Zeros & Ones: Sermon on The Mount (Pt. 1) - Broke, Broken, Soft-Spoken, and Easy-Goin'

We begin our latest study on the "Sermon on the Mount". We take an in-depth look at the words of Jesus as he lays out principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, and what it really looks like to be a lover of God and our fellow man. We begin with the counter-cultural notion of the word, "Blessed". In a day and age where the prosperity, health and wealth, word of faith "gospel" is so readily embraced, we see with great illumination from the Scripture how our Lord turns the idea on its head...

 

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Posted via email from THE CENTER (ROOM 116)

Ground Zero: TULIP (A Brief Explanation on the Doctrines of Grace)

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. - Romans 9:16 ESV

A brief, but biblical, examination of the fundamental tenets of Reformed Theology, the doctrines of grace (also known by the acronym of TULIP):
Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance (and/or Preservation) of the Saints
We discuss why we as a community stand by these truths based on their biblical foundation. Also, we do this as an offering to help clear up any confusion about what people often refer to as "Calvinism" (or "Augustinianism"); to show that these points are not the invention of John Calvin (or Augustine before him), but what is clearly taught in the Scriptures themselves. These five points, are linked in a chain which only have one goal...to show the sovereignty, merit, and glory of our salvation belong to a merciful and gracious God alone.
We pray that as you ponder these things, that you also search the Scriptures to find out whether or not these things are so.



Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

Posted via email from THE CENTER (ROOM 116)

Zeros & Ones: Gospel in Life [Week 2] - The Heart (3 Ways to Live)

As we continue on with our discussion on the Gospel in life, we look at the deep implications of our justification in Christ and how this changes our hearts; moving us from works of self-righteousness to understanding our imputed righteousness in the person and work in Jesus. Comprehending the truth about the method of grace in salvation that justifies should lead to repentance and sanctification...Also, we discuss the difference between religion and the gospel.

"Once again, please excuse the sleeveless look...it's very hot down here in Texas." - Shon W.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

"The Good Shepherd": Perseverance (and Preservation) In the Atoning Work of Christ

"Believing doesn't make you a part of His flock; being a part of His flock allows you to believe." - John Piper
So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
(John 10:7-18 ESV)

The definite redemption of the saints is in view here; it is not only definite, but also universal. Jesus came not to save some particular type of people, but a particular people made of every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 5:9-10). Also to be noted, if you are in Christ, you cannot fall away, because as his sheep we only hear His voice and no other. By his atoning work on the cross, he seals them, thereby they are unable to fall away from their faith in an ultimate sense...
If these words of Christ don't bring confidence to the life of Christian faith and the assurance of salvation, I don't think that anything would (John 17:12; Jude 24).

Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

Posted via email from THE CENTER (ROOM 116)

Sermon of the Week: Contextualizing Suffering Through the Knowledge of Christ

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

“You must submit to supreme suffering in order to discover the completion of joy.” - John Calvin

Our Featured Sermon     Contextualizing sufferingKen Jones | Sunday Service

Posted via web from THE CENTER (ROOM 116)

Seeking What He Sought: The Legacy of John Calvin

Today is the 500th anniversary of french protestant theologian, John Calvin. I was surprised to see how much controversy has come about due to the "festivities". Some in the christian (Protestant) community argue that it is idolatry to celebrate/venerate a man. I've read several articles today before beginning to write this - both pro and con - and now would like to share my personal thoughts as I weigh in on the issue.

I've said it before: there is a fine line between veneration and idolatry. Unfortunately, sometimes that line gets crossed, even by some within reformed (Calvinistic) theology circles. However, I don't believe that this is what's going on here. This is the quincentennial celebration of the life and legacy of Calvin. To my knowledge, it is not made a habit to celebrate the birth of Calvin every year on such a grand scale. This is a milestone, nothing more.

Truth is, the Protestant community is indebted to John Calvin. Calvin's Institutes of Christian Religion was the first work to systematize the Protestant Christian Faith. Also, he is not appreciated for being the statesman that he was. The governmental/constitutional structure of the United States owes a great deal of gratitude to Calvin. But, these facts, as well as many other examples, go largely unmentioned. He is a much more pivotal figure in history, who doesn't get as much attention as some others in Christian history, due to his lack of flamboyance.

That being said, I'm pretty sure that Calvin himself wouldn't want his life to be memorialized in any way. So, is there a way to honor the man, while not dishonoring his wishes? Or greater still: can we honor him in a way that doesn't cross over into idolatry?

In the words of Bruce Lee,

"It is like a finger pointing at the moon; if you concentrate too much on the finger, you miss all of that heavenly glory!"

We should see the life of Calvin as that finger. Not seeking the seeker, but seeking what he sought: that Christ be magnified in all things (John 1:7-8, 6:29). This was the chief end of everything that Calvin ever said, did, or penned (Mark 12:29-31). As we remember him today, remember more importantly to thank God for the likes of John Calvin. Also, pray that we, as the Church, will have a heart akin to Calvin:

One that is offered promptly and sincerely to the work and glory of the Lord being expressed in all areas of life, to all creatures everywhere, as truth for all time.

"Set before [man], as the prime motive of his existence, zeal to illustrate the glory of God" - John Calvin

Happy Birthday, Mr. Calvin!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon