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Doru Pope--Ioan 11:35-44-"Lazăr, vino afară!"

2012-02-02T00:29:00.000-08:00

Doru Pope--Ioan 11:35-44-"Lazăr, vino afară!"

John Piper vine la Bucureşti!

2012-02-02T00:20:00.000-08:00

Cunoscutul pastor, autor şi conferenţiar creştin John Piper va participa, ca invitat principal, la două evenimente organizate de Alianţa Evanghelică din România:

1. Conferinţa biblică „Dumnezeu este Evanghelia” – cu înscriere – care va avea loc în perioada 3-5 mai 2012, la Crystal Palace Ballrooms. Alături de John Piper va conferenţia şi Emil Bartoș.

2. Evenimentul intitulat „Nu-ţi irosi viaţa!” – intrarea liberă – care se va desfăşura duminică, 6 mai 2012, ora 18:00, la Sala Palatului. Participanții sunt încurajați să-și invite rudele și prietenii la acest eveniment.

Pentru detalii şi înscriere la conferinţă accesaţi http://www.johnpiper.ro/.

http://www.monergism.ro/index.php/2012/02/john-piper-vine-la-bucuresti/

Matt Chandler - God Is For God (Code Orange Revival)

2012-01-26T02:05:00.000-08:00

Pastor Matt Chandler-Ephe 1:3-6-God Is For God-1of2

Why Arminian Conditional Election Makes God a Respecter of Persons

2012-01-25T22:45:00.000-08:00

Why Arminian Conditional Election Makes God a Respecter of Persons
I often hear the charge against those who hold to a Reformed understanding of unconditional election and effectual grace that it cannot be true because it makes God a respecter of persons.

I think it is important to face up to this charge to see if it has any validity. To do this we need to understand how the Bible uses the concept "respecter of persons" and then let it interpret itself as to what it actually means, and then determine whether or not God would be guilty of it if unconditional election were true. Below is a wide sampling of its occurrence in the Scripture:

"Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour." (Leviticus 19: 15 KJV)
"Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous." (Deuteronomy 16: 19 KJV)

"For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means,
that his banished be not expelled from him." (II Samuel 14: 14 KJV)

"Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts." (II Chronicles 19: 7 KJV)

"These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment." (Proverbs 24: 23 KJV)

"To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress." (Proverbs 28: 21 KJV)

"And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear." (I Peter 1: 17 KJV)

"God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10: 34)

"For there is no respect of persons with God." (Romans 2: 11)

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors." (James 2: 1-9 KJV)

Here we have multiple instances of this phrase in both the Old and New Testament. So what are these passages talking about? They are clearly warning the believer against showing favoritism or partiality, because they declare that God Himself does not show partiality or favoritism. And. most importantly, in each of these instances it means neither we nor God give special treatment to a person because of his position, merit, wealth, influence, social standing, authority or popularity. Thus 'respecter of persons' means we are not to favor one person over the other because of ANY superior personal trait in the one favored, and likewise we are not to show prejudice toward those who lack these characteristics.

So when God unconditionally elects a person in Christ does he first determine who he will choose based on their position, wealth, good looks, influence etc? No. By definition unconditional election means unconditional. It is not conditioned on ANYTHING in us or potentially in us. God does not stand to gain from currying anyone's favor ... even those who are in high positions ... because God gave them that position, wealth, authority or social standing to begin with. The Bible unambiguously teaches, therefore, that God is no respecter of persons in election. Those who are chosen are chosen "in Christ" not because God is thinking about what he has to gain by helping them over others.. God has no need for such things, so, by definition, his choosing us cannot be tainted with such a motive. Continue reading "Why Arminian Conditional Election Makes God a Respecter of Persons" »

4. The Foreknowledge of God

2012-01-17T01:29:00.000-08:00

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD -by-A W. PINK
Romans 8:29 The Foreknowledge of God 1of2

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Romans 8:29 The Foreknowledge of God 2of2
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4. The Foreknowledge of God
What controversies have been engendered by this subject in the past! But what truth of Holy Scripture is there which has not been made the occasion of theological and ecclesiastical battles? The deity of Christ, His virgin birth, His atoning death, His second advent; the believer’s justification, sanctification, security; the church, its organization, officers, discipline; baptism, the Lord’s supper, and a score of other precious truths might be mentioned. Yet, the controversies which have been waged over them did not close the mouths of God’s faithful servants; why, then, should we avoid the vexed question of God’s Foreknowledge, because, forsooth, there are some who will charge us with fomenting strife? Let others contend if they will, our duty is to bear witness according to the light vouchsafed us.

There are two things concerning the Foreknowledge of God about which many are in ignorance: the meaning of the term, its Scriptural scope. Because this ignorance is so widespread, it is an easy matter for preachers and teachers to palm off perversions of this subject, even upon the people of God. There is only one safeguard against error, and that is to be established in the faith; and for that, there has to be prayerful and diligent study, and a receiving with meekness the engrafted Word of God. Only then are we fortified against the attacks of those who assail us. There are those today who are misusing this very truth in order to discredit and deny the absolute sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners. Just as higher critics are repudiating the Divine inspiration of the Scriptures; evolutionists, the work of God in creation; so some pseudo Bible teachers are perverting His foreknowledge in order to set aside His unconditional election unto eternal life.

When the solemn and blessed subject of Divine foreordination is expounded, when>>>>>>>>Continue readingThe Foreknowledge of God>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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The Attributes of God >>1 to 17>>
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Cunoştinţa mai dinainte a lui Dumnezeu
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Atributele lui Dumnezeu - Arthur W. Pink>>1 to 17 >>

Speranta -Emma -O Noapte Sfanta-VideoReMix

2012-01-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

Speranta -Emma -O Noapte Sfanta-VideoReMix

The Vine and the Branches John 15:1-3 John MacArthur

2012-01-11T22:49:00.000-08:00

READ OR LISTEN mp3 TO ---The Vine and the Branches ---John 15:1-3

First of all, the professing branch. "Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taken away." Now I believe this could not be a Christian for several reasons. Number one, I believe it can't be a Christian because I believe that fruit is in every Christian's life. You say, "You mean that every Christian bears fruit?" Absolutely every Christian bears fruit. Some Christians you've got to look a long time to find a couple of lingering grapes somewhere, but you'll find them somewhere. The very essence of new life in Christ is that it is productive. Now fruit means many things and again that's yet future in our concern, but every believer bears fruit. Ephesians 2:10, I want to substantiate that with some passages. Ephesians 2:10, and this is really, I think, going to be helpful to us, it says this, "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto...what?...good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

John MacArthur

Biblical and Theological Foundations for Christian Hedonism: Seven Theses

2012-01-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

Biblical and Theological Foundations for Christian Hedonism: Seven Theses

Foundational Broadcasts

God's Passion for His Supremacy, Part 1
February 2, 2004
Series: Passion for the Supremacy of God
This series of four messages, entitled "A Passion for the Supremacy of God," contains John Piper's theology in a nutshell. In the first message, John shows that God's aim in all things is to spread a passion for His own supremacy for the joy of all people
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God's Passion for His Supremacy, Part 2
February 3, 2004
Series: Passion for the Supremacy of God
Join John Piper as he continues his discussion of this stunning truth: God's pursuit of His glory and our pursuit of joy are not at odds, but the same pursuit. For God is most glorified in us when we are satisfied in Him.
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Desiring God book online by John Piper

2012-01-10T23:57:00.000-08:00

Desiring God

Foundation for Christian Hedonism

by John Piper

Our God is in the heavens;
he does whatever he pleases.
Psalm 115:3

There has been a wonderful alteration in my mind,
in respect to the doctrine of God's sovereignty.... The doctrine
has very often appeared exceeding pleasant, bright and sweet.
Absolute sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God.
Jonathan Edwards

The climax of God's happiness
is the delight he takes
in the echoes of his excellence
in the praises of his people.
John Piper

CONTENTS
What's New In the 1996 Edition?
Preface
Introduction: How I Became a Christian Hedonist
What Is Christian Hedonism? Lessons from a Love Poem

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Epilogue: Why I Have Written This Book-Seven Reasons
Appendix 1: The Goal of God in Redemptive History
Appendix 2: Is the Bible a Reliable Guide to Lasting Joy?
Appendix 3: What Does It Mean to Love Your Neighbor as You Love Yourself?
Appendix 4: Why Call It Christian Hedonism?
Study Guide
Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10
A Note on the Resources of Desiring God Ministries
Other Books by the Author
Scripture Index
Subject and Person Index

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

2012-01-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Jonathan Edwards

PÃCÃTOºII ÎN MÂINILEUNUI DUMNEZEU MÂNIOS RO

"And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.- Revelation 19:14-16

Jesus is Lord [over all] and he will soon be invading with His armies. He is offering pardon in advance of His invasion and should you receive the pardon and ally yourself with Him now before He invades, when he comes you will be considered His ally and He will raise you to Kingship. The alternative is to be under the wrath of the king. It is not some kind of religious option. It an announcement that a new king is on the throne and he'll be invading. The gospel is not an invitation to an array of a buffet style choices, it is a command. Will you heed the command? Jesus is Lord, repent and believe.-William Wilder

The greatest judgment which God Himself can, in this present life, inflict upon a man is, to leave him in the hand of his own boasted free-will.-AUGUSTUS TOPLADY

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Jonathan Edwards

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
Preached at: Enfield, Connecticut, July 8, 1741
Jonathan Edwards

".. Their foot shall slide in due time,"

Deut. 32:35

In this verse is threatened the vengeance of God on the wicked unbelieving Israelites, who were God’s visible people, and who lived under the means of grace; but who, notwithstanding all God’s wonderful works towards them, remained (as v. 28.) void of counsel, having no understanding in them. Under all the cultivations of heaven, they brought forth bitter and poisonous fruit; as in the two verses next preceding the text. The expression I have chosen for my text, their foot shall slide in due time, seems to imply the following things, relating to the punishment and destruction to which these wicked Israelites were exposed.

1. That they were always exposed to destruction; as one that stands or walks in slippery places is always exposed to fall. This is implied in the manner of their destruction coming upon them, being represented by their foot sliding. The same is expressed, (Ps. 72:18). "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castest them down into destruction."

2. It implies, that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction. As he that walks in slippery places is every moment liable to fall, he cannot foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall the next; and when he does fall, he falls at once without warning: Which is also expressed in Psalm 73:18,19. "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castest them down into destruction: How are they brought into desolation as in a moment!"

3. Another thing implied is, that they are liable to fall of themselves, without being thrown down by the hand of another; as he that stands or walks on slippery ground needs nothing but his own weight to throw him down.

4. That the reason why they are not fallen already and do not fall now is only that God’s appointed time is not come. For it is said, that when that due time, or appointed time comes, their foot shall slide. Then they shall be left to fall, as they are inclined by their own weight. God will not hold them up in these slippery places any longer, but will let them go; and then, at that very instant, they shall fall into destruction; as he that stands on such slippery declining ground, on the edge of a pit, he cannot stand alone, when he is let go he immediately falls and is lost.

The observation from the words that I would now insist upon is this. "There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God." By the mere pleasure of God, I mean his sovereign pleasure, his arbitrary will, restrained by no obligation, hindered by no manner of difficulty, any more than if nothing else but God’s mere will had in the least degree, or in any respect whatsoever, any hand in the preservation of wicked men one moment. The truth of this observation may appear by the following considerations.

1. There is no want of power in God to cast wicked men into hell at any moment. Men’s hands cannot be strong when God rises up. The strongest have no power to resist him, nor can any deliver out of his hands. He is not only able to cast wicked men into hell, but he can most easily do it. Sometimes an earthly prince meets with a great deal of difficulty to subdue a rebel, who has found means to fortify himself, and has made himself strong by the numbers of his followers. But it is not so with God. There is no fortress that is any defense from the power of God. Though hand join in hand, and vast multitudes of God’s enemies combine and associate themselves, they are easily broken in pieces. They are as great heaps of light chaff before the whirlwind; or large quantities of dry stubble before devouring flames. We find it easy to tread on and crush a worm that we see crawling on the earth; so it is easy for us to cut or singe a slender thread that any thing hangs by: thus easy is it for God, when he pleases, to cast his enemies down to hell. What are we, that we should think to stand before him, at whose rebuke the earth trembles, and before whom the rocks are thrown down? >>>>>>>>>Continue reading>>>>>>>>>>

And let every one that is yet out of Christ, and hanging over the pit of hell, whether they be old men and women, or middle aged, or young people, or little children, now hearken to the loud calls of God’s word and providence. This acceptable year of the Lord, a day of such great favor to some, will doubtless be a day of as remarkable vengeance to others. Men’s hearts harden, and their guilt increases apace at such a day as this, if they neglect their souls; and never was there so great danger of such persons being given up to hardness of heart and blindness of mind. God seems now to be hastily gathering in his elect in all parts of the land; and probably the greater part of adult persons that ever shall be saved, will be brought in now in a little time, and that it will be as it was on the great out-pouring of the Spirit upon the Jews in the apostles’ days; the election will obtain, and the rest will be blinded. If this should be the case with you, you will eternally curse this day, and will curse the day that ever you was born, to see such a season of the pouring out of God’s Spirit, and will wish that you had died and gone to hell before you had seen it. Now undoubtedly it is, as it was in the days of John the Baptist, the ax is in an extraordinary manner laid at the root of the trees, that every tree which brings not forth good fruit, may be hewn down and cast into the fire.

Therefore, let every one that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come. The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation. Let every one fly out of Sodom: "Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed."

Hell is Necessary. (Tim Conway)

JUSTIFICATION SALVATION IS BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

2012-01-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

JUSTIFICATION
SALVATION IS BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH
by J.I. Packer

Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” GALATIANS 3:11

The doctrine of justification, the storm center of the Reformation, was a major concern of the apostle Paul. For him it was the heart of the gospel (Rom. 1:17; 3:21-5:21; Gal. 2:15-5:1) shaping both his message (Acts 13:38-39) and his devotion and spiritual life (2 Cor. 5:13-21; Phil. 3:4-14). Though other New Testament writers affirm the same doctrine in substance, the terms in which Protestants have affirmed and defended it for almost five centuries are drawn primarily from Paul.

Justification is a judicial act of God pardoning sinners (wicked and ungodly persons, Rom. 4:5; 3:9-24), accepting them as just, and so putting permanently right their previously estranged relationship with himself. This justifying sentence is God’s gift of righteousness (Rom. 5:15-17), his bestowal of a status of acceptance for Jesus’ sake (2 Cor. 5:21).

God’s justifying judgment seems strange, for pronouncing sinners righteous may appear to be precisely the unjust action on the judge’s part that God’s own law forbade (Deut. 25:1; Prov. 17:15). Yet it is in fact a just judgment, for its basis is the righteousness of Jesus Christ who as “the last Adam” (1 Cor. 15:45), our representative head acting on our behalf, obeyed the law that bound us and endured the retribution for lawlessness that was our due and so (to use a medieval technical term) “merited” our justification. So we are justified justly, on the basis of justice done (Rom. 3:25-26) and Christ’s righteousness reckoned to our account (Rom. 5:18-19).

God’s justifying decision is the judgment of the Last Day, declaring where we shall spend eternity, brought forward into the present and pronounced here and now. It is the last judgment that will ever be passed on our destiny; God will never go back on it, however much Satan may appeal against God’s verdict (Zech. 3:1; Rev. 12:10; Rom. 8:33-34). To be justified is to be eternally secure (Rom. 5:1-5; 8:30).

The necessary means, or instrumental cause, of justification is personal faith in Jesus Christ as crucified Savior and risen Lord (Rom. 4:23-25; 10:8-13). This is because the meritorious ground of our justification is entirely in Christ. As we give ourselves in faith to Jesus, Jesus gives us his gift of righteousness, so that in the very act of “closing with Christ,” as older Reformed teachers put it, we receive divine pardon and acceptance which we could not otherwise have (Gal. 2:15-16; 3:24).

