Reformation Theology -- Just Got My Copy!

This important new volume is ready! 

My contribution is, "The Eschatology of the Reformers"

Here's the publisher's (Crossway) summary:

Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary

Edited by Matthew Barrett, Foreword by Michael Horton, Contributions by R. Michael Allen, Gerald Bray, Graham A. Cole, Aaron Denlinger, J. V. Fesko, Eun Jin Kim, Douglas Kelly, Robert Kolb, Robert Letham, Peter A. Lillback, Korey Maas, Donald Macleod, Keith A. Mathison, Michael Reeves, Kim Riddlebarger, Scott R. Swain, Mark D. Thompson, Carl R. Trueman, Cornelis P. Venema, Matthew Barrett

About Reformation Theology

Far too often, the Protestant Reformation is seen as a bygone and irrelevant movement in church history. Some of the best theologians and historians of today, including Michael Reeves, Gerald Bray, Michael A. G. Haykin, Carl R. Trueman, and many others, have collaborated to counter this view, showing how Reformation theology is not only still relevant but actually essential—even five hundred years later. Offering readers accessible summaries of a host of important doctrinal issues discussed and debated by the Reformers, this comprehensive book includes entries on topics such as biblical authority, the Trinity, the attributes of God, predestination, union with Christ, justification by faith, the church, the sacraments, and more. Perfect for both individual and classroom use, this volume demonstrates that Reformation theology—far from being irrelevant—is more crucial to the vitality of the church than ever.

Recommendations:

“Dr. Barrett has gathered a full stable of blue-ribbon theologians for this winning volume. All the essays are carefully contextualized, the Reformers judiciously selected, and the bibliographies thoughtfully assembled. Some chapters are especially notable for the breadth and depth of the author’s research, others for their adroit summaries of complex themes. There is little doubt that Reformation Theology will ably serve the church and academy as a textbook for students and a reference work for scholars. It is already reshaping my own teaching on late-medieval and early-modern theology, and I commend it heartily.”
—Chad Van Dixhoorn, Chancellor’s Professor of Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary–Washington, DC

“This delightful volume is a breath of fresh air in Reformation studies, putting theology back at the center. It shows with crystal clarity how the Reformers expounded the heart of the Christian faith, and why these evangelical doctrines still matter so much.”
—Andrew Atherstone, Latimer Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford

“This rich book takes up the challenge to think beyond 2017 and does so in a very stimulating manner. Each of the contributors is an expert in his field and knows that the Reformation is a highly relevant treasure for both the church and theology. They convincingly encourage the readers to think through this treasure and adopt it. Everyone eager to not just look back at five hundred years of reformation but also look forward finds here the perfect material.”
—Herman Selderhuis, Director, Refo500; Professor and Director of the Institute for Reformation Research, Theological University Apeldoorn, the Netherlands; author, Calvin’s Theology of the Psalms

“Dr. Matthew Barrett has assembled a first-rate team of pastors and scholars to write an anniversary volume of the Reformation that promises to receive a welcoming readership across a wide spectrum of the evangelical community. At a time when some are suggesting that for all practical purposes the Reformation is ‘over,’ Barrett’s Reformation Theology offers a needed corrective by showing the relevance of the Reformation for healthy church ministry and the Christian life today.”
—Philip Graham Ryken, President, Wheaton College; author, Loving the Way Jesus Loves

“This collection of essays is both necessary and appropriate. It’s necessary because the issues addressed mattered then and matter now. It’s appropriate because this is how we best remember our past and honor the Reformers. The Reformation is our pivot point in the past, and the issues it addressed remain the pivot point for church life and discipleship.”
—Stephen J. Nichols, President, Reformation Bible College; Chief Academic Officer, Ligonier Ministries; author, Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought and The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World

“A superb collection of first-rate essays on Reformation theology—one of the best I have seen. A welcome addition to the swell of literature in this year of Reformation remembrance.”
—Timothy George, Founding Dean, Beeson Divinity School; General Editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture

“An anniversary is a great moment to do a book like Reformation Theology. And with the passing of time, Reformation truths and the importance of the Reformation as a milestone in church history get forgotten—incredible as that sounds. But it is true. Perhaps we should not be surprised. How many times in the Old Testament do we read that the Israelites ‘forgot’? So I am enthusiastic about Reformation Theology.”
—David F. Wells, Distinguished Senior Research Professor, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; author, The Courage to Be Protestant: Truth-Lovers, Marketers and Emergents in the Postmodern World

