Your sermon of the week is Grace Triumphant – Perseverance of the Saints by Brian Borgman. This is part eleven of a thirteen-part series on the Doctrines of Grace entitled Introduction to the Reformed Faith by Pastor Brian Borgman. Look for the next installment every other week.
Reformation
Quotes (707)
I charge you never to give up the old doctrine of the blood of Christ, the complete satisfaction which that atoning blood made for sin, and the impossibility of being saved except by that blood. Let nothing tempt you to believe that it is enough to look only at the example of Christ, or only to receive the sacrament which Christ commanded to be received, for which many nowadays worship like an idol. When you come to your deathbed, you will want something more than an example and a sacrament. Take heed that you are found resting all your weight on Christ’s substitution for you on the cross, and His atoning blood, or it will be better if you had never been born.
– J. C. Ryle
1816 – 1900
David Crowder’s crowded theology.
The latest pockmark to appear on the already scarred face of CCM comes from one of evangelicalism’s favorite “worship leaders,” David Crowder of the David Crowder Band.
Crowder, who is the
author of the contemplative-promoting book, Praise Habit (referring to the habits worn by Catholic nuns),
also participated in a contemplative/emergent conference with the likes of
Leonard Sweet, Chuck Fromm (founder of the event and of Worship Leader magazine), emerging leader Sally Morgenthaler, Brennan Manning proponent Michael W. Smith . . . contemplative/emerging Marva Dawn, Alpha Course leader and contemplative proponent Todd Hunter, and others.
(See more about this from the source Lighthouse Trails.)
But Crowder’s lack of discernment doesn’t end here. He recently granted an interview to the Roman Catholic “movement” known as Life Teen (whose promo video was previously featured on DefCon here) in which they state on their website:
Because of our deep Eucharistic devotion, Life Teen has developed a spirituality that is
- 100% Catholic
- Obedient to the Magisterium
- Centered on the Eucharist
- Scriptural
- Liturgical
- Catechetical
- Sacramental
- Focused on social justice
And:
On December 9, 2007, [at] the Feast of St. Juan Diego, we consecrated the Life Teen movement to the Blessed Virgin Mary and will renew our consecration annually by prayerfully participating in the St. Louis Marie de Montfort Total Consecration. [Emphasis theirs]
And:
Our entire ministry is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary so that we may be led to the feet of her son with the obedience she exemplified.
If you’re wondering why Crowder (or any evangelical for that matter) would grant an interview with the idolatrous Romanists whose teachings and beliefs are antithetical to biblical Christianity, wonder no more. Crowder–whose music may very well be in your car stereo or on your teenager’s ipod right now–concedes in this interview a rather interesting source of influence in the “formation of [his] faith.”
Here’s the question from the interviewer Matt Smith:
You are not Catholic, but on your Illuminate album, you sing a prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. What’s your connection?
Here’s the evangelical “worship leader’s” answer:
Much of the Catholic traditions and writings have been influential in my formation of faith and to be quite contradictory of what was stated earlier, I’ve found much inspiration there. St. Francis is a figure I’m equally attracted to and repelled by. I long for his powers of disassociation from the trappings of “stuff.” I’m beset with consumption and materialism, and he is a compelling symbol of contentment. His contentment and way of suffering terrify me.
You can read the whole interview here.
Let this be a warning fellow pilgrims, not all that glitters is gold, and not everything labeled “Christian,” that’s sold in “Christian” bookstores, and that’s played on “Christian” pop-music stations is what it’s purported to be.
Be cautious that you are not influenced by those who’ve been influenced by Rome. Be careful little eyes what you see; be careful little ears what you hear; and always be sure to choose your entertainment wisely.
Where’s that in Scripture?
When Roman Catholicism bases its bedrock of authority on an ever-changing position of leadership (just like Mormonism), it never ceases to amaze me what men can dream up. And with no real, fixed, eternal foundation by which to measure all new revelations, decrees, and doctrines, whatever the pope (or a prophet) says must be accepted as truth and cannot be scrutinized or challenged because the people lack a source of unchanging truth.