Official Roman Catholic theology includes sanctification in the definition of justification, which it sees as a process rather than a single decisive event, and affirms that while faith contributes to our acceptance with God, our works of satisfaction and merit contribute too. Rome sees baptism, viewed as a channel of sanctifying grace, as the primary instrumental cause of justification, and the sacrament of penance, whereby congruous merit is achieved through works of satisfaction, as the supplementary restorative cause whenever the grace of God’s initial acceptance is lost through mortal sin. Congruous, as distinct from condign, merit means merit that it is fitting, though not absolutely necessary, for God to reward by a fresh flow of sanctifying grace. On the Roman Catholic view, therefore, believers save themselves with the help of the grace that flows from Christ through the church’s sacramental system, and in this life no sense of confidence in God’s grace can ordinarily be had. Such teaching is a far cry from that of Paul.
From: Concise Theology: A Guide To Historic Christian Beliefs

Moștenirea Mântuirii - Chris Rațiu

2012-01-03T22:23:00.000-08:00

Moștenirea Mântuirii - Chris Rațiu Reflectii.com

The Doctrines of Grace-Doctrinele Harului RO CITESTE & mp3

2011-12-30T23:56:00.000-08:00

The Doctrines of Grace-Doctrinele Harului RO CITESTE
or asculta mp3 RO
We are not saved by the goodness of our works, but according to the riches of God's grace. By grace alone; through faith alone; on the Word alone; because of Christ alone; to the glory and praise of God alone. Our new life in Christ is all of grace and not by human works whereby any person can boast. One man can stand on the top of Mount Everest and other stand at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but neither may touch the stars. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Thus, what man could never do through human achievement, our Lord did by divine accomplishment! Salvation is the free gift of grace by God through Christ in the regenerating work of lost people through the Holy Spirit to quicken man, being dead in trespasses and sins unto new life (Ephesians 2:1-3, 8-9). This is our eternal heritage in the Lord Jesus Christ.

These doctrines of grace, referred to as the "The Five Points of Calvinism," are simply five key teachings found in the Bible that were written down as articles by the Synod of Dort in 1610. This was done to counter the five articles published by the followers of a man named James Arminius that were at variance with the Bible.

These five articles underline vitally important truths of redemption that:

*God is in control of all things, not man;

*God is the source of salvation;

*Men and women can do nothing to save themselves;

*Our salvation is for the glory of God, not man;

*Emphasizes our total dependence as guilty sinners on the mercy and grace of God for salvation;

*And is our belief they form the foundation of true biblical Christianity.

(Much of the following is based with grateful acknowledgement on an article written by Malcolm H. Watts that appeared in the February 1997 edition of the Evangelical Times.)

The photograph of the tulip to the above left is a helpful acronym-picture to assist us in easily remembering these biblical doctrines of grace. TULIP: Total depravity; Unconditional election; Limited atonement; Irresistable grace; and Perseverence of the saints. May this encourage you afresh to glorify God for the great work of salvation for sinful man that He has done.

THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE:
1. Total Depravity (or “Inability” – Man cannot save himself)
The Scriptures clearly teach that the effects of sin have extended to all parts of our being, rendering us incapable of spiritual understanding and love towards God. Despite the heading of this first article, it does not indicate that all people are as wicked as they could possibly be in all areas of belief and practice. However, sin has so fully and deeply affected our lives that, spiritually speaking, we are in a totally hopeless condition, unable to do anything to get ourselves out of this fallen state.

Our natural spiritual incapacity prevents us from being able to respond by our own strength to the call of the gospel message, yet this does not remove our guilt. We choose to follow the natural inclinations of our depraved hearts because when left to ourselves that is all we want to do.

Scripture references: Ephesians 4:18; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 1:30; John 15:25; Luke 19:14; John 5:40; Isaiah 5:20; Titus 1:15; Deuteronomy 32:18; Hebrews 2:1; John 12:39; John 6:44+65; John 3:18.

2. Unconditional Election (God is no respecter of man nor influenced by man.)
God has shown us in his Word that from eternity past he has elected some sinners to be saved from the condemnation that is justly deserved by all, purely on account of his gracious mercy and love, not because of any foreseen merits in those sinners. Because of the fact of total depravity, salvation must originate with God, and we read in the Bible that it is God's sovereign will alone that has determined the recipients of that salvation.

This doctrine does not render God unjust, for all are guilty and all deserve to suffer God's judgement. Rather, it emphasizes the grace of God by the fact that he has chosen some for salvation.

Scripture references: Psalm 65:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:4,5,9,11; Romans 11:5; Romans 9:15,23; Psalm 103:11; 1 Peter 1:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Jonah 2:9.

3. Limited Atonement (or Particular Redemption)
Put simply, Christ died only to save the elect, securing with absolute certainty their salvation. This is not to teach that there is anything lacking in the power of God, perhaps suggesting that he is not able to save all men. Rather, God's Word indicates that it was the Father's intention that his Son was to suffer and die only for his chosen people, atoning for their sins alone. Christ's atonement was limited only in extent, not in power, according to the sovereign will of God.

In the Bible we read that the Lord's servant (Jesus) would see the results of his work (his atoning sacrifice) and "be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11). But also, Jesus stated plainly that there are many who are heading for eternal destruction (Matthew 7:13). We can only reconcile these two statements if we understand that Christ died only for a limited number of people - for God's elect. ====Atonement?

Scripture references: Acts 20:28; John 3:14+15; Galatians 1:4+5; Revelation 13:8; John 6:38+39; John 17:9,10+24; John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:21; Romans 5:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 8:33+34; Luke 1:68; Revelation 5:9; Isaiah 53:11.

4. Irresistible Grace (All whom the Father draws, will come to Christ)
When the gospel is preached, an invitation is issued by the Lord to all people to come to him for salvation. However, as the first article clearly states, the natural state of all people renders them incapable of responding to this invitation, except to reject it. So when God calls an elect sinner to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus, he does so by sending his Holy Spirit to work a great change in that sinner's heart, enabling them to see their sin and their need of a Saviour and leading them to put their faith in Christ alone for salvation. The Lord, by his Spirit, irresistibly draws his elect to himself, raising them to spiritual life and making them willing to trust in Jesus.

Scripture references: Matthew 11:28-30; John 6:37; Matthew 23:37; John 5:40; Ephesians 1:12,19; Ezekiel 11:19+20; Psalm 110:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:11.

5. Perseverance of the Saints (or Preserved in Christ for Eternity)
Once God has saved elect sinners, he continues to keep and preserve them by his power and grace and will never let them go. Thus, they persevere to the end and can never be lost. If God did not do this, we would inevitably turn back again to the world, because of the sin that is around us and within us. Thus God enables his children to continue in faith and obedience throughout their earthly lives, then to pass into God's presence forever.

This doctrine is not to be taken as a license to go on sinning, as if the believer is free to act in any way he chooses now that he is eternally secure in Christ Jesus. The true believer will show signs of a growing desire for holiness and an increasing loathing of sin. The one who attempts to use the grace of God as an excuse for sinful living is in all probability not a true believer, for where there is spiritual life, the fruit of the Spirit will become evident.

Scripture references: 1 Peter 1:5; James 4:6; Philippians 1:6+19; John 6:39; John 10:28+29; Romans 8:38+39; Romans 8:8; Galatians 5:13-26. by SJ Camp

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The Heart of the Reformation:the Doctrines of Grace>>>>>>

Grace and Peace,

2 Cor. 4:5-7

Emanuel

John Piper - TULIP

Hillsong - At the Cross - With Subtitles/Lyrics

2011-12-30T20:03:00.001-08:00

Hillsong -At the Cross -With Subtitles/Lyrics-HD-VideoReMix

2012 One Year Bible ESV Reading Plan

2011-12-29T19:15:00.001-08:00

Read OR Listen through the Bible in 2012

-Devotions
Daily Light on the Daily Path. For over a century, Daily Light on the Daily Path has been a favorite devotional book of those who realize the tremendous benefit of reading and praying Scripture. Originally printed in the mid-1800s, Daily Light was born out of the devout faith of Samuel Bagster, a British bookstore owner determined to share his faith with his twelve children. The Bagsters’ daily practice of reading Scripture together, then connecting the day’s verses with other passages, inspired one of the children to compile their devotions for publication. The family discussed and prayed over the selection and arrangement of each verse until they were convinced that no further improvement could be made. After two years of prayer and consideration, the devotions were printed in two volumes for morning and evening reading.
Every Day in the Word. The popular reading plan features a reading from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs each day. This plan divides the text into 365 sections, so you can read through the entire Bible in one unforgettable year—in as little as 15 minutes a day. In one year, you read the Old Testament, New Testament, and Proverbs once, and the Psalms twice.
One-Year Tract Bible Reading Plan. This plan is based on the M'Cheyne reading system, featuring four different readings for use in both family and personal devotions. Each day has two passages from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and one from either the Psalms or the Gospels. In one year, you read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice.
Through the Bible in a Year. The online version of the popular tract. Each day includes a reading from the Old Testament and New Testament. Starting in Genesis and Matthew, the readings continue sequentially—over the course of a year, you never read the same passage twice.
Book of Common Prayer Daily Office Lectionary. This plan follows the Daily Office Lectionary found in The Book of Common Prayer (1979) used worldwide by Anglicans and Episcopalians.
Daily Reading Bible. Follows the reading plan found in the ESV Daily Reading Bible. Each day has one Old Testament reading, one New Testament reading, and one reading from the Psalms. You read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice over a year.
Chronological. Read the events of the Bible as they occurred chronologically. For example, the Book of Job is integrated with Genesis because Job lived before Abraham. This reading plan is copyright Back to the Bible.
Literary Study Bible. Readings every day from the Psalms and Wisdom Literature, Pentateuch and History of Israel, Chronicles and Prophets, and Gospels and Epistles.
ESV Study Bible. Readings every day from the Psalms and Wisdom Literature, Pentateuch and History of Israel, Chronicles and Prophets, and Gospels and Epistles. - ===><=---------Romanian---------------------------English------=><===

Doctrinele Harului MP3 Audio-Fr Mircea Aioanei dela Logos - Arad RO

2011-12-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

Doctrinele Harului MP3 Audio-Fr Mircea Aioanei dela Logos - Arad RO
Doctrinele Harului

1. Introducere - II Timotei 2:1-26

2. Suveranitatea lui Dumnezeu - Isaia 6:1-7:14

3. Ce nu este depravarea umană - Efeseni 2:1-22

4. Ce este depravarea umană - Ioan 6:41-51

5. Ce nu este alegerea - Romani 8:28-39

6. Perspective greşite şi incomplete - Romani 9:1-24a

7. Ce este alegerea - Efeseni 1:1-14

8. Pentru cine a murit Cristos? (I) - Romani 8:28-39

9. Pentru cine a murit Cristos? (II) - Romani 8:28-39

10. Ce nu este chemarea eficace - I Corinteni 1:19-31

11. Ce este chemarea eficace - I Corinteni 1:19-31

12. Ce nu este siguranţa eternă - Efeseni 6:13-18

13. Ce este siguranţa eternă - Evrei 6:1-20

14. Principiile din spatele punctelor - Efeseni 1:1-14

The Doctrines of Grace-Doctrinele Harului RO CITESTE

Celine Dion-Oh Holy night

2011-12-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

Celine Dion-Oh Holy night

Dumnezeu cu noi - Charles H. Spurgeon

2011-12-23T22:20:00.000-08:00

Dumnezeu cu noi - Charles H. Spurgeon

„Iată, fecioara va rămâne însărcinată, va naşte un fiu, şi-i va pune numele Emanuel (Dumnezeu este cu noi)”. Isaia 7:14

Veniţi să coborâm azi la Betleem şi, în compania păstorilor care privesc cu uimire şi a magilor care se uită cu adorare, să-L vedem pe Cel care S-a născut ca Împărat al iudeilor, căci noi, prin credinţă, putem pretinde un interes în El şi putem cânta: „Căci un Copil ni s-a născut, un Fiu ni s-a dat”. Isus este Iehova întrupat, Domnul nostru şi Dumnezeul nostru, şi totuşi este fratele nostru şi prietenul nostru; să-L adorăm, deci, şi să-L admirăm.

Să observăm, în primul rând, conceperea Sa miraculoasă. A fost un lucru nemaiauzit înainte şi fără paralel de atunci încoace, ca o fecioară să conceapă şi să nască un Fiu. Prima promisiune a spus: Sămânţa femeii, şi nu sămânţa unui bărbat. De vreme ce o femeie a fost cea care s-a aventurat deschizând calea pentru păcatele care au dus la pierderea paradisului, ea, femeia, şi numai ea poate fi instrumentul folosit în redobândirea paradisului. Mântuitorul nostru, cu toate că a fost om adevărat, a fost, în ce priveşte natura Sa umană, Sfântul lui Dumnezeu. Să ne plecăm cu reverenţă înaintea Copilului sfânt, a cărui inocenţă restaurează umanităţii slava ei de la început; şi să ne rugăm ca El să ia chip în noi, El, care e nădejdea slavei.

Aveţi grijă să observaţi descendenţa Sa umilă. Mama Lui a fost descrisă în mod simplu ca o „fecioară”, nu o prinţesă, sau profetesă, nici ca o matroană al unui mare domeniu. Sângele unor împăraţi adevăraţi a curs prin venele ei; mintea ei nu a fost una slabă şi needucată, căci ea a fost în stare să cânte unul dintre cele mai dulci cântece de laudă; dar, cu toate acestea, ce umilă e poziţia ei, ce sărac e bărbatul cu care era logodită şi cât de sărmane au fost condiţiile oferite Împăratului nou-născut!

Emanuel, Dumnezeu cu noi în natura noastră, în durerile noastre, în munca noastră de o viaţă, în pedeapsa noastră, în mormântul nostru, iar acum cu noi, sau, mai degrabă, noi cu El, în înviere, înălţare, triumf şi în splendoarea Celei de-a Doua Veniri.

(C.H. Spurgeon – Morning and Evening. Daily Readings, Christian Focus Publications, Geanies House, Scotland, December 25, Morning). sursa Predici-reformate.com

Speranta si prietenii-2011Seattle US-Colinde de Craciun

2011-12-18T00:35:00.000-08:00

"Immanuel, Our God is with Us- -and For Us!"

2011-12-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

"Immanuel, Our God is with Us- -and For Us!"

ESV Isaiah 9:6-7: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Jesus is our Immanuel, very God of very God, "with us"! (Matt. 1:18-23).

Jesus is Immanuel, "God with us" and "God for us" and "God in us" and "God born of a woman for us" and "God born under Law for us" and "God born to die for us" and "God born to live for us in our nature" and "God dead and raised to resurrected Glory for us" and 'GOD IN HEAVEN FOR US"!

What greater hope could we have??!!

The hope of every believer is that Jesus was born for us, lived for us, died for us, and was exalted for us into the Highest Heaven (Read on...CRB)

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Continue reading ""Immanuel, Our God is with Us- -and For Us!"" »

By Faith

2011-12-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

By Faith
by Keith & Kristyn Getty

By faith we see the hand of God
In the light of creation's grand design
In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness
Who walk by faith and not by sight

By faith our fathers roamed the earth
With the power of His promise in their hearts
Of a holy city built by God's own hand
A place where peace and justice reign

We will stand as children of the promise
We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward
Till the race is finished and the work is done
We'll walk by faith and not by sight

By faith the prophets saw a day
When the longed-for Messiah would appear
With the power to break the chains of sin and death
And rise triumphant from the grave

By faith the church was called to go
In the power of the Spirit to the lost
To deliver captives and to preach good news
In every corner of the earth

We will stand as children of the promise
We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward
Till the race is finished and the work is done
We'll walk by faith and not by sight

By faith this mountain shall be moved
And the power of the gospel shall prevail
For we know in Christ all things are possible
For all who call upon His name

We will stand as children of the promise
We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward
Till the race is finished and the work is done
We'll walk by faith and not by sight

THE WORSHIP CENTERED LIFE

2011-12-03T21:55:00.000-08:00

THE WORSHIP CENTERED LIFE
...living daily in the presence of His glory
.>>>>>by SJ Camp

We live in a time where people say that Elvis lives and God is dead. We live in a generation that plants trees but uproots marriages. We live in a culture where individuals will bring nations together to save a few dying whales, but are swift to kill unborn babies. It's against the law to post The Ten Commandments in public schools, but it's responsible education for teachers to hand out condoms. Sin is now called sickness; disobedience is now called disease; and adultery is now called addiction--nothing more than extra-curricular political activity for the politicians.

How is it in the midst of this kind of moral and spiritual chaos that we can and must live lives that will bring glory to God? I hope this article will in some way equip and encourage you to "live daily in the presence of His glory."

THE EXCUSE
We all have Phd's in rationalizing our behavior, don't we? We can cast blame and avoid responsibility for our own actions by putting it off on others so effortlessly; this has even become acceptable within the church. I know that in Nashville, TN this technique is considered by many to be a "spiritual gift." Even Pastors have fallen prey to the times. Very seldom do men of God shepherd or disciple their own church people in and from the truths of God's Word. Sadly, the norm today is that the church has adopted a theraputic form of sanctification and become little more than a referral service for the local psychologist or counselor who are more than willing "fix" someone for only $150 an hour. Church Restoration is rarely exercised for fear of being sued, viewed as judgemental, or unloving. This is caused, I believe, because people have lost a right view of the glory of God and their duty to live every part of their lives for His names sake. Let's take a look together at what it means to live for God and His glory each day.

