Recently I came across a definition of systematic theology as “keeping the whole Bible in view when reading any verse.” I find that definition helpful for two reasons. First, because it emphasizes how all the parts of Scripture work together to help us understand the main truths. And second, because it reminds us that the … Continue reading Why Every Preacher Needs Systematic Theology – Part 2
Tag: Theology
Why Every Preacher Needs Systematic Theology – Part 1
Much of the weakness of today’s preaching can be traced back to the individual preacher’s failure to understand God’s truths as revealed in the whole of Scripture, and particularly how those truths fit together in a cohesive system of truths. He may preach an idea boldly from his given text, not realizing that he is … Continue reading Why Every Preacher Needs Systematic Theology – Part 1
The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Thirteen
This series is from the From the Editor's Desk column of the Sword and Trumpet. The articles were co-authored by Paul Emerson and myself. Perhaps the main takeaway from this series is our need to keep Scripture central in all things. Christian thought throughout history is fraught with division between men, often caused by too … Continue reading The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Thirteen
The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Twelve
This series is from the From the Editor's Desk column of the Sword and Trumpet. The articles were co-authored by Paul Emerson and myself. As we move toward the conclusion of this summary, it is the hope of the writers that the readers have gained added understanding of the Arminian/Calvinist controversy. Things are not always … Continue reading The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Twelve
The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Eleven
This series is from the From the Editor's Desk column of the Sword and Trumpet. The articles were co-authored by Paul Emerson and myself. Having generally traced the Calvinist movement into the 20th century, we want to examine the development of Arminianism from the early 17th century in the Reformed Dutch Netherlands to the modern … Continue reading The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Eleven
The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Ten
This series is from the From the Editor's Desk column of the Sword and Trumpet. The articles were co-authored by Paul Emerson and myself. During the years following the Synod of Dordt, Calvinism settled into many of the European State Churches. Notorious among these was the Dutch Reformed Church which institutionalized a form of Calvinism … Continue reading The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Ten
The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Nine
This series is from the From the Editor's Desk column of the Sword and Trumpet. The articles were co-authored by Paul Emerson and myself. While the name Charles Finney is most often associated with the Second Great Awakening, there is another dimension of that historic movement that is much less known. In the previous essay … Continue reading The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Nine
The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Eight
This series is from the From the Editor's Desk column of the Sword and Trumpet. The articles were co-authored by Paul Emerson and myself. The previous article referenced the Finney Revivals which were a part of the Second Great Awakening in America. Charles Finney represented a very radical form of Arminianism that bordered on Liberal … Continue reading The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Eight
The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Seven
This series is from the From the Editor's Desk column of the Sword and Trumpet. The articles were co-authored by Paul Emerson and myself. The Synod of Dort adopted the Counter-Remonstrant views, securing a majority Calvinist position in the Dutch Reformed Church. As a result, much of the necessary balance was lost as the Remonstrant … Continue reading The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Seven
The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Six
This series is from the From the Editor's Desk column of the Sword and Trumpet. The articles were co-authored by Paul Emerson and myself. The Synod of Dort (also known as the Synod of Dordrecht) met from November 13, 1618 to May 9, 1619. It was initiated by the Dutch Reformed Church to settle, among … Continue reading The Arminian/Calvinism Conflict and Why It Matters | Part Six