The Modern Monergist

My Favorite Website "Monergism.com"

2007-03-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

I highly suggest the use of this website as an online resource for virtually all types of Biblical information. It has links to great online ministries, blogs, etc. It's online bookstore is fairly cheap and I have had no problems with them in my ordering. If you like the old-time reformers it has plenty and the latest from modern ones like Sproul, Denver,Piper, etc.

A Good Read.

2006-10-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

A great opening Historical Introduction followed by the greatest of Luther's works, as told by he himself. The great doctrines of justification by faith alone and the enslavement of the natural man to sin, being dead thereby are fully expounded as the biblical truth they are. Upon his complete evaluation of these doctrines it is no surprise a follow up or refutation never arrived. I recommend this classic to anyone, a great read.

Description: Luther's work is fundamental to an understanding of the chief Reformation doctrines: our total inability to save ourselves, the sovereignty of divine grace, justification by faith, and predestination and God's foreknowledge. This accurate translation conveys the impetuousness and vigor of the original language. The Blueprint for the Reformation. Includes a 50-page introduction and a helpful Scripture index. Luther himself considered this the most important of his works.
"In particular, the denial of free will was to Luther the foundation of the Biblical doctrine of grace, and a hearty endorsement of that denial was the first step for anyone who would understand the Gospel and come to faith in God. The man who has not yet practically and experimentally learned the bondage of his will in sin has not yet comprehended any part of the Gospel" (44-45,).
"Justification by faith only is a truth that needs interpretation. The principle of sola fide [by faith alone] is not rightly understood till it is seen as anchored in the broader principle of sola gratia [by grace alone]; . . for to rely on one’s self for faith is not different in principle from relying on one’s self for works" (59,).

Facing the Giants...Okay, I'll keep an open mind.

2006-10-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you that know me, I am probably one to over-critique many things and be highly critical of things that I read or see. However, I don't necessary think that is a bad thing, but could limit me in experiencing something or learning something I would miss or ignore due to my overriding logic of the...Whatever it is. I will say I took this attitude to heart when watching this Movie "Facing the Giants". First off let me say what I liked about the Film. One, it depicts high school football more realistically then probably any other film I have seen-the speed, the plays, the hits and everything lines up just about right (the kids actually look like high school students, wow! There's a thought). Two, the concepts of honoring God in all things and the power of prayer, as God's established means of saving his people and bringing about all good change, are a solid focus of the film and even inspirational at times. Please be aware that I am being generous in saying that. Did I just write that? Anyway, a few of the notable setbacks:
1)The Film was made by a small crew with an even smaller budget, and ,you would have guessed, it shows.
2)The acting is not great. However, I would say that the kids in the film, although with less screen time, definitely upstage the adults when it comes to deliver.
3)It, and this is probably my biggest, presents a weak gospel message, with the underridding theme of instant change, blessing and peace when one puts faith in God. I almost get the feeling of a sutble health and wealth gospel trying to slip its way through.
4)This goes along with the last one. I have a feeling, and correct me if you agree, that many churches will push support of this movie merely because it is inspirational and labeled Christian. However, I feel that is a grave error. Why not tell your congregations to pick up the works of Luther, Calvin, CH Spurgeon or read something by C.S. Lewis even. Divest time and money in Christian media that will produce pesistent saints with an excellent foundation in the truths of good doctrine and the reality of the average Christian's livelihood. I have a feeling this film will encourage Christianity, but will it be something viewed in the future as a great thing in our Christian heritage? Well, less see if it is even remebered past this football season.

Oh, The Joys!

2006-10-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, today I was going to race my tricked out school bus up and down 19th street and annoy all the people having picnics and walking their dogs, but then I remembered that I am in college and have a few too many responsibilities to disturb the public peace in my spare time. That was if I had a great deal of spare time to begin with. Yes college, at lest for those of us intent on keeping a four-point, is a series of trials and sleep deprived nights to learn, understand, memorize and then relate all that knowledge into understandable English. Many would say that is a basic thing, but is it. Yes, I guess so, but that doesn't stop me from complaining. However, I can find great rest in that my God can sympathize with me and strengthen me, and in fact makes it his will and intent to do so within my life. If I wasn't saved by sovereign grace through the adoption as a son to God by Christ Jesus I would probably still complain about the same things, but I wouldn't do so with a smile and joyful disposition, knowing that much of what I seek is fleeting. That great truth gives me due course to reflect and realize that I have nothing of which to be dismayed, and even those things of which I complain I ought rightly be rejoicing in.