THE EXHORTATION
I first began serving the Lord Jesus through song in 1974, a remarkable pastor/evangelist named Dr. Stephen Olford, who was arguably one of the finest orators for the gospel and whom I was privileged to call a friend, encouraged me with these powerful words, “Make up your mind, Steve, who will receive the glory—the Lord or you—for He will not share it with another.” Those words branded me like a hot iron and serve even today as not only a mantle for my life and work, but as a “grace reminder” that contrition, brokenness, and humility are not just spiritual hyperbole, but the essence of the servant-leader attitude for genuine ministry.

Paul’s exhortation to the church at Thessalonica to not waver in their worthy walk for the Lord brings a further dimension to this truth, “Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 1:11-12).

THE ENCOURAGEMENT
The Christian life is not first and foremost about man and his needs, but about God and His glory! As John Calvin so poignantly pens in his institutes, “The sum of the Christian life is the denial of self [and the glory of God].” And as the great Richard Baxter so humbly says, "I was but a pen in the hands of the Lord... and what glory is due a pen?" God won’t share His glory with another, beloved, and we must use all our gifts, talents, and abilities ultimately for one preeminent purpose—not to magnify ourselves or further our own name, but to glorify the Lord and Him alone!

The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins by asking this guileless and lucid question, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer is clear and biblical: “To glorify God and enjoy (worship) Him forever” (1 Cor. 1:26-31).

We are not to seek this glory from man (Matthew 6:2; 1 Thess. 2:6) for the glory of man quickly passes away (1 Peter 1:24); nor are we to glory in our own wisdom, might or riches, but to glory in understanding and knowing the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24). This glory is given by God (Psalm 84:11), secured in Christ, “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one” (John 17:22), is the work of the Holy Spirit, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of God” (2 Cor. 3:18) and is made evident in the new covenant—the ministry of righteousness (Ibid. 9-11).

Scripture makes it clear that God has created man to glorify Himself and this is the prominent purpose of all of our lives. From the common things of life, eating and drinking, to the most profound seasons of worship and praise—whatever we do in vocation and avocation, we are to glorify Him for who He is and all He has done.

THE EVIDENCE
Question: How do we bring glory to the Lord each day in the problematic world that we live in? We bring glory to Him when we confess Christ as Lord (Phil. 2:11), through praise (Psalm 50:23), as we plead in prayer (Ibid. 79:9), as we daily confess our sin in the beauty of holiness (1 Chron. 16:29), and as we exercise a recurrent life of repentance exemplified in the fruits of righteousness (Phil. 1:11). We glorify God when we are privileged to suffer for Christ (1 Peter 4:12-16), and are patient in affliction (Isaiah 24:15), even die for Him (Job 13:15a). We glorify Him when we rely on His promises (Rom. 4:20), and honor Him in our body and spirit—for we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:20). We glorify God for His holiness (Exodus 15:11), mercy and truth (Psalm 115:1; Romans 15:9), faithfulness (Isaiah 25:1), grace to others (Galatians 1:24), deliverance from sin (Ephesians 1:6-14), and for our eternal salvation (2 Timothy 2:10).

THE EXALTATION
The greatest songwriter in the Bible, David, exclaimed, “Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name…” (Psalm 105:2-3). The centrality of glorifying God is also proclaimed in Psalm 29:2, “Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” This Old Testament truth is brought forward into the New Testament. Notice how far-reaching it is in the Apostle Paul’s mandate for God’s believing children: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

God’s glory is described as being great (Psalm 138:5), eternal (Ibid. 104:31), rich (Eph. 3:16), and highly exalted (Psalm 8:1; 113:4). God’s transcendent glory is a visible manifestation of His presence (Ezekiel 1). All the heavens declare the glory of God for they demonstrate His eternal power and divine nature (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:20-21). God will even be glorified in His wrath, for in judgment too He is holy, just, perfect and righteous (Romans 9:22-24).

God is the only One worthy of praise, worship and glory, “and My glory I will not give to another” (Isaiah 42:8). The Psalmist again exhorts us by saying, “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth” (Psalm 115:1).

THE EFFECTS OF DISOBEDIENCE
Lucifer fell from heaven because he would not glorify God and tried to exalt himself above God by desiring worship for himself (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28). King Nebuchadnezzar lost his throne and was driven to insanity for seven years for not giving God glory (Daniel 4:19-36). Herod in Acts 12:20-23 was struck by an angel of the Lord, eaten by worms, and died. Why? “Because he did not give glory to God” (verse 23). And this will be our end too. As Charles Bridges has said, "Pride is self contending with God for preeminence."

THE EXAMPLE
But nowhere is God’s glory more magnified and exhibited than in the incarnation, life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:1-5; Hebrews 1:1-4). “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Jesus Christ is the full expression of the glory of God. “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). But He is just not a reflection of God’s glory—for He, Himself, is God of very God (Phil. 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:8). “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col.2:9); “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58); “He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (Ibid.14:9b); “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made the Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36); and as the writer of Hebrews affirms when describing the supremacy of Jesus Christ, “Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3).

When we live our lives with a clear understanding and knowledge of the character of God, then it is out of the depth of that knowing we worship Him. What we will do in eternity, let us begin to do here in time—let us live daily in the presence of the glory of the Lord.>>>>>by SJ Camp

How God Converts the Human Soul-CrossTV- Mark Kielar

2011-11-19T01:07:00.000-08:00

How God Converts the Human Soul-CrossTV- Mark Kielar
Oh, it is a valuable, valuable thing...(a thing beyond words)...to be found "in Christ". It speaks of a vital, spiritual union with the Lord of Creation that Jesus himself described as being "born again". And only those who have such a union (in Jesus' words) "will see the kingdom of heaven." But how does this "vital union" with Christ take place? Is it initiated by God or man? Exactly how does God convert the human soul? This 14-part series discusses the answers that scripture gives to those eternally important questions. Presented by: Mark Kielar

5 Solas

2011-11-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

Multimedia (46 links)
Sola Fide (23 links)
Sola Gratia (29 links)
Sola Scriptura (37 links)
Soli Deo Gloria (32 links)
Solus Christus (36 links)

Sola Scriptura - Scripture Alone
Solus Christus - Christ Alone
Sola Gratia - Grace Alone
Sola Fide - Faith Alone
Soli Deo Gloria - The Glory of God Alone

Unwarranted confidence in human ability is a product of fallen human nature ... God's grace in Christ is not merely necessary but is the sole efficient cause of salvation. We confess that human beings are born spiritually dead and are incapable even of cooperating with regenerating grace. We reaffirm that in salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by his grace alone. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life. We deny that salvation is in any sense a human work. Human methods, techniques or strategies by themselves cannot accomplish this transformation. Faith is not produced by our unregenerated human nature. - Cambridge Declaration

Monergism.com Five Solas

Speranta si Prietenii-Seattle WA 2011

2011-11-12T12:15:00.000-08:00

Turneu Noiembrie - Decembrie: USA & CANADA
Speranta si Prietenii
Grupul Speranta & Prietenii se afla in turneu, incepand din 2 noiembrie in SUA & Canada. Programat sa se desfasoare in intervalul 2 noiembrie - 20 decembrie 2011, turneul va cuprinde urmatoarele localitati: Chicago, Detroit, Kitchener, Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, Los Angels, Phoenix, Hollywood, Nashville, Atlanta, Kitchener. Turneul va cuprinde si programe muzicale specifice sarbatorii nasterii Mantuitorului, de aceea luna decembrie va fi dedicata colindelor.

Anul acesta echipa va fi formata din: Genoveva si Gabriel Gorcea, Emma si Cristian Repede, Adela si Ionut Craciun, Denisa si Andrei Tibrea, Andreea si Andrei Mois, Cristian si Cristiana Vaduva, Diana Nicolae, Radu Almasan, Titel Malnasi, Ovidiu Hot si Sami Martin.

Incepand cu 2 decembrie, pastorul Gabriel Zagrean se va alatura turneului vestind Cuvantul Domnului.
Speranta si Prietenii-Seattle WA 2011

De ce credința reformată?

2011-11-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

De ce credința reformată?

Reputatul teolog Roger Nicole observa: ,,…Toți oamenii se nasc pelagieni și din nefericire nici măcar nașterea din nou nu elimină complet această predispoziție.” Este interesant de observat că tendința noastră este de a nega vehement trista realitate surprinsă perfect de Scriptură cum că omul este corupt într-un mod radical (total căzut) și deci absolut incapabil să intreprindă ceva în plan spiritual. Dar trebuie să credem că amenințarea lui Dumnezeu din Gen 2:17 – ,,dar din pomul cunoștinței binelui și răului să nu mănânci, căci în ziua în care vei mânca din el vei muri negreșit.” nu a fost doar o exagerare. Amenințarea lui Dumnezeu era reală și nu doar hiperbolică.Să urmărim însă ce spune Sfânta Scriptură, pentru că în final cred că poziția Ei trebuie să primeze. „Voi erați morți în greșelile și în păcatele voastre,” iar după aceea: “Dar Dumnezeu, care este bogat în îndurare, pentru dragostea cea mare cu care ne-a iubit, măcar că eram morți în greșelile noastre, ne-a adus la viață împreună cu Hristos (prin har sunteți mântuiți)” (Efeseni 2: 1, 4,5). Grecescul ”nekros” – tradus de Cornilescu prin mort – înseamnă cadavru. Este evident faptul că Dumnezeu dorește ca noi să înțelegem că pentru nașterea sa din nou, un om pierdut nu poate să facă nimic mai mult cât un cadavru. Teologia arminiană susține că orice persoană pierdută poate veni la Dumnezeu dacă dorește lucrul acesta. Să vedem din nou poziția Bibliei! A putea înseamnă: „a avea abilitatea de a face ceva.” Teologia arminiană afirmă „oamenii pot,” dar Dumnezeu întreabă: „Poate un Etiopian să-și schimbe pielea, sau un pardos să-și schimbe petele? Tot așa, ați putea voi să faceți binele, voi, cari sunteți deprinși să faceți răul?” (Ieremia 13:23).

Iisus a spus: „Nimeni nu poate veni la Mine, dacă nu-l atrage Tatăl, care M-a trimes; și Eu îl voi invia în ziua de apoi” (Ioan 6:44).

„Tocmai de aceea v-am spus că nimeni nu poate să vină la Mine, dacă nu i-a fost dat de Tatăl Meu” (Ioan 6:65). Să nu cădem în capcana iluziei că „Dumnezeu justifică (socotește neprihăniți) pe toți oamenii” sau că „Dumnezeu îi atrage pe toți aceia care aud Evanghelia,” pentru că în mod clar, nu poate fi vorba de așa ceva. Aceia pe care îi justifică Dumnezeu sunt cei pe care Hristos îi va invia în ziua de apoi! Sistemul arminian afirmă că toți oamenii pot crede în Hristos printr-un act de voință pentru a fi salvați. Cu toate acestea însuși Domnul Hristos a explicat necredința unora folosindu-se de următoarele cuvinte: „Dar voi nu credeți pentru că după cum v-am spus, nu sunteți din oile mele” (Ioan 10:26). Iată deci că oamenii nu cred pentru că ei nu fac parte din oile Lui!

Aceași eroare se poate observa și când se insistă asupra faptului că Hristos a murit în mod egal pentru toți oamenii. Iisus a spus: „Eu sunt Păstorul cel bun. Păstorul cel bun își dă viața pentru oi” (Ioan 10:11).

Fără nici o bază scripturală care să susțină poziția lor, arminenii insistă că Iisus a murit pentru capre, la fel ca și pentru oi!

De fiecare dată când rostim, citim, sau medităm la numele IIsus, s-ar cuveni să ne amintim motivul pentru care Fiul lui Dumnezeu a primit acest nume: .”..si-i vei pune numele IISUS, pentru ca El va mântui pe poporul Lui de păcatele sale” (Matei:1:21). Istoria demonstrează cu prisosință sensul acestor cuvinte. Iisus nu a salvat poporul Său pământesc, poporul evreu, de păcatele lui, ci El a salvat „poporul Lui” – pe aceia care I-au fost dați Lui de către Tatăl! Poporul Lui nu este doar planul B cum greșit concluzionează mulți dintre cei care citesc Ioan 1:11-13 : ,, A venit la ai Săi, dar ai Săi nu L-au primit.

Dar tuturor celor ce L-au primit, adică celor ce cred în numele Lui, le-a dat dreptul să devină copii ai lui Dumnezeu, născuți nu din sânge, nici din voia firii vreunui om ci din Dumnezeu.” Einstein avea dreptate când spunea ,,Dumnezeu nu joacă zaruri!”

Hristos nu ,,și-a încercat norocul” mai întâi cu evreii, de unde trezindu-se respins, a fost nevoit să se ,,mulțumească” și cu neamurile. Planul lui Dumnezeu a fost perfect de la început și va rămâne astfel din veșnicie în veșnicie. (asta bineînțeles dacă nu cumva Îi strică planurile vreun muritor cu voința lui liberă peste care Dumnezeu nu are cum trece, cum vor arminienii să ne dea de înțeles) Pentru ca planul Său să fie și să rămână perfect, Dumnezeu nu poate admite contingentul.

…Dar să încerc să nu intru în prea multe detalii!

Să mergem mai departe! – Iisus s-a rugat Tatălui Său zicând: „Tată a sosit ceasul! Proslăvește pe Fiul Tău, ca și Fiul Tău să te proslăvească pe Tine, după cum I-ai dat putere peste orice făptură, ca să dea viața veșnică tuturor acelora pe cari I i-ai dat Tu” (Ioan 17:1,2). În aceeași rugăciune, Hristos a precizat că El nu se roagă pentru „lume,” ( întrega omenire conform perspectivei arminiene) – „Pentru ei Mă rog. Nu mă rog pentru lume, ci pentru acei pe cari Mi i-ai dat Tu; pentru că sunt ai Tăi” , iar apoi din nou: .”..ei nu sunt din lume, după cum Eu nu sunt din lume”(Ioan 17:9,14). Dumnezeu a dat lui Hristos câțiva oameni, și pentru ei a murit El, ca să plătească pentru păcatele lor.

Mântuirea este un dar, iar păcătosul nu contribuie cu nimic. Singurul lucru pe care îl face este să întindă o mână goală pentru a primi acest dar, însă până și acest act de credință vine ca urmare a inițiativei divine, nefiind autogenerat. Mântuirea este un dar și nicidecum capacitatea noastră naturală de a decide să ne ațintim privirea la Hristos ca Obiect al credinței noastre. De la primul fior pe care l-am simțit când am venit la viață împreună cu Hristos și până în actul final al glorificării pe care o vom experimenta în prezența Tatălui, totul este doar datorită Lui și prin harul Său pentru că ,,Mântuirea vine de la Domnul.” (Iona 2:9)

Pentru că Mântuirea vine dela Domnul, El nu o face doar posibilă, lăsând în seama noastră finalizarea ei și transformarea unei simple posibilități în actualitate. Fiecare verigă din acest formidabil lanț al mântuirii este scoasă din forja lui Dumnezeu și trecută pe la nicovala Sa. Doar atunci face sens întrebarea lui Pavel din Romani 8:35 ,,Cine ne va despărți de dragostea lui Hristos? ” , întrebare la care tot el se grăbește să răspundă în versetele 38 și 39: ,, Căci sunt încredințat că nici moartea, nici viața, nici îngerii, nici stăpânirile, nici cele de acum, nici cele viitoare, nici orice altă putere, nici înălțimea, nici adâncimea, nici vreo altă creatură nu vor fi în stare să ne despartă de dragostea lui Dumnezeu, care este în Hristos Iisus Domnul nostru.”

Pentru a se asigura de sfârșitul predestinat, El Însuși veghează asupra fiecărei verigi, în suveranitatea Sa asigurându-se de întreaga paletă de secvențe cauză-efect, pentru că până și Dumnezeu ajunge la scop tot prin mijloace. De la realinierea întregului imperiu roman, pentru a-l potrivi cu ceasul biologic al unei tinere din Nazaret care TREBUIA să nască în Betleem, până la cămașa trasă la sorți, buretele cu oțet și mormântul nou, Dumnezeu a rămas vegheator cum bine l-a văzut Ieremia, și cum de fapt El Însuși s-a recomandat: ,, …Eu veghez asupra Cuvântului Meu ca să-l împlinesc.” ( Ier 1:12b). Drama a fost predeterminată în absolut toate detaliile ei de Dumnezeu, demonstrându-se astfel principiul ,,touto to gegrammenon dei telesthenai”

,,Căci vă spun că trebuie să se împlinească față de Mine toate cuvintele scrise…” (Luca 22:37)

El a vegheat la fiecare pas și face lucrul acesta pentru ca să nu existe în universul acesta nici măcar umbra posibilității ca promisiunea lui să eșueze. Haideți să luăm în serios îndemnul lui Iosua: ,, Recunoașteți dar din toată inima voastră și din tot sufletul vostru, că nici unul din toate cuvintele bune rostite de Domnul, Dumnezeul vostru cu privire la voi n-a rămas neîmplinit. Toate vi s-au împlinit, nici unul n-a dat greș! ”( Iosua 23:14b)

Frumusețea credinței reformate nu stă nicidecum în oferta unui free pass de-a trăi viața cum ai chef că în final o să fie bine. Acest ”reproș” folosit ca și ghiulea pe care îl văd aruncat prea des din tabăra arminiană asupra credinței reformate, demonstrează în cel mai bun caz ignoranță, iar în cel mai rău caz, lipsă de onestitate intelectuală.

Frumusețea credinței reformate stă în încredințarea neclintită că: ,, Am ajuns la cunoștința că tot ce face Dumnezeu dăinuiește în veci, și la ceea ce face El nu mai este nimic de adăugat și nimic de scăzut, și că Dumnezeu face așa pentru ca lumea să se teamă de El. ( Eclesiastul3:14) Soli Deo Gloria!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cristi Ratiu>>> http://reflectii.com/

Doru Pope-Biserica Logos Seattle

2011-11-09T22:40:00.000-08:00

10-16-11--Doru Pope-(Ioan 10:11.Pastorul Cel Bun.. ) Biserica Logos Seattle

10-23-11--Doru Pope-(Ioan 10:11-21 ) Biserica Logos Seattle

The Doctrines of Grace-Doctrinele Harului RO CITESTE

2011-10-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

The Doctrines of Grace-Doctrinele Harului RO CITESTE

We are not saved by the goodness of our works, but according to the riches of God's grace. By grace alone; through faith alone; on the Word alone; because of Christ alone; to the glory and praise of God alone. Our new life in Christ is all of grace and not by human works whereby any person can boast. One man can stand on the top of Mount Everest and other stand at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but neither may touch the stars. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Thus, what man could never do through human achievement, our Lord did by divine accomplishment! Salvation is the free gift of grace by God through Christ in the regenerating work of lost people through the Holy Spirit to quicken man, being dead in trespasses and sins unto new life (Ephesians 2:1-3, 8-9). This is our eternal heritage in the Lord Jesus Christ.

These doctrines of grace, referred to as the "The Five Points of Calvinism," are simply five key teachings found in the Bible that were written down as articles by the Synod of Dort in 1610. This was done to counter the five articles published by the followers of a man named James Arminius that were at variance with the Bible.

These five articles underline vitally important truths of redemption that:

*God is in control of all things, not man;

*God is the source of salvation;

*Men and women can do nothing to save themselves;

*Our salvation is for the glory of God, not man;

*Emphasizes our total dependence as guilty sinners on the mercy and grace of God for salvation;

*And is our belief they form the foundation of true biblical Christianity.

(Much of the following is based with grateful acknowledgement on an article written by Malcolm H. Watts that appeared in the February 1997 edition of the Evangelical Times.)

The photograph of the tulip to the above left is a helpful acronym-picture to assist us in easily remembering these biblical doctrines of grace. TULIP: Total depravity; Unconditional election; Limited atonement; Irresistable grace; and Perseverence of the saints. May this encourage you afresh to glorify God for the great work of salvation for sinful man that He has done.

THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE:
1. Total Depravity (or “Inability” – Man cannot save himself)
The Scriptures clearly teach that the effects of sin have extended to all parts of our being, rendering us incapable of spiritual understanding and love towards God. Despite the heading of this first article, it does not indicate that all people are as wicked as they could possibly be in all areas of belief and practice. However, sin has so fully and deeply affected our lives that, spiritually speaking, we are in a totally hopeless condition, unable to do anything to get ourselves out of this fallen state.

Our natural spiritual incapacity prevents us from being able to respond by our own strength to the call of the gospel message, yet this does not remove our guilt. We choose to follow the natural inclinations of our depraved hearts because when left to ourselves that is all we want to do.

Scripture references: Ephesians 4:18; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 1:30; John 15:25; Luke 19:14; John 5:40; Isaiah 5:20; Titus 1:15; Deuteronomy 32:18; Hebrews 2:1; John 12:39; John 6:44+65; John 3:18.

2. Unconditional Election (God is no respecter of man nor influenced by man.)
God has shown us in his Word that from eternity past he has elected some sinners to be saved from the condemnation that is justly deserved by all, purely on account of his gracious mercy and love, not because of any foreseen merits in those sinners. Because of the fact of total depravity, salvation must originate with God, and we read in the Bible that it is God's sovereign will alone that has determined the recipients of that salvation.

This doctrine does not render God unjust, for all are guilty and all deserve to suffer God's judgement. Rather, it emphasizes the grace of God by the fact that he has chosen some for salvation.

Scripture references: Psalm 65:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:4,5,9,11; Romans 11:5; Romans 9:15,23; Psalm 103:11; 1 Peter 1:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Jonah 2:9.

3. Limited Atonement (or Particular Redemption)
Put simply, Christ died only to save the elect, securing with absolute certainty their salvation. This is not to teach that there is anything lacking in the power of God, perhaps suggesting that he is not able to save all men. Rather, God's Word indicates that it was the Father's intention that his Son was to suffer and die only for his chosen people, atoning for their sins alone. Christ's atonement was limited only in extent, not in power, according to the sovereign will of God.

In the Bible we read that the Lord's servant (Jesus) would see the results of his work (his atoning sacrifice) and "be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11). But also, Jesus stated plainly that there are many who are heading for eternal destruction (Matthew 7:13). We can only reconcile these two statements if we understand that Christ died only for a limited number of people - for God's elect. ====Atonement?

Scripture references: Acts 20:28; John 3:14+15; Galatians 1:4+5; Revelation 13:8; John 6:38+39; John 17:9,10+24; John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:21; Romans 5:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 8:33+34; Luke 1:68; Revelation 5:9; Isaiah 53:11.

4. Irresistible Grace (All whom the Father draws, will come to Christ)
When the gospel is preached, an invitation is issued by the Lord to all people to come to him for salvation. However, as the first article clearly states, the natural state of all people renders them incapable of responding to this invitation, except to reject it. So when God calls an elect sinner to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus, he does so by sending his Holy Spirit to work a great change in that sinner's heart, enabling them to see their sin and their need of a Saviour and leading them to put their faith in Christ alone for salvation. The Lord, by his Spirit, irresistibly draws his elect to himself, raising them to spiritual life and making them willing to trust in Jesus.

Scripture references: Matthew 11:28-30; John 6:37; Matthew 23:37; John 5:40; Ephesians 1:12,19; Ezekiel 11:19+20; Psalm 110:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:11.

5. Perseverance of the Saints (or Preserved in Christ for Eternity)
Once God has saved elect sinners, he continues to keep and preserve them by his power and grace and will never let them go. Thus, they persevere to the end and can never be lost. If God did not do this, we would inevitably turn back again to the world, because of the sin that is around us and within us. Thus God enables his children to continue in faith and obedience throughout their earthly lives, then to pass into God's presence forever.

This doctrine is not to be taken as a license to go on sinning, as if the believer is free to act in any way he chooses now that he is eternally secure in Christ Jesus. The true believer will show signs of a growing desire for holiness and an increasing loathing of sin. The one who attempts to use the grace of God as an excuse for sinful living is in all probability not a true believer, for where there is spiritual life, the fruit of the Spirit will become evident.

Scripture references: 1 Peter 1:5; James 4:6; Philippians 1:6+19; John 6:39; John 10:28+29; Romans 8:38+39; Romans 8:8; Galatians 5:13-26. by SJ Camp

-READ MORE-

The Heart of the Reformation:the Doctrines of Grace>>>>>>

Grace and Peace,

2 Cor. 4:5-7

Emanuel

John Piper - TULIP

The Holiness of God [video's] A Teaching Series by Dr. R.C. Sproul

2011-09-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

The Holiness of GodA Teaching Series by Dr. R.C. Sproul

The Holiness of GodAbout this Teaching Series:
The Holiness of God examines the meaning of holiness and why people are both fascinated and terrified by a holy God. This series closely explores God’s character, leading to new insights on sin, justice, and grace. The result is a new awareness of our dependence upon God’s mercy and a discovery of the awesomeness of His majestic holiness. Dr. R.C. Sproul says, “The holiness of God affects every aspect of our lives — economics, politics, athletics, romance — everything with which we are involved.”

Teaching Series Overview

1. The Importance of Holiness
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2. The Trauma of Holiness
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3. Holiness and Justice
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4. The Insanity of Luther

Tears of the Saints by John Piper

2011-08-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

Tears of the Saints -John Piper

Education and Relation: Truth and Love- by John Piper

2011-08-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

Education and Relation: Truth and Love
John Piper

Think with me for a moment about education and relationships. Some of you care deeply that education not ignore or marginalize relationships of love. They are essential in real, lasting, life-changing education. Amen.
So I turn to the Bible. I find in place of the words, "education" and "relationship," the words, "truth" and "love." So what does the Bible say about how truth and love relate to each other? There are at least four ways of talking about this relationship.

1. Truth aims at love.
"The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Note: instruction is not the goal, love is. Instruction is the means. It is subordinate. Truth serves love. Education serves relationships - mainly the relationship between us and God, but also between Christian and Christian, and between us and unbelievers. The "goal" of all our education is love.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider one another how to stir up to love and good deeds, . . . encouraging one another" (Hebrews 10:23-25, literal translation). The aim of our "considering one another" and "encouraging one another" is that we stir up love. We mingle insight into "the confession of our hope" with insight into "each other," and the effect is stirring each other to love. The truth of doctrine and truth of people-watching unite to aim at love.

2. Love aims at truth.
"Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:6). Love is glad when truth is spoken. Therefore love aims at truth. It supports truth.
"Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you" (2 Corinthians 2:4). Here is an example of how love aims at truth. Paul is filled with love and it compels him to write a letter that was hard, and caused sorrow in him and in the Corinthians. But it needed to be said. So love said it. Love speaks the truth personally and doctrinally.

3. Love shapes how to speak the truth.
"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). There is an unloving way to speak the truth. That kind of truth-speaking we should repudiate. But there is a way to speak the truth in love, and that we should seek. It is not always a soft way to speak, or Jesus would have to be accused of lack of love in dealing with some folks in the Gospels.

But it does ask about what is the most helpful thing to say when everything is considered. Sometimes what would have been a hard word to one group is a needed act of love to another group, and not a wrong to the group addressed. But in general, love shapes truth into words and ways that are patient and gentle (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

4. Truth shapes how to show love.
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:2). It is not always obvious which acts are loving. So John tells us some truth will help us know if our acts are loving.

One truth test for our love is whether we are keeping the commandments of God toward people. In other words, love cannot be cut loose from the truth of God's will. Truth shapes how to show love.
Let us pray that God will cause his love and truth to abound and mingle in us in all these ways for the glory of his truth-filled love and love-filled truth.
Pastor John
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.

Joel Osteen, it's just the Truth - Paul Washer

2011-08-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

Joel Osteen, it's just the Truth - Paul Washer

Glorious Grace by Jonathan Edwards

2011-07-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

Glorious Grace

by

Jonathan Edwards
(1703-1758)

"And he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shouting, crying, grace, grace!"—Zachariah 4:7

The mercy of God is that attribute which we, the fallen, sinful race of Adam, stand in greatest need of, and God has been pleased, according to our needs, more gloriously to manifest this attribute than any other. The wonders of divine grace are the greatest of all wonders. The wonders of divine power and wisdom in the making [of] this great world are marvelous; other wonders of his justice in punishing sin are wonderful; many wonderful things have happened since the creation of the world, but none like the wonders of grace. "Grace, grace!" is the sound that the gospel rings with, "Grace, grace!" will be that shout which will ring in heaven forever; and perhaps what the angels sung at the birth of Christ, of God's good will towards men, is the highest theme that ever they entered upon.

In order to understand the words of our text, we are to take notice that the scope and design of the chapter is to comfort and encourage the children of Israel, returned out of their Babylonish captivity, in the building of Jerusalem and the temple: who it seems were very much disheartened by reason of the opposition they met with in the work, and the want of [the] external glory of the former temple before the captivity, so that the priests and the Levites, and the chief of the fathers, wept aloud as the rest shouted at the sight, as you may see in Ezra 3: 12, "But many of the priests and Levites, and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice, and many shouted aloud for joy." You may see a full account of their great oppositions and discouragement's in the fourth and fifth chapters.

The prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, were sent on this occasion to comfort them under those discouragement's. by foretelling the glories of the gospel should be displayed in this latter house, which should render the glories of it far beyond the glories of the former, notwithstanding it was so far exceeded in what is external. In Hag. 2:39,

Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I ; am with you, saith the Lord of hosts: according to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit .; remaineth among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, i and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.

See also, in the third chapter of this book, at the eighth verse, "Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at; for behold, I will bring forth my servant, the Branch." And the same subject is continued in [his chapter, even the glorious grace of the gospel, which was to be manifested by Christ in this temple, particularly in our text, "and they shall bring forth the headstone with shouting, crying, Grace, grace unto it." The headstone is that which entirely crowns and finishes the whole work, signifying that the entire gospel dispensation was to be finished in mere grace.

This stone was to [be] brought with repeated shouting or rejoicings at the grace of God, signifying the admirableness and gloriousness of this grace.

DOCTRINE.

The gospel dispensation is finished wholly and entirely in free and glorious grace: there is glorious grace, shines in every part of the great work of redemption; the foundation is laid in grace, the superstructure is reared in grace, and the whole is finished in glorious grace.

If Adam had stood and persevered in obedience, he would have been made happy by mere bounty [and] goodness; for God was not obliged to reward Adam for his perfect obedience any otherwise than by covenant, for Adam by standing would not have merited happiness. But yet this grace would not have been such as the grace of the gospel, for he would have been saved upon the account of what he himself did, but the salvation of the gospel is given altogether freely. Rom. 11:6, "And if by grace, then it is no more works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace; otherwise work is no more work."

That we may give you as full explication of this doctrine as we can in a little space, we shall first, show free grace shines forth in the distinct parts of this wondrous work of redemption; second, speak a little of the gloriousness of this grace.

I. But as to the first, every part of this work was performed of mere grace.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CONTINUE READING>>>>>>>>>>>

Jesus Christ's Limited Atonement?

2011-07-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Jesus Christ's Limited Atonement?

Atonement

2011-06-20T01:20:00.000-07:00

Atonement Monergism.com links

Topics in this Category
Audio and Multimedia (49 links)
Classic Essays & Articles (56 links)
Contemporary Essays & Articles (75 links)
Particular Redemption (187 links)
Penal Substitutionary Atonement (32 links)
Propitiation (10 links)
Theories of the Atonement (12 links)

The atonement is the crucial doctrine of the faith. Unless we are right here, it matters not, it seems to me, what we are like elsewhere.Leon Morris

That Christ "died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor 15:3) is the...single most frequently used lens through which Christians in the New Testament sought to understand Jesus...Christ dying for our sins is the starting point for all further reflection about him, such as the incarnation and the Trinity...Atonement is the cornerstone of all theology, being the "stone that the builders rejected" which has now become the cornerstone (Matt 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:7; quoting Paslm 118:22). The New Testament writers without exception understood the death of Christ as the fulcrum for all theology because it was the worst thing that could have happened and the best thing that could have happened...The content of theology is the power in the blood. It is the hub, made indefectibly strong by Christ's resurrection, from which all the spokes of theology derive. Paul F.M. Zahl

Go on up to the mountain of mercy
To the crimson perpetual tide
Kneel down on the shore
Be thirsty no more
Go under and be purified

Follow Christ to the holy mountain
Sinner, sorry and wrecked by the fall
Cleanse your heart and your soulIn the fountain that flows
For you and for me and for all

At the wonderful tragic mysterious tree
On that beautiful scandalous night you and me
Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white
On that beautiful, scandalous night

Beautiful, Scandalous Night words by S. Hindalong

Sort by: Date added - Rating - Title
Title
Notes
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ
John Owen
The Everlasting Righteousness
Horatius Bonar (.pdf)
Sacrifice - Jesus Christ Made Atonement for Sin
J.I. Packer
The Atonement in John's Gospel
Leon Morris (pdf)
Christ Crucified
Charles Spurgeon
The Atonement
Loraine Boettner
Sort by: Date added - Rating - Title

Romeo Fulga- Elim Christian Church -Ispasirea 1of6

2011-06-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

Romeo Fulga- Elim Christian Church -Ispasirea 1of6

Spurgeon şi doctrina ispășirii particulare

2011-06-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

Spurgeon şi doctrina ispășirii particulare

S-a spus în mod frecvent despre calvinism că nu are niciun mesaj evanghelic când se ajunge la predicarea crucii – pentru că el nu poate să afirme că Hristos a murit pentru păcatele tuturor oamenilor, de pretutindeni. Dar ispășirea se află în centrul tuturor predicilor lui Spurgeon și, departe de a crede că pentru evanghelizare este necesară o ispășire universală, el a susținut că, dacă poziția arminiană ar fi adevărată, el nu ar avea o răscumpărare reală pe care să o poată predica, deoarece aceasta ar transforma mesajul Evangheliei în confuzie. El a crezut că, odată ce predicatorii încetează să pună crucea în contextul planului de mântuire și odată ce sângele care a fost vărsat nu este considerat ca „sângele legământului celui veșnic”, se pune sub semnul întrebării nu numai amploarea ispășirii, ci însăși natura ei.