Without a solid, non-vacillating source of truth to stand on, those who follow the pope (or the prophet) simply get carried along to and fro with every wind of doctrine, resulting in their eternal destruction at the hands of those who promised them peace and safety and assured them that everything was all right.
Examining the claims of any man, even that of the Apostle Paul as the Bereans did in Acts 17 (and were called noble for doing so), is necessary. Without a basis to measure what a man says (and holding him accountable to that standard of measurement) then you are at the mercy of a sinful son of Adam and are entrusting your eternal soul to whatever that man says.
Case in point: According to this article in Zenit, the Romish organization recently announced this whopper of a tale:
On Benedict XVI’s behalf, the Apostolic Penitentiary is granting a special plenary indulgence to those who pray before the remains of St. Celestine V during the year dedicated to him.
That’s right, if you pray in front of the corpse of a dead man you can receive a “special plenary indulgence.” I can’t make this stuff up (but apparently Rome can).
His remains will be on pilgrimage during this year throughout the dioceses of the region where people were affected by the quake, so that the faithful, having fulfilled the other requirements, can receive the indulgence.
“Having fulfilled the other requirements?” What can they possibly add to the already completed, perfect sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God? What “other requirements” does the Bible say we must fulfill?
Galatians 2:16 is pretty clear that
A man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.
So what basis of unchanging truth, what foundational, eternal authority does Rome appeal to in order to validate this Romish teaching? Apparently not the Word of God, as this article never once points to Scripture to support this gross error. Instead Rome actually references a previous papal error to support the current papal error.
As a gift to all the people, [Celestine V] decided that those who confessed and were sincerely repentant, and visited the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio in that city, between Aug. 28 and Aug. 29, would receive the remission of sins and the absolution of punishment. Until then, a plenary indulgence was only granted to those who went to the Holy Land as crusaders and to pilgrims who visited the Portincula of Assisi.
So Celestine V, who taught the false gospel of obtaining “remission of sins and the absolution of punishment” by one’s own ability (in this case if someone visited a certain Basilica), is now the object of the furtherance of this false gospel by virtue of us praying in front of his dead body? This sounds like great fiction at best, occultism at worst.
And where did Celestine V come up with this idea? Notice in the previous quote that Celestine V simply “decided” this new wind of doctrine. What power he must wield, and with no basis by which to measure truth, how can this ever be challenged? For a Roman Catholic it cannot, and this is why Rome is so adamantly opposed to Sola Scriptura.
The article continues:
The prelate added: “Celestine wished to remind us of the great love of God, of God’s forgiveness, of reconciliation, of conversion and of peace.
Apparently this is a “love” and a “forgiveness” that the Romish god could not completely provide to his people unless they were able to travel to a certain city between August 28 and August 29th in the 13th century.
Rome can keep its impossible gospel, and I’ll stick to the perfect Word of God which tells me where God’s peace truly comes from: “Having made peace through the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:20).”
If Celestine V or Pope Benedict XVI had spoken in Berea and given the above “teaching” to the Bereans, and they searched the Scriptures to see if it were so, would they have been able to find it? Certainly not, for even Rome can’t find Scripture to support this aberrant teaching. But such is the liberty of Rome (and any cult) that puts the words of its leaders above that of the very Word of God. And such is the reason why Rome attacks the Word of God so vehemently, because it stands in direct opposition to Rome’s teachings, and Rome will only be at “peace” when it extinguishes all opposition, whether by torture, murder, threat of ex-communication or attacking the precious Word of God.
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But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:4-7
Sermon of the week: “Grace Applied – Irresistible Grace” by Brian Borgman.
Your sermon of the week is Grace Applied – Irresistible Grace by Brian Borgman from his thirteen-part series on the Doctrines of Grace entitled Introduction to the Reformed Faith. Look for the remaining three parts over the next few weeks.
Quotes (698)
There is a voice in the blood of the martyrs. What does that voice say? It cries aloud from Oxford, Smithfield, and Gloucester,- “Resist to the death the Popish doctrine of the Real Presence, under the forms of the consecrated bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper!”
