Reformed Thinking

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Decision Making and Gray Areas A conscience is an individual's internal awareness or sense of what they believe is right or wrong, functioning as a guide, monitor, witness, or judge. It is highly unique to each person , shaped by influences such as family dynamics, culture, personal background, consequences from past decisions, and one's interp...

Deep Dive into Philippians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary by John MacArthur - Introduction The Epistle to the Philippians conveys a powerful and enduring message that true biblical joy is a settled conviction independent of external circumstances . This divine joy contrasts sharply with fleeting happiness, which relies on favorable situations. Biblical joy stems from the conviction that G...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Life Dominating Patterns of Sin As believers, our struggle, or wrestling, is not against human adversaries or "flesh and blood," but against spiritual forces . This is a hostile spiritual conflict , described as a "no small skirmish" and a "massive and complex hierarchy of evil." It's a profound, unseen war taking place that affects a believer's life....

Deep Dive into The Passionate Pursuit of Revival and Christ-Exalting Joy by John Piper - A Passion for Christ-Exalting Power: Martyrn Lloyd-Jones on the Need for Revival and Baptism with the Spirit Martyn Lloyd-Jones's theology regarding revival and the Holy Spirit was distinct, emphasizing a profound, experiential work of God necessary for the church and the world. He defined revival as a mir...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Life Dominating Patterns of Sin Man's ways of dealing with sin, particularly what are referred to as "life-dominating patterns of sin," are characterized by approaches that generally exclude God and biblical principles . These methods, often employed by secular psychologists or "professionals," are deemed inadequate because they...

Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - Introduction to the Work of Christ Christ's ascension holds profound significance as the second pivotal step in his exaltation , following his resurrection. It marked his departure from earthly conditions and his glorious reassumption of his rightful place with God the Father. This event was not merely a physical upward movement; it in...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Fear and Worry Part 2: Overcoming The "Philippians 4:8 filter" is a mental framework derived from Philippians 4:8 in the Bible, designed to help individuals actively manage and transform their thoughts , particularly those associated with fear, worry, and anxiety. It serves as a practical tool for renewing one's mind by consciously evalua...

The concept of "Adonai" from the Old Testament significantly evolves into the New Testament's "Kyrios," illustrating a continuous unfolding of God's sovereign authority that culminates in the person of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, "Adonai" (meaning "Master" or "Owner") defines God's ownership as absolute, superlative, and non-negotiable dominion over all creation . It signifies that God is...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Fear and Worry: The Problem of Evil The "problem of evil" arises from the apparent logical impossibility of an all-powerful, all-good God co-existing with the existence of evil . Traditional options often question God's power or goodness, or deny evil. However, a biblical theodicy , which is a defense of God as He relates to evil, propose...

Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - The Life of the Christian Man; And First, by What Arguments Scripture Urges Us to It Scripture commends righteousness primarily by aiming to instill and establish a deep love for it in believers' hearts , acknowledging that humans are not naturally inclined towards it. This core purpose is integral to regeneration , which see...

Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - Another Thing, wherein Gracious Affections Are Distinguished from Others, Is, That They Are Attended with a Change of Nature Divine power profoundly changes nature by imparting a new, vital essence to the soul , a process uniquely initiated and sustained by God. This is not a mere external adjustment or fleeting emotional shift, but a super...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer – Depression, Part 2 Depression, biblically defined as a feeling of sadness in one's soul due to sin or circumstances , involves both emotional and physical manifestations. The sources emphasize a profound connection between the inner man (soul) and the outer man (body) , meaning that spiritual and emotional states directly impact physical health. Fo...

Deep Dive into All of Grace: An Earnest Word for Those Who Are, by Grace, Seeking Salvation by Charles Spurgeon - The Fear of Final Falling Perseverance for believers is inherently difficult due to a combination of internal vulnerabilities and external pressures . A major internal challenge is misplaced reliance on self for continuance . Believers who trust in their own strength, even partially, f...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Depression, Part 1 The Bible comprehensively addresses depression, acknowledging its profound emotional impact despite rarely using the specific English word directly. Instead, it uses synonyms like "heavy-hearted," "downcast," and "despairing," and portrays figures such as David (Psalm 38) and Elijah (1 Kings 19) experien...

Deep Dive into Commentary on the Book of Psalms by John Calvin - Psalm 12 David laments a profound societal corruption where beneficence and truth have vanished, leaving behind an utter overthrow of good order . He observes that sincere and upright speech has ceased, replaced by deceit and falsehood . This widespread dishonesty stems from a "double heart," which is identified as the &quo...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Overcoming Lust People pursue Jesus for diverse reasons, which can be broadly categorized into incomplete or self-interested motivations and a true, desired pursuit of Jesus Himself . Often, individuals initially seek Jesus for what He can do for them , rather than for who He is. This is likened to the crowd in John 6 who followed Jesus because He had...

Deep Dive into שֵׁת The Hebrew term "שֵׁת" (šēṯ) vividly demonstrates the inherent uncertainties and variations in linguistic interpretation, making it a prime example of philological complexity. Its etymological journey is anything but straightforward, marked by multiple, often contested, derivations and a diverse array of meanings . One primary challenge lies in its uncertain root . Sc...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Parenting, Part 2 Parents are divinely commanded to teach their children. This is essential for several reasons: to prepare children to leave and thrive independently in society, and because, if left to themselves, children are naturally inclined towards destruction and a life away from God. This sacred task emphasizes that children are a gift entruste...

Deep Dive into An Old Testament Theology by Bruce K. Waltke - The Gift of God's History-Shaping Word, Part 1: 1 Kings Prophets in the book of Kings fundamentally shape history by serving as I AM's direct representatives , demonstrating that the prophetic word is mightier than the king's sword . They are the primary enforcers of the Mosaic covenant, determining the fate of both rulers a...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Parenting Parents should approach discipline as a comprehensive and positive act of intentional guidance , deeply rooted in God's love and aimed at a child's spiritual growth, not merely as punishment for misbehavior. This is encapsulated by the Greek word Padia , which encompasses both training and correcting . The foundation for discipline li...

Deep Dive into The Passionate Pursuit of Revival and Christ-Exalting Joy by John Piper - Jonathan Edwards, the Man and His Life: Learning from an Unmodern Evangelical Jonathan Edwards, born on October 5, 1703, in Windsor, Connecticut , was a pivotal figure in American religious thought. His father, Timothy Edwards, was a local Congregational pastor, and Jonathan was the only son among eleven child...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Marriage – Conflict Resolution Self-focus fundamentally obstructs conflict resolution by centering everything on one's own desires and a drive to "win." At its core, conflict stems from selfishness and a failure to "walk by the Spirit," leading the "flesh to naturally take over" and prioritize "Me Myself and I.&qu...

Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - The Virgin Birth The "virgin birth" in Christian theology, more accurately termed "virginal conception," refers to Jesus's conception in Mary's womb without sexual intercourse, through the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit, with Mary remaining a virgin until his birth. It does not imply an abnormal physi...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - The Marriage Relationship - Her Role The fundamental purpose of marriage, for a wife, is to glorify God above all else. Prioritizing a "happy marriage" over this ultimate goal can turn the marriage into an idol. A wife can strengthen her marriage and honor God regardless of her husband's actions by focusing on her own internal and externa...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - The Marriage Relationship – His Role Christ exemplifies headship as the ultimate model for husbands through selfless service, sacrificial love, and humble leadership . He taught His disciples not to "lord it over" others but to be a servant , declaring He came "not to be served... but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.&quot...