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TULIP: What Is Total Hereditary Depravity?

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

This first doctrine of Calvinism deals with man’s relationship to sin. The Bible tells us that all have sinned (Romans 3:23), but Calvin’s doctrine goes beyond this. Total Hereditary Depravity (THD) says that every person is born in sin; spiritually corrupt because of Adam’s sin. We read in the Westminster Confession of Faith that Adam and Eve:

…being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed, and the same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed to all their posterity. (Westminster, Chapter VI)

TULIP: What Is Total Hereditary Depravity?

What is the TULIP Doctrine? A Simple Introduction

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

Though John Calvin was not a gardener (at least to the best of my knowledge he wasn’t), he is credited with planting, grooming and sharing with the world what has become to many an extremely cherished tulip. However, you will not find this tulip planted in a botanical garden somewhere; it won’t be in your neighbour’s backyard—Calvin’s tulip is a doctrinal system which has taken root in the hearts of believers throughout the world. Unfortunately, it is not a beautiful flower, but a destructive weed which has led many away from the truth of God’s word.

What is the TULIP Doctrine? A Simple Introduction

You Children of God – Rejoice In The Lord Always

rejoice in the LORD
via Michael De Groot | Pixabay

It’s a good practice when we study a book of the Bible, to focus on key words. Recurring words will help us understand the theme of a book. For instance, in John’s gospel, the word “Father” is found over 100 times. Jesus’ relationship to the heavenly Father is a major theme of John’s writing. In John’s first epistle, we see “know” over 25 times. His purpose – to establish the true knowledge we have in Jesus Christ. In the book of Philippians, the words “joy” and “rejoice” appear more than 15 times. There are certainly other topics addressed throughout, but the need for us to rejoice permeates the epistle.

You Children of God – Rejoice In The Lord Always

Are We All God’s children? | Answering the Atheist

Inquiry:

Answering the Atheist, God's children

Are we all God’s children? Some verses say yes [this may apply to Jews and/or Christians only] (Deuteronomy 14:1; Psalm 82:6; Hosea 1:10; Matthew 5:48; 6:9; John 20:17; Acts 17:29). Other texts say only certain people are God’s children and that everyone else is a child of the devil (John 1:12; 8:41-44; Acts 13:8-10; Romans 8:14; 9:8; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:5; 2:3; 1 John 3:8-10). Is there a contradiction?

Are We All God’s children? | Answering the Atheist

The Sin of Gambling: A Biblical Perspective

gambling
via Pixabay.com

It is a common thing to see advertising for a variety of gambling options on TV, on billboards, and online. Perhaps you’ve seen the lotto ad in which two men play a game of “hide and seek” with a helicopter and speed boat? Or the promise of $1,000 cash per week for life. The lotto industry makes all kinds of appeals for people to take a chance.

If the lotto is not your cup of tea, maybe a bingo would work. There are even church groups that conduct bingos.  Or maybe the casino might catch your fancy. Government operated casinos are emerging throughout Ontario. A whole host of games; slots, blackjack, roulette, etc. are available there.

The Sin of Gambling: A Biblical Perspective

Lest We Forget Those Who Have Made Sacrifice

After officiating the funeral of friend and fellow soldier, Lt. Alexis Helmer, Lt. Col. John McCrae wrote “In Flanders Fields.” This past week, this poem was read at memorial services across the country, as folks paused from the hustle and bustle of life to remember those who have given their lives in battle. We should not take for granted freedoms we enjoy, nor forget those who made such a huge sacrifice, even their own lives to preserve such freedoms.

A lot of attention is given to fallen heroes on November 11, Remembrance Day. But should we not be mindful of those who served our nation throughout the year? The benefits we have from their sacrifice are not exclusive to November 11. We’re a free nation – a freedom that cost some their lives.

It is a sad fact that many are prone to forgetfulness. As Moses gave the law of God to the generation that would take possession of the promised land, he was concerned they’d forget all that God did for them. he warned them:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Lest We Forget Those Who Have Made Sacrifice

An Important Life Decision: Will You Obey The Gospel?

gospel, vineyard
via Jill Wellington | Pixabay.com

As the apostle John closes his gospel account, he states of the ministry of Christ,

 …there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.(John 21:25)

Quite simply, we do not have all the details of Jesus’ work and teaching while upon the earth. But what is given is sufficient

…that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.(John 20:31)

An Important Life Decision: Will You Obey The Gospel?
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