“Matthew Barrett is certainly to be congratulated on bringing together this outstanding group of top-tier theologians and Reformation scholars to produce this wonderful resource. Not only are readers given a masterful survey of historical theology illuminating the key reformational themes of the sixteenth century, but also we are provided thoughtful and insightful guidance to wrestle with the important theological issues facing the church in the twenty-first century. I am delighted to recommend this comprehensive work.”
—David S. Dockery, President, Trinity International University

“Reformation Theology promises to be an influential book indeed. Written by recognized historians and theologians, this volume aims to clearly articulate the teaching of the Reformers according to traditional theological categories. It is a genuine contribution and a great read besides.”
—Fred G. Zaspel, Pastor, Reformed Baptist Church, Franconia, Pennsylvania; author, The Theology of B. B. Warfield: A Systematic Summary and Warfield on the Christian Life: Living in Light of the Gospel

“Nothing would benefit American evangelicals more than a real rediscovery of the Reformation—not a superficial regurgitation of the familiar talking points but a powerful, experiential encounter with the learned depth, wisdom, humility, piety, and practical know-how of our Reformation forefathers. A volume like the one Dr. Matthew Barrett has put together is a big step in the right direction.”
—Greg Forster, Director, Oikonomia Network at the Center for Transformational Churches, Trinity International University; author, The Joy of Calvinism

“The lineup of authors in Reformation Theology and their respective topics reflect the very best in Reformed evangelical scholarship. The book should be of widespread interest. Not only would seminary and college students find the volume profitable in their studies, but all informed Christians would benefit from the essays.”
—W. Andrew Hoffecker, Professor of Church History Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary–Jackson; author, Charles Hodge: The Pride of Princeton

“A clear articulation of one’s Reformed faith requires familiarity with the ideas and events in which that faith is rooted. Unfortunately, there are few books on the subject currently in print that are both learned and accessible. Thankfully, this volume offers an outstanding solution to this problem.”
—Chris Castaldo, Pastor, New Covenant Church, Naperville, Illinois; author, Talking with Catholics about the Gospel; coauthor, The Unfinished Reformation: What Unites and Divides Catholics and Protestants after 500 Years

 You can pre-order it here:  Reformation Theology

This Week at Christ Reformed Church (March 13-19)

Sunday Morning, March 19:  We begin a new series on Paul's letter to the Galatians.  In our first sermon in the series, we will be discussing Paul's stern warning about the presence of false gospels (Galatians 1:1-9).  Our worship service begins at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Afternoon:  We continue our time in that section of the Heidelberg Catechism dealing with the sacraments (Lord's Day 25, Q & A 65-68).  Our catechism service begins @ 1:15 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study, March 15 (7:30 p.m.):  We continue our series on personal evangelism entitled, "Telling the Truth in Love."  We are discussing those biblical categories necessary to engage in pre-evangelism.

Academy, Friday, March 17 (7:30 p.m.):  We will be viewing and discussing Allen Guelzo's Teaching Company Course, The American Mind.  Our text for this series will be Hollinger and Capper, The American Intellectual Tradition.  Be sure to get a used copy!  They are much cheaper!

For more information on Christ Reformed Church you can always find us here (Christ Reformed Info), or on Facebook (Christ Reformed on Facebook).

"Continue Steadfastly in Prayer" -- Colossians 4:2-18

Here's the audio from the concluding sermon in our ten-part series on Colossians

Click Here

This Week's White Horse Inn (Updated Website)

What Is Original Sin?

Why is there so much evil and corruption in the world? Why do children need to be taught to behave, whereas disobedience and naughtiness come rather naturally? What exactly is sin, where does it come from, and how does it relate to our view of God’s mercy and grace in Jesus Christ? On this program the hosts will discuss these questions and more as they begin a new four-part series on the doctrine of Original Sin.