Pe de altă parte, dacă noi susținem, împreună cu Scriptura, despre Calvar, că este împlinirea marelui plan al harului, în care Fiul lui Dumnezeu a devenit reprezentantul și capul celor care au fost iubiți de Tatăl încă înainte de întemeierea lumii (Efeseni 1:4), atunci sunt stabilite imediat atât natura, cât și amploarea ispășirii. Faptul că moartea Sa a fost, în natura ei, înlocuitoare (Hristos purtând pedeapsa păcatelor altora) și că a fost suferită de dragul celor față de care El a fost legat cu un legământ veșnic, sunt două adevăruri care se leagă în mod esențial.

Arminianismul evanghelic predică o jertfă de ispășire înlocuitoare și se agață, de asemenea, de răscumpărarea universală, dar, deoarece știe că această universalitate nu asigură mântuirea universală, el trebuie să reducă în mod necesar realitatea substituirii și o reprezintă ca pe un lucru mai nedefinit și impersonal – o substituire care, de fapt, nu răscumpără efectiv, dar care face posibilă răscumpărarea tuturor oamenilor. Conform arminianismului, jertfa de ispășire nu are nicio legătură deosebită cu vreo persoană individuală și face ca mântuirea omului să nu fie sigură.

Din exact același motiv această învățătură are, de asemenea, o tendință inevitabilă să subestimeze înțelesul jertfei de ispășire și să pună în umbră faptul că justificarea (îndreptățirea) păcătoșilor vine doar pe baza lucrării lui Hristos. Nu credința este cea care face ca jertfa de ispășire să fie eficientă pentru noi, ci jertfa de ispășire a asigurat justificarea și îndreptățirea păcătoșilor și chiar și credința, prin care dobândim aceste binecuvântări, este un dar care este dat și plătit de Hristos.

Deci, în vreme ce arminianismul nu
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CHITESTE MAI DEPARTE

Voice to Spirit : My King : Videosong *

2011-06-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

Voice to Spirit : My King : Videosong *

John Piper Interviews Rick Warren on Doctrine

2011-05-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

This 98 minute interview that I did with Rick Warren was recorded on May 1, 2011, during the Desiring God Regional Conference at Saddleback Church. It's the fulfillment of a commitment we made when Rick was not able to come in person to the Desiring God National Conference in Minneapolis in October, 2010.

The nature of the interview is mainly doctrinal. I read Rick’s The Purpose Driven Life with great care. I brought 20 pages of quotes and questions to the interview. You will hear me quote the book dozens of times. With these quotes as a starting point I dig into Rick’s mind and heart on all the issues listed below (with the times that they begin on the video).
Introduction
3:29 The glory of God.
7:16 David Wells and the weight of God’s reality.
9:00 Would you write the book the same today?
12:00 The sovereignty of God.
18:47 How do you speak of God’s sovereignty in the presence of tragedy?
22:01 How do all things work for bad for those who reject Christ?
24:14 Do you hedge on Larry King?
27:00 Unconditional election.
30:18 The importance of eternity.
34:42 How do you conceive of eternity: in heaven, on earth?
38:53 What is the Gospel?
42:00 What did Jesus achieve on the cross?
43:40 Repentance.
50:50 Why don’t you call yourself a Calvinist?
53:09 Propitiation.
54:39 Prevenient grace.
1:00:01 Total depravity.
1:03:00 Hell.
1:09:10 Eternal destiny of those who never heard.
1:12:40 The extent of the atonement.
1:17:00 Do unbelievers always do the devil’s bidding?
1:18:40 Your view of the Bible.
1:22:40 Expository preaching and doctrinal depth.
1:28:10 Rick Warren’s sacred trust.

Grace Unmixed -J. W. Hendryx Monergism.com

2011-05-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

Grace Unmixed

Some respond to the doctrine of election by saying "that's not fair!"... Well, that's right. We couldn't agree more. Because if God did what was fair He would let us all go on in our own way to destruction. If God operated on the basis of fairness there would not be a single person reading this today.

Furthermore, synergists declare that God choose us because he foresaw that we would believe. But if God saw something in us that moved him to choose us (because we had the wisdom, sound judgment, or good sense to believe) then grace is no longer grace. Therefore synergists deny salvation is by grace alone. By grace maybe, but not by grace ALONE. In this case grace would only be necessary but not sufficient.

Therefore, we thank God for our salvation because we cannot ascribe our believing to our own good sense or wisdom. Even these blessings are a gift of God. Can we thank God for everything else, but not thank Him for the wisdom to believe? Did we find the desire and wisdom to believe from within our own native resources?. If that were the case, God would get most of the glory but not all the glory.

As a result of this confusion, Arnminian theology cannot honestly declare "Soli Deo Gloria" because it cannot declare "sola gratia"

The following quote shines further light on this:

1. Grace is Alone by Definition - Sola Gratia is Redundant!

There is a sense in which "sola gratia" is redundant! If grace is not "alone" it is not grace! "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." (Romans 11:6) The grace of God by definition will not admit of any admixture of debt! "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt." (Romans 4:4)

2. Grace is Alone as Sovereign - God Will Not Share His Glory with Another!
If grace is not sovereign it is not grace, because God will not share His glory with another! "I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) "For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another." (Isaiah 48:11) Grace is depicted in Scripture as reigning as a sovereign: “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21) The God of grace is the giver of every good and perfect gift, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (Jas. 1:17) He actually reigns as the absolute Sovereign, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15) “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Rev. 17:14) “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:16) The nature of His grace is determined by His nature. The grace of a sovereign is sovereign grace, and the grace of God is absolute in its sovereign nature. It cannot be otherwise. Therefore, it is also redundant to describe God's grace by the modifiers "sovereign" or "free". If God's grace is not sovereign, then it is not grace at all. If it is not free, then it is not grace, and it most certainly is not God's grace.

3. Grace is Alone as Glorious - Pure Unmixed Grace, Sovereign Non-Contingent Grace is Praised by the Redeemed!
It is only such non-contingent, unmixed, sovereign grace of God that elicits the praise of His people: "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence" (Eph. 1:6-8) Sola Gratia, Soli Deo Gloria,

John T. “Jack” Jeffery Pastor, Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, Pennsylvania"
J. W. Hendryx
Monergism.com

It Will Cost You Everything -Steve Lawson

2011-05-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

What does it cost you to follow Christ? Everything. Steve Lawson preaches on Luke 14 on the Cost of Discipleship. The sad reality is that many people are just part of a crowd, many are in the crowd of those who listen to Piper, Washer, Conway, MacArthur, yet they themselves have not truly submitted to the Lordship of Christ. Search yourself out this very day... have you come to saving faith? Or do you just wish you had the reality of Christ that you see others have? Don't be part of the wrong crowd.

It Will Cost You Everything -Steve Lawson

Jesus is Knocking —John MacArthur

2011-05-15T21:20:00.001-07:00

Jesus is Knocking —John MacArthur, MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Revelation 1–21 (Moody, 1999), 140.

Revelation 3:20. Its a verse many of us not only know but can quote by heart. Its also a verse that is almost always used out of context.

For some time I have been thinking of writing a short article on the context and meaning of the verse, not only for the good of my own soul (my own thoughts tend to become much clearer when I write them down) but hopefully, for the benefit of others too. Yet today, as I made my morning venture out into the blogosphere, I came across an article that said all I ever wished to say about the verse and said it very well. So, I thought to myself, "Self... rather than taking the time to try to say the same thing using different words (to avoid plagiarism), why not simply quote the article and let all be blessed by it, the same way you were?" So, that is what I do here. I found the article to be a real blessing and pass it on, trusting it will be the same for you. - JS

The Thirsty Theologian writes:

On the wall of one of the churches I attended as a child hung a picture of a fair-haired gentile knocking on a door. We all knew it was Jesus, seeking entrance at our heart’s door, as in Revelation 3:20.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Time and time again, we were taught that Jesus was standing, waiting, knocking, waiting, knocking, just hoping to be invited into our hearts.

Time after time He has waited before
And now He is waiting again
To see if you are willing to open the door
Oh, how He wants to come in.

This image of the pathetic, pleading Jesus has
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CONTINUE READING>>>>>>>>>>>

Pune-Mă ca o pecete -Fratii Sfara

2011-05-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

Pune-Mă ca o pecete -Fratii Sfara

Fiecare cu „hristosul” lui

2011-05-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Fiecare cu „hristosul” lui

Însuși Domnul Isus Hristos, Fiul lui Dumnezeu, ne-a avertizat că vor veni la noi hristoși mincinoși. A știut acest lucru și ne-a avertizat cu privire la el. Lucrul grav este că cei care își spun urmașii Lui și-au fabricat proprii lor mici hristoși.

Unele biserici sunt pline și lucrul acesta ne încântă pentru că măsurăm spiritualitatea după numărul de membri dar lucrul acesta presimt că nu va ține prea mult. Bisericile sunt pline în fiecare duminică … unde Hristos nu e predicat!

Cineva va obiecta și va spune că Hristos e predicat. E adevărat că e predicat dar când Hristos este predicat greșit este mai rău decât atunci când nu e predicat deloc. Când spun că Hristos nu e predicat trag o concluzie care e mai bună decât realitatea.

Hristos este predicat: ca unul care ne dă instrucțiuni, idei și sfaturi nu porunci, un antrenor nu un Mântuitor, un bun exemplu nu un Răscumpărător, un ajutor nu un Domn. Ne place sau nu, acesta este Hristosul predicat în multe dintre bisericile noastre.

Deși s-ar putea să nu vă placă comparațiile mele Hristos a devenit, pentru mulți dintre evanghelici, un fel de femeie de servici, cel care are grijă de finanțele noastre, cel care a murit să ne dea sănătate, cel care ne dă idei în situații critice. El este psihologul, medicul, finanțatorul și tot ce mai avem noi nevoie.

Uitați-vă la predicile evangheliștilor noștri, a predicatorilor care au devenit foarte populari – ei vorbesc prea puțin despre păcat ca o ofensă împotriva lui Dumnezeu, despre mânia și judecata lui Dumnezeu, despre singura Cale prin care putem fi eliberați și justificați. Ni se vorbește despre un terapist, psiholog și un antrenor.

Acesta nu este Hristosul meu!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CHITESTE MAI DEPARTE

NO GREATER LOVE Movie Review & trailer

2011-05-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

No Greater Love is a great ministry film. The film makers at Coram Deo studios really had Christ in mind when they made this film. Without revealing the whole story, this film really speaks of the importance of having God centered relationships as well as the sovereignty of God.

Continue reading >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
No Greater Love- movie Official Trailer

The Doctrines of Grace-Doctrinele Harului

2011-05-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

-READ MORE-

The Heart of the Reformation:the Doctrines of Grace>>>>>>

Grace and Peace,

2 Cor. 4:5-7

Emanuel

The Doctrines of Grace -TULIP ~ John Piper- Video's

2011-05-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Doctrinele Harului

2011-05-01T00:41:00.000-07:00

Doctrinele Harului MP3 Audio-Fr Mircea Aioanei dela Logos - Arad RO
Doctrinele Harului

Doctrinele Harului CITESTE

1. Introducere - II Timotei 2:1-26

2. Suveranitatea lui Dumnezeu - Isaia 6:1-7:14

3. Ce nu este depravarea umană - Efeseni 2:1-22

4. Ce este depravarea umană - Ioan 6:41-51

5. Ce nu este alegerea - Romani 8:28-39

6. Perspective greşite şi incomplete - Romani 9:1-24a

7. Ce este alegerea - Efeseni 1:1-14

8. Pentru cine a murit Cristos? (I) - Romani 8:28-39

9. Pentru cine a murit Cristos? (II) - Romani 8:28-39

10. Ce nu este chemarea eficace - I Corinteni 1:19-31

11. Ce este chemarea eficace - I Corinteni 1:19-31

12. Ce nu este siguranţa eternă - Efeseni 6:13-18

13. Ce este siguranţa eternă - Evrei 6:1-20

14. Principiile din spatele punctelor - Efeseni 1:1-14
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Viata 9-Concertul de Pasti-2011-Once Upon a Cross-Playlist 1to5

2011-04-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

The Crucifixion of God -Luke 23:33-47 Good Friday Reflection:At the Cross

2011-04-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

The Crucifixion of God Luke 23:33-47 Rev. Bryn MacPhail

What are we remembering today? Are we remembering the death of a great moral teacher? Are we remembering the death of a great prophet? No. Jesus claimed to be equal with God. He claimed to be the Son of God.

Since Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh, we cannot rightly say that He was simply a good moral teacher or simply a prophet. If Jesus was not God, but claimed to be God, then we are remembering the death of a great deceiver. If Jesus was not God, but claimed to be God, then we are remembering the death of a man who is on the same level of a man who thinks he is a poached egg (C.S. Lewis).

Yet, if Jesus claimed to be God, and if He is just that--as we believe--then we are remembering today the most profound event in human history: The crucifixion of God.

33When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified (Jesus) and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.

Jesus was taken to the place called The Skull. We refer to this place as 'Calvary', which sounds nicer than "The Skull", but this is precisely what 'Calvary' means. The Son of God is taken to the place called The Skull and is crucified between two criminals.

Death by crucifixion was agonizingly slow, and came about by suffocation. A medical expert on crucifixion describes the physical effects that Jesus would have endured while nailed to a cross,

"As the arms fatigue, great waves of cramps sweep over the muscles . . . With these cramps comes the inability to push Himself upward. Hanging by His arms, the pectoral muscles are paralyzed . . . Air can be drawn into the lungs, but cannot be exhaled. Jesus fights to raise Himself in order to get even one short breath. Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream and the cramps partially subside. Spasmodically He is able to push Himself upward to exhale and bring in the life-giving oxygen." (The Crucifixion of Jesus: The Passion of Christ from a Medical Point of View, Arizona Medicine, vol. 22, no. 3 (March 1965), 183-187).

This process would continue for hours until all strength in the legs is gone, and Jesus is no longer able to push up in order to breathe.

Aside from the physical pain of crucifixion, there was also the stigma of disgrace and humiliation that was attached to it. Victims were beaten, whipped, and taunted even before reaching the cross. They were usually hanged naked, made a spectacle of shame for all to see.

And how did our Lord respond to such treatment? By this time, He had been beaten, whipped, spat on, taunted, and now, stripped naked, Jesus is nailed to a cross between two criminals, and what are the first recorded words of Jesus on the cross? "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (v.34).

As C.H. Spurgeon has said, "neither the weakness of the past (beatings), nor the pain of the present, could prevent (Jesus) from continuing in prayer. The Lamb of God was silent to men, but He was not silent to God. Dumb as sheep before her shearers, He had not a word to say in His own defense to man, but He continues in His heart crying unto his Father, and no pain and no weakness can silence His holy supplications. Beloved, what an example our Lord herein presents to us! Let us continue in prayer so long as our heart beats; let no excess of suffering drive us away from the throne of grace, but rather let it drive us closer to it."

Even more remarkable is the fact that our Lord's prayer to His Father was not for Himself, but to those who were responsible for His execution, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

The phrase, "for they do not know what they are doing" does not suggest that they were unaware that they were sinning, but they were unaware of the enormity of their crime. They were blinded to the reality that they were crucifying God the Son.

Jesus, knowing this, prays that His Heavenly Father would forgive them. Keep in mind now, that when God the Son prays, God the Father answers. How, and when, was Jesus' prayer answered?

It was not answered immediately, because the people continued in their sin. Immediately after praying for their forgiveness, we read that " (the soldiers) cast lots, dividing up the garments (of Jesus) among themselves" (v.34).

The next verse describes how "35even the rulers were sneering at (Jesus), saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One." 36The soldiers also mocked (Jesus), coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, 37and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" 38Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

Matthew's gospel even includes "those passing by"(Mt. 27:39) among those who hurled abuse at Jesus. Matthew also writes how, at one point, both criminals participated in mocking Jesus (Mt. 27:44).

But then something happens. Jesus' prayer, "Father, forgive them" begins to be answered. Luke records how "39One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" 40But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41"And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 42And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" ".

