Podcasts about berkhof

We are going to take a look at one of the most complicated and comforting mysteries in the Bible. How is Jesus in one Person able to have a fully divine nature and a fully human nature? There is one sense in which that mystery is simply left at that: a mystery. As one theologian put it: “We are simply told what Jesus is, without any attempt to show how He became what He is…It has always recognized the incarnation as a mystery which defies explanation. And so it will remain, because it is the miracle of miracles” (Berkhof, 321). ‌ But just because we can't explain how this mystery works, doesn't mean we can't be awed by viewing it. I can't possibly explain how a star manages for most of its life not to be crushed by its own gravity or how a hunk of rock and gases emit light, but I can still be captured by its beauty in the night sky. ‌ Now, unlike a star, Jesus is more than someone to admire and ultimately worship and obey. He's not less than that, but the angle that I want to take a look at today is the comforting aspect of knowing who our God is.   The last couple of weeks, we have been examining the Person of Jesus. The first week of Advent, we look at Jesus' divinity, as clearly seen in John 1:1-14 . Next, we saw the humanity of Jesus out of Luke 2:52 Now, we are going to look at those two elements together and see what it means for Jesus to be the Godman. Again, how this works is a mystery beyond human mental capability, but what this means for us is well within our grasp to understand and worship. ‌ We will consider this chapter under a couple of broad headings. The first is Jesus is the King of all Kings. Second, Jesus is the reconciler of all things, and Third, Therefore, Jesus is your sole Hope  

Hij kwam ooit te werken als stagiair werken bij Autobedrijf Van Mossel, trad na afronding van zijn studie in dienst en nam al snel het bedrijf over. Vandaag de dag heeft van Mossel Automotive een hoofdkantoor en logistiek centrum op een terrein van bijna 13 hectare. En is daarmee de grootste automotive groep in de Benelux. Naast de auto's is er een andere grote liefde! De paardensport! En dat heeft hij niet van een vreemde. Met zijn vader als voorbeeld zag hij al heel jong de combinatie van de auto en paardenbusiness. En gaf daar zijn eigen draai aan. Hij is jaren een bekend gezicht in de topsport en fokkerij. Trouwe sponsor van de paardensport en hij heeft met heel veel topruiters samengewerkt. Op zijn stal de Margaretha Hoeve wordt de paardenfokkerij, sport en handel optimaal met elkaar gecombineerd. En niet alleen de in- en verkoop van paarden, maar ook de samenwerking tussen de Margaretha Hoeve en het autobedrijf. Ik ontmoette hem tijdens een bijeenkomst van DITDOENPAARDEN op Jumping Amsterdam. En was erg onder de indruk van zijn mening, visie en kennis. Na het uitwisselen van de kettingbrief van "De Paardenkrant" was het toch echt tijd om een keer meer te weten over deze man…. En vandaag is het zover.. je gaat luisteren naar een podcast met niemand minder dan Eric Berkhof!

Steve, Dana, and Lee take up the topic of hermeneutics...the science of studying and interpreting the Bible. What is the proper way to interpret the Bible? What are the pitfalls we should look out for?*********************************************************************Library Ladder Links: Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 1: Revelation and God"The Water and the Blood: How the Sacraments Shape Christian Identity" Berkhof's Systematic Theology*********************************************************************Website: rbcbellefontaine.comIntro Music: “Thunder” by Telecasted

Episode Synopsis:Paul's first Corinthian letter was written to deal with divisions in the Corinthian church.  He's received a letter from the Corinthians asking him about how to deal with the Greco-Roman pagans around them, as well as how to handle professing Christians who either did not understand, or implement the apostle's instructions.  In Ephesus, where Paul was residing, someone who had just come from Corinth passed on to Paul the news that the Corinthians had misunderstood his written response to their letter.  Paul also received a delegation from the Corinthian church asking a whole series of questions, which Paul must address.  The news from Corinth was disturbing.  Paul's response to this serious situation is the letter we now know as 1 Corinthians.When you begin to summarize the content of 1 Corinthians (in order to answer the “what is in the letter question”), you notice something rather remarkable for a situational letter like this one specifically written to address divisions beginning to appear within the Corinthian congregation.  Paul's response is not to scold them (although there is a bit of exhortation), but to teach them the correct doctrine, which is then to be applied to each of the difficult situations brought to his attention.  This makes for a rich theological letter in terms of doctrinal content worked out with a great deal of practical application.Paul's thesis statement is set out in 1 Corinthians 1:10: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”  The two primary sources of contention which Paul must address are those typical of Greco-Roman paganism–sexual immorality and idolatry, along with the Corinthian tendency to boast about their personal accomplishments.  Paul must remind these new Christians of what he had taught them when he had been with them previously.  God's grace revealed in Christ's death and resurrection and the gift of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings about an entirely different set of ethics and morality to those in Christ's church.  Love for fellow members of the family of God is to characterize the Corinthian church, not petty divisions.  The divisions in Corinth must cease since the church is the body of Christ, Paul's apostolic authority to address such matters was given to him by Christ so it is to be accepted, and Christ's church should reflect the new creation which Jesus has brought about through his cross and resurrection.If you take a look at any of the best known Reformed systematic theologies (say Berkhof, Bavinck, and Turretin), you will find that the number of biblical texts cited by these writers in support of major doctrines is about the same for 1 Corinthians as it is for Romans and Ephesians.  The reason?  Paul's letter is packed with Trinitarian references.  He speaks of calling and election as the manifestation of God's grace as revealed in the gospel.  He discusses Christ's resurrection and ours in great detail–the most important discussion of the resurrection of the body in all the New Testament.  Paul addresses numerous aspects of the Christian life, much of which is centered upon love of neighbor working itself out in the situations reported to him as the chief sign that one is truly converted and which serves as the basis of Christian ethics and morality.1 Corinthians is theology applied to life.  What is Paul's theology?  How does he apply it to the Corinthians?  And what does this mean for us?   We'll discuss this and more in this episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast.For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We turn to chapter XX, “Conversion: Repentance & Faith.” This week we continue our discussion how Berkhof addre

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We turn to chapter XX, “Conversion: Repentance & Faith.” This week we continue our discussion how Berkhof addresses the doctrine of conversion focusing on faith. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Van piepklein autobedrijf in Waalwijk naar de grootste van de Benelux en wie weet Europa. Niets lijkt onmogelijk voor de Van Mossel Automotive Group. We spreken uitgebreid met topman Eric Berkhof! We zijn in het hoofdkantoor van de Van Mossel Automotive Group in het Brabantse Waalwijk en daar zitten we tussen de auto's. Met topman Eric Berkhof praten we onder meer over de autocollectie, de flinke groei van de onderneming in binnen- en buitenland, de automarkt, het overheidsbeleid, de komst van het agentuurmodel, het Chinese automerk MG en de plannen voor de toekomst.  Contact Je kunt contact met ons opnemen via autoshow@bnr.nl. Volg ons via Twitter, Facebook en Instagram. Meer luisteren? Petrolheads | Bas van Werven en Carlo Brantsen bespreken op geheel eigen wijze het autonieuws. Abonneer hier. Auto Update | Het laatste autonieuws, met Bas van Werven en Noud Broekhof. Abonneer hier.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We turn to chapter XX, "Conversion: Repentance & Faith." This week we discuss how Berkhof addresses the doctrine of conversion.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We turn to chapter XX, “Conversion: Repentance & Faith.” This week we discuss how Berkhof addresses the doctrine of conversion. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Should Christian parents send their kids to public school? Does the Bible say anything about how we should educate our children? Many are afraid to give a clear word on this controversial topic. Many think that God's Word leaves it up to us to choose what we think is best or most convenient. However, our children's education is one of the most important responsibilities of parents, and specifically fathers. How Christians educate their children will determine the future of churches and societies - so this is no small matter. I believe that God's Word does have clear guidance for us on this issue, and in this video, I lay out my case for why Christians should not send their kids to public school, but instead are obligated to give their children a distinctly Christian education. This may take the form of homeschooling, private Christian school, classical Christian education or even other creative ways. But, the main point is that if we keep giving our kids to Caesar - they'll keep coming back as Romans.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We begin a new section entitled, “The Doctrine of the Application of the Work of Redemption.” However, before getting to the work of the Spirit in applying salvation to believers, Berkhof discusses the common operation of the Holy Spirit. Participants: […]