Click Here

"Spoken of by the Prophet Daniel" -- Matthew 24:15-28

An Introduction to the Study of the Book of Daniel (Part One)

We begin our series on the Book of Daniel in a surprising place–the Gospel of Matthew with Jesus giving the Olivet Discourse.  The discourse is so named because Jesus and this disciples were sitting on the Mount of Olives, looking across the Kidron Valley at the magnificent Jersualem temple, restored to its original grandeur by king Herod.  Jesus uses this occasion to predict the destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem, as well as discuss the end of the age.  When passing the temple earlier that day, his disciples asked him a question about the end of the age and what would happen to the temple.  Jesus told them, “you see all these, do you not?  Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2).  The temple will be completely destroyed–again.  Jesus is predicting something unthinkable for a Jew, since the Jewish people had endured this fate once already.  And this time, Jesus implies the destruction will be final.  While predicting the destruction of the temple and teaching his disciples about the end of age, Jesus repeatedly appeals to the prophet Daniel.  And so it is here we will begin our series on the Book of Daniel–with Jesus, on the Mount of Olives, teaching his disciples about the end, by quoting from or alluding to Daniel’s prophecies.  By considering how Jesus read and understood the Book of Daniel and considering our Lord’s role in Daniel’s prophecies, we will be better able to interpret Daniel correctly.

Taking this brief detour will prepare us by providing background for our upcoming series on Daniel, a book which many preachers avoid because Daniel is a very difficult book to interpret.  I also chose to start with the Olivet Discourse because our recent sermon series on Ezra-Nehemiah, and our recent Advent sermons in many ways, are either tied to the Book of Daniel, or address some of the same themes (especially the fate of the Jewish people, their temple, and Jerusalem), which we have covered in these recent series.  So I thought it helpful to begin our series on Daniel by considering a remarkable passage in the New Testament where all of these things are in view.  That passage is the Olivet Discourse of Matthew 24 (with parallels in Mark 13 and Luke 21) where Jesus quotes or alludes to prophecies of Daniel, especially as these prophecies impact the future role of the temple and the city of Jerusalem in redemptive history.  As we will see next time (as we conclude our time in Matthew 24), Jesus even refers to himself as the mysterious divine figure, the Son of Man, who is the central figure in one of Daniel’s visions (chapter 7).  We must understand Daniel as does Jesus.

We begin this morning with a bit of historical recap.  The first Jerusalem temple (built by David and Solomon) was destroyed by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC in the days immediately before the Babylonian exile.  As we will see when we take up Daniel’s prophecy, Daniel actually served in Nebuchadnezzar’s royal court and even interpreted one of the king’s dreams.  The destruction of the temple and the sacking of Jerusalem in 587 was Israel’s darkest moment, until Jesus predicts an even darker day to yet come for Israel–a day of terrible distress foretold by Daniel.  In the days of Ezra-Nehemiah–who write a century or so after Daniel–the Jews eventually returned to the land, and rebuilt their temple in 516 B.C.  After four centuries of struggle and oppression by Gentile empires, by the time of Jesus, Israel’s national identity once again centered around this magnificent building.  

The Jerusalem temple figures quite prominently in the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, because the conflict between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees escalates to the point of no return once Jesus entered the temple after his triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, only to find his messianic mission challenged and then rejected by Israel’s leaders.  Though the temple pointed to the work of redemption that Jesus was about to accomplish with his death and resurrection, the Pharisees sought to keep Jesus from preaching in his father’s house.  The tragic irony in all of this is that Israel’s spiritual condition had fallen to the same level of unbelief as in the days before the exile.  The people’s hearts are once again far from YHWH.  The religious leaders trust in their rituals and in human righteousness.  They think the temple, the law, religious ceremonies and festivals, and circumcision are ends in themselves.  They see no need for the righteousness of Jesus Christ, thinking their own quite sufficient.

To read the rest of this sermon, Click Here

Yup, I've Felt Like That . . . You Probably Have Too . . .

An unfortunate "typo" surely ruined someone's Lenten bulletin . . .  It is currently making its way around the internet.

This unfortunate error demonstrates two things.  For one thing, church secretaries have great power and an awesome responsibility.  I'll bet the congregation which used this bulletin snickered throughout the entire service--even one intended to be sober and reflective.

The awkward typo also contains much truth.  There are indeed days when my own level of sanctification reaches lows which can only be described as "butt dust."  The very fact that I just posted this, proves as much.

The good news is that we can laugh at our foibles all the while taking comfort in a merciful Savior who loves us.

This Week at Christ Reformed Church (March 6-12)

Sunday Morning, March 12:  We wrap up our series on Colossians, by considering Paul's exhortation to be in constant prayer (Colossians 4:2-18).  Our worship service begins at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Afternoon:  We move to that section of the Heidelberg Catechism dealing with the sacraments (Lord's Day 25, Q & A 65-68).  Our catechism service begins @ 1:15 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study, March 8 (7:30 p.m.):  We continue our series on personal evangelism entitled, "Telling the Truth in Love."  We are discussing those biblical categories necessary to engage in pre-evangelism.