For this one thief, mocking had given way to pleading, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!". And Jesus said to him, "43Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Let this be a lesson on how salvation is obtained. This man was a criminal. He had done nothing to merit salvation, rather to his demerit, he partook in mocking Jesus as they first hung on the cross. This man was also about to die. He would have no opportunity to do good works. He would have no opportunity to be baptized or to meet together with other Christians. Yet, no sinner was ever given a more explicit assurance of salvation, "43Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

The thief on the cross did not earn salvation, it was granted to him. Jesus prayed that His Father might forgive those mocking Him, that He might forgive those who had beaten Him, that He might forgive those who were crucifying Him. The answer to this prayer begins with the thief on the cross, whose mocking of Jesus eventually gave way to, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!".

Luke goes on to record that "44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." Having said this, He breathed His last. 47Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent."".

It is fitting that Jesus' final passage into death came with the same deliberateness that He exhibited throughout His ministry. Remember that Jesus is not a helpless victim here. As He said at His arrest, Jesus had more than 72,00 angels at His disposal to deliver Him. But deliverance was not a part of the eternal plan. This was a mission of suffering.

The reality is that Jesus allowed Himself to be arrested and crucified by sinful men. As Isaiah prophesied of the Christ hundreds of years earlier, "He poured out Himself to death"(Isa. 53:12). If Jesus had been cornered by a mob and killed, we could not rightly say that He died for us. But because Jesus voluntarily gave Himself up to death as One free from sin, we believe that this death atoned for our sins. We believe that all who trust in His sacrificial death, all who exclaim "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!", will one day enjoy the eternal paradise with our Lord.

The thief on the cross was promised this eternal paradise that very day. It was the first answer to Jesus' prayer, "Father forgive them". The second answer to Jesus' prayer came at the conversion of the centurion. This centurion, most commentators agree, would have been responsible for overseeing the entire crucifixion. He would have been around for Jesus' trial before Pilate; he would have witnessed the beatings and taunting of Jesus leading up to the crucifixion; he would have likely heard Jesus' prayer, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing". But when it was all said and done, it is clear that this centurion was also a part of answered prayer, for Luke writes that "he began praising God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent"". Similarly, Matthew records the centurion exclaiming, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (Mt. 27:54).

First, the thief on the cross; second, the centurion; and in the weeks to come, Jesus' prayer, "Father forgive them", would be answered by the conversion of thousands following Pentecost.

It is no wonder that the apostle Paul stresses the death of Christ in his writings, because it is the death of Christ that saves us. Let us not be in too much of a hurry to get to Easter, because Easter gains its meaning from Good Friday.

How then shall we respond? Do we carry on, 'business as usual', or does the death of Christ demand that we change the way we live? It is only reasonable that if Christ died for you, then you should live for Him.

Perhaps no hymn expresses this idea better than the last verse of our hymn, O Sacred Head Now Wounded:

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee dearest Friend,

For this, Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?

O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,

Lord let me never, never outlive my love to Thee. Amen.

He Is RISEN-EASTER Good Friday Reflection:At the Cross

2011-04-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice video i thought you might like for this upcoming Easter celebration

Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified

2011-04-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

I. BEHOLD THE PERSON OF THE SUFFERING SUBSTITUTE — "CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the JUST for the unjust,
that HE might bring us to God."

The Substitute was of complex nature. He was truly man, and yet He was truly God. Christ Jesus who "suffered" in the room, place, and stead of God's chosen people, was man, man of the substance of His mother, most surely man. He partook of all the weakness of humanity, and was in all respects, sin only excepted, tempted as we are; yea, He became "bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh." He was the perfect man, the only man in whom there never dwelt sin. There was no sin in His nature. No taint of original depravity ran in His veins. In His human nature He was "without spot or blemish." Conceived in a miraculous manner, He partook not, in any degree, of that transgression which is transmitted to us; for we are born in sin, and shapen in iniquity.

Christ did not receive any of that imputed sin which has fallen upon the race from Adam. Christ never fell in Adam. He was "the seed of the woman", but He never lay in the loins of Adam. As a private person, Christ never fell; by nature, He was not in any sense a participator or partaker in Adam's sin. Though, on the part of His people, Jesus took upon himself Adam's transgression, and bore it right away, He himself was, in His original, without the shadow of a spot, the immaculate, the perfect Lamb of God's passover.

The life of the man Christ Jesus was in every respect blameless. From His eye no fire of unhallowed anger ever flashed. On His lips the word of deceit never rested. His pure mind never knew an imagination of sin. Satan's sparks fell on Christ's soul like fire dropping into the ocean, and were quenched for ever. Hell's quiver of temptations was emptied upon Him, but no single arrow ever stuck in His flesh and blood. He stood invincible and invulnerable. He could not be wounded by temptation. "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me," was His own triumphant declaration. Not only did Christ not sin, but He could not sin. "He knew no sin." He had no acquaintance with sin, He was a stranger to sin, sin had no commerce with Him, He had no dealings with sin personally. His head turned not dizzy when upon the pinnacle of the temple. When down in the depths of humiliation, no grief found expression void of completest resignation. He was ever pure, perfect, spotless, holy, acceptable unto God.

The sufferings of Jesus have power to bless others, seeing they were not necessary for Himself. He had no need to suffer as the result of sin, nor yet that, by the discipline of suffering, He might be purged from its evil. There was no reason in Himself why He should ever know pain, or heave a sigh. His sufferings all had reference to His people. His object in suffering, bleeding, dying, was to secure the salvation of His chosen. Our souls may now trust Jesus, the perfect man, with the utmost confidence.

Let us also ever bear in mind that, while Christ was truly man, yet was He also very God. We believe and must ever teach that the perfect humanity of Christ did not lower His perfect Deity; His Divinity was undiluted and infinite. He was "Very God of very God," possessing all the attributes of the eternal Jehovah. He, who did hang upon the cross, was the same God who made all the worlds. The very Word, who did bear our sins in His own body on the tree, was that Word by whom all things were made, and without whom "was not anything made that was made." We know nothing of a human atonement apart from the Deity of Christ Jesus. We dare not trust our souls upon a saviour who is but a man. If all the men that have ever lived, and all the angels that exist, could have wrought together, and striven throughout eternity to offer a sacrifice that should be a propitiation for the sins of a single man, they must have failed. None but the shoulders of the Incarnate God could bear the stupendous burden. No hand but that which set fast the spheres could shake the mountains of our guilt, and bear them away. We must have a Divine Sacrifice, and it is our joy to know that we have this in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As for those who do not believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ,
II. CONTEMPLATE THE SUFFERINGS OF THE SUBSTITUTE —
III. REJOICE IN THE RESULT OF THE SUBSTITUTE — >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CONTINUE READING>>>>>>>>>>>

Good Friday Reflection: At the Cross

2011-04-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

Open theism sau suveranitate?

2011-03-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

Open theism sau suveranitate?Două puncte de vedere foarte diferite cu privire la rugăciune sunt dominante în biserica de astăzi. Primul învaţă că rugăciunea este unul dintre mijloacele prin care Dumnezeu își împlinește voia Sa pe pământ. Rugăciunea nu este un mijloc prin care cerem ca voia noastră să se facă în ceruri. Mai degrabă, acesta este un mijloc prin care Dumnezeu își descoperă planul Său pe pământ.
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Al doilea punct de vedere (open theism – teism deschis) proclamă că rugăciunea este unul dintre instrumentele prin care voia credinciosului este realizată în ceruri. Această perspectivă consideră că rugăciunea îl poate schimba pe Dumnezeu; rugăciunea afectează mai mult decât scopurile Sale. Voia lui Dumnezeu, cuvintele şi scopurile Sale se pot revizui în funcție de puterea rugăciunilor noastre. Cei care susțin acest punct de vedere cred că rugăciunea este ca o modificare a planului lui Dumnezeu sau ca un ajutor pe care îl dăm lui Dumnezeu în luarea deciziilor Sale, deoarece El nu ştie totul.
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Sunt câteva texte din Vechiul Testament care aparent susțin poziția teismului deschis. Unele dintre ele se referă la boala și vindecarea regelui Ezechia (2 Regi 20:1-11; Isaia 38:1-8; 2 Cronici 32:24). De ce Dumnezeu l-a vindecat pe Eezechia? Un motiv posibil ar fi că Manase – care a început să domnească la vârsta de 12 ani, atunci când tatăl său a murit (2 Regi 20:21 –21:1) – nu se născuse încă. Din Isaia 38:19 (Ci cel viu, da, cel viu Te laudă, ca mine astăzi. Tatăl face cunoscut copiilor săi credincioşia Ta) se poate înțelege că Ezechia, în momentul îmbolnăvirii, nu avea niciun moștenitor la tron căruia să îi spună despre credincioșia Domnului. Acţiunea divină de vindecare a fost fondată mai degrabă pe legământul Domnului cu David, ceea ce se observă și în promisiunea lui Dumnezeu de a scăpa Ierusalimul de invazia lui Sanherib (Căci Eu voi ocroti cetatea aceasta ca s-o mântuiesc, din pricina Mea, şi din pricina robului Meu David – 2 Regi 19:34). imagesPrin legământul davidic, Dumnezeu garantează că unul dintre urmașii săi va ocupa mereu tronul de la Ierusalim (Eu îi voi fi Tată şi el Îmi va fi fiu. Dacă va face răul, îl voi pedepsi cu o nuia omenească şi cu lovituri omeneşti; dar harul Meu nu se va depărta de la el, cum l-am depărtat de la Saul pe care l-am îndepărtat dinaintea ta. Ci casa ta şi împărăţia ta vor dăinui veşnic înaintea Mea, şi scaunul tău de domnie va fi întărit pe vecie. 2 Samuel 7:14-16). Cu alte cuvinte, răspunsul la rugăciunea Ezechia, a avut mai mult de a face cu bunăstarea naţiunii, precum şi cu susţinerea liniei davidice, decât cu vindecarea propriu-zisă. Atunci când Dumnezeu ne răspunde la rugăciune, El îi are în vedere, de asemenea, și pe ceilalți. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CHITESTE MAI DEPARTE

Doru Pope-1-26-11(Efeseni 1:3-14 partea 1 Biserica Logos Seattle

2011-03-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Intrgul Serial poate fii gasit la >> http://www.vimeo.com/album/1561966
Doru Pope-1-26-11(Efeseni 1:3-14 partea 1 Biserica Logos Seattle

Ligonier.org /2011-National-Conference Live “Light and Heat: A Passion for the Holiness of God.”

2011-03-23T23:54:00.000-07:00

“Light and Heat: A Passion for the Holiness of God.”

R.C. Sproul, John Piper, Sinclair Ferguson, Robert Godfrey, Steven Lawson, and R.C. Sproul Jr.

Forty Years of Proclaiming God’s Holiness
R.C. Sproul Bio
Ligonier Ministries' purpose is to awaken as many people as possible to the holiness of God by proclaiming, teaching, and defending God's holiness in all its fullness. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul will expand on this statement, explaining why a proper understanding of the holiness of God is absolutely crucial if we are to know the true God as well as the depths of our depravity.

A Prayer for Japan by John Piper- Japan’s 8.9 magnitude earthquake

2011-03-12T21:26:00.000-08:00

A Prayer for Japan by John Piper
John Piper (Satan is not ultimate, God is).

Japan’s 8.9 magnitude earthquake—the biggest one to ever strike Japan—echoes the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.

In response, John Piper wrote an article titled “Tsunami, Sovereignty, and Mercy.” The essence of his main points are the same, slightly modified for Japan’s context:

1 Satan is not ultimate, God is.

2 Even if Satan caused the earthquake in Japan, he is not the decisive cause
of the deaths, God is.

3 Destructive calamities in this world mingle judgment and mercy.

4 The heart that Christ gives to his people feels compassion for those who
suffer, no matter what their faith.

5 Christ calls us to show mercy to those who suffer, even if they do not
deserve it.

Read Piper’s whole article.

And please pray for Japan.

Shepherds' Conference March 9-13, 2011 Dr. John MacArthur

2011-03-04T22:13:00.000-08:00

Dr. John MacArthur Dr. R. Albert Mohler Dr. Steven Lawson Phillip R. Johnson
schedule>> Shepherds' Conference March 9-13, 2011
Grace Community Church 13248 Roscoe Blvd Sun Valley, CA 91352

Friday, March 11, 2011

7:00 pm General Session 9 - John MacArthur

Videos Playlists 1 to 4

How God Converts the Human Soul-CrossTV-Presented by Mark Kielar

2011-02-23T16:10:00.000-08:00

How God Converts the Human Soul-CrossTV-Presented by Mark Kielar

Oh, it is a valuable, valuable thing...(a thing beyond words)...to be found "in Christ". It speaks of a vital, spiritual union with the Lord of Creation that Jesus himself described as being "born again". And only those who have such a union (in Jesus' words) "will see the kingdom of heaven."
But how does this "vital union" with Christ take place? Is it initiated by God or man? Exactly how does God convert the human soul? This 14-part series discusses the answers that scripture gives to those eternally important questions.

Presented by: Mark Kielar -Videos Playlists 1 to 7

I thank GOD for this TRUTH.... I look forward to the rest of this series.

Mark Kielar has done a wonderful job in organizing the TRUTH and answering so many questions we have. I would pray that everyone, would approach this series as if they have never heard of this topic before. Throw out what you THINK you may know, or what you have been taught to 'believe'... and LISTEN CLOSELY. And if you know 'THE TRUTH'.... then he will confirm this too, according to what GOD says, and not man.

Dr. John MacArthur 1of2 The Actions of Kingdom Love- oneness pentecostal??????

2011-02-20T01:18:00.000-08:00

Dr. John MacArthur 1of2 The Actions of Kingdom Love -oneness pentecostal??????

In an age ruled by human reason and political correctness, the last thing most religions want to do is rub people the wrong way or contradict conventional wisdom about God and His demands. The result? An almost universally taught and believed notion that God plays by mankind's rules, and that He wants you healthy, wealthy, happy, and feeling good about yourself.

But historically, true and vibrant Christianity has cut across the grain of conventional wisdom. And nowhere is that more clearly enunciated than in Jesus' masterful Sermon on the Mount—a sermon in which He turned the human wisdom of the religious elite on its head. In The Keys to the Kingdom, John MacArthur explores Luke's account of the Sermon on the Mount, revealing how the gospel of the Bible and true belief compares to widely held, widely taught error/ oneness pentecostal??????

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Dr. John MacArthur 2of2 The Actions of Kingdom Love

I Don't Want Free Will" by Martin Luther

2011-02-20T00:39:00.000-08:00

I Don't Want Free Will" by Martin Luther

Posted by John
“I frankly confess that, for myself, even if it could be, I should not want ‘free-will’ to be given me, nor anything to be left in my own hands to enable me to endeavour after salvation; not merely because in face of so many dangers, and adversities and assaults of devils, I could not stand my ground …; but because even were there no dangers … I should still be forced to labour with no guarantee of success … But now that God has taken my salvation out of the control of my own will, and put it under the control of His, and promised to save me, not according to my working or running, but according to His own grace and mercy, I have the comfortable certainty that He is faithful and will not lie to me, and that He is also great and powerful, so that no devils or opposition can break Him or pluck me from Him. Furthermore, I have the comfortable certainty that I please God, not by reason of the merit of my works, but by reason of His merciful favour promised to me; so that, if I work too little, or badly, He does not impute it to me, but with fatherly compassion pardons me and makes me better. This is the glorying of all the saints in their God” - Martin Luther, The Bondage of the Will (Grand Rapids: Revell, 1957), 313-314.

IN ROMANIAN>>> Martin Luther: „Nu vreau o voinţă liberă!”

The One Who Seeks God's Glory Is True

2011-02-12T23:06:00.000-08:00

The One Who Seeks God's Glory Is True by John Piper topic: The Glory of God

Free Will Synergism Vs. Free Grace Monergism /Source: John Hendryx

2011-02-12T01:40:00.002-08:00

Source: John Hendryx
Free Will Synergism Vs. Free Grace Monergism
Synergists teach '... and as many as believed were ordained to eternal life.' but the Bible teaches 'And as many as were ordained to eternal life, believed.' (Acts 13:48)

Synergists teach '...no one knows the Father except those who choose the Son.' But the Bible teaches that 'no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him' (Matt 11:27) They are the ones who 'choose' the Son.