Nooit naar een dokter geweest en nooit naar een kliniek geweest. En toch, en dit moet een enorme inspiratie zijn voor mensen die tot de ontdekking komen dat ze iets aan hun verslaving willen gaan doen, is "Tiktokker" Jimmy Berkhof (23) nu al een wonder van herstel- van verslaving! Daarbij mag je stellen dat hij heel goed gaat op dit moment. Al 19 maanden clean & sober. Wat is zijn geheim? In de editie van deze week horen we dat hij graag de boodschap - dat je je kunt bevrijden van verslaving - door geeft aan anderen.Zo plaatst hij Tiktok-filmpjes over het onderwerp, die zeer goed bekeken worden. Die zogenaamde 12e stap van herstel komt in deze aflevering uitgebreid aan bod. Met als resultaat een leerzame en uiterst boeiende podcast.Wil je deze podcast zien?! https://youtube.com/@renevancollem26 Abonneer je op dit kanaal en deel de link met mensen die er in het dagelijks leven mee te maken krijgen omdat een kind, familielid, partner of vriend verslaafd is! En natuurlijk met de mensen waarvan je voelt dat ze aan een verslaving lijden. Als je om wat voor reden dan ook geïnteresseerd bent in het onderwerp verslaving en herstel én gratis tips en info wil ontvangen, kun je je inschrijven voor mijn gratis nieuwsbrief. Via deze link (scrollen naar beneden): https://renevancollem.nl/ Lieve luisteraar, met veel liefde en plezier maak ik deze podcast! Echter een podcast maken kost geld. Wil jij meehelpen aan het verspreiden van deze podcast met de belangrijke boodschap van herstel van verslaving voor de naaste en mensen met een verslaving kan ik dat enorm waarderen! Op deze pagina kan je jouw bijdrage geven en helpen aan het verspreiden van informatie over herstel van verslaving! https://fooienpod.com/renevancollemvanverslavingnaarvrijheid Bij voorbaat vast, Dank je wel!!

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Chapter 15, “The States of Christ," is where Berkhof considers Christ in his state of humiliation and exaltation. In this

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Chapter 15, “The States of Christ,” is where Berkhof considers Christ in his state of humiliation and exaltation. In this episode, they finish their discussion of Christ’s humiliation including the credal phrase, “descended into hell,” and discuss Christ’s exaltation. […]

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Chapter 15 is, “The States of Christ” where Berkhof considers Christ in his state of humiliation and exaltation. This ep

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Chapter 15 is, “The States of Christ” where Berkhof considers Christ in his state of humiliation and exaltation. This episode we discuss Christ’s state of humiliation. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

An Interview with Allen Nelson author of A change of heart About the book "Not long ago, I was asked to write on the topic, "If Christianity is so good, why are Christians so bad?"—a question made vastly more difficult by the problem of "false professors" in the pews. I'm grateful that Allen Nelson has accessibly, persuasively, and winsomely laid out the case for restricting the title, "Christian," to the regenerate. As A Change of Heart negotiates the theological currents and rapids associated with monergism, Ordo salutes, sacraments, etc. it's chock-full of scripture citations, helpful analogies (employing The Princess Bride, spinach, buzzards, and a hostage situation), and rich quotes (such as Martyn Lloyd-Jones's "It is true of a man not only that he is in the dark, but that the darkness is also in him") . . . with even a touch of humor (referring to Jesus John 3 visit to "Nick at Night"). And Nelson's use of other voices is most impressive, so much so that I started grouping them alphabetically to see if every letter was covered. Pretty close, to include this sampling: Augustine and Ascol; Beeke, Berkhof, Bavinck, Bunyan, and Boettner; Calvin, Carson, and Cyprian; Dagg, Edwards, Flavel, Grudem, Hodge, Judson, Keach, Luther, MacArthur, Nettles, Owen, Packer, Reisinger, Sproul, Tertullian, Vaughan, and, for W, Wesley, Whitefield, Watson, and Washer. Here is a link to the podcast: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/Yv8K9PviKzb Here is a link to the book: https://freegracepress.com/products/a-change-of-heart?_pos=1&_sid=68f7175a7&_ss=r Here is the church website https://perryvillesbc.org/

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Chapter 14 brings us to a new section called, "The Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ." Berkhof first deals with a di

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Chapter 14 brings us to a new section called, “The Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ.” Berkhof first deals with a discussion of “The Names and Natures of Christ.” Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Within the second section, The Doctrine of God and Creation, chapter 10 continues the section called, “The Works of God,” where Berkhof opens up the doctrine of providence.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Within the second section, The Doctrine of God and Creation, chapter 10 continues the section called, “The Works of God,” where Berkhof opens up the doctrine of providence. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

In this episode we look at Scripture's definition of repentance and Berkhof's threefold approach of intellect, emotions and will in the repentance process. Phy also answers five questions about repentance:  how to know your repentance is genuine what to do if you repent, then sin again in the same way whether we need to repent of ignorant sins and more.   Mentioned in this episode: Milton Vincent's The Gospel Primer Berkhof's Systematic Theology

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Within the second section, The Doctrine of God and Creation, chapter 9 continues the section called, “The Works of God,” where Berkhof opens up the work of God in this chapter on “Creation.” Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

These are some of our favorite Heidelquotes. Something to think about from the Heidelcast. If you are subscribed to the Heidelcast or the Heidelblog (see below) you will receive these episodes automatically. Heidelminicast Series: Contra Postmillennialism All the Episodes of the Heidelcast How . . . Continue reading →

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Within the second section, The Doctrine of God and Creation, chapter 9 continues the section called, “The Works of God,” where Berkhof opens up the work of God in this chapter on “Creation.” Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Within the second section, The Doctrine of God and Creation, chapter 8 starts a new section called, “The Works of God,” where Berkhof begins to open up the work of God in his divine decrees and common objections […]

LuAnn's Berkhof's entire professional career has had a dimension of caregiving that has afforded her the opportunity to see the care needs of an array of people groups.  LuAnn has worked previously as a teacher, a preschool director, a teen and young adult program coordinator, a provider for people with different abilities and a caregiver to our older adults.  Each of these groups of people have specific needs but each share a common need to feel safe and valued.Luann grew up on a farm by Slayton, Minnesota, graduated from Dordt College, in Sioux Center IA, and have now lived in Sioux Falls, SD for over 30 years.

