Reformed Christian Studies

 By Andrew Kerr - Posted at Gentle Reformation: Introduction In light of huge need, before the Coming of the Lord, it is good to be reminded of the call to intercede. Context How does Abraham, the Man of Faith, who had been growing in covenant grace, now seek the LORD for the sparing of imminent incineration of Sodom? Intercession is Polite Though it does not quite come across so obviously in the English versions of the Bible, repeatedly, throughout the sacred, supplicatory, encounter, a deferential, mannerly, tone is employed by the Patriarch in the presence of the LORD. Intercession is Reverent The Patriarch is aware of the greatness and glory of the God to whom he prays, as Divinely Covenant King. And so he says twice "let not the LORD be angry" which is literally "let not the LORD burn". He is very careful, to avoid all inflammatory or impudent remarks. Continue here...

WTS Books.com Posted at The Reformed Reader : (This is a slightly edited repost from May, 2012) One recent trend in some calvinistic circles is the use of vulgar and crass language. It is not uncommon to hear cussing among younger males who are coming to embrace the doctrines of grace. Popular Calvinist pastors use coarse language in sermons, in tweets, on blogs, and in books (some say this is OK because it’s satire or irony). Sexual terms are used without prudence. Some calvinistic seminarians even cuss between classes like army privates in the barracks. In fact, it is “cool” nowadays to be a cussing Calvinist. (Emergents and evangelicals aren’t the only trendy Christians!) Carl Trueman interacts with cool Calvinists cussing (or cool cussing Calvinists). This is very much worth reading: “Why is it that language that would offend most of my non-Christian friends, and that they would regard as a sign of seriously limited vocabulary and deep childishness, is deemed by some

Adolphe Monod - Wikipedia Posted at Grace Gems : "I regret having regulated my life too much upon my own plans — I mean upon my plans of faithfulness and Christian sanctification — and not more simply upon the plan that the Lord unfolds before each of us..." by Adolphe Monod (1802—1856) 1. The Secret of a Holy, Active, and Peaceful Life 2. The Use of Time 3. Prayer 4. Concern About Trifling Interests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. The Secret of a Holy, Active, and Peaceful Life January 13, 1856 My dearly beloved in the well-beloved of the Father, I thank God who again allows me to address you in His name, for your encouragement and for my own consolation; but I have great need that you have with me the patience of God, "with whom we are accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that he has not." My declining strength neither allows me to turn nor to raise myself, and it is only in this reclining position that I can

Posted at The Reformed Reader : How does the Christian maintain holiness in his daily walk? Of course there are things like prayer, God's Word, public and private worship, and the sacraments that help the Christian in the area of holiness. William Gurnall also mentions a few more, including one I'd like to point out here. Again, the question is: "How does a Christian continue in holiness day by day?" Be sure to propound a right end to yourself in your righteous holy walking, and be sure you are not standing on a legal end. That is, do not think that by your righteousness you can purchase anything from God's hand. Heaven stands not for sale to anyone... Read more here... 

By Colin Mercer - Posted at thinkGospel.com: Reading: 1 Peter 1:14-16 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. David Brainerd - Image from Wikipedia David Brainerd is best remembered as the outstanding missionary to the American Indians in the mid 1700s. During those years he laboured in what one writer has described as “the untamed American frontier.” As a young man serving God, Brainerd battled depression, loneliness, physical sickness, and the many hardships of those early settlement times. Yet despite every difficulty, Brainerd threw himself body, soul, and mind into this great work. He was untiring in his zeal, undaunted by the problems, immoveable in his work, and unshaken in his resolve to serve his God. When Brainerd came towards the end of his life (he died when