Synergists teach that 'All can come to Christ of their own free will', but Jesus teaches that 'no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.' (John 6:65) and all whom He grants will come (John 6:37)

Synergists teach that 'you are not Christ's sheep because you do not believe', but Jesus teaches that 'you do not believe because you are not of My sheep.' (John 10:26)

Synergists teach that 'the reason you are not of God is because you are unwilling to hear and believe God's words.' Jesus, on the other hand, taught, 'The reason why you do not hear [God's words] is that you are not of God." (John 8:47)

Synergists teach that 'salvation is so easy a cave man can do it" but the Bible teaches that “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

In the Divine economy men are responsible to believe the gospel, but are morally impotent to do so from their own native resource. This inability (due to our intimate solidarity with Adam's sin) is something we are culpable for, like owing a debt we cannot repay. So God has every right to call us all to account to 'repay our debt', so to speak, even though we do not have the resources to do so. The Church is to call all men to repent and believe the gospel (an imperative) but no one believes. But God, in his great mercy, still has mercy on many, opening their hearts to the gospel that that might believe.

To this sometimes a synergist often quotes "whosoever will may come" to which we reply that this quote does not teach an indicative of what we are able to do, but rather, teaches what we 'ought' to do. As Martin Luther said, "Does it follow from: 'turn ye' that therefore you can turn? Does it follow from "'Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart' (Deut 6.5) that therefore you can love with all your heart? What do arguments of this kind prove, but the 'free-will' does not need the grace of God, but can do all things by its own power...But it does not follow from this that man is converted by his own power, nor do the words say so; they simply say: "if thou wilt turn, telling man what he should do. When he knows it, and sees that he cannot do it, he will ask whence he may find ability to do it..." Luther BW,164

John Piper - Cartiri sceptice si Harul Suveran (romana)

2011-02-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

John Piper - Cartiri sceptice si Harul Suveran (romana)

Prima parte din predica pastorului John Piper, "Skeptical Grumbling and Sovereign Grace".Mai multa informatie la http://www.desiringgod.com/ Domnul sa va binecuvinteze
>>>in>> http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/language-index/romanian

What Is the Doctrine of Election? by John MacArthur

2011-02-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

What Is the Doctrine of Election? by John MacArthur

The idea that God does what He wants, and that what He does is true and right because He does it, is foundational to the understanding of everything in Scripture, including the doctrine of election.

In the broad sense, election refers to the fact that God chooses (or elects) to do everything that He does in whatever way He best sees fit. When He acts, He does so only because He willfully and independently chooses to act. According to His own nature, predetermined plan, and good pleasure, He decides to do whatever He desires, without pressure or constraint from any outside influence.

The Bible makes this point repeatedly. In the very act of creation, God created precisely what He wanted to create in the way He wanted to create it (cf. Gen. 1:31). And ever since the creation, He has sovereignly prescribed or permitted everything in human history, in order that He might accomplish the redemptive plan which He had previously designed (cf. Is. 25:1; 46:10; 55:11; Rom. 9:17; Eph. 3:8–11).

In the Old Testament, CONTINUE READING>>>>>>>>>>>

John MacArthur VS Joel Osteen's theology.

2011-01-27T01:20:00.000-08:00

This is a short clip for the West Coast Conference of Dr. John MacArthur talking about Joel Osteen's theology.

Atributele lui Dumnezeu - Arthur W. Pink

2011-01-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

Atributele lui Dumnezeu - Arthur W. Pink

Solitaritatea lui Dumnezeu
Titlul acestui articol nu este poate suficient de explicit pentru a indica tema lui. Acest lucru se datorează în parte faptului că foarte puţini astăzi sunt obişnuiţi să mediteze asupra perfecţiunilor personale ale lui Dumnezeu. Comparativ doar puţini dintre aceia care citesc ocazional biblia sunt conştienţi de grandoarea impunătoare a caracterului Divin care provoacă la închinare. Faptul că Dumnezeu este măreţ în înţelepciune, uimitor în putere, şi totuşi plin de milă, este presupus de mulţi ca fiind un lucru îndeobşte cunoscut ; dar, a păstra o concepţie adecvată fiinţei Lui, naturii Lui, atributelor Lui, aşa cum acestea sunt revelate în Sfânta Scriptură, reprezintă ceva ce numai foarte, foarte puţini oameni în aceste timpuri degenerate au reuşit. Dumnezeu este solitar prin excelenţă. „Cine este ca Tine între dumnezei, Doamne? Cine este ca Tine minunat în sfinţenie, Bogat în fapte de lauda şi făcător de minuni?” (Ex. 15:11).
>>>>>>>>Citeste in continuare ...
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Atributele lui Dumnezeu - 1 Solitaritatea lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu - 2 Planurile lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu - 3 Cunoştinţa lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu - 4 Cunoştinţa mai dinainte a lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu - 5 Supremaţia lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu - 6 Suveranitatea lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu - 7 Imuabilitatea lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu - 8 Sfinţenia lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu - 9 Putearea lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu -10 Credincioşia lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu -11 Răbdarea lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu -12 Harul lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu -13 Îndurarea lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu -14 Dragostea lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu -15 Mânia lui Dumnezeu
Atributele lui Dumnezeu -16 Contemplarea lui Dumnezeu

Lucian si Adelina Susanu--Mai cheama-mi Isuse

2011-01-25T21:31:00.000-08:00

Lucian si Adelina Susanu--Mai cheama-mi Isuse

The Love of God by John MacArthur

2011-01-22T18:56:00.000-08:00

The Love of God, Part 5
Selected Scriptures

John MacArthur 1 to7 video's on The Love of God

At first glance, a subject like the love of God may seem somewhat simple and easy to grasp, but upon greater reflection, as we have learned, it is profound and far-reaching and inexplicable and inscrutable at some points. We find ourselves at such a point in the discussion in this our last message and I want to draw your attention to the ninth chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans, Romans chapter 9, as we conclude our series on the love of God.

Many people think that because God is love and He is, the Bible says so, and they think that because God loves the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son to be the Savior of the world that therefore God must love every person in the world with the same kind of love and to the same degree and with the same purpose in mind. But that is not the case as Scripture makes very clear.

We have already learned two propositions. One is that God's love to the world is unlimited in extent. That is true, He does love the world. He loves them enough to be good to them. That's common grace. He loves them enough to feel pity and compassion over them. He loves them enough to warn them about sin and its consequences. And He loves them enough that the gospel should be preached to all of them. So in that sense God's love is unlimited in its extent, it does reach the whole world. CONTINUE READING HERE

The Love of God, Part 5 MP3 audio

The Love of God Audio Series

If God is love, how do you explain those nagging questions we all have but dare never ask aloud?

Does God love everyone the same?

How can a loving God allow people to suffer?

If God loves the world, why did He choose to save only some and not everyone?

If God’s nature is to love, how can He be so filled with wrath and judgment toward sinners?

In The Love of God, John MacArthur offers a passionate, well-argued defense for what the love of God is—and what it is not. This series tackles the difficult questions head on and provides frank, thoroughly biblical answers.
QTY: * 6

Includes READ OR AUDIO Messages 1to6

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The Love of God and the Intent of the Atonement

D. A. Carson,

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John MacArthur[2to4]The Atonement Real or Potential

2011-01-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

John MacArthur[1of4]The Atonement Real or Potential
John MacArthur[2of4]The Atonement Real or Potential

John MacArthur[3of4]The Atonement Real or Potential

John MacArthur[4of4]The Atonement Real or Potential

The Goal of God's Love May Not Be What You Think It Is

2011-01-20T00:29:00.000-08:00

The Goal of God's Love May Not Be What You Think It Is by John Piper
Do people go to the Grand Canyon to increase their self-esteem? Probably not. This is, at least, a hint that the deepest joys in life come not from savoring the self, but from seeing splendor. And in the end even the Grand Canyon will not do. We were made to enjoy God.

We are all bent to believe that we are central in the universe. How shall we be cured of this joy-destroying disease? Perhaps by hearing afresh how radically God-centered reality is according to the Bible.

Both the Old and New Testament tell us that God's loving us is a means to our glorifying him. "Christ became a servant ... in order that the nations might glorify God for his mercy" (Romans 15:8-9). God has been merciful to us so that we would magnify him. We see it again in the words, "In love destined us to adoption ... to the praise of the glory of His grace" (Ephesians 1:4-6). In other words, the goal of God's loving us is that we might praise him. One more illustration from Psalm 86:12-13: "I will glorify your name forever. For your lovingkindness toward me is great." God's love is the ground. His glory is the goal.

This is shocking. The love of God is not God's making much of us, but God's saving us from self-centeredness so that we can enjoy making much of him forever. And our love to others is not our making much of them, but helping them to find satisfaction in making much of God. True love aims at satisfying people in the glory of God. Any love that terminates on man is eventually destructive. It does not lead people to the only lasting joy, namely, God. Love must be God-centered, or it is not true love; it leaves people without their final hope of joy.

Take the cross of Christ, for example. The death of Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of divine love: "God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Yet the Bible also says that the aim of the death of Christ was "to demonstrate righteousness, because in the forbearance of God he passed over the sins previously committed" (Romans 3:25). Passing over sins creates a huge problem for the righteousness of God. It makes him look like a judge who lets criminals go free without punishment. In other words, the mercy of God puts the justice of God in jeopardy.

So to vindicate his justice he does the unthinkable - he puts his Son to death as the substitute penalty for our sins. The cross makes it plain to everyone that God does not sweep evil under the rug of the universe. He punishes it in Jesus for those who believe.

But notice that this ultimately loving act has at the center of it the vindication of the righteousness of God. Good Friday love is God-glorifying love. God exalts God at the cross. If he didn't, he could not be just and rescue us from sin. But it is a mistake to say, "Well, if the aim was to rescue us, then we were the ultimate goal of the cross." No, we were rescued from sin in order that we might see and savor the glory of God. This is the ultimately loving aim of Christ's death. He did not die to make much of us, but to free us to enjoy making much of God forever.

It is profoundly wrong to turn the cross into a proof that self-esteem is the root of mental health. If I stand before the love of God and do not feel a healthy, satisfying, freeing joy unless I turn that love into an echo of my self-esteem, then I am like a man who stands before the Grand Canyon and feels no satisfying wonder until he translates the canyon into a case for his own significance. That is not the presence of mental health, but bondage to self.

The cure for this bondage is to see that God is the one being in the universe for whom self-exaltation is the most loving act. In exalting himself - Grand Canyon-like - he gets the glory and we get the joy. The greatest news in all the world is that there is no final conflict between my passion for joy and God's passion for his glory. The knot that ties these together is the truth that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. Jesus Christ died and rose again to forgive the treason of our souls, which have turned from savoring God to savoring self. In the cross of Christ, God rescues us from the house of mirrors and leads us out to the mountains and canyons of his majesty. Nothing satisfies us - or magnifies him - more.

By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: http://www.desiringgod.org/. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.

John Piper | topic: The Doctrines of Grace VIDEO'S

2011-01-10T23:46:00.000-08:00

A Seminar for The Bethlehem Institute by John Piper topic: The Doctrines of Grace
TULIP, Part 1

See the rest of this seminar:
TULIP, Part 2: Assumptions - Irresistible Grace
TULIP, Part 3: Irresistible Grace - Total Depravity
TULIP, Part 4: Total Depravity - Unconditional Election
TULIP, Part 5: Unconditional Election
TULIP, Part 6: Unconditional Election
TULIP, Part 7: Limited Atonement
TULIP, Part 8: Perseverance of the Saints
TULIP, Part 9: Ten Effects of Believing the Five Points of Calvinisim
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Doctrinele Harului IN Romanian MP3 Audio-Fr Mircea Aioanei dela Logos - Arad RO
Doctrinele Harului
1. Introducere - II Timotei 2:1-26

2. Suveranitatea lui Dumnezeu - Isaia 6:1-7:14

3. Ce nu este depravarea umană - Efeseni 2:1-22

4. Ce este depravarea umană - Ioan 6:41-51

5. Ce nu este alegerea - Romani 8:28-39

6. Perspective greşite şi incomplete - Romani 9:1-24a

7. Ce este alegerea - Efeseni 1:1-14

8. Pentru cine a murit Cristos? (I) - Romani 8:28-39

9. Pentru cine a murit Cristos? (II) - Romani 8:28-39

10. Ce nu este chemarea eficace - I Corinteni 1:19-31

11. Ce este chemarea eficace - I Corinteni 1:19-31

12. Ce nu este siguranţa eternă - Efeseni 6:13-18

13. Ce este siguranţa eternă - Evrei 6:1-20

14. Principiile din spatele punctelor - Efeseni 1:1-14
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A Call for Discernment Session 1 - Dangerous Doctrine

2011-01-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

A Call for Discernment Session 1 - Dangerous Doctrine TBN

tbn crouch dollar Copeland Hinn osteen jakes Hickey Monroe smith Word Faith city
A Call for Discernment Session 2 - Mangled Manifestations
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Glmjrd5XtE
A Call for Discernment Session 3 - The Hurt of Healing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIE-rtV9Qu4

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD A W. PINK ARCHIVE'S

2011-01-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

>>>>>>>A W. PINK ARCHIVE'S>>>>>>>

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

PREFACE

"Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee" (Job 22:21). "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty glory in his might, let not the rich glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth, and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord" (Jer 9:23,24). A spiritual and saving knowledge of God is the greatest need of every human creature.
The foundation of all true knowledge of God must be a clear mental apprehension of His perfections as revealed in Holy Scripture. An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped. In this booklet an effort has been made to set forth some of the principal perfections of the Divine character. If the reader is to truly profit from his perusal of the pages that follow, he needs to definitely and earnestly beseech God to bless them to him, to apply His Truth to the conscience and heart, so that his life will be transformed thereby.
Something more than a theoretical knowledge of God is needed by us. God is only truly known in the soul as we yield ourselves to Him, submit to His authority, and regulate all the details of our lives by His holy precepts and commandments. "Then shall we know, if we follow on (in the path of obedience) to know the Lord" (Hosea 6:3). "If any man will do His will, he shall know" (John 7:17). "The people that do know their God shall be strong" (Dan. 11:32).

FOREWORD

The papers which follow appeared first in the author’s monthly magazine "Studies in the Scriptures," which is devoted entirely to the expounding of God’s Word and a seeking to provide spiritual food for hungry souls. Free sample copy gladly sent on application. (Not today). These articles have been reissued in their present form through the generosity of a Christian friend who has defrayed the entire cost of their publication. Proceeds from the sale of this booklet will be used, D. V., to issue others of a similar nature. May the blessing of God rest upon it. - ARTHUR W. PINK.
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THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD
1. The Solitariness of God
2. The Decrees of God
3. The Knowledge of God
4. The Foreknowledge of God
5. The Supremacy of God
6. The Sovereignty of God
7. The Immutability of God
8. The Holiness of God
9. The Power of God
10. The Faithfulness of God
11. The Goodness of God
12. The Patience of God
13. The Grace of God
14. The Mercy of God
15. The Love of God
16. The Wrath of God
17. The Contemplation of God
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Atributele lui Dumnezeu - Arthur W. Pink

NICU WAGNER - -Fa-ti timp IN/2011[2in1]

2011-01-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

NICU WAGNER - -Fa-ti timp [2in1]

Unirea cu Hristos de Michael Horton

2011-01-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

Unirea cu Hristos de Michael Horton

Salvador a fost un spion cubanez, infiltrat în Miami pentru a afla secrete militare de la guvernul Statelor Unite. Cu toate acestea, naţionaliştii cubanezi cu care Salvador s-a asociat fără a-şi dezvălui identitatea reală l-au determinat în cele din urmă pe abilul spion să renunţe la loialitatea lui faţă de Castro. Ca urmare, Salvador s-a predat guvernului Statelor Unite iar acesta i-a oferit azil, protecţie şi o nouă identitate. Guvernul a înscenat "uciderea" lui Salvador astfel încât oficialii lui Castro să îşi considere spionul mort, iar odată acest plan îndeplinit lui Salvador i s-au eliberat documente noi, a primit un nume nou şi o nouă viaţă.

