Reformed Thinking

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Comparison of Counseling Models Based on the sources, the core belief of biblical counseling and the purpose of Christian life stand in sharp contrast to secular approaches, representing God's way versus man's way . The central core belief is the sufficiency of God's Word . The Bible is considered the only true source of and authority for l...

Deep Dive into Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers 1.8: Saint Augustin: Expositions on the Book of Psalms - Psalm 12 Based on the sources, the core themes revolve around the stark contrast between divine truth and human deceit, God's response to suffering, and the journey towards eternity. Pure words are identified as the words of the Lord , described as being without the alloy of pretence . This m...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - God’s Resources for Growth Part 2 The Holy Spirit plays a central and multifaceted role in the life of a believer, encompassing salvation and ongoing spiritual growth or sanctification . At the moment of salvation, the Spirit performs the sovereign act of regeneration , bringing a person from spiritual death to life; this is His work alone. Simultaneou...

Deep Dive into יֶ֫תֶר The Hebrew word יֶ֫תֶר (yě·ṯěr) has several primary meanings and usages , which can be broadly categorized into three main areas based on the sources. First, יֶ֫תֶר refers to a physical cord, string, or thong . This meaning encompasses objects used for binding or tension . Specific examples include the still wet tendons or sinews of a slaughtered animal, notably used in the a...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - God’s Resources for Growth Based on the sources, scripture presents a clear picture of its own nature and purpose. It teaches that it is the only Authority for Faith and conduct , serving as the sole legitimate standard for evaluating all aspects of life. This authority stems directly from its origin : it is "breathed out by God" , meaning it...

Deep Dive into Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers 1.8: Saint Augustin: Expositions on the Book of Psalms - Psalm 4 The sources present a profound contrast between pursuing fleeting worldly desires and seeking true spiritual fulfillment. Individuals are described as "heavy in heart" when they are fixated on temporal things , loving "vanity, and seek a lie" . This attachment leads to...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - The Process of Change Based on the sources, before coming to Christ, individuals are in a state of total depravity , which means every part of them is tainted by sin. They are described as spiritually dead , disobedient to God, and doomed by their nature and actions, making lasting biblical change not possible apart from God's work. When someone be...

Deep Dive into The Power of Doctrinal Holiness by John Piper - The Frank and Manly Mr Ryle: The Value of a Masculine Ministry J. C. Ryle's life experiences profoundly shaped his evangelical faith and ministry. Growing up with only nominal religion , he experienced a dramatic conversion around age 21, spurred by a severe illness, hearing the gospel preached, and reading evangelical books. This...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - You Can Change Biblically Based on the sources and our conversation, the essence of sin is a fundamental orientation away from God and towards self, defined as not living entirely to the glory of God . This is the opposite of man's true purpose , which is to glorify God and enjoy him forever , knowing Him and making Him the center of life. Because...

Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - The Humanity of Christ Understanding Christ's humanity is considered vitally important for Christian salvation and faith, historically posing a significant challenge to orthodox belief when denied or diminished. The primary reason is that salvation fundamentally depends on it . The sources explain that humanity is separated from God by...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Ministering Spirits Meet Christian and Hopeful As Christian and Hopeful approached the heavenly gate, they were met by a joyful and elaborate welcome . A company of the heavenly host and several of the King's trumpeters , clothed in shining raiment, came out, making loud and melodious music that echoed through the heavens. They saluted...

Deep Dive into Jesus as The Head of the Church Christ's Headship over the Church is a central and comprehensive theme in the sources, defining His unique role as the only, unrivaled Head . This headship conveys two primary aspects: sovereign rule and animating supply . He not only governs His people but is also the life-spring and source of all necessary grace for their growth and vitality. Ro...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Adventures on the Enchanted Ground On the journey, particularly in places like the Enchanted Ground, the air naturally causes spiritual drowsiness and apathy. To avoid this dangerous sleepiness, pilgrims like Christian and Hopeful find strength in fellowship and engaging in "good discourse," sharing their spiritual experiences an...

Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - Our Regeneration by Faith: Repentance Based on the sources, sin is understood as a turning away from God and His law, will, or control [Sources previously discussed]. It arises from a corrupted nature and manifests as inordinate desires, which are themselves deemed sinful [Sources previously discussed]. Sin involves both outward...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Christian, Hopeful, and the Shepherds After leaving the Shepherds on the Delectable Mountains, who gave them a note of direction and warnings including to beware of the Flatterer , the pilgrims Christian and Hopeful continue their journey towards the Celestial City , also called Mount Zion . Before departing, the Shepherds showed them a ho...

Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - Gracious Affections Do Arise from the Mind's Being Enlightened, Richly and Spiritually to Understand or Apprehend Divine Things Genuine gracious affections are rooted in spiritual understanding , which is described as a supernatural enlightenment granting the soul a "sense of the heart" for the supreme moral beauty and holines...

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...