– J. C. Ryle
1816 – 1900
Sermon of the week: “Grace secured – Limited Atonement” by Brian Borgman.
If you struggle with the doctrine of Limited Atonement, I have just the sermon for you. I am confident that after listening to Grace secured – Limited Atonement, you will now be able to confidently place an “L” smack dab in the middle of your T.U.L.I.P.
Brian Borgman does a fabulous job in demonstrating from Scripture that Christ died for His elect, and not for everyone (e.g. those who reject Him).
You may want to have a pen and paper handy to jot down the copious Scriptural references that Borgman provides (and feel free to share them with DefCon readers in the comments section).
This is part nine of Borgman’s thirteen-part series on the Doctrines of Grace entitled Introduction to the Reformed Faith. Look for the each additional installment every couple weeks.
Quotes (689)
Sermon of the week: “Solus Christus – The Supremecy of Christ in Salvation” by Brian Borgman.
Your sermon of the week is Solus Christus – The Supremecy of Christ in Salvation. This is part eight of a thirteen-part series on the Doctrines of Grace entitled Introduction to the Reformed Faith by Pastor Brian Borgman. Look for the each additional installment every couple weeks.
Sermon of the week: “Sola Fide – The Supremacy of God in Salvation” by Brian Borgman.
Your sermon of the week is Sola Fide – The Supremacy of God in Salvation by Brian Borgman. This is part seven of a thirteen-part series on the Doctrines of Grace entitled Introduction to the Reformed Faith. It seems that this series gets better and better with each installment. Look for the each additional installment every couple weeks.
Sermon of the week: “Hell” by Don Kistler.
Similar to the impact of Tim Conway’s message on Hell (found on this post), your sermon of the week is another sobering one. Hell by Pastor Don Kistler is one of those sermons that everyone should hear if they take God and His wrath seriously–but prepare to be very uncomfortable.
Sermon of the week: “Grace Conceived – Unconditional Election” by Brian Borgman.
Your sermon of the week is Grace Conceived: Unconditional Election by Brian Borgman. This is a great message on the doctrine of Election. If you struggle with this doctrine or simply want to know more about it, you must listen to this sermon.
This is part five of a thirteen-part series entitled Introduction to the Reformed Faith that Pastor Borgman gave in 1998. Look for the each additional installment every couple weeks.
Listen to another great sermon on this subject by Russ Sukhia found on this previous post.
Rick Warren, Tony Blair & The Vatican Agenda
Source: Chris Pinto with Adullam Films
Essence of lies, and quintessence of blasphemy, as the religion of Rome is, it nevertheless fascinates a certain order of Protestants, of whom we fear it may be truly said that they have received a strong delusion to believe a lie, that they may be damned. Charles H. Spurgeon, “The Sword and the Trowel,” Jan. 1873
The above quote from Charles Spurgeon (the “Prince of Preachers”) is very pertinent to the time in which we live. Many believers are familiar with Spurgeon but are unaware that one of his mottos was “No peace with Rome.”
For the past two years, Adullam Films has been developing a new documentary titled, “A Lamp in the Dark: The Untold History of the Bible.” Thank the Lord, the first edited draft of the work is complete and should be ready for duplication by next week, once the final touches have been made. Our new film records events from the first century onward, showing the history of the Church, and the long war both for and against the Word of God. We document the trials of the saints, along with Rome’s ancient hatred of the Bible and her repeated attempts to “keep men from the knowledge of the Scriptures.”
When the Bible began to be translated into the languages of the common man, it resulted in the Protestant Reformation. What few modern day Christians are aware of, however, is that Rome launched a Counter Reformation in 1540 with the establishment of the Society of Jesus (also known as the Jesuit Order). Their purpose was to destroy the work of the Reformers and bring the world back into the Dark Ages. It is our belief that the Counter Reformation continues to this day, and is the real secret behind the Ecumenical Movement, the World Council of Churches, the European Union, and the Emerging Church.
Read the rest of this post at Lighthouse Trails Research here.