Pavel face apel la acest gen de limbaj atunci când răspunde la întrebarea: "Ce vom zice dar? Să păcătuim mereu, ca să se înmulţească harul?" cu familiarul său răspuns: "Nicidecum! Noi, care am murit faţă de păcat, cum să mai trăim în păcat? Nu ştiţi că toţi câţi am fost botezaţi în Isus Hristos, am fost botezaţi în moartea Lui? Noi deci, prin botezul în moartea Lui, am fost îngropaţi împreună cu El, pentru ca, după cum Hristos a înviat din morţi, prin slava Tatălui, tot aşa şi noi să trăim o viaţă nouă. În adevăr, dacă ne-am făcut una cu El, printr-o moarte asemănătoare cu a Lui, vom fi una cu El şi printr-o înviere asemănătoare cu a Lui" (Rom. 6:1-5).
Apostolul merge mai departe şi vorbeşte despre răstignirea vechii noastre identităţi şi despre îngroparea acesteia, în timp ce credinciosul e trezit la o nouă viaţă. "Să nu uităm niciodată că vechiul nostru eu a murit împreună cu El pe cruce, astfel încât tirania păcatului asupra noastră să poată fi sfărâmată - pentru că despre un om mort se poate spune pe drept cuvânt că este liber de sub puterea păcatului" (v.7, traducerea Phillips).
Israel şi-a căutat multă vreme identitatea prin >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CHITESTE MAI DEPARTE

Jan 02 2011 AM - Fr. Daniel Chiu - Ef.1:3-8

2011-01-04T22:55:00.000-08:00

Jan 02 2011 AM - Fr. Daniel Chiu - Ef.1:3-8

Daniel Chiu Predici Logos Ministries Biserica Chicago
Iosif Ton Biserica din Seatlle
Jan 02 2011 PM - Fr.Daniel Chiu - Un popor deosebit 2

2011/Devotional's

2011-01-04T21:54:00.000-08:00

"The Holy Spirit operates on the human character to produce a new heart and a new life. By this operation the affections and faculties of the man receive a new impulse....his dark understanding is illuminated, his rebellious will is subdued, his irregular desires are rectified;his judgment is informed, his imagination is chastised, his inclinations are sanctified; his hopes and fears are directed to their true and adequate end. Heaven becomes the object of his hopes, and eternal separation from God the object of his fears. His love of the world is transformed into the love of God." - HANNAH MORE

"Let us get love to Christ. Love is a holy transport. It fires the affections, steels courage, and carries a Christian above the love of life, and the fear of death. "Many waters cannot quench love" (Song of Solomon 8:7). Love made Christ suffer for us. If anyone ask what Christ died of, it may be answered, He died of love. If we love Christ, we will own him in the worst times, and be like that virgin of whom Basil speaks who, not accepting deliverance upon sinful terms, cried out, 'Let life and money go, welcome Christ!'" - Thomas Watson The Great Gain of Godliness, pg. 10

"Do you mortify; do you make it your daily work; be always at it whilst you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin or it will be killing you. Your being dead with Christ virtually, your being quickened with him, will not excuse you from this work. And our Saviour tells us how His Father deals with every branch in Him that bears fruit, every true and living branch 'He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit' (John 15:2) He prunes it, and that not for a day or two, but whilst it is a branch in this world. - John Owen The Mortification of Sin in Believers (Vol. 6, pg. 9-10)

Morning & Evening (.pdf) C. H. Spurgeon

Treasures of Bonar (.pdf) Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)

Prayers of John Calvin from his Commentary on Hosea John Calvin devotional

For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God’s Word, Vol. 1. (.pdf)
D.A. Carson

MORE Devotional's

You don't believe in Limited Atonement do you?

2011-01-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

"You don't believe in Limited Atonement do you?"
In a recent video teaching, Dr. James White mentions an incident when a Christian lady came up to him after one of his sermons asking him the loaded question, “You don’t believe in limited atonement do you?”

Dr. White responded by saying, “Yes, Maam, I believe that Jesus Christ saves everyone for whom He dies and He intercedes for them. Maam, who do you think He is interceding for today? …. the High Priest in the Old Testament, when he offered the sacrifice, he had to present the blood of the sacrifice in the holy place – everyone for whom he offered the sacrficie was those for whom he interceded, and He is interceding in heaven today in the presence of the Father specifically for those He is going to save. Do you really think he is interceding for those who are going to spend an eternity in hell and failing in His intercession?”

I think the answer is obvious. In what we refer to as Jesus’ High Priestly prayer in John 17, He made it clear that His intercession was not for everyone. Is it not logical to suggest that His intermediary work as Mediator is done for the exact same people He died for? Note His clear words, “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.” (John 17:9). More on this here.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>- JS

2010-12-31T15:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2011

New Year's Resolutions

From A Practical Exposition of the Fifty-Third Chapter of Isaiah - Thomas Manton

Paul Washer - Jesus is everything! 2011?IS/HE?

2010-12-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

Jesus Died! - Paul Washer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a11ASw5NRUw

2012 One Year Bible ESV Reading Plan

2010-12-28T00:05:00.001-08:00

Read OR Listen through the Bible in 2012

2010-12-24T16:26:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Rejoice, Jesus Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

He is JESUS THE CHRIST

2010-12-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

Jesus "the Christ"

The angel told Joseph (and earlier Mary): "[Mary] will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

The angel declared to the shepherds: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Jesus "the Christ" is the righteousness of God that God requires- -and amazingly provides for sinners to receive by faith.

Jesus simply means "YHWH is Salvation"; his name is JESUS because he will save his people from their sins.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Continue reading "Jesus "the Christ"" »

Celine Dion-Oh Holy night

2010-12-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US.......MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Christ the most ineffable Effect of Divine Wisdom and Goodness

2010-12-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US.......MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE
The Person of Christ the most ineffable Effect of Divine Wisdom and Goodness
-by John Owen
Thence the next Cause of all True Religion — In what sense it is so The person of Christ is the most glorious and ineffable effect of divine wisdom, grace, and power; and therefore is the next foundation of all acceptable religion and worship. The Divine Being itself is the first formal reason, foundation, and object of all religion. It all depends on taking God to be our God; which is the first of his commands. For religion, and the worship performed in it, is nothing but the due respect of rational creatures unto the divine nature, and its infinite excellencies. It is the glorifying of God as God; the way of expressing that respect being regulated by the revelation of his will. Yet the divine essence is not, in itself, the next and immediate cause of religious worship. But it is the manifestation of this Being and its excellencies, wherewith the mind of rational creatures is immediately affected, and whereby it is obliged to give that religious honor and worship which is due unto that Being, and necessary from our relation thereunto. Upon this manifestation, all creatures capable by an intelligent nature of a sense thereof, are indispensably obliged to give all divine honor and glory to God.

The way alone whereby this manifestation may be made, is by outward acts and effects. For, in itself, the divine nature is hid from all living, and dwelleth in that light whereunto no creature can approach. This, therefore, God first made, by the creation of all things out of nothing. The creation of man himself — with the principles of a rational, intelligent nature, a conscience attesting his subordination unto God and the creation of all other things, declaring the glory of his wisdom, goodness, and power, was the immediate ground of all natural religion, and yet continues so to be.

And the glory of it answers the means and ways of the manifestation of the Divine Being, existence, excellencies, and properties. And where this manifestation is despised or neglected, there God himself is so; as the apostle discourseth at large, Romans 1:18-22.

But of all the effects of the divine excellencies, the constitution of the person of Christ as the foundation of the new creation, as “the mystery of Godliness,” was the most ineffable and glorious. I speak not of his divine person absolutely; for his distinct personality and subsistence was by an internal and eternal act of the Divine Being in the person of the Father, or eternal generation — which is essential unto the divine essence — whereby nothing anew was outwardly wrought or did exist. He was not, he is not, in that sense, the effect of the divine wisdom and power of God, but the essential wisdom and power of God himself. But we speak of him only as incarnate, as he assumed our nature into personal subsistence with himself. His conception in the womb of the Virgin, as unto the integrity of human nature, was a miraculous operation of the divine power. But the prevention of that nature from any subsistence of its own — by its assumption into personal union with the Son of God, in the first instance of its conception — is that which is above all miracles, nor can be designed by that name. A mystery it is, so far above the order of all creating or providential operations, that it wholly transcends the sphere of them that are most miraculous. Herein did God glorify all the properties of the divine nature, acting in a way of infinite wisdom, grace, and condescension. The depths of the mystery hereof are open only unto him whose understanding it infinite, which no created understanding can comprehend.

All other things were produced and effected by an outward emanation of power from God. He said, “Let there be light, and there was light.” But this assumption of our nature into hypostatical union with the Son of God, this constitution of one and the same individual person in two natures so infinitely distinct as those of God and man — whereby the Eternal was made in time, the Infinite became finite, the Immortal mortal, yet continuing eternal, infinite, immortal — is that singular expression of divine wisdom, goodness, and power, wherein God will be admired and glorified unto all eternity. Herein was that change introduced into the whole first creation, whereby the blessed angels were exalted, Satan and his works ruined, mankind recovered from a dismal apostasy, all things made new, all things in heaven and earth reconciled and gathered into one Head, and a revenue of eternal glory raised unto God, incomparably above what the first constitution of all things in the order of nature could yield unto him.

In the expression of this mystery, the Scripture does sometimes draw the veil over it, as that which we cannot look into. So, in his conception of the Virgin, with respect unto this union which accompanied it, it was told her, that “the power of the Highest should overshadow her:” Luke 1:35. A work it was of the power of the Most High, but hid from the eyes of men in the nature of it; and, therefore, that holy thing which had no subsistence of its own, which should be born of her, should “be called the Son of God,” becoming one person with him. Sometimes it expresseth the greatness of the mystery, and leaves it as an object of our admiration, Timothy 3:16: “Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.” A mystery it is, and that of those dimensions as no creature can comprehend. Sometimes it putteth things together, as that the distance of the two natures illustrate the glory of the one person, John 1:14: “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”

But what Word was this?

The glory of the same mystery is elsewhere testified unto....

This is the glory of the Christian religion....

And as for the outward glory of it....

All false religion pretended always unto things that were mysterious....

Some would have all things that we are to believe to be leveled absolutely unto our reason and comprehension....

That which shall, at last, perfectly effect our utmost conformity to God....

Moreover, this constitution of the person of Christ being the most admirable and ineffable effect of divine wisdom, grace, and power....

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Continue Reading

Speranta si prietenii-2010 Seattle USA-Colinde de Craciun

2010-12-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

Speranta si prietenii-2010Seattle USA-Colinde de Craciun Playlist

Speranta si prietenii-Seattle USA-Emma Repede (Morosan) O Noapte Sfanta

2010-12-12T21:35:00.000-08:00

Speranta si prietenii-2010 Colinde de Craciun:la FRPC-Seattle WA USA

The Unconditional Love of Christ - Paul Washer

2010-12-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

The Unconditional Love of Christ - Paul Washer

Doctrinele Harului MP3 Audio-Fr Mircea Aioanei dela Logos - Arad RO

2010-12-10T00:55:00.000-08:00

Concert de Craciun-1 to 7Playlists-Corul Viata9-12/6/2010

2010-12-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

Unto the Lamb Viata9 Concert de Craciun[7of7] 12/6/2010-HOLY,HOLY,HOLY

2010-12-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

Viata9 Concert de Craciun[7of7] 12/6/2010-HOLY,HOLY,HOLY Unto the Lamb

One of the Most Important Principles in Reading the Bible by John Piper

2010-12-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

One of the Most Important Principles in Reading the Bible
John Piper
Sometimes readers of the Bible see the conditions that God lays down for his blessing and they conclude from these conditions that our action is first and decisive, then God responds to bless us.

That is not right.

There are indeed real conditions that God often commands. We must meet them for the promised blessing to come. But that does not mean that we are left to ourselves to meet the conditions or that our action is first and decisive.

Here is one example to show what I mean.

In Jeremiah 29:13 God says to the exiles in Babylon, "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." So there is a condition: When you seek me with all your heart, then you will find me. So we must seek the Lord. That is the condition of finding him.

True.

But does that mean that we are left to ourselves to seek the Lord? Does it mean that our action of seeking him is first and decisive? Does it mean that God only acts after our seeking?

No.

Listen to what God says in Jeremiah 24:7 to those same exiles in Babylon: "I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart."

So the people will meet the condition of returning to God with their whole heart. God will respond by being their God in the fullest blessing. But the reason they returned with their whole heart is that God gave them a heart to know him. His action was first and decisive.

So now connect that with Jeremiah 29:13. The condition there was that they seek the Lord with their whole heart. Then God will be found by them. But now we see that the promise in Jeremiah 24:7 is that God himself will give them such a heart so that they will return to him with their whole heart.

This is one of the most basic things people need to see about the Bible. It is full of conditions we must meet for God's blessings. But God does not leave us to meet them on our own. The first and decisive work before and in our willing is God's prior grace. Without this insight, hundreds of conditional statements in the Bible will lead us astray.

Let this be the key to all Biblical conditions and commands: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13). Yes, we work. But our work is not first or decisive. God's is. "I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me" (1 Corinthians 15:10).

By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: http://www.desiringgod.org/. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.

Listen to John Piper and Desiring God Online Broadcasts at OnePlace.com.

Lucian si Adelina Susanu--Mai cheama-mi Isuse

2010-12-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

Lucian si Adelina Susanu--Mai cheama-mi Isuse

False Faith and the Perseverance of the Saints

2010-12-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

There is such a thing as false faith - a temporary excitement and affection for Christ - something that to outward observance, looks exactly like the real thing. But Jesus is never fooled by it as He makes clear in John chapter 6. Here's a brief article on it >>>>>here. - JS
The Perseverance of the Saints
by John Samson on November 24, 2010

FUNDATIA VIATA 9-Concert de Craciun[Viata9] 2010 :-)Luni, 6 Decembrie, orele 7PM

2010-11-30T17:48:00.000-08:00

Concert de Craciun-1 to 7Playlists-Corul Viata9-12/6/2010
-

CONCERT PREZENTAT DE FUNDATIA VIATA

Luni, 6 Decembrie, orele 7PM

In Seattle at The City Church

9051 132nd Avenue Northeast, Kirkland,WA>Directions map

Marti, 7 Decembrie, orele 7PM

In Portland at Slavic Church Emanuel

2025 SE 82nd Ave., Portland,OR 97216 >Directions map

http://www.concertviata9.com/

Understanding John 12:32-Perseverance of the Saints

2010-11-29T21:09:00.000-08:00

Understanding John 12:32

Question: John, I read your recent article on John 6:35-45 entitled "The Perseverance of the Saints," and I understand the following to be a brief summary of Jesus' words regarding God's Sovereign purpose in election from John 6:35-45: Unless it is granted, no one will come to Christ. All to whom it is granted will come to Christ, and all of these will be raised up to eternal life on the last day. So, this being the case, can you please explain to me the meaning of John 12:32, where Jesus said: "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."? Its a very good question and I seek to give a brief answer >>>>>>>Continue Reading>>>>> here. - JS

Speranta si prietenii-2010promo Colinde de Craciun:la FRPC-Seattle

2010-11-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

Speranta si prietenii-2011Seattle US-Colinde de Craciun
E vremea colindelor: Turneu USA si Canada - Decembrie 2011 Speranta si prietenii Colinde de craciun 12.16.2011 Seattle, WA Romanian Church Seattle --http://www.speranta.ro/

Check this playlist out

E vremea colindelor: Turneu USA si Canada - Decembrie 2010
SAMBATA 11.12.2010 Seattle, WA 6:30 pm contact&directions FRPC Romanian Church Seattle 8315 NE 155TH KENNMORE, WA
Grupul de misiune Speranta & Prietenii va sustine o serie de concerte extraordinare cu ocazia Turneului de Colinde organizat in SUA si Canada, intre 2 -- 15 decembrie 2010. Sub genericul "E vremea colindelor", Speranta & Prietenii invita comunitatile crestine din SUA si Canada sa intampine Nasterea Domnului pe versuri de colind, intr-o atmosfera de inchinare si bucurie in prezenta Lui.

Grupul Speranta si Prietenii va fi insotit de pastorul Petrica Hututui care va prezenta un mesaj biblic. Gabriel Gorcea, Emma si Cristi Repede, Alina si Daniela Alexa, Adela si Ionut Craciun, Emima si Alin Timofte, Andrei Tibrea, Roxana Covrig si Diana Nicolae sunt interpretii pe care veti avea prilejul sa-i ascultati in cadrul acestui turneu de colinde.

Bucuria ingerilor, a magilor si pastorilor de altadata va rasuna prin colindele interpretate de Speranta & Prietenii in Kitchener, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Portland, Seattle, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Arizona. Pe masura ce locatiile vor si stabilite, mai multe informatii vor fi publicate in curand pe
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FRPC Romanian Church Seattle --http://www.speranta.ro/
Speranta si prietenii-2010promo Colinde de Craciun:Seattle US

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS Presented by: Mark Kielar

2010-11-25T23:01:00.000-08:00

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
Pilgrim’s Progress is the nationally acclaimed and loved spiritual allegory written in 1628 by the brilliant author John Bunyan. Having sold more copies than any other book in history (second only to the Bible), Pilgrim’s Progress has, for the first time, been brought to life in this 16-part docudrama, shot on location in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Presented by: Mark Kielar

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS (16 Parts) WP0048 =Price: $149.95

Thanksgiving /11/25/10

2010-11-21T22:41:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving ...
The Beatitude
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17)

The Reminder
"When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes." (Deuteronomy 8:10-11a)

The Sad Reality
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (Romans 1:20-22)

The Response of a Regenerate Heart
[ David's Song of Thanks ] Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! (1 Chronicles 16:8)

I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness,and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High. (Psalm 7:17)

Today we are thankful for the effectual, invincible, irreversible calling of the Triune God, who disarmed our stiffnecked, autonomous, unwilling hearts and brought us into indelible union with Him