A Reformed Understanding of James 5:19-20

When discussing the doctrines of grace there are always people on both sides of the aisle who have seemingly irrefutable proof texts in support of their theological position. One verse that is commonly touted by Arminians in objection to the reformed doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is James 5:19-20:

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Humility by Failure

I got my first ever C in college. I am a senior in the last three weeks of my final quarter of my college career and I got my first ever C in college and I am rejoicing in the goodness of God.

Protestant Work Ethic

I haven’t posted in a while so I will jot down the notes from a brief study I have been doing on having a Biblical work ethic that I am seeking to cultivate. The heart of my study is summarized in the following verses:

1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

Additional verses on the need to be diligent and avoid laziness are spoken of in the following proverbs:

Proverbs 12:24
Proverbs 20:4
Proverbs 21:5

ESV – Personal Size Reference Bible

About a year ago I began to look for a new Bible. I have grown to love the English Standard Version (ESV) that embraces an “essentially literal” translation of the Scriptures while balancing readability. Unfortunately, the ESV is a relatively new translation and there are few versions available to buy.

I know exactly what I am looking for in a Bible. I wanted a cross-reference system in an ESV that was compact in size such that it could easily be carried around. Until recently, the closest version to these specifications was the ESV Classic Reference Bible that was contained the cross-reference system and an extensive concordance but was still quite large.

I am thrilled, though, that Crossway has recently release a Personal Size Reference Bible that includes both the reference system and is compact in size. The new Personal Size Reference Bible is a mediator in size between the previous Thinline ESV’s and the Compact ESV’s.

I recently ordered myself a copy of the Personal Size Reference Bible. I thought about writing an extensive review about the font, single column paragraph format, reference system, cover and other characteristics. In attempting to do so, though, I came across other who had already done such reviews. I will commend these reviews for your study and encourage you all to consider making this investment.

Overview Analysis: http://hoperoadblog.com/2008/04/…

In-Depth Analysis: http://jmarkbertrand.typepad.com/…

Jesus is… God

Before the start of the Fall quarter, we had trouble scheduling speakers for Real Life and I wrote out a talk for the first week. Luckily, we were able to schedule someone last minute and I never spoke but I still have my notes from that talk. The notes from that talk are below.

Sermon on the Mount Study: Week Two

I wrote out the notes for the second week of the study over the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Please read the previous article if you missed the first week before reading this article. Please contact me with any questions regarding the content.

Sermon of the Mount Study: Week One

I wrote out the notes for the second week of the study over the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Please contact me with any questions regarding the content.

Article on the Local Church, Pt. 3

This is the third and final part of my article on the Local Church.

Article on the Local Church, Pt. 2

This short essay is the second of three parts of the issue of doctrines of the Local Church stemming from the writings of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee that deviate from Biblical orthodoxy.

Article on the Local Church, Pt. 1

I am preparing a multi-part article to raise awarness of the unorthodox teachings of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee and by extension the Local Church. The first post will be an intoduction and preface to the article followed by two three-part investigations into curious doctrines of the Local Church.