Our Power or God’s Power of Preservation? (1 Peter 1:3-9 (COD Head 5 Article 3)

We might think that this notion of the preservation and perseverance of the saints is unique to the Apostle Paul.  We might also think that this is not all that significant in terms of our psychology or encouraging us through difficult times in this life. In fact, we might think that that knowing God will preserver us waters down the struggle or the hardship of this life.  It sounds like life is not that challenging because God will just continue to pull the puppet strings.   So, what does a Calvinist say about such a claim that Reformed Theology minimizing suffering? 

One Mediator of All? (1 Timothy 2:1-7; LD 18; BC Article 26)

The claim that there is one mediator that we have in Christ seems like a poor arrangement.  We think that it stands to reason that to have more eggs in more baskets provides for us additional security.  So, why would we wantto rest in the one God-Man who resides in the glory of heaven? So, why is it good that we have one mediator?  What does it mean that He is the mediator of all?  Why would we be content with such a mediator?

Struggling Sinners and Saints (Romans 8:18-25 (COD Head 5 Article 1)

There is no doubt that one would not be saved apart from the grace of God.  I think all Christians who have a grasp of Christianity would affirm the necessity of grace for our salvation.  We know that we are those who need grace, but how much grace do we need?  Is 90 percent enough or do we need more?  Is our confidence in that we will not fall away because we love the Lord enough or is it because know that the Lord loves us enough?

The Mysterious Incarnation (1 Timothy 3:16 (BC 18)

The incarnation of Christ is a very difficult doctrine for us to understand.  In fact, I would say that as human beings it is an impossible doctrine to fully understand. This doctrine teaches that Christ, who is from all eternity, took on real human flesh to ratify the promises of God. If this doctrine is so difficult to understand then why do we want to study this doctrine?  What could be beneficial about it regarding our day to day life?

Limited or Universal Atonement (2) (John 10:27-30 (COD Head 2 Article 8)

We know that Christ is the Good Shepherd and there is no shepherd that even compares to Christ in terms of His caring for the sheep.  We also know that God is gracious and good in terms of HIs care for His people.  We also know that Christ is so gracious that He is going to do what is right and consistent with His gracious will.  So, is it gracious that God decides who receives the work of Christ?  What basis would we have to make the claim that God limits the work of Christ? So, we continue to deal with the question of how many people are impacted by the work of Christ?

Limited or Universal Atonement? (1)(Hebrews 9:23-28; 10:11-18 COD Head 2 Article 3, 8)

The Reformed position on Christ’s death on the cross is probably not the majority view in Christianity.  If this position is held by a minority then what basis would people have to hold it? How do we see that really any conservative Christian believes in a limited atonement?  What is more, how can the Reformed definition of a limited atonement actually teach a very gracious God?

Providence and Preservation (Ephesians 4:30 (COD Head 5 Article 6)

When we think about the Reformed doctrine of salvation we could think that the doctrine is simply summarized as such, “Once saved always saved.”  I have to confess that personally such a definition really bothers me.  It makes salvation sound cheap in the sense that we just go along for the ride and there is no struggle.  So, if this is not something I like then what can we put in the place of it?  What is more, how can Reformed people be so sure that God will preserve sinners who naturally hate Him?  How does the Spirit even work in Reformed theology?

Providence and Election (Genesis 18:19 (Belgic Confession 13)

We as Christians can sometimes be discouraged when we survey the world.  We read the news and see what is happening to the world and at times it feels as if things are spiraling out of control around us.  