Here we come to consider the “T” in T.U.L.I.P., which stands for “total depravity”. The question is this: What is man’s condition after the fall and before the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit? In other words, what is natural and fallen man’s condition? What is he capable of and what is he incapable of? Some have prefered to call this doctrine “total inability,” thinking that this better communicates the issue at hand. Whatever you call it, the doctrine is of vital importance.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4–7, ESV)
WEEKLY READINGS
SUNDAY > Gen 1, Matt 1, Ezra 1, Acts 1
MONDAY > Gen 2, Matt 2, Ezra 2, Acts 2
TUESDAY > Gen 3, Matt 3, Ezra 3, Acts 3
WEDNESDAY > Gen 4, Matt 4, Ezra 4, Acts 4
THURSDAY > Gen 5, Matt 5, Ezra 5, Acts 5
FRIDAY > Gen 6, Matt 6, Ezra 6, Acts 6
SATURDAY > Gen 7, Matt 7, Ezra 7, Acts 7
MEMORY VERSE(S)
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV).
CATECHISM QUESTION(S) Baptist Catechism #1-3: Q. Who is the first and chiefest of beings? A. God is the first and chiefest beings. Q. Ought everyone to believe there is God? A. Everyone ought to believe there is a God; and it is their great sin and folly who do not. Q. How may we know there is a God? A. The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare that there is a God; but His Word and Spirit only do it fully and effectively for the salvation of sinners.
Posted inWeekly Passages Comments Off on Week of January 3rd, 2016 Posted by Mike
In this episode Joe Anady and Mike Thezier turn their attention to the doctrine of unconditional election. This is one of the so-called five points of Calvinism. Here we encounter the Biblical teaching that God has predestined some for salvation from before the creation of the world. This election is based, not upon anything deserving within the sinner, but upon the free grace of God (it is unconditional). We begin with unconditional election (and not with total depravity) because it was the first thing to happen (chronologically) in regard to man’s salvation. We hope that this brings some clarity on the issue. We also welcome questions. Please send questions to staff@emmauscf.org.
MEMORY VERSE(S)
“Which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me” (2 Timothy 1:12, ESV).
CATECHISM QUESTION(S) Baptist Catechism #114: Q. What does the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer teach us? A. The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen,” teaches us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise Him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to Him; and in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard, we say, AMEN.
Posted inWeekly Passages Comments Off on Week of December 27th, 2015 Posted by Mike
MEMORY VERSE(S)
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV).
CATECHISM QUESTION(S) Baptist Catechism #113: Q. What do we pray for in the sixth petition? A. In the sixth petition, which is, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.
Posted inWeekly Passages Comments Off on Week of December 20th, 2015 Posted by Mike
Joe Anady and Mike Thezier continue to converse about foundational things in preparation for a detailed consideration of the Doctrines of Grace (Calvinism). In this episode, God’s sovereignty is considered as well as the Biblical teaching that all things happen ultimately for the glory of God. These are truly basic and foundational concepts. Understanding them paves the way for a proper understanding of the Doctrines of Grace.
Posted inPodcastsConfessing the FaithCalvinism Comments Off on Calvinism – Part 3: First Things First: God’s Sovereignty, and All Things for the Glory of God Posted by Mike
MEMORY VERSE(S)
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1, ESV).
CATECHISM QUESTION(S) Baptist Catechism #112: Q. What do we pray for in the fifth petition? A. In the fifth petition, which is, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” we pray that God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by His grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.
Posted inWeekly Passages Comments Off on Week of December 13th, 2015 Posted by Mike
MEMORY VERSE(S)
“You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart” (Psalm 104:14-15, ESV).
CATECHISM QUESTION(S)
Baptist Catechism #111:
Q. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?
A. In the fourth petition, which is, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we pray that of God’s free gift, we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy His blessing with them.
Posted inWeekly Passages Comments Off on Week of December 6th, 2015 Posted by Mike