In his fervent study of God's truth, Louis Berkhof spent years crafting and refining his systematic theology. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols presents this theologian's life and work. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/louis-berkhof/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Mike quickly discusses 20 of his favorite Christian books. Beware: this show moves with rapidity! Machen – Christianity and Liberalism Berkhof – Systematic Theology Calvin – Institutes Dathenus – Pearl of Christian Comfort Sibbes – Bruised Reed Ferguson – Whole Christ Horton – Christ the Lord Fisher – Marrow of Modern Divinity Sproul – Chosen by God Fesko – Justification Bainton – Here I Stand Murray – Redemption accomplished and applied Warfield – The Plan of Salvation Anderson – To the Golden Shore: the Life of Adoniram Judson Stott – The Cross of Christ Bunyan – Pilgrim's Progress Brown and Keele – Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explained Clark – Covenant, Justification, and Pastoral Ministry Marshall – Divine Mystery of Sanctification Pink – The Attributes of God

Dit is de Let's talk medicine podcast by MedicinXP, gehost door Seyfullah Semen, waarin discussies en onderwerpen over onder andere de zorgindustrie en medicijn gebruik aan bod komen. In deze podcast komen medicijngebruikers, doctoren en mensen uit de zorg aan het woord. 1 op de 7 vrouwen heeft te maken met borstkanker een groot aantal die niet minder wordt. In deze aflevering gaan we in gesprek met Patrica Berkhof om het te hebben over haar verhaal en wat mensen zoals zij dan doormaken. Het is een enorm zwaar proces. Het is een proces geweest waarbij Patricia zichzelf is tegengekomen op allerlei vlaktes. Zij bokste bijvoorbeeld 7 keer in de week en ineens kon dat niet meer. Alles wordt op de proef gesteld. Het was zeker geen makkelijke beproeving geweest. Luister vandaag nog naar het verhaal van Patricia Berkhof!

# Introduction There have been a lot of babies born under the sun. There have been a lot of important people born. There have been a lot of incredible stories surrounding births, even ones we read in the Old Testament. Yet there is only *one* only-begotten child of the Father, there is only *one* virgin-born son, there is only *one* Christ, one Savior of men, and one birth story *gloria in excelsis*. I can't imagine how many times I've read or had read to me the birth of Christ in Luke 2. My dad read it every Christmas morning before we opened presents, and that custom continues in our house. Linus nails it in the Charlie Brown Christmas special ([reciting Luke 2:8-20](https://youtu.be/eff0cqYefYY)). It has been embellished in our collective imaginations through nativity artwork and cartoons, adding animals and condensing days into one silent night. But we will not overreact to the excellencies that came down to earth. It will take our glorification to give glory to God in the highest that He deserves. In the meantime, we try. I am not preaching these advent messages because you *must* celebrate the month of December in a particular way per se. But for good reasons, and in light of the flow of godless propaganda, in masked and maskless stores, it isn't whether or not we're thinking about the season, but *how* we will exalt and embody the grace and truth of the Word become flesh. In our series so far we've considered Mary's faith when Gabriel foretold her virgin pregnancy, followed by Mary's praise in response to Elizabeth's recognition of her blessing. Though it has only been half a chapter, forty weeks have passed since Luke 1:26 as we enter Luke 2. As in the previous messages we'll consider the passage, some theology, and a use. # The Birth of Christ - Luke 2:1-7 For however familiar the words are, there are some significant questions that turn up in this paragraph, let alone the mystery itself of the eternal God born into time and laid in a manger. **Caesar Augustus** is well known. His birth name was Octavian, nephew turned adopted son of Julius Caesar, and he was the first to don the title of Emperor from the senate (27 B.C.) as well as demanding recognition as *Dominus et Deus*, “God and Lord” (Sproul). Through him Roman rule expanded, and what is most needed for empire building and consolidation? Money (not more soldiers per MacArthur). How do you get that much money? Taxes. How many taxes can you get? You need to know how many people there are whom you can make pay. So a **decree went out…that all the world should be registered**, enrolled for a census, put on a list for the purpose of taxation. The well-known KJV ("that all the world should be taxed") jumps the translation gun. There is also some question about this census taking place during the time **when Quirinius was governor of Syria**. The Jewish historian Josephus doesn't record a census under such governorship until AD 6 (also mentioned by Luke in Acts 5:37), though there's good reason to think Jesus was born around 6-5 B.C. (which, yeah, could have been helped by better dating from the start). But Luke had collected eye-witness accounts, and Luke was helped by the Spirit. Either he meant that this was *before* that other well-known census by Quirinius, or maybe Quirinius governed twice. We can work with it either way. That **all went to be registered, each to his own town** (verse 3) lead Joseph to travel to Bethlehem (verse 4). Each's **own town** could be birthplace, hometown, place of family property holdings. The key was, this is where you got counted for paying your taxes. Apparently Joseph didn't have any family remaining there with whom they could stay. Joseph went from Nazareth to **the city of David**, which sometimes refers to Jerusalem (as in 2 Samuel 5:7), but here refers to **Bethlehem** (again in 2:11), the place where David grew up. Joseph went **because he was of the house and lineage of David**, and as we saw in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, which put Jesus into the royal line as an adopted son. It also put Jesus as the fulfillment of Micah's prophecy: > But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, > who are too little to be among > the clans of Judah, > from you shall come forth for me > one who is to be ruler in Israel, > whose coming forth is from of old, > from ancient days. (Micah 5:2) Why did Joseph take Mary with him? It's not just a question of her traveling while pregnant, but was she to be counted too (since she was also from David's house)? Was Joseph protecting her from the mean-girls' gossip back home? And was it usual, or *proper*, for an unmarried couple to travel and *stay* together? She did go with him, and she was only his **betrothed** (even if Matthew 1:24 claims he took her as his “wife”), and she was **with child**, an elegant phrase attributable to William Tyndale, since the Greek word means “pregnant.” They could have arrived a month or more ahead of time. **While they were there the time came for her to give birth**. That actually sounds *not* like they arrived in Bethlehem the night the baby arrived. But it was **the time**. We're given not as many details as we might like to know. Was it only the two of them for labor and delivery? She **gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn**. Again, “inn” may be overdoing it. The word here - κατάλυμα - could be just guest room or “private room” (unlike the specific word for “inn” - πανδοχεῖον - used in Luke 10:34); though *the* inn could point to a particular lodging place. Regardless, any and all rooms were taken due to the influx of out-of-towners. Joseph and Mary did not have the conveniences, they seem not to have had help, they were on their own with the contractions and blood and in some place where animals could have been close by. History suggested that it was a cave (so Constantine built a basilica over the site, and the Church of the Nativity was built over that). It could have been a stable, but no animals are mentioned, albeit knowing that a manger is a feeding trough for domesticated animals. *This* is the “Son of the Most High” (1:32-33)? This is the one destined for the throne of a never-ending kingdom? This is *blessing*? This is God's favor? And it was really real. She had not known a man, and she's delivered a flesh and blood, breathing little baby boy. There was absolutely zero pomp and the circumstances were about as gloriously ordinary and wearisome and isolated as they could be. # The Doctrine - Kenosis Qualified So far we've considered the doctrine of the virgin birth and the doctrine of election. The obvious doctrine here would be the Incarnation. And I do want to address a particular perspective on it, sometimes referred to as the *Kenosis* or *kenetic theory*. There is an *heretical* teaching about Jesus' birth that covers itself under the word *kenosis*. We must do better. What we can't do is avoid the question. In Philippians 2:7 Paul wrote that Jesus “emptied himself” and took the form of a servant. > though [Christ Jesus] was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but **emptied** himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:6–7 ESV) The word “emptied” is *ekenosen* (ἐκένωσεν), which means to make of no effect, to empty. In the late 19th century a German theologian named Gottfried Thomasius claimed that Jesus emptied Himself of certain divine attributes such as omnipotence and omniscience and omnipresence. Another German, Wolfgang Gess, went further, explicitly rejecting the Definition of Chalcedon and claimed that at the incarnation Jesus “ceased from His cosmic functions and His eternal consciousness” (see [Berkhof](https://www.monergism.com/kenosis)). It is popular among Christians to say that Jesus laid aside the use of His divine attributes. **But**, beloved, Paul also wrote that in Jesus “the fulness of God dwelt bodily” (Colossians 2:9). > For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell (Colossians 1:19 ESV) > For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9 ESV) God's Son did *not* give up divinity to take on humanity. How else did He know what was in the heart of man? How did He call Lazarus out of the tomb? And most important, how could He take on the sins of His people as only a man? It took a few centuries and a number of critics for some helpful clarity. The Nicene Creed and the Definition of Chalcedon acknowledge the mystery of Jesus being fully God and fully man. Christ was one person with two natures. The nature of God was joined to man when the Word became flesh (the *hypostatic union*), not the nature of God was left behind when Jesus was born. From Chalcedon: > to be acknowledged in two natures, **without confusion, without change, without division, without separation**; the distinction of natures being by no means taken away by the union Christ did **not** empty Himself of deity. So what of *kenosis*? He emptied Himself of something. It is (grammatically as well as contextually) connected to is taking on the form of a servant. He gave up the full display of His divine glory, the prerogative of being recognized and being served. He didn't give up all His glory, John said “we beheld his glory.” > And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 ESV) Yet Jesus prayed that the Father would restore His glory like it had been before the incarnation (John 17:5). > O what abasement was it for the Son of God to take our flesh? Nay, that Christ should take our nature when it was in disgrace, being stained with sin, this was the wonder of humility. (Watson, _A Godly Man's Picture_, Location 995) # The Use - A Christmas Call to Condescend Older Christians used to use the language of Christ's condescension. Today condescension almost always means to stay high and look down on another, to patronize, to act superior and treat another as lesser. The word originally meant not to treat another as low, but to get low, to give way, to defer, especially in order to serve. This is the truth of the birth and life of God incarnate. It is captured in the Christmas story. It's the call for every Christian. The kenosis in Philippians 2 is to honor Christ as the model for every Christian's humility. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 2:6) and look at what He did. I was going to say that we should be “humble for the holidays,” but who wants to hear that? How about “condescend this Christmas”? That's really hitting below the belt. You do not need to deny your privileges any more than Jesus denied His divinity. He was God. You are chosen and loved by God. But don't treat your privilege like you are precious, and don't demand that others recognize your preciousness. Ewww. Love and lower yourself to serve, to sacrifice. It's the call of Christmas. You may say, “But I'm not Jesus. I can't do that.” And half of that is true. It should make it *easier* for us to get low. This is how deceitful and masterful sin is, that it makes it harder (in the spiritual realm) for proud men to condescend than it was for the Son of God (in the metaphysical realm) to condescend. The argument is from the greater to the lesser, and to be clear, we are the lesser. He came to save us from our sins, so His name is Jesus (Matthew 1:21), and that includes our sins of acting like Christmas is about *Me*. Love loosely your preferences, traditions, timings, and let go any demands for others to grasp your glory. And remember, those who humble themselves will be exalted...by God. It's how He works (Philippians 2:5-9, 1 Peter 5:6). # Conclusion In _The Last Battle_, Lucy said, “in our world too, a stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world.” Let the substantizing of the eternal Word into flesh, the fulness of God pleased to dwell in our Lord Jesus Christ, the condescension of the beloved Son for sake of becoming a servant, expand our understanding of glory in grace and truth as well as set an example for us to do the same. ---------- ## Charge If your Christmas tree is sizeable, you can't make it stand taller by trying to pin it a couple inches off the bottom of the base, hoping those half-cent screws will hold tight and keep it upright. It's got to be grounded, all the way down. Don't try to prop yourself up, let alone put a star on your head. Condescend. In humility count others as more significant. This is the mind of Christmas. ## Benediction: > And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. > The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Philippians 4:19–20, 23, ESV)

