Episode 472: Over the weekend on Saturday (7/13) there was an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump while he gave a speech during a rally in Pennsylvania. Since then, dozens of just plain bad readings and interpretations of the Bible have flooded social media. In this episode, I takedown some of the more prominent and egregious applications of the Bible to the event. Then, I give an account of God’s involvement in the whole ordeal based on Scripture.
Tag Archives: God’s sovereignty
Walter Scott on Election, pt.2
Episode 466: I continue to explore the development of the doctrine of election within the Restoration Movement by working through Walter Scott’s essays on election published in the Millennial Harbinger in 1829. Tune in as I takedown the arguments.
Alexander Campbell on Election & Reprobation
Episode 464: In 1817 Alexander Campbell wrote a circular letter for the churches within the Red Stone Baptist Association. Surprisingly, it contains a high view of divine sovereignty in election and reprobation. Also, there is a denial of Arminianism, as well as an implied agreement with John Calvin. Tune in as I read from this letter and get a sense of Campbell’s view on these biblical doctrines.
Free-Will According to Calvinism
Episode 462: I review Tracy Dugger’s article for Seeking the Old Paths, “Free-Will According to Calvinism.” I was hopeful for a definition (finally) of “free-will” within the framework of churches of Christ. Unfortunately, this article disappoints in several ways. Tune in as I work through the assumptions and shortcomings of this article while also providing an (Edwardsian) accounting of the will.
“He Glorified” in Romans 8.30
Episode 457: Yet another interpretation presents itself concerning the Golden Chain of Redemption in Romans 8.29-30, this one focusing on “He also glorified” at the end of verse 30. This particular take argues that since the aorist (past) tense is used, glorification is a already accomplished with a strong connection to baptism. In this episode, I take this view to task exegetically, contextually, and theologically to show that Paul’s use of the aorist does not negate his eschatological considerations.
Moses E. Lard on Romans 8.28-30
Episode 449: The quest for resources within the Restoration Movement which do justice to Romans 8.28-30 continues! This time I grab Moses E. Lard’s Commentary on Romans off the book shelf and take a look inside to see what he says. I interact with his exposition linguistically, lexically, theologically, and anthropologically. Tune in & nerd out with me.
Evaluating Brents on Ephesians 1.3ff
Episode 447: I continue to work my way through Bro. T. W. Brents book The Gospel Plan of Salvation, which would be better named Polemics Against Calvinism. In this episode, I look at Brents explanation (eisegesis!) of Ephesians 1.3ff and his pained attempt to force the personal pronouns “us” and “we” mean other than the immediate requires. It is a display of opposition “exegesis,” i.e., when you interpret Scripture in any other way than your opponent does.
Operation of the Holy Spirit, pt.2
Episode 446: I continue my take down of the late brother Cotham’s article “The New Birth #3” from this month’s issue of “Seeking the Old Paths.” We also show how Cotham revives an illustration used by Alexander Campbell in his debate with Nathan Rice and how Rice improved and answered the illustration with his own. Finally, an answer to the objection that ought implies can.
Operation of the Holy Spirit, pt.1
Episode 444: The latest issue of “Seeking the Old Paths” hit my mailbox earlier this week. The cover article, “The New Birth #3,” caught my eye. Tune in as I take down this article’s deficient understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion or regeneration.
Wayne Jackson, John Calvin, & God’s Grace
Episode 437: The late brother Wayne Jackson was a prolific writer, both of books and for his publication Christian Courier. One of his articles, “John Calvin and Grace,” came across my radar providentially in recent days. However, I was disappointed with the level of engagement with Calvin’s actual writings and arguments. In this episode, I explore the sections in Calvin’s writings which should have been addressed, including from Calvin’s Institutes, his commentary on Titus 2.11, and identifying the distinctions Calvin made concerning God’s grace.
Brother Jackson’s article: https://christiancourier.com/articles/john-calvin-and-grace
Live from the Pulpit 