Basics of the Reformed Faith -- The Lord's Supper

The next installment of my series on basic Reformed doctrine has been posted on the Westminster Seminary California blog.
Living in Light of Two Ages
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The next installment of my series on basic Reformed doctrine has been posted on the Westminster Seminary California blog.
Open Lines
On this edition of White Horse Inn, the hosts take calls from listeners on a range of topics including: the carnal Christian and the victorious Christian life; the New Perspective on Paul; how to explain God’s sovereign choice to elect some (but not all) to come to faith, and the history of the Reformation idea of the priesthood of all believers.
Mike Horton addresses five common misconceptions about Reformed theology.
You can find his short essay here: 5 Myths About Reformed Theology
The next installment of my series on basic doctrine has been posted on the Westminster Seminary California blog.
Here's the link: Click Here
Grace Liberates
Life coaches are everywhere these days. Whether found at a local seminar or on television, they can help you manage your finances, bake better cookies, or lose weight in seven easy steps. Unfortunately, too often this is what many people find in churches across the country. Why are we so attracted to “helpful advice,” and how is this different from the radical message of the gospel? On this program, Michael Horton walks through Romans 4, explaining how we can never truly be freed by “to do lists,” but only by the liberating message of God’s grace.
Several of you have asked about my health and my summer sabbatical, so here's a quick update.
Two weeks ago, I was cleared by the Drs. to return to normal duties (I have), and I feel great. I did have cancer--you know the kind you get if you don't go to the doctor, if you don't have your colonoscopy at age 50, and if you don't have the polyps removed before they turn nasty?
But the prognosis is very good--no sign of any spread, no chemo required. I'll not make that mistake again, and will monitor things closely from now on. Thank you so much for the prayers and well-wishes. They were greatly appreciated and evidently, quite effectual. God has blessed me with good health (so far) and a strong constitution, so it was a good thing for me to deal with a serious illness and my own mortality. Such things change you in deep and profound ways, and for that, I am very thankful! Psalm 116 has a new depth of meaning to me.
As for writing projects, I have completed the draft of my commentary on 1 Corinthians (it is undergoing final edits). You can check it out here: Lectio Continua. It should be released early in 2013. I'll keep you posted.
I've been working on another project for the last month (I can't tell you about it yet, but will when I get publication info from the publisher). I'll keep you posted about this as well. I'm pretty excited about it.
Getting these two projects wrapped up should clear the deck so I can finally finish up my two kingdoms book (which is about 2/3's complete).
When I return to my duties at Christ Reformed in mid-August, I'll begin a new series on the Gospel of John.
The picture of me and Micki was taken at a wedding in May.
The next installment in my series on basic Christian doctrine has been posted on the Westminster Seminary California blog.
You can find it here: Click Here
Boredom and Entertainment
Compared with a summer blockbuster film, many would likely characterize the events at a typical church as “boring.” In order to address this problem, many churches over the past few decades have begun using the techniques of show business. Worship now has the look and feel of a rock concert, and sermons have turned into inspirational comedy routines. What is boredom anyway, and should it be avoided at all costs? Is entertainment always the appropriate response? Joining the panel for this discussion is Richard Winter, author of Still Bored in a Culture of Entertainment.
Mike Horton was asked by the folks at CT to respond to Alan Chambers (the president of Exodus International). A link to his essay is now posted on the White Horse Inn blog.
If this is not a great argument for the importance of understanding the nature of sin, the wonders of grace, and the role of the church in dealing with people struggling with sin, I don't know what is. Great stuff!
Understanding Islam (Part 2)
Islam is in the news a lot these days, but what do we really know about this world religion? Who was Mohammed, and why did he set out to write the Koran? How did Islam evolve into its present state? Can it coexist with other religions and political regimes? On this program, Michael Horton continues to discuss these questions and more with Islamic specialist Adam Francisco.