Throughout this season we have arrived at the idea that the Church is not in itself the Reign of God, but the Reign of God is both its starting point and its goal. So that leads us to the question, how does the Church (as God's idea) address the ‘crackedness' of the cosmos (the problem of evil we explored at the beginning of the season)?  How does it ‘dramatize' and manifest grace, love, justice, and the dream of God? Join us this week in our final content episode of the season (paired with a Bar-Talk episode) as we examine the call of the Christian Community as a Counter Force and an active participant through actionable grace in the narrative of The Pathetic God.Hendrik Berkhof, Christ and the Powers. Translated by John Howard Yoder, Harrisonburg, Virginia: Herald Press, 1977 (ISBN: 978-0-8361-1820-9).David P. Gushee & Glenn H. Stassen, Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. Second Edition, Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2016 (ISBN: 978-0-8028-7421-4).Stephen Charles Mott, Biblical Ethics and Social Change. Second Edition, New York: Oxford University Press, 2011 (ISBN: 978-0199739370).Readings: ‘The Church and the Powers', Berkhof, Chapter 5‘Salt, Light, Deeds' and ‘Thy Kingdom Come', Gushee & Stassen, Chapters 10 & 17'The Church as Counter-Community', Mott, Chapter 7**Also Check out our BONUS EPISODE! BAR Talk: The conversation after class and on-tap. Reflecting on the season... and what comes next!**Contact Us!Twitter: @PodLmdFacebook: facebook.com/LMDPodWeb: lmdpod.buzzsprout.comEmail: lmdpod@gmail.com

Mede mogelijk gemaakt door: Bluefield Kees de Kort Elke dag, even over twaalf, bespreekt presentator Thomas van Zijl met macro-econoom en commentator Kees de Kort de economische stand van zaken.Lobbypanel Ministers die alvast even lobbyen voor miljarden bedoeld voor hun portefeuille in een volgend kabinet. En misschien wel een van de succesvolste lobbys van de coronacrisis: de horeca. Wat konden zij wel dat de cultuursector niet lukte. Dat en meer bespreken we in het lobbypanel met: Vincent Karremans fractievoorzitter VVD Rotterdam en oprichter Magnet.me en Wimar Bolhuis econoom aan de Universiteit Leiden Luister ook | LobbypanelWecovi over de gevolgen van Brexit De Nederlandse overheid waarschuwde ondernemers de afgelopen jaren veelvuldig voor de Brexit. Hoe gaat het nu, een half jaar nadat de Brexit een feit is? Hans Paul Visscher, directeur en eigenaar van Wecovi, leverancier van professionele schoonmaakartikelen, deelt zijn ervaringen.Zakenpartner Zakenpartner van deze week: Carmen Breeveld van training- en recruitment bureau Triple Talent en tevens oprichter van de Topvrouwen Academy. Ze vertelt vandaag over de niche waar haar bedrijf zich in bevindt.Contact & Abonneren BNR Zakendoen zendt elke werkdag live uit van 12:00 tot 14:00 uur. Je kunt de redactie bereiken via e-mail en Twitter. Abonneren op de podcast van BNR Zakendoen kan via bnr.nl/zakendoen, of via Apple Podcast en Spotify. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ondanks dat autoverkoper Van Mossel Automotive Groep zich in 2018 al de grootste autoverkoper van Nederland mocht noemen, zetten ze de overnames in hoog tempo door. Wanneer is het bedrijf tevreden? In de Top van Nederland een uitgebreid gesprek met Eric Berkhof, algemeen directeur van Van Mossel Automotive Groep.

Ondanks de coronacrisis wist Van Mossel Automotive groep vorig jaar een recordwinst te boeken. De grootste autodealer van de Benelux wil nu verder uitbreiden in Europa. Topman Eric Berkhof is te gast in BNR Zakendoen.

Pastor Schwertley reads from a plethora of historical sources on baptismal efficacy -from Augustine to Berkhof- in regards to the Federal Visionist's claims.

On this Christians of History episode Jens shares the life and times of Louis Berkhof, a Reformed, Dutch-American pastor, professor, and theologian who is well-known for his single-volume Systematic Theology. Tune in to learn about this fascinating figure.   Find us on: Email: doxologypodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @doxologypodcast Instagram: @doxologypodcast

Transcript(the following transcript may contain errors)Episode IntroYou and I know what it's like to be a human being. We know that we can only ever be in one place at the one time. We know that one day we're born without us even having any say in it. And then another day we'll die.But what about God? What's he like?That's what we're thinking about in this episode of Thinking Theology.Last time we began looking at the doctrine of God. In this episode we're beginning to think about the nature of God. What are the attributes of God in his very being?Podcast IntroHi. My name is Karl Deenick. I'm a pastor, theologian, writer, and Bible college lecturer. Welcome to Thinking Theology, a podcast where we think about theology, the Bible and the Christian life, not just for the sake of it, but so we can love God more, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.What Can We Say About the Nature of God?What can really say about the nature of God?Throughout the history of the church people have grappled with that very question. It's a problematic topic in some ways, because as Zophar says to Job,“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? (Job 11:7 NIV)Zophar is, of course, right. By definition it's impossible for us as humans to probe the limits of who God is and what it's like to be God.As the theologian, Louis Berkhof writes,The Being of God is characterized by a depth, a fullness, a variety, and a glory far beyond our comprehension….[1]But to say that we can't understand God completely is not to say that we can't understand anything about God at all.As Paul says in Romans 1, even creation tells us something about God's eternal power and glory. But the place where we come to know accurately about God is in the Bible. In the Bible God has revealed to us insights into who he is and what he is like.[2]The knowledge that the Bible gives us is partial, but it is nevertheless true.So, too, as Luther pointed out, the knowledge that we have of God does not describe so much what he is, but it describes the qualities or the characteristics of God. That is, we can say something about what he is like but we can't really describe his essential being.[3] There are lots of attributes that people have used to describe God.One famous list comes from the 8th century theologian, John of Damascus.[4] Or Jono of Damascus as I like to call him. He described God as,uncreate[d], unbegotten, imperishable and immortal, everlasting, infinite, uncircumscribed, boundless, of infinite power, simple, uncompound, incorporeal, without flux, passionless, unchangeable, unalterable, unseen[5]So, too, theologians have often organised them in different ways.In this and the next few episodes we're going to consider them under the headings of the nature of God and the character of God. The nature of God refers to the “non-moral” attributes of God and relate more to the being of God. While the character of God refers to the “moral” attributes of God and describe more what he is like to relate to in personal terms.The attributes I describe here follow closely the list given by the theologian John Feinberg in his book on the doctrine of God, No One Like Him. That book would be a good place to go if you want to dig into these more deeply. Feinberg lists 11 non-moral attributes of God and 9 moral attributes of God. We'll look at the moral attributes of God this time and next time. And then we'll consider the character of God in a couple of episodes time.The 11 non-moral attributes of God that he lists are: aseity (or self-existence), infinity, immensity and omnipresence, eternity, immutability, omnipotence, sovereignty, omniscience, wisdom, unity and simplicity.Self-existenceFirst, is what theologians often call “aseity” but a more helpful term is self-existence. Self-existence refers to the idea that God depends on no one else for his existence.In the last episode we saw that God just is. As Jesus says in John 5, he has life in himself. He says,For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. (John 5:26 NIV)So too, Paul says in Acts 17,The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. (Acts 17:24–25 NIV) Everything is dependent on God. And God is dependent on nothing.EternityThe next attribute is eternity. God is eternal. He has always existed and will always exist. There was never a time when he didn't exist.There are lots of passages that speak about that.For example, Psalm 90 says,Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:2 NIV)Or Psalm 93,Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. (Psalm 93:2 NIV)Or Psalm 102,In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end. (Psalm 102:25–27 NIV)Habakkuk 1:12 says,Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. (Habakkuk 1:12 NIV)In Revelation 1 we read,“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8 NIV) In Hebrews 7 it describes Jesus saying,Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life…he remains a priest forever. (Hebrews 7:3 NIV)Or again in chapter 13,Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NIV) So, too, God's characteristics are described as enduring forever. For example, Psalm 111:3 says,Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. (Psalm 111:3 NIV)Psalm 103,But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children… (Psalm 103:17 NIV) The eternity of God is also bound up with the name that he gives to Moses: “I am”. He always was and always will be. As Jesus says to the religious leaders,“Very truly I tell you…before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58 NIV)Jesus is not just saying that he existed before Abraham. He's saying that, as God, he has always been: he just is.In thinking about the eternity of God, one question that arises is whether God is eternal simply in the sense that he has always been and will always be, or whether he is eternal in the sense that he is outside time. That is, is his eternity temporal or atemporal eternity.In truth, the Bible doesn't really tell us. Some passages might seem to.So, for example, 2 Peter 3:8 says,But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. (2 Peter 3:8 NIV) But as John Feinberg points out, all the verse is saying is that God perceives time differently to us. It does not explain why he perceives it differently to us.[6]Similarly, in Psalm 90:4 we're told,A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4 NIV)Again, this verse only tells us how God perceives time, not how he relates to it. A thousand years might just seem like a day because it's next to nothing in the scale of eternity.That said, my cautious inclination is to think that God's eternity is temporal. But it's important to be clear what that means. It all depends on how you think about time. God clearly doesn't exist within time understood as the spinning of the earth on its access. Neither does God exist within time understood as in modern physics as the oscillations of the cesium-133 atom. But it could still make sense that within God himself is a notion of sequence. That is, it may be that time is not a limitation that is imposed on us because of our creatureliness, but that time (as we experience it, anyway) is actually a reflection of the character of God.That would certainly make sense of the fact that always within the Bible order matters and things taking place in time matters. That is, the nature of our relationship to God changed after the cross. The sins left unpunished were dealt with, the Holy Spirit was poured out. God's interaction with us is always historical and depends on certain events having taken place.Nevertheless, the Bible's lack of detail on the subject of how God relates to time suggests that we ought to be careful.I'm often surprised how many people seek to answer riddles in the theology by noting that God sits outside time. But not only does the Bible not speak clearly to that issue, the Bible also doesn't encourage us to seek to answer theological questions by observing that God is outside time. If that was a profitable way of reflecting on God's engagement with the world, the Bible could have set us that example, but it doesn't. And that ought to urge us to be cautious.OmnipresenceThe Bible also describes God as omnipresent, or present everywhere.So Psalm 139 it reflects on the fact that it is impossible to escape God or to end up somewhere where God can't reach us. It says,Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:7–12 