Academy, Friday, March 19 (7:30 p.m.):  We will be viewing and discussing Allen Guelzo's Teaching Company Course, The American Mind.  Our text for this series will be Hollinger and Capper, The American Intellectual Tradition.  Be sure to get a used copy!  They are much cheaper!

For more information on Christ Reformed Church you can always find us here (Christ Reformed Info), or on Facebook (Christ Reformed on Facebook).

"From the Lord, You Will Receive the Inheritance" -- Colossians 3:18-4:1

Here's the audio from this morning's sermon on Colossians

Click Here

This Week's White Horse Inn (Updated Website)

What Is Original Sin?

Why is there so much evil and corruption in the world? Why do children need to be taught to behave, whereas disobedience and naughtiness come rather naturally? What exactly is sin, where does it come from, and how does it relate to our view of God’s mercy and grace in Jesus Christ? On this program the hosts will discuss these questions and more as they begin a new four-part series on the doctrine of Original Sin.

Click Here

"Remember Me, O My God" -- Nehemiah 13:1-9

The Twenty-First (and Final) in a Series of Sermons on Ezra-Nehemiah

Nehemiah served as governor of Judah for twelve difficult years.  Under his very capable leadership, the insults, plotting, and threats made by the Peoples of the Land (led by Sanballat, his lackey Tobiah, and Geshem) against the newly returned exiles had been thwarted.  Jerusalem’s walls and gates have been rebuilt in a mere 52 days.  Upon the public reading of the Book of Law and with preaching and exhortations from the books of Moses, a reformation broke out in Israel.  The people conformed their feasts (i.e., the Feast of Tabernacles) to biblical mandates.  They renewed their covenant with YHWH, and according to the testimony of Nehemiah 10:30-39, they swore on oath to separate themselves from the peoples of the land, to stop giving and taking pagan wives, to conduct no business on the Sabbath, and to support the temple and its sacrifices with their tithes.  As we saw last time (in chapters 11-12), the people dedicated Jerusalem’s walls and gates to YHWH in a joyful and emotion filled ceremony, which was so loud, the celebration was heard for miles away.  If the author wanted to go out on a high note, this is where the Book of Nehemiah should end.  But it doesn’t.

His work completed (or so he thinks), Nehemiah is recalled by the Persian king Artaxerxes and leaves Jerusalem behind for the Persian winter capital of Susa, only to return to Jerusalem “after some time.”  What does Nehemiah find in Jerusalem upon his return?  A people keeping all the promises they made to YHWH when Nehemiah had last been among them?  Does he find a people zealous to keep separate from pagan Gentiles?  Does he find a people working hard not to neglect the house of their God (the temple) as they promised in Nehemiah 10:39?  If we thought the great celebration in Nehemiah 12, was the conclusion to this wonderful story, we are sadly mistaken.

What Nehemiah finds upon his return to Jerusalem is a city and a people living very much as they did before God’s judgment came upon them in 587 B.C. when the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar sacked and destroyed Jerusalem as an act of God’s judgment upon Israel because of their sustained idolatry and worship of false gods.  Nehemiah is angered by what he finds.  The Book which bears his name ends not with the celebration of the dedication of the city (chapter 12:43), but with an epilog in which Nehemiah exercises his righteous anger against those in Israel who have not kept the faith, nor their promises to YHWH.  In this we final chapter see the great lesson of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah are intended to teach us–the Old Covenant, that national covenant God made with Israel at Mount Sinai through the mediation with Moses, cannot truly deal with human sin or the sinful human heart.  After spending much time studying these two books, one thing should be patently clear–Israel needs a sinless Messiah who can deal with human sin once and for all.  Until such a Messiah comes, short term “reformations” are the best the people can hope for or expect.  A new and better covenant must replace the old.

As we turn to our text (the closing verses of chapter 12 and the entirety of chapter 13) we pick up where the joyful celebration ends, with the planning and preparation necessary so that the people of Israel might continue to worship YHWH as brought about by and necessary to the renewed covenant.  We read in Nehemiah 12:44, that “on that day” i.e., the day (or shortly thereafter) the people of Israel rededicated the city and its walls to YHWH, “men were appointed over the storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered.”  Nehemiah wasted no time in ensuring that those things necessary (humanly speaking) for this reformation to continue be put into place. The people of Judah are said to rejoice at these arrangements.

To read the rest of this sermon, Click Here