of!Background: According to the thrust on Romans 1: 1-15, the Gospel is a message concerning Jesus Christ, God's Son. This message originated with God and He revealed His plan and promises concerning Jesus Christ throughout His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. It is referred to as the gospel of His Son, who was resurrected from the dead and through whom we have received grace. The Gospel, then is a message of grace or unmerited favor for sinners among all nations. Why is this Christo-centric Gospel message even necessary? What does that imply about God? What does it imply about us? One major implication is: outside of God's grace in the Christ of Holy Scripture, there is nothing but bad news. Due to what we are, unrighteous, and due to what God is, absolutely righteous, we stand in need of the verdict against us to be overturned. This is very bad news, indeed.However, the thrust of the verses preceding vv 16-17 lead us in the direction of some other news. This other news isn't simply something we can take or leave. In light of our irremediably great predicament, the theme of vv 16-17 is good news.That is what the word "gospel" means. The gospel of Christ is good news for the sinner precisely where he needs it the most.What, then, does the Gospel message consist of? We will answer that question under two headings.(1) The Gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes it.(2) The Gospel reveals the righteousness of God from faith, to faith, and by faith.The conclusion of the matter is as this quote attributed to Martin Luther: "When I look at myself, I don't see how I can be saved. But when I look at Christ, I don't see how I can be lost." Or as Augustus Toplady wrote in "Rock of Ages": "Not the labor of my handsCan fulfill Thy law's demands;Could my zeal no respite know,Could my tears forever flow,All for sin could not atone;Thou must save, and Thou alone.Nothing in my hand I bring,Simply to Thy cross I cling;Naked, come to Thee for dress;Helpless, look to Thee for grace;Foul, I to the fountain fly;Wash me, Savior, or I die.While I draw this fleeting breath,When my eyes shall close in death,When I rise to worlds unknown,And behold Thee on Thy throne,Rock of Ages, cleft for me,Let me hide myself in Thee."To God alone be the glory! Salvation belongs to the Lord! Let's pray that God may use us to advance the Gospel wherever our cities of destruction may be until we reach the Celestial City. See you next time or see you in glory! 

On today's episode of Urban Puritano, we begin the first of many explorations in expository preaching. In Español. My homiletical approach is eclectic. Broadus-Robinson. Greidanus-Chappell. Beeke-Bunyun. Subject-Complement, Big Idea, Fallen Condition Focus, Propositional, Experiential, Reformed, and hopefully, I privilege the text. What text you may ask? Hebrews 3:12-19.Stay tuned for a message called, "Great Danger of Unbelief."I. Introduction    A. Secular Point   B. Personal Point   C. Biblical Point w/brief background of passage   D. Subject Stated w/ Hebrews 3:12-19 Read   E. PrayerII. Body of Sermon   A. First Danger of Unbelief Stated: The Danger of Walking Away From the Living God       1. Your Heart is the Heart of the Matter       2. Unbelief is a Sin That Foments Other Sins   B. Transition Question: How Can We Combat Unbelief?       1. Harden Not Your Hearts       2. Hear the Voice of Jesus in His Word       3. Faith Comes By Hearing and Hearing By the Word of God   C. Uses/Application       1. A Word of Comfort- The Qualities of Saving Faith       2.A Word of Comfort Cont'd - Personal AppealIII. Conclusion-Summary and Final Statement

What are the implications of a Christian worldview for Education?

In the inaugural episode of Urban Puritano, I consider Christian Education through the lens of worldview thinking. Although worldview thinking has fallen on hard times, I still think it is quite amenable to Reformed Theology. But you don't have to be a cage stage Calvinist to benefit from my dark predestinarian ruminations. My question for you, fellow pilgrim, is this: Is it possible to see Christ in all of Education?