Quotes (595)
I am Reformed because of one thing: Consistently, honestly, and thoroughly read, God’s Word, the Bible, teaches that God is sovereign over all things, that man is a fallen creature, and that God saves perfectly in Jesus Christ. It is the consistent application of sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) and tota Scriptura (all of Scripture) that leads inevitably to the doctrines of grace.
– James White
Error: “Everybody was Catholic Until the Reformation”
Question: Has the church of Our Lord always been “catholic?”
Answer: Yes
Question: Has the church of Our Lord always been “Catholic?”
Answer: No
Now, don’t accuse me of speaking out of both sides of my mouth. It is a matter of splitting a hair that needs to be split. There is a world of difference between little-‘c’ “catholic” and Big-‘C’ “Catholic.” Allow me to explain.
The word “catholic’ simply means “universal.” Or “worldwide.” The church—the TRUE church—is the joining together of all those who believe in and worship the Lord Jesus Christ and whom He has bought with His blood. Acts 20:28—“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” It is my intention to show, as faithfully to the truth as possible, that the assertion that “No other churches existed except the Roman Catholic Church until the Reformation” is a false assertion which is based on a faulty knowledge of history.
Let me make one other thing known: it is not my intention to “bash” individual members of the Roman system. I’m sure these people believe with all their heart that Rome is the seat of all power in the church, and that Mary is answering their prayers. Just like Mormons believe the Book of Mormon is from God Himself and that Joseph Smith was His prophet. Just like Muslims believe they are going to “Paradise” if their “good deeds” and alms outweigh their “bad things.” So please do keep that in mind.
The Roman Catholic Church has taken it upon herself to misappropriate the word ‘catholic’ and apply it to herself. So, whenever you read one of the Early Church Fathers (ECFs) use the Greek word καθολικός (katholikos, catholic, universal), Rome says, “See? They were Catholic” (BIG-‘C’). But here’s their problem: the ECFs were using καθολικός in the “universal” sense—NOT the “Romish” sense. Another word they have appropriated is “Tradition.” Any time they see the word “Tradition” used by Augustine or Gregory of Nyssa or Cyprian—they take it to mean the “Traditions” that Rome has adopted. Therefore, they tell their followers, “See? These men taught that people back then should follow the old traditions! ” This, too, is faulty reasoning. Because what Rome has done is take a word that looked back in time and applied it to things they have added to Scripture (more on sola scriptura may come at a later date, but not here). All that being said, let’s begin by looking back at the founding of Christ’s church.
If you ask Rome, they will tell you that the headship of the church was given to Peter, in Matthew 16:18, when Jesus told Simon Peter, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” However, in calling His disciples, Jesus never tells any of them that they will be the “visible head” of His church—unless you subscribe to the Romish misinterpretation of His words in Matthew 16:18. So when it all boils down, the validity of the Roman Catholic Church rests upon two things:
(1) The interpretation of a single verse of Scripture; and
(2) Whether or not one regards the ECFs as being of equal authority as Scripture.
Sproul and Mohler on the seeker-sensitive movement.
Sermon of the week: “A Scriptural Critique of Infant Baptism” by John MacArthur.
John MacArthur completely obliterates the erroneous doctrine of infant baptism in this week’s sermon of the week: A Scriptural Critique of Infant Baptism. This can be considered a follow-up to Coram Deo’s original posting (the transcript of this sermon) found here.
If you are curious about the doctrine of infant baptism: why it’s practiced in so many churches (even in Reformed Churches), and why many others don’t practice it at all, then you must listen to this sermon.
Quotes (476)
Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason – I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other – my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.
– Martin Luther
1483 – 1546
Happy Reformation Day!
Berry from Social Hazard posted the following piece on his blog. Great quotes Berry!
Celebrating 491 years (with all due respect to such ‘pre-reformers’ Wycliffe and Hus) of freedom from the apostate church of Rome!!
WHAT IS THE HEART OF THE REFORMATION?
5 Solas!
Sola Scriptura! (Col 2:8, 1 Tim 3:16-17, Heb 4:12)
Solus Christus! (1 Tim 2:5-6, Is 43:11, Acts 4:12)
Sola Gratia! (Eph 1:3-8, Eph 2:8-9)
Sola Fide! (Gal 3:6-11, Eph 2:8-9)
Soli Deo Gloria! (Is 42:8)
CLICK HERE for details.
