Reformed Thinking

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - The Delectable Mountains The Delectable Mountains are a significant place on the pilgrims' journey, described as belonging to the Lord of that hill and identified by the Shepherds as Immanuel's Land . This land is also the home of sheep that are His , belonging to the one who laid down His life for them , allegorically understood a...

Deep Dive into All of Grace: An Earnest Word for Those Who Are, by Grace, Seeking Salvation by Charles Spurgeon - My Redeemer Liveth Based on the sources, Jesus is presented not merely as a historical figure but as a living and eternally present being. After dying for sins and rising from the dead , He has been exalted by God the Father to a position of supreme glory and power . He is now seated a...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Christian Has Another Companion Based on the sources, the narrative follows Christian and his new companion, Hopeful , who joined him after witnessing the suffering of Christian and Faithful at Vanity Fair. They encounter By-ends , a pilgrim from the wealthy town of Fair-speech. By-ends and his companions, Mr. Hold-the-world, Mr. Money-lov...

The sources describe a pervasive form of secret atheism, not necessarily a verbal denial of God's existence, but a practical disregard for God termed "atheism of the heart." This stems from a spirit of independence that leads individuals to live without reference to divine authority or presence. This unregenerate heart is revealed through several key sentiments and actions. Individuals may deny Go...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Christian Overtakes Faithful Based on the sources, true saving grace is presented as much more than just knowing or talking about religious concepts; it's a transformative work in the heart and life . It is first emphasized that this grace is a gift of God , not something attainable through human effort or mere knowledge. While knowled...

Deep Dive into צִפּוֹר Based on the sources, the Hebrew word צִפּוֹר (ṣippôr) is primarily understood as a noun meaning "bird" or "winged creature" . It serves as the general term for this major group of animals, whether domestic or wild. The word can be used collectively to refer to birds as a group or to denote a single, individual bird. While often grammatically feminine, it...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Combat with Appolyon Based on the sources and our conversation, the pilgrim Christian faces significant trials on his journey, notably the intense combat with Apollyon and the perilous passage through the Valley of the Shadow of Death . Apollyon, described as a formidable, dragon-like adversary, intercepts Christian on the king's highw...

Deep Dive into Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon - Open-Air Preaching - Posture, Action, Gesture, Etc. [Second Lecture] Based on the sources, a speaker's success can be significantly hindered by several aspects of their physical delivery and style. A primary hindrance is grotesque action , which includes various awkward and unnatural movements. Examples are the stiff speaker, whose r...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - The Valley of Humiliation Christian enters the Valley of Humiliation, a dangerous and difficult place to descend into, accompanied initially by Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence, who provide sustenance before he continues alone. While in the valley, Christian is confronted by Apollyon, a hideous monster with scales, dragon wings, be...

Deep Dive into The Power of Doctrinal Holiness by John Piper - He Kissed the Rose and Felt the Thorn: Living and Dying in the Morning of Life: Meditations on the Life of Robert Murray McCheyne Based on the sources, a life's lasting impact relies on two factors: the power of the person themselves and the preservation of that life in writing. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example, whose inescapab...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - The Hill of Difficulty Christian's journey faces a major challenge at the Hill Difficulty , a steep and high path that is the direct route to the Celestial City. At the base, two easier paths, Danger and Destruction, diverge, which others take and are lost. Christian chooses the difficult way. Midway up, he rests in an arbour made for...

Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - The Deity of Christ Understanding the deity of Jesus Christ is presented as a central and crucial topic in Christian faith, resting on the belief that Jesus is actually God in human flesh . This is considered foundational, differentiating it from views that portray him as merely an extraordinary human. The sources provide extensive biblica...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Christian Saluted by the Three Shining Ones Christian leaves the sleeping men, Simple, Sloth, and Presumption, because they entirely reject his attempts to warn them and offer assistance . He finds them in a state of extreme peril , comparing their danger to sleeping high on a mast above a bottomless gulf and warning they could become prey...

Deep Dive into Jesus as The True Vine The sources present a rich picture of the Christian life using the metaphor of a vineyard. Jesus Christ is the True Vine , and God the Father is the expert Vinedresser . Believers are the branches, vitally united to Christ through the Holy Spirit, who is the life-giving sap coursing through them. The Father, as the Vinedresser, diligently cultivates His vineya...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Proceeds to the Cross Christian's journey along the highway, fenced by the wall called Salvation , was initially difficult due to a heavy burden on his back. He ran with this load until he reached a place that was somewhat ascending , where a cross stood, and a sepulchre lay a little below it in the bottom. Precisely as Christian came...

Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - Faith: Its Definition Set Forth, and Its Properties Explained True faith is fundamentally distinct from false faith or mere opinion. At its core, true faith is a firm and certain knowledge of God’s benevolence toward us, founded upon the truth of the freely given promise in Christ . This is a sure and secure possession and undoub...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Evangelist Findeth Christian under Mount Sinai, and Looketh Severely upon Him Christian begins his journey away from the City of Destruction, weighed down by a heavy burden of sin. He is first directed towards the little wicket-gate by Evangelist , who points him to the narrow way leading to salvation. After overcoming the Slough of Despon...

Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - Those Affections That Are Truly Holy, Are Primarily Founded on the Loveliness of the Moral Excellency of Divine Things. Or (to Express It Otherwise) A Love to Divine Things for the Beauty and Sweetness of Their Moral Excellency Is the First Beginning and Spring of All Holy Affections Based on the sources, a key distinction is made between m...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - The Slough of Despond Christian begins his journey carrying a heavy burden on his back, seeking to be rid of it and escape the wrath to come. Initially, he is joined by his neighbor, Pliable, whom he convinces by describing the glorious destination and the promise of everlasting life. Their journey soon leads them to the Slough of Despond...

Deep Dive into All of Grace: An Earnest Word for Those Who Are, by Grace, Seeking Salvation by Charles Spurgeon - Regeneration and the Holy Spirit The sources make it clear that to see the kingdom of God, you must be born again . This new birth is not something achievable through human effort or power; it is described as supernatural and "from above," beyond the sinner's own ability...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Conviction of the Necessity of Flying Christian flees his home, the City of Destruction , because he is utterly convinced it is doomed to be consumed by fire and brimstone. He knows that staying there means facing a terrible fate. His departure is also a direct response to a command from Evangelist , who gives him a parchment roll with the...

Deep Dive into Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume - Psalm 5 Psalm 5 is presented as a prayer by David during a time of distress caused by his constant enemies. It serves not only as a personal appeal but also as guidance for others in prayer and is seen as prefiguring Christ's dependence on God and triumph over opposition. The psalm characteriz...