Reformation Heroes: Written by Diana Kleyn with Joel R. Beeke
Today we are blessed to live in a country where we have little fear of physical or verbal persecution for our faith. We may read the Word of God without fear of punishment. We have the privilege of attending whichever church we desire and we may even encourage the public to come and join us for worship. This freedom has been all but common since the life of Christ and there is no reason to think that it will be common in the future. Sin is as abundant in the world now as it ever has been before. Reformation Heroes gives us an in-depth look at the Reformation gaining strength in the 15th and 16th centuries and the doctrines which were rediscovered, believed, and practiced at tremendous cost to the health, safety, and prosperity of those Reformers who held fast to the faith. Read the rest of this entry »
The following is an excerpt from John Owen’s The Glory of Christ. John Owen sheds great light on the theological and practical implications of the second commandment in the midst of a chapter explaining the difference between faith and sight.
Crucifixes, Images, and Paintings – An Imaginary Christ
I cannot refrain here from a necessary short digression. This transforming efficacy, from a spiritual view of Christ as proposed in the Gospel, being lost, as to an experience of it, in the minds of men carnal and ignorant of the mystery of believing (as it is at present by many derided, though it be the life of religion), fancy and superstition provided various supplies in the room of it. For they found out crucifixes and images with paintings to represent him in his sufferings and glory. By these things, their carnal affections being excited by their outward senses, they suppose themselves to be affected with him, and to be like him. Yea, some have proceeded so far as, either by arts diabolical, or by other means, to make an appearance of wounds on their hands, and feet, and sides; yea, to be wholly transformed into his image. But that which is produced by an image is but an image. An imaginary Christ will effect nothing in the minds of men but imaginary grace. Read the rest of this entry »
No Christian approves of worshiping idols or disapproves of honoring parents. No brother or sister will accuse you of being legalistic if you’re against stealing or are in favor of telling the truth. But I know many people who object to Sabbath keeping and approve of using the Lord’s Day for work or personal pleasure. We don’t argue about the other nine; why is the fourth commandment a catalyst for more heat than light?
These are some of the questions the Rev. Bruce Ray considers in his book, Celebrating the Sabbath: Finding Rest in a Restless World. Ray laments the low view of the fourth commandment in churches today. Churches today cater to the busy lifestyles of churchgoers by creating more services on more days for shorter periods of time. Ray uses the term “McSabbath” to describe the state of the Lord’s Day in most churches in America. Read the rest of this entry »