WHY THE REFORMATION?
The thick pollutions of thine abominable church forbid the idea of descent from any apostle but the traitor Judas.
– Charles Spurgeon
The doctrine of Salvation by Sacraments is- a deadly delusion, the overthrow of the gospel, the destruction of souls and the path to perdition.
–John Campbell
We would as soon worship cats with the Egyptians, as popes with the Romanists: we see no difference between the people whose gods grew in their gardens and the sect whose deity is made by their baker.
– Charles Spurgeon
Rome never changes. Rome will never admit that she has made mistakes. She burned our English Reformers 300 years ago. She tried hard to stamp out by violence the Protestantism which she could not prevent spreading by arguments. If Rome had only the power, I am not sure that she would not attempt to play the whole game over again.
– J. C. Ryle
What is the popish religion, but a bundle of ridiculous ceremonies! Their candles, beads, crucifixes; what are these but Satan’s policy, to dress up a carnal worship, fitted to carnal minds! Oh! what cause have we to bless God for delivering us from popery!
– Thomas Watson
There is a voice in the blood of the martyrs. What does that voice say? It cries aloud from Oxford, Smithfield, and Gloucester,- “Resist to the death the Popish doctrine of the Real Presence, under the forms of the consecrated bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper!”
– J. C. Ryle
The Kingdom of Christ is a kingdom of mercy, grace, and goodness. The kingdom of the Pope is a kingdom of lies and damnation!
– Martin Luther
But the man Christ can be but in one place, and he is now at the right hand of the Majesty on high. It is absurd, it is horrible, both to faith and to reason, to say that Christ’s body is eaten, and that his blood is drunk in tens of thousands of places wherever priests choose to offer what they call “the mass.” A “Mass” of profanity, indeed, it is!
– Charles Spurgeon
For God’s sake beware of Popery: for though it appear to have in it unity, yet the same is vanity and Antichristianity, and not in Christ’s faith and verity.
–Rowland Taylor
Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason – I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other – my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.
– Martin Luther (at the Diet of Worms)
The Reformation found Englishmen steeped in ignorance–and left them in possession of knowledge. It found them blind–and left them seeing. It found them without Bibles–and left them with a Bible in every parish. It found them priest-ridden–and left them enjoying the liberty which Christ bestows. It found them strangers to saving faith, and grace, and holiness–and left them with the key to those things in their hands. It found them slaves–and left them free.
– J. C. Ryle
Mark me as ANATHEMA, Church of Rome, and I shall wear the scarlet A with pride! To be cursed by the Antichrist is to be blessed by the Christ. You, Popes and Bishops, are powerless to damn anyone but yourselves and those who would blindly follow your false gospel. Even so, I pray that you would turn from your heresies.
– (yours truly) [Berry]
Sad news from Old Truth.
Jim Bublitz of Old Truth has published his last post (for at least a long time) due to his health taking a serious turn for the worst. You can read his last post here. Please keep Jim in prayer as he suffers daily and still has to face incredible struggles in the future.
I fondly remember stumbling upon Jim’s discernment/reformed blog Old Truth just over a year ago, and it encouraged me tremendously. At the time God was doing a work on my heart and was calling me to come out of the circus church. However, I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me because I was surrounded by lukewarm professing Christians who did not hunger and thirst for holiness. Instead, these people only wanted to have their ears tickled by the oh-so-funny pastor and they would get a glazed look in their eyes when I spoke of anything other than superficial trivialities around the pastry table after service. I truly had no one to “fellowship” with.
It was refreshing to come across Jim’s blog and it assured me that–although I was physically without other iron to sharpen iron–the work God was doing in me was real and there were (and are) many others in the Body out there who God has also called out of Churchianity, and we can encourage each other even if we’re on the other side of the world.
Old Truth, along with some other blogs, inspired me to start Reformation Nation and eventually this blog, Defending. Contending. Thanks for all you’ve done Jim!
Christ Alone Wyoming 