Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers, Christopher A. Hall (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1998, 223 pages), reviewed by Richard C. Barcellos Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers is comprised of eight very helpful chapters. Hall states the goal of his book in the Preface as follows: “My goal is to present as clearly, simply and accurately as possible the methodology and content of patristic biblical interpretation” (8). Though Hall  [ Read More ]

I will be lecturing on New Testament Introduction in December at MCTS, Owensboro, KY. Here are the subjects I will be addressing: 1. The Definition, Place, and Scope of New Testament Introduction 2. Broad Introductory Overview of the New Testament 3. Literary Background and Theological Assumptions of the New Testament 4. Background Studies and the New Testament 5. Canon of the New Testament 6. Synoptic “Problem” 7. Gospel of Matthew  [ Read More ]

Here is an excellent piece by Jim Renihan on the standards for church membership. The complete title is The Doctrinal and Practical Standards for Local Church Membership According to the Bible and the Second London Confession of Faith. A great read!

This was adapted from the Heritage Baptist Church, Owensboro, KY, constitution. ARTICLE 4: Covenant A. Our New Covenant Confidence God has graciously and sovereignly entered into a New Covenant with His people (Jer. 31:31-34; 32:40; Heb. 8:7-13; 10:16-17; 13:20-21). He has done this through the work of Jesus Christ (Heb. 8:6). Christ’s obedience and blood infallibly secure all of the benefits of the New Covenant for His people (Matt. 26:26-28;  [ Read More ]

Few in our day understand this issue and are able to make it clear like Dr. Ferguson. Hear it here.

Luther was a former monk who, at the age of 42, married an apostate nun named Katherine. Luther really needed to get married. He once said, “Before I was married the bed was not made for a whole year and became foul with sweat” (Bainton, Here I Stand, 226).

I don’t like name-dropping unless I do it. I am scheduled to have lunch with two old (real old) friends of mine on Monday – Phil Johnson and Lance Quinn. What would you ask them if you were there with us?

Let us beware of despising the Old Testament under any pretence whatever. Let us never listen to those who bid us throw it aside as an obsolete, antiquated, useless book. The religion of the Old Testament is the germ of Christianity. The Old Testament is the Gospel in the bud. The New Testament is the Gospel in full flower.— The Old Testament is the Gospel in the blade. The New  [ Read More ]

2011.10.28, Friday night study, 7:30pm, regular place. We will begin studying a proposed constitution for Grace Reformed Baptist Church. 2011.10.30, Lord’s Day, 10am worship, 6pm hymn-sing, regular place Call 609-3450 for more details.

Some say that since the apostles’ interpretations of the OT were inspired, we can’t emulate their hermeneutic (i.e., principles of interpretation). We can agree with their conclusions, but we can’t use the method of interpretation they used to get there (and yes, this is what one influential author in this discussion has said). But is this the case? If their interpretations were infallible, what about their method? No living author has  [ Read More ]