NIV) An idea that is related to omnipresence is what is known as God's immensity. So in 1 Kings 8, at the commissioning of the temple, Solomon says,“But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! (1 Kings 8:27 NIV)It's not simply that God can reach everywhere, but his being is such that he cannot be contained by space.Moreover, those two ideas come together in Jeremiah 23, which says,“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:23–24 NIV)The reason there's no place that we can go where God cannot find us is because God's is present in every place. He is omnipresent.And yet, the presence of God is also a more complicated idea than that too.There are clearly times and ways in which God is especially present. So God can say to Moses in Exodus 33,My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14 NIV)Or David can write,Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. (Psalm 51:11 NIV)So, too, Jesus says,Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. (John 14:23 NIV)Or,where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. (Matthew 18:20 NIV)So, too, when Adam and Eve are forced out of the Garden on account of their sin, they are driven from the presence of God. And Cain, after murdering his brother, goes out from the Lord's presence and lives east of Eden, according to Genesis 4:16.There is a sense, then, in which God is present everywhere, but he is present in special ways in certain places and with certain people.John Feinberg distinguishes between God's ontological presence and God's relational presence. That is, God is present everywhere in his being, but his relationship to the creation and the people varies in respect of how we stand in relation to him through Jesus—whether we are his enemies on account of our sin, or his children on account of Jesus' death and resurrection in our place.For example, it's a mistake to say, as people sometimes do, that hell is a place where God is absent. Rather, hell is the place where God is present in judgement. Whereas the new creation is the place where God will be present with his people in love, grace and mercy.OmnipotenceGod is also omnipotent, or all-powerful.The biblical expression for that is “almighty”. In the New Testament, picking up on a word that is used in the Greek version of the Old Testament, God is called, pantokratōr, which literally means all-mighty.But whether using that word or other words, time and again in the Bible God is described as being all powerful.Paul says in Romans 1,For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen…. (Romans 1:20 NIV)Or Job says,“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2 NIV) So too, Jesus says to his disciples in the Great Commission,All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18 NIV)So too Jesus says to his disciples in Matthew 19,With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26 NIV)Paul describes Jesus as,far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:21 NIV)Isaiah 14 says,For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back? (Isaiah 14:27 NIV)Or Isaiah 43,Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” (Isaiah 43:13 NIV) So, too, in Hebrews we're told that Christ upholds all things (Heb 1:3), and in Colossians that “in him all things hold together” (Col 1:17).But in saying that God is almighty and all powerful, we also need to be careful to clarify exactly what we mean by that. Can God do absolutely anything? Can he, for example, sin? Can he die? Can he create another God?Importantly, the Bible also tells us that some things are impossible for God.God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. (Hebrews 6:18 NIV) if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV) When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; (James 1:13 NIV)In other words, omnipotence does not refer to God's power to do anything at all, but God's power to do anything and everything that is consistent with his nature and character.[7] But far from being a limitation that is actually the perfection of his power.SovereigntyRelated to God's omnipotence is God's sovereignty. Sovereignty refers to God's control over everything. That is, not only is God all powerful, but everything that that takes place, takes place within his will and purpose.For example, theoretically, God could be all powerful, but choose at points, not to exercise that power. God could, perhaps, have created the world and then let it run and decided not to intervene. That view is referred to as deism. We came across that in the last episode. In deism, God is like a watchmaker who makes the watch and then lets it run. But that's not the view of God that the Bible presents.Another view is that while God is all powerful, perhaps, he limits the use of his power so as not to crush human free-will. That view is often described as Arminianism, referring to famous proponent of that view Jacob Arminius, who was around at the time of the Reformation.[8]But the Bible presents God as being in control of everything with his purpose and will standing, in some way, behind all that happens, even our decisions.Paul writes in Ephesians,In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will…. (Ephesians 1:11 NIV)Or Psalm 115 says,Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. (Psalm 115:3 NIV)Or Psalm 135,I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. (Psalm 135:5–7 NIV)Or Job says of God,I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2 NIV)So, too, God's plan, purpose and power stand behind even our human acts and human decisions.Paul says in Acts 17,‘For in him we live and move and have our being.' (Acts 17:28 NIV)Proverbs 16:9 tells us that,In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NIV) Salvation, too, is grounded in God's choice rather than human desire or effort. Paul says in Romans 9,For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy. (Romans 9:15–16 NIV) Finally, even evil is not outside God's control. Famously Joseph says to his brothers in Genesis 50, that while they intended their actions for evil, God intended their actions for good.How the sovereignty of God fits within human responsibility and also with evil is a complex subject that we'll return to in a few episodes time when we look at providence or God's control over the world.But for the moment it's helpful simply to note, that not only is God all powerful, but he is sovereign over all things, everything that happens flows in someway from his purpose and will. Moreover, whatever God chooses to do is unconstrained. No one compels him to do one thing or another. His decisions are his own and arise from his own plans and motivations.[9]ApplicationGod is self-existent, eternal, omnipresent, all powerful and sovereign.And while those attributes might seem at face value a little bit complicated at times or even a bit dry, they're really important for us to understand. That's because they each of them impacts the way we relate to and trust God.God's self-existence means he is utterly reliable. He depends on no one else. Therefore, we can always depend on him.God's eternity means that God never goes away. He is not like family and friends who one day will die. Unlike them, God will never leave us nor forsake us.God's omnipresence means, as we saw from Psalm 139, that we can never escape God and no one and nothing can ever take us somewhere that God isn't with us.God's omnipotence means that nothing we face is beyond God's power.And his Sovereignty means that whatever happens, God is working all things together for the good of those who love him.Far from being academic, understanding the nature of God is deeply, deeply practical.OutroThat's it for this episode of Thinking Theology.Join me next time as we think the rest of the non-moral attributes of God: omniscience, wisdom, immutability, infinity, unity and simplicity.Please join me then.[1] Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1958), 42.[2] Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 43.[3] Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 41, 43. [4] See Gerald Lewis Bray, The Doctrine of God, Contours of Christian Theology (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 81.[5] John Damascene, “An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” in St. Hilary of Poitiers, John of Damascus, ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. S. D. F. Salmond, vol. 9b, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1899), 6.[6] John S. Feinberg, No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God, Foundations of Evangelical Theology (Wheaton: Crossway, 2001), 263.[7] Feinberg, No One Like Him, 288[8] Theses examples are taken from Feinberg, No One Like Him, 294.[9] Feinberg, No One Like Him, 294.

Which Systematic Theology would you chose? And why?

Pastor Schwertley reads from a plethora of historical sources on baptismal efficacy -from Augustine to Berkhof- in regards to the Federal Visionist's claims.

Eric and Joel place John Frame and Louis Berkhof head to head in this epic showdown of systematic theology!!! Not really, though.  In this bonus episode they use two works from two great contributors to Christian thinking and theology to help explain the means of grace in the church. Enjoy!  email us at wwreadingpodcast@gmail.com and let us know how you enjoyed the episode!  Visit us at https://www.facebook.com/WhatWeAreReadingPodcast/ and drop us a comment or review.  Leave us a review on Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-were-reading/id1505627649 

Dr. Leighton Flowers welcomes back Dr. Ken Wilson to defend his Oxford Thesis from over 15 hours of mostly fallacious and unfounded attacks by Dr. James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries. The Common Misconceptions in this Debate So Far: 1. Wilson's argument rests on Manicheanism and Augustinianism being the same worldview: This is untrue. It is not at all unreasonable to suggest that just one aspect of Manicheanism (i.e. its adherence to theistic determinism) might have influenced Augustine's interpretation of the scripture. 2. Wilson is saying Augustinianism is untrue because of its similarities with Manicheanism: This is inaccurate. It is possible for false worldviews to adhere to some aspects of truth, therefore proving that Calvinism has some link to Manicheanism doesn't prove Calvinism is false. Wilson is saying Augustinianism is not rooted or founded in the early church writings therefore it most likely originated from other gnostic, neoplatonic and Manichean roots, which brings into question its validity as the correct interpretive grid. 3. Wilson is arguing Augustinianism imports Manicheanism into Christianity because it uses similar words: This is also untrue. Just because Mani spoke of "the elect" and Calvinists also emphasize "the elect" does not mean they are necessarily linked, or even have the same definitions. Wilson is not attempting to argue that all aspects or jargon of the Manichean worldview are linked to the all aspects or jargon within the Calvinistic worldview. Wilson is only looking at the one common point of connection, namely deterministic philosophy, which was first introduced by Augustine, a former Manichean. 4. James White's criticism has accurately portrayed Wilson's arguments and showed Wilson's bias: This is demonstrably untrue as will be shown in this video and in many of the articles posted at www.soteriology101.com. 5. If it can be proven that Wilson held to preconception of the ECFs and Augustine's beliefs before doing his research, then his subsequent research is invalid: Again this is false. Even if it could be proven beyond all reasonable doubt that Wilson firmly believed the ECFs denied TULIP theology and that Augustine was the first to introduce it, this does not make his findings invalid. One would still need to demonstrate that Wilson's bias lead to poor research. ---------- Here are quotes from Reformed historians who validate the foundational claims of Wilson's work: Herman Bavinck: "In the early church, at a time when it had to contend with pagan fatalism and gnostic naturalism, its representatives focused exclusively on the moral nature, freedom, and responsibility of humans and could not do justice, therefore, to the teaching of Scripture concerning the counsel of God. Though humans had been more or less corrupted by sin, they remained free and were able to accept the proffered grace of God. The church’s teaching did not include a doctrine of absolute predestination and irresistible grace." Loraine Boettner: “It may occasion some surprise to discover that the doctrine of Predestination was not made a matter of special study until near the end of the fourth century....They of course taught that salvation was through Christ; yet they assumed that man had full power to accept or reject the gospel. Some of their writings contain passages in which the sovereignty of God is recognized; yet along side of those are others which teach the absolute freedom of the human will. Since they could not reconcile the two they would have denied the doctrine of Predestination... They taught a kind of synergism in which there was a co-operation between grace and free will... this cardinal truth of Christianity was first clearly seen by Augustine..." Robert Peterson and Michael Williams of Covenant Theological Seminary: "The Semi-Pelagians were convinced that Augustine's monergistic emphasis upon salvation by grace alone represented a significant departure from the traditional teaching of the church. And a survey of the thought of the apostolic father's shows that the argument is valid... In comparison to Augustine's monergistic doctrine of grace, the teachings of the apostolic fathers tended toward a synergistic view of redemption" (36). Louis Berkhof: "Their representations are naturally rather indefinite, imperfect, and incomplete, and sometimes even erroneous and self-contradictory. Says Kahnis: "It stands as an assured fact, a fact knowing no exceptions, and acknowledged by all well versed in the matter, that all of the pre-Augustinian Fathers taught that in the appropriation of salvation there is a co-working of freedom and grace." Berkhof goes on to admit that "they do not hold to an entire corruption of the human will, and consequently adhere to the synergistic theory of regeneration..." (130).   In other words, despite White's assertions to the contrary, there were no "monergists" before Augustine.

Grant and Ericha are joined by friend of and contributor to the network, Sondra Rowlett to jump back into their old series: Bite-Sized Berkhof. In this series the trio unpack sections of Louis Berkhof's work Manuel of Christian Doctrine. This week they discuss Berkhof's biblical view of man, sin and the fallen nature. Awakening Reformation Podcast is a part of the Reformed Rebel Network, find us online at facebook.com/reformedrebelnetwork or support the ministry at patreon.com/reformed rebel

Grant and Ericha are joined by friend of and contributor to the network, Sondra Rowlett to jump back into their old series: Bite-Sized Berkhof. In this series the trio unpack sections of Louis Berkhof's work Manuel of Christian Doctrine. This week they discuss Berkhof's biblical view of man, sin and the fallen nature. Awakening Reformation Podcast is a part of the Reformed Rebel Network, find us online at facebook.com/reformedrebelnetwork or support the ministry at patreon.com/reformed rebel

We talk about steak, Luther, Berkhof, and much more. 

The Love of God "There are many today who talk about the love of God, who are total strangers to the God of love.  The Divine love is commonly regarded as a species of amiable weakness, a sort of good-natured indulgence; it is reduced to a mere sickly sentiment, patterned after human emotion.  Now the truth is that on this, as on everything else, our thoughts need to be formed and regulated by what is revealed in Holy Scripture" (Pink, The Attributes of God, 77). One definition of God's love is the commitment of God to reveal Himself and to act toward His creatures for their benefit.  One theologian defines God's love as "that perfection of God by which He is eternally moved to self-communication" (Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 71).  Considering these descriptions we see that it is a loving act for God to reveal Himself to us.  Because God is the only being in the universe who is what He is, to reveal Himself to us is supremely loving. To know Him is the greatest pleasure for our minds and hearts. Given the notion that God loves all people in some ways and He loves some people in all ways, the nature of God's love is most stunning and stirring to those who belong to Him. First, God's love is eternal and infinite.  "The love of God is from everlasting to everlasting toward those who fear Him" (Psa 103:17).  In its duration, God's love is eternal.  In its depth, it is infinite.  Second, God's love is unconditional (uninfluenced).  He does not love us because He finds in us some attractive virtue which makes us lovable (cf. Rom5:8).  Third, God's love is faithful.  It never disappoints and never falters, regardless of the difficulties of living (cf. Rom 835-39). 

One of the attributes of God that is often named is His goodness.  Even children learn to recite this perfection in their prayer before meals: "God is great.  God is good.  And we thank Him for this food.  Amen." The goodness of God can be defined as "that perfection of God which prompts Him to deal bountifully and kindly with all His creatures" (Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 70).  The goodness of God is a general attribute of God which is displayed differently, depending on the object.  When God is good to animals and every human being, it is often referred to as His 'common grace.'  When His goodness is manifested in the salvation of His chosen ones, it is often referred to as His 'special (or specific) grace.' The reality of the goodness of God, even in a world which has much pain, cannot be denied.  The Bible is clear that God is good even to the wicked. ". . . he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (Mt 5:45); ". . . he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil" (Lk 6:35). "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (Jam 1:17).  Every breath, every meal, all hearing, all sight, every embrace, every display of love, every pleasure of our lives is unmistakable evidence of God's infinite goodness. Let us be careful not to ignore Him with any failure to give God His rightful, thankful praise.  "The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made" (Psa 145:9).

THE ONLY TRUE GOD And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True . . . and His name is called The Word of God. Rev 19:11,13 The truth of God is "that perfection of His being by virtue of which He fully answers to the idea of the Godhead, is perfectly reliable in His revelation, and sees things as they really are" (Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 69). God is true in His being.  He is the only true God.  There is a theme that runs through the Bible which emphasizes that there is only one God and that He is King of His universe and that there is no other god beside Him (Jer 10:10; Isa 45:5,6; 1 Thes 1:9; 1 Jn 5:20). God is true in His words.  This is the idea that what God has said is absolutely and utterly reliable.  His promises are true and His warnings are true (Num 23:19; 2 Sam 7:28; John 17:17). "A fixed, constant attention to the promises [of God], and a firm belief of them, would prevent anxiety about the concerns of this life.  It would keep the mind quiet and composed in every change, and support and keep up our sinking spirits under the several troubles of life. . . . Christians deprive themselves of their most solid comforts by their unbelief and forgetfulness of God's promises.  For there is no extremity so great, but there are promises suitable to it, and abundantly sufficient for our relief in it."     (Samuel Clarke [1675 - 1729], Puritan theologian in Precious Bible Promises)

The wisdom and the knowledge of God are not exactly the same characteristic, but are related.  God's knowledge is "that perfection of God whereby He . . . knows Himself and all things possible and actual . . . ." (L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 66).  God's wisdom is "that perfection of God whereby He applies His knowledge to the attainment of His ends in a way which glorifies Him most" (Berkhof, Theology, 69). "Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever; for wisdom and power belong to Him" (Dan 2:20).  It is an amazing thing to think about the blending of God's attributes.  God applies His perfect knowledge, by His unlimited power and His glorious sovereignty, to His creation in order to demonstrate His unsearchable wisdom and to attain the goals established by His holy will. God's wisdom is on display in creation.  In Psalm 104, after describing the wonders of the earth and the universe, the Psalmist exclaims, "O LORD, how manifold are your works" (Psa 104:24). God's wisdom is on display in the redemption of Christians.  "In him [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight" (Eph 1:7,8). Let our response to God's matchless wisdom be the response of the Psalmist … "May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works . . . I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being" (Psa 104:31,33).

On this episode of Deep Fried Doctrine we talk about what books we are reading, Donald Trump's impeachment probe, and climate change. 

In de eerste aflevering van deze marketing podcast gaan Israel van Bedijk, Roald van den Berkhof en Cornelis Scheltinga diep in op Marketing Automation. Geen abstracte theorieën, maar praktische tips, tricks en tools waarmee jij als marketeer direct aan de slag kunt. https://contentleaders.nl/podcast-marketing-bull-branie/ Marketing Automation tools: ActiveCampaign Agile CRM Hubspot Eloqua Act-On Meer over marketing automation: Meer over Marketing Automation en Tofu, Mofu, Bofu. Case study IQ Select

Is man body and soul? Or is mankind body, soul and spirit? Does the Bible say we are two parts or three? Also, where do our souls come from? With the help of Louis Berkhof, the Van Brimmers and Rowletts try to answer these questions and more. Awakening Reformation Podcast is a part of the Rebel Alliance Media , for other podcasts, blogs, videos and more visit rebelalliancemedia.com

The Van Brimmers are still working their way through Berkhof's Manuel of Christian Doctrine, we hope you've been enjoying this series as well roll into part 11! Once again Grant and Ericha are joined by the Scotty and Sondra who deal with the topic of PROVIDENCE. Awakening Reformation Podcast is part of the Rebel Alliance Media, to learn more about this media network dedicated to equipping Christians to engage culture with a biblical worldview, visit us at rebelalliancemedia.com

The Van Brimmers are still working their way through Berkhof's Manuel of Christian Doctrine, we hope you've been enjoying this series as well roll into part 10! Once again Grant and Ericha are joined by the Scotty and Sondra who deal with the topic of creation. Awakening Reformation Podcast is part of the Rebel Alliance Media, to learn more about this media network dedicated to equipping Christians to engage culture with a biblical worldview, visit us at rebelalliancemedia.com

The Van Brimmer still have plenty of Berkhof gold to mine in his Manuel of Christian Doctrine... Once again Grant and Ericha are joined by the Scotty and Sondra to bite off another chunk, this week discussing the doctrine of Predestination. Awakening Reformation Podcast is part of the Rebel Alliance Media, to learn more about this media network dedicated to equipping Christians to engage culture with a biblical worldview, visit us at rebelalliancemedia.com

Louis Berkhof is one of the great theological teachers in the last century. Once again Grant and Ericha are joined by the Rowlett's to bite off another chunk of Berkhof, this week discussing the Decrees of God. Awakening Reformation Podcast is part of the Rebel Alliance Media, to learn more about this media network dedicated to equipping Christians to engage culture with a biblical worldview, visit us at rebelalliancemedia.com

It might be a new year, but Grant and Ericha are still on their Berkhof kick! And why not? Louis Berkhof is one of the great theological teachers in the last century. Once again they are joined by the Rowlett's to bite off another chunk of Berkhof, this week discussing the trinity. Awakening Reformation Podcast is part of the Rebel Alliance Media, to learn more about this media network dedicated to equipping Christians to engage culture with a biblical worldview, visit us at rebelalliancemedia.com

The Bite-Sized Berkhof series continues as Grant and Ericha are joined by the Rowlett's to unpack theology. This week they tackle the Attributes of God. Awakening Reformation Podcast is part of the Rebel Alliance Media, to learn more about this media network dedicated to equipping Christians to engage culture with a biblical worldview, visit us at rebelalliancemedia.com

The Bite-Sized Berkhof series continues as Grant and Ericha are joined by the Rowlett's to unpack theology. This week they tackle the Names of God. Awakening Reformation Podcast is part of the Rebel Alliance Media, to learn more about this media network dedicated to equipping Christians to engage culture with a biblical worldview, visit us at rebelalliancemedia.com

Grant and Ericha are joined by friends Scotty and Sondra Rowlett as they take bite-sized Berkof chunks and discuss theology! This week is Berkof on the being of God! Awakening Reformation Podcast is part of the Rebel Alliance Media, to learn more about this media network dedicated to equipping Christians to engage culture with a biblical worldview, visit us at rebelalliancemedia.com

Grant and Ericha are joined by friends Scotty and Sondra Rowlett as they take bite-sized Berkof chunks and discuss theology! This week is Berkof on SCRIPTURE! Awakening Reformation Podcast is part of the Rebel Alliance Media, to learn more about this media network dedicated to equipping Christians to engage culture with a biblical worldview, visit us at rebelalliancemedia.com

Josh, Lance, and Dale discuss the doctrine of the divine decrees in their ongoing series, Evenings With Berkhof. Subscribe to our podcast! Show Notes: Louis Berkhof's, A Summary of Christian Doctrine

We discuss the attributes of God from Louis Berkhof's book, A Summary of Christian Doctrine.  We talk about the subject in the framework of his incommunicable and communicable attributes, drawing out the Creator/creature distinction and expressing how the gospel uniquely communicates to us God's attributes.   Subscribe to our podcast!

We discuss one of the fundamental truths about God - he is simple in his being.  This does not mean that God is easy to understand.  Rather, "[it] means that He is not composed of different parts, and also that His being and attributes are one" (Berkhof).  This doctrinal matter is so important that it...... Continue Reading →

We discuss the very important and foundational doctrine of Scripture, focusing on its inspiration and ultimate authority.

We discuss the concept of revelation in general then move into a fuller discussion of general and special revelation.  We also touch on the related issues of exclusivism vs. inclusivism and cessationism. Show Notes: "Must They Hear?: A Case for Exclusivism (Contra Inclusivism)" (article by Drew) To Be Continued? Are the Miraculous Gifts for Today?...... Continue Reading →

Dale and Drew kick off their systematic theology series titled "Evenings with Berkhof" where they base their discussion on Berkhof's Summary of Christian Doctrine.  They discuss the nature, seat, and origin of religion, noting how religion is not a dirty word, is defined by God's self-revelation, and is rooted in the image of God in man....... Continue Reading →

Minter Dialogue Episode #242 -- Dennis Berkhof and Marco van der Werf are the co-founders of BIT Students Foundation, based in Amsterdam, a not-for-profit way for students to learn to code for free. On the heels of this successful venture, Dennis and Marco are now looking to start the equivalent of Ecole 42 (the famous coding school started by Xavier Niel in Paris) in Amsterdam. In this conversation, we look at their adventures, how education should improve, the world of new tech through the eyes of two aspiring geeky 26 year olds, as well as how businesses could be better collaborating with startups. Meanwhile, please send me your questions as an audio file (or normal email) to nminterdial@gmail.com; or you can find the show notes and comment on minterdial.com. If you liked the podcast, please take a moment to go over to iTunes to rate/review the podcast. Otherwise, you can find me @mdial on Twitter. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/minterdial)

Aster Berkhof, die op een bepaald moment de meeste gelezen Vlaamse auteur was, heeft over de jaren heen een indrukwekkend palmares bij elkaar geschreven. Dit gesprek vond plaats naar aanleiding van De wet van Bas, een misdaadroman die Aster Berkhof schreef en die de moeilijke discussies over euthanasie aankaart. Interviewer: Bert Vereycken. Aster Berkhof. De wet van Bas. Speelduur: 9 uur en 12 minuten. Boeknummer 18797.