The Dreaded TULIP...What More Can They Say?

A few years ago, someone sent me an article they had found on the internet dealing with Calvinism in an attempt to refute the Doctrines of Grace. The article, which was written by Mike Riley (a church of Christ minister, but of whom I know nothing more), set out to, first tell the reader what Calvinism is (using the famous acrostic TULIP), and then to tell us why each of the doctrines that are ascribed to each letter are wrong. Unfortunately, I think you’ll see that the effort not only suffers from a woeful lack of scholarly investigation and knowledge, but also it is characterized by an amazing lack of understanding as to what Calvinism truly is.

We're Going to Impeach the "bleep"

Every single person on the face of this earth is guilty of inconsistency at one time or another. I look at some of the things that I have said in sermons and videos or have written in blogs and other media and sometimes cringe at what I hear or read. There is no doubt that consistency is a jewel that we often struggle to keep polished. But there is inconsistency that comes with the natural human tendency to forget, and inconsistency that comes because the individual committing it is blinded to the truth. Take the recent forum on Netroots where several women, including members of Congress, were discussing a variety of issues. 

Saved By Faith...With a Sprinkling of Works?

One of the cornerstones of the Reformation was the belief that we are saved by faith apart from works. This was emphasized strongly and was based on the clear teaching of the Scriptures notably by Paul in his book to the Galatians and the Romans, especially chapters 4 and 5 of the latter. The Reformers emphasized their belief in this doctrine by what they referred to as Sola Gratia, Grace Alone, and Sola Fide, Faith Alone. This echoed Paul's famous passage in his letter to the Ephesians where in chapter 2:8-9, he declared that "for by grace are you saved, through faith and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest anyone should boast."