New Blog

From now on, go to TrekkingGrace.blogspot.com for all of Jeramy's Monday-Friday blog posts.

TrekkingGrace.blogspot.com

Bondage of the Will by Luther

One of the greatest classic in Church History has to be Martin Luther's Bondage of the Will. In it, Luther systematically refutes the Semi-Pelagian view of Rome in his response to Erasmus. Check out this great classic: Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther.

Schreiner on Romans

Romans is one of the most systemetized texts in the New Testament covering a wide range of topics in a concise manner. It has also been cited as key text for conversion by numerous famous theologians in th past. Check out this great commentary on Romans by Tom Schreiner.

The Underrating of Church History

The value of Church history is underrated today because post-modern skeptical deconstructionism reigns supreme. When one takes the Scripture out of the picture, one no longer has a basis for knowing history. It becomes arbitrary and impossible to document. This mentality has permeated into the Church, and it has been devastating.

Heresies that were once dealt with have reemerged with a vengeance, especially ones like the Jehovah's Witnesses cult. Because we failed to teach the Bible as authoritative, which in turn grounds history itself, many have been deceived into this cult. Sadly, these same people think that it is novel, yet it is just a repackaged form of Arianism (early Church heresy) with its focus on good deeds and the denial of Christ as fully God.

This and many other heresies are only the tip of the ice-berg. Rather, let us stand upon God's Word, which alone forms the basis of any rationality, and proclaim the truth of God's Word that has been delivered to the prophets and kept by our fathers that have heralded orthdox truth.

Homeward Bound

A few blogs ago, I commented on the great read "Homeward Bound". Hartman demonstrates how being heavenly minded as a Christian is instrumental in developing a godly household. As our hearts reflect upon eternal matters, that inevitably drives our attitudes and actions in this life, especially within the family unit.

Check out Homeward Bound by Hartman.

Great Isaiah Commentary

I recently perused through key section of an incredible commentary on Isaiah. Motyer does and excellent job explaining great tapestry that is the book of Isaiah, and he gives an especially good defense of the total authorship of Isaiah. I agree with him that the vast majority of those who would reject Isaiah as the author ultimately do so because of presuppositional biases against supernatural revelation.

Check out Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary by J. Alec Motyer.

Taking Back Counsel From the Halls of Babylon--Competent to Counsel

In our era, one doesn't have to look too far to find a 'therapist' for just about anything. The Halls of Babylon have transformed our society from one that sought the Scripture for wisdom into one that selects popular fads off of the buffet of pop psychology.

However, we need not succumb to the wisdom of the world. Jay Adams started to push back against this several decades ago, and since then a revival of true Biblical counseling has emereged. The Bible is sufficient for training, correction, and reproof; we do not need the wisdom of Babylon to evangelize, disciple, and grow in Christ.

Here is the book that confronted the idols of pop psychology when few were willing to do so: Competent To Counsel by Jay Adams.

Defending the Faith--Bahnsen on Van Til

Greg Bahnsen did a masterful job in ordering the thought of Cornelius Van Til. I read through this work a couple years ago, and it was incredible. I have never been the same since. It has become a great arsenal in my quiver of works that rightly extol the Word of God in all its glory.

Presuppositional Apologetics puts real teeth into Christian apologetics, and this book is a must for anyone who desires to delve deeper into some critical concepts in cultivating a strong Biblical Worldview.

I strongly recommend Van Til's Apologetic: Reading and Analysis by Greg L. Bahnsen.

Hell Under Fire

Hell is one of the most denied locations in our era. Even many professing Christians tend to waffle about its existence or its eternality. For a great read on the Doctrine of Hell, I reccomend, Hell Under Fire, which includes authors like Albert Mohhler, Jr.

Shepherding a Child's Heart

Any attempt to raise a child in the fear and admonition of the Lord is blasted today in Halls of Babylon. The humanists detest spanking, and they hate that we teach our children absolute truth, yet God' truth abideth still. We have found great encouragement in a book entitled Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp.

Deity of Christ

The early Church battled numerous heresies, and we see a bold defense of the Deity of Christ in the book of John. Amongst other heresies, it was written against the Docetic heresy, which is the idea that Christ only seemed to be God but was not actually God. John blasts this doctrine because salvation is on the line.

Man cannot be saved without God, for only God can redeem man because it is against an infinitely Holy God that we have sinned. For this reason, the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sin (Heb 10:4). They only pointed to the need for an ultimate sacrifice. God the Son became this ultimate sacrifice on the cross. He alone could bear the wrath of God and redeem a people to Himself because He is fully God. He could live under the Law and fulfill it because He added flesh to Himself and lived a human life having victory where Adam failed.

Though the One Triune God bears a mind-boggling relationship in our minds, it is through the persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that salvation has come to the elect of God. Let us praise Him all our days!

To Him be the glory! Amen!