Red Lobster 2006

2006-10-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

Check this out, me and my boy Lee went crazy on the Shrimp Boat at Red Lobster. When it is all you can eat I just cannot pass it up. And yes, for you detectives, that is a Long Islan IceTea at the bottom of the order, and it definately tasted good with all that wonderful shrimp. I will probably be sick tomorrow, but I wouldn't trade the shrimp feast of 06 for anything. Lee, you are one of the few people that I have seen consume more food then me at one sitting. CONGRATS!

Praise God!

2006-10-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

God saved me and that was the most gracious thing, but I am being saved still, not in the manner that I have not been forgiven, but that God is bearing with me patiently in my foolishness as I daily grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. This is my meditation on such:

I have acted as a carnal mind, not rightly rejoicing in my afflictions. For "when I am weak then I am strong." I have fallen into trials, yet not joyed that it was come to "bear the peaceable fruit of righteousness" in me. I have not attained a good measure of sound doctrine. I have not given freely as I have received. I have not been graceful in my speech. I have not rightly divided the Word of Truth. I have not, I have not & I have not. Indeed, I am a vessel of "have nots", but praise God he thought it right to fill me with the perfect "haves" of Jesus Christ our Lord, which brought me from death to life. I am justified and clothed in all perfection before the Father. My sanctification, although it feels at the rate of a tree's growth, is steadily moving forward. I suppose the Christian life could readily be likened to a tree once more: A seed planted and watered, praise God for the increase. A sprout feeding on the smallest and simplest droplets of doctrine, praise God for his patience. The branches expanding, that they might obtain a fuller view of the glories of Jesus Christ, the light of the world-to me the light of life, and grow thereby. The rings of the tree reaching out, but slowly & with care, protecting the inner circles of foundation, which is faith in the work of Christ. Yes, we joy in the outer circles, that we can delight in intelligent conversation and grand discourse over difficult and mysterious doctrines, which is godly.* But let us not neglect the center of our faith, where the first water and nutrients are dispersed. The inner circles take pre-eminence over the others. For if there is a drought, the outer rings will be thin and brittle because of it, but those things properly established will not be moved. Praise the Godhead for all Sovereignty, that is my peace in this world.

*(However, let us not forget that there are many saints and godly leaders in Christ who will not be given to know that all encompassing Sovereignty of our Lord, but what is it to you? For by the preaching and sharing of their testimonies the elect will be saved. Indeed spurn and call to justice the teaching of false doctrines, but bear patently with babes in Christ that they might be rightly instructed in the Word of Love)

A Not So Generous Orthodoxy

2006-10-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

I am currently in school at LCU, which is in Lubbock. A quick reading of Brian Mclaren's "a Generous Orthodoxy", which was a book assigned for one of my classes, left me depressed at what passes as Christian reading. The title uses virtually no Scripture, usually out of context at best, and tends to rely sola on spiritual experience, which maybe or may not be correct-it is typically not correct. I am frustrated, but yet not surprised at what has lingered into our churches. I pray that God will raise up men and women fully equipped in delievering the truth of God, but, perhaps just as important, spotting false doctrines and bad theology wherever it may arise.

Welcome

2006-08-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hey, how's it going? My name is Dagan and this is site dedicated to a number of purposes. One, as a journal or schedule, of what is going on in my life and has gone on, and, more importantly, a site that is a resource of encouragement and sound doctrine for Christian brothers and sisters. Building up the body of God's people for the purpose of teaching, correcting, training in righteousness and sharing the gospel of God's grace to sinners in fearful need. The gospel of hope to those who trust in Jesus Christ, from a repentant heart, and turn to God from idols to serve that living and most awesome God of all truth.