By Greg Gibson
Did Jesus Preach Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone?
“I would use the title “Did Jesus Preach Paul’s Gospel?”—the gospel of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, on the basis of Christ’s blood and righteousness alone, for the glory of God alone…there is the suspicion (or even conviction) that justification by faith alone is part of Paul’s gospel, but not part of Jesus’ gospel…When we start reading one of the Gospels, we already know how it ends—the death and resurrection of Jesus as a substitute for our sins (Mark 10:45; Matthew 26:28)—and we should have that ending in mind with every verse that we read.” Did Jesus Preach the Gospel of Evangelicalism? by John Piper
55 Things the Gospel Isn’t
“Here are ways we often miss the center of the Gospel. Note that these may, or may be not wrong concepts; most have truth in them, and are good things. But they are not the “center” of the Gospel. They can misguide the believer when they are taught as the center, taught as the focus, taught as the key, or become the emphasis of our teaching, because they draw attention from the true center which is person and work of Christ…The Gospel Center is Jesus’ person, work on the cross for forgiveness of sins, and his resurrected triumph over death. From that center we understand the fuller work of the triumphant Christ, from his perfect life to his enthronement and return.” 55 Things the Gospel Isn’t by Jeff Louie
Theistic Evolution vs. Christ’s Virgin Birth, Miracles, and Resurrection?
“Lastly, I am astonished by the naivete of these scholars. Do they think they can restrict the hegemony of science over Scripture to the realm of creation issues? What will science make of the virgin birth, the miracles of Jesus, and the resurrection? The 20th Century gives us the answer. Moreover, do they think they can avoid worldly scorn merely by jettisoning biblical creation, while still holding to even more obnoxious doctrines like substitutionary atonement? The hermeneutics behind theistic evolution are a Trojan horse that, once inside our gates, must cause the entire fortress of Christian belief to fall under the humanistic sword.” (GG: It’s hard to believe that God evolved the old “creation,” but created the new creation.) Theistic Evolution: A Hermeneutical Trojan Horse by Rick Phillips
Pediatricians: Homosexuality Not Genetic or Unchangable
The American College of Pediatricians: “There is no scientific evidence that anyone is born gay or transgendered. Therefore, the College further advises that schools should not teach or imply to students that homosexual attraction is innate, always life-long and unchangeable. Research has shown that therapy to restore heterosexual attraction can be effective for many people…
Dr. Francis Collins, former Director of the Genome Project, has stated that while homosexuality may be genetically influenced, it is “… not hardwired by DNA, and that whatever genes are involved represent predispositions, not predeterminations. He also states [that] “…the prominent role[s] of individual free will choices [has] a profound effect on us.
The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) recently released a landmark survey and analysis of 125 years of scientific studies and clinical experience dealing with homosexuality. This report, What Research Shows, draws three major conclusions:
(1) individuals with unwanted same sex attraction often can be successfully treated;
(2) there is no undue risk to patients from embarking on such therapy and
(3), as a group, homosexuals experience significantly higher levels of mental and physical health problems compared to heterosexuals. Among adolescents who claim a “gay” identity, the health risks include higher rates of sexually transmitted infections, alcoholism, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and suicide.”
(GG: My wife and I know 4 children who formerly acted gay. But my wife exhorted them, and they changed. We’ve also observed that adult, gay males act more feminine than females. They have to practice acting feminine because it is unnatural to them.) American College of Pediatricians: Homosexual Attraction is Neither Innate Nor Unchangeableby Kevin DeYoung
Family Worship Resources Bibliography
Teach your family to worship the Lord with this huge list of articles, sermons, books, and websites. Creating a Family Worship Time (A Compilation of Resources) by IBC Parents (HT:JG)
How to Pray for Revival in Your Church
“You can pray that God would move in way that results in:
* hundreds of people coming to Christ,
* old animosities being removed,
* marriages being reconciled and renewed,
* wayward children coming home,
* long-standing slavery to sin being conquered,
* spiritual dullness being replaced by vibrant joy,
* weak faith being replaced by bold witness,
* disinterest in prayer being replaced by fervent intercession,
* boring Bible reading being replaced by passion for the Word,
* disinterest in global missions being replaced by energy for Christ’s name among the nations, and
* lukewarm worship being replaced by zeal for the greatness of God’s glory.” Pray for an Awakening in Your Church by Justin Taylor