Check Calvin's Sermons on the Deity of Christ

Augustine, Rome, & The Unites States of America

As I was reading through Bruce Shelley's Church in History in Plain English, I was reminded of how Augustine persevered through the Fall of Rome. America is in a similar situation as Rome, yet as Christians we shall persevere in the same manner that Augustine did. We glory in the crucified and risen Christ who shall never be dethroned! Amen!.

Now comes the pressing question. What will the landscape look like for American Christians in the event of our nation's collapse?

I've heard that this probably depends on where you live at now, for that will dictate what life is like when everything comes out in the wash. If you live or move to an area that is at least friendly to a Biblically based ethic, then persecution will probably not be as severe though economics times still tough. However, if you live in the more extreme liberal parts of the country that detest the God of the Bible, oppressive governments could be looming.

Nevertheless, Christ still reigns in glory, and the Church will persevere as it always has, yet persecution should be expected. Even so, there is much heresy today that will be rooted out in the process, which has traditionally sanctified the Church and strengthened the bonds of fellowship.

In the News: America Spends To Much

The fundamental problem in America government financially is that we spend more than we take in. One can debate whether we should redistribute more or less. However, that is not the heart of the matter. Rather, our philosophy of spending is the problem. Because we have spent more than we have taken in for so long on a consistent basis, the chickens have come home to roost.

Leaders in a republic, democracy, or some type of democratic republic typically reflect the values of the people. As a nation, we spend more than we take in whether one earns much or little. Until we live within our means, the debt crises will continue and will ultimately result in complete economic collapse.

Islam vs. Christianity: Fundamental Difference of Beginnings

There is much hub-bub today attempting to downscale the dangers of Islam. Those who use Islam as a tool of war are considered fringe. Efforts are made to couch Islam as a religion of peace, and anyone who says otherwise is considered intolerant and bigoted. However, accusations of bigotry are unfounded because the beginnings of Islam are violent.

Whether people like it or not, Islam was started as a terrorist religion. In order to promote his ideas, Mohammad would give his followers part of the spoils of of war. As his band of followers became more powerful and dominant, he attracted even more men who held similar warlike persuasions. Concurrently, he promoted his religious positions that were eagerly accepted by these followers because it catered to them as it tickled their ears. As time went on, just as from the beginning, Islam was spread by the sword when necessary.

In contrast, Christianity was birthed in love, grace, and mercy. Those who refused to convert were not punished by the state until the state adopted a sacral society touting Christianity as the religion of the state.

I do want to make it clear that I have known many rather peaceful confessing Muslims who, frankly and thankfully, are inconsistent Muslims. They are peaceful in spite of Islam and merely go through selected rituals. On the other hand, there many wicked men who claim the name of Christ; they are then wicked in spite of Christianity.

Therefore, Christianity and Islam are different right from the start. Demonizing Christianity because of the unfounded Crusades and other sacral society manifestations is just as dishonest as pacifying Islam.

Who Is Your Savior?

If you are looking to anything or anyone except Christ for salvation, then you are deceiving yourself. Even confessing Christians continue to seek salvation in something or someone else besides Christ. Among the many idols that can draw us away from Christ, entitlement programs are surely at the top of the list, with the government being the origin of such benevelonce.

The government is ordained by God do punish evildoers and maintain order in a society, but it cannot save the soul, and it definitely cannot create a utopia of some sort. Government cannot save because it is made up of sinful people that are at best instruments in the hands of the Almighty God.

Christ alone can bring salvation, ultimate justice, peace, joy, love, and prosperity. Such an absolute system will not occur in its fullness until Christ returns and imposes His right hand upon the world with wrath upon the wicked and gracious meriful love upon His sheep.

Therefore, cling to Christ, and do not put your ultimate hope in a politician or political system.

To Him be the glory!

Better in the House of Mourning than Feasting

Every man faces death, and we tend to be cynical or insular. Neither are Biblical, which is what makes Homeward Bound by Edward Hartman so refreshing.

Hartman brings the reader face to face with death without diminishing one's responsibilities in this life. If we are not heavenly minded, we will value that which is fleeting in this life. We are to value this life and the blessings in it, but we must take care not to hold on too tightly to that which we cannot keep. We are stewards, and God will honor right stewardship, yet that must be understood in the face of eternity, whether beholding the glory of God in Christ or bearing His wrath in Hell.

I love how Hartman uses Ecclesiastes (a great treasure in my heart), for Solomon goes to great lengths to describe the vanity of life apart from God. It is better to be in a house of mourning than feasting because it forces us to come to grips with our own mortality. To insulate ourselves from the reality of death is foolish, for there will be Hell to pay for dismissing the Lord's admonition to the impenitent. This is why the gospel is so glorious. Those who repent and bow before Christ no longer fear death. On the contrary, they are ever preparing to behold the Lamb of glory into the ages! Amen!

I have said this many times and it never gets old. My greatest desire is to behold the glory of God in Christ face to face for all eternity as I fall at his feet in worship. That focus always leads me to repentance, for I do not desire sin but detest it. Woe is me when I take my sin lightly and trample upon the grace of God!

Face your own death and embrace the Lord of glory, He who is King of kings and Lord or lords! Amen! Amen!

Perseverance of the Righteous without Bitterness

The Lord commands us to persevere through trials to His glory, yet we often times endure with much bitterness in our hearts. Our plans have not worked as we desired, and, from our perspective, doors may have even closed at the last minute.

However, it is during these times that we are tried and tested the most, and how we react to these trials exposes the disposition of our hearts. During these circumstances, the theology of our hearts is borne out. It is one thing to preach the Sovereignty of God, yet is another to actually embrace God's Sovereign perfect and good will from the heart.

Therefore, when we go through trials, let us cling to Christ and know that He is Lord of lords and King of kings. His love endures forever, so we have no excuse to tread into bitterness. Rather, let us rejoice as did the Apostles that we are given the privilege to suffer for His Name.

America's Atheocracy

Those who oppose Christ regulary erect the straw man that any effort to impart Biblical principles into our society is an attempt to establish a theocracy. Not only is this dishonest, but it is also deceptive.

1) It is dishonest because from the Foundation of America, Christian Statesmen were not advocating a theocracy but a Constitutional Republic that is based on Biblical priniciples. Lest one challenge this, a specific example is warranted. The very assumption of original sin is clearly implied in the Consitution, for, when one reads the documents that surround it like the Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers, the inherent sinfulness or evil bent of man from birth is clearly expounded upon. The fundamental difference is that both sides were at odds on how to contain sin within a fallen society.

2) It is deceptive because some worldview will win the day at any given time, and what is alleged to be secular and thus neutral is a lie. On the contrary, we are becoming and have set the stage for an Atheocracy.

How would I define an atheocracy?

If a theocracy, namely a Christian theocracy, is a government based on the Bible and executes harsh punishment for any violation of Biblical Law wherein the Kingdom is manifested in its glory visibly, then an atheocracy is a society wherein God or any semblance of God is removed from all facets of life, especially public life. Any attempt to introduce God into the picture is rejected and condemned as a religion against the state.

If this sounds familiar, then you should not be surprised, for our nation is being overrun by formal and practical atheists in all parts of government and public life. All of this is done under the disguises of tolerance, acceptance, approval, and neutrality.

How shall we then live?

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!" proclaims the Scripture. Though we surely defend liberty of conscience, we must never agree that an atheistic style of government whereby the Lord God is defamed and ridiculed is the pinnacle of good government. Rather we must explain how a worldview affects a society and then boldy defend why a system of government based on Biblical worldview prinicples is the best sytem of government in a fallen society. It is the only system within a fallen society that exercises restraint with liberty of conscience on the one hand while maintaining justice and order on the other.

No other worldview can accomplish such balance because they are all based on the whimsical philosophies of fallen man and thus have no absolute basis for Law. Governements based in human philosophy always result in the tyranny of one, an elite, or just mob rule.

If an atheocracy is what we desire, then we truly deserve all of the horrendous fruits that it bears. Exhibit A: Joseph Stalin. Any questions?

In the News: Budget Battle

Answers in Genesis had a good article on financial displine recently, and I thought it was worth echoing.

There has been much hub-bub of late dealing with the Federal Budget. A variety of proposals have been put forth with both sides arguing their respective cases. The vast majority of us will never sit in an earthly seat of political power, so what can the average Christian do besides cast a vote?

No matter what society a Christian lives in, basic fiscal principles still apply whether one is poor, average, or wealthy. The way in which one spends, saves, and/or borrows money reflects the secrets of the heart, and our credit card receipts have reflected ill upon us as indifvidual Christians and as a Church corporately. The borrower is a slave to the lender, and the American Church has become a slave to creditors just as bad as individual Christians. Casting off this gorillas takes discipline and a willingness to delay gratification, which is not easy. However, it bears much fruit when put in to practice both fiscally and evangelistically.

When Christians learn to manage their finances, outsiders start to take notice; this has happened in my own life as well as others. Over time, as more Believers live within their means, the louder the gospel cries out to a lost generation because our hearts are reflected in a more postive light as we use our resources to glorify God and not ourselves. In God's Providence, this kind of example in any area used by God to bring the lost to Himself. This inevitably changes a society, which is what happened in Europe on a myriad of fronts, yet where Christians live inconsistenty with Biblical prinicples the gospel recedes.

Therefore, let us encourage fiscal responsibility, and live out what we preach with our own dollars and cents.

To Him be the glory! Amen!

Sacrifice In Your Home

Though America is blessed more than every other country, we ought not to overlook the sacrifices that many Christians make to honor the Lord in a materialistic culture.

There are numerous families that could drive nicer cars, have larger homes, dine out more, vacation often, etc., yet they decide to honor the Lord by living a modest lifestyle. They do this to ensure that mom can stay at home to nurture the children and keep up the home.

Therefore, let us not forget the sacrifice that our wives make, and let us honor the families that exercise self-control to honor the Lord when the culture tempts them to be self-serving instead of self-sacrificing.

To Him be the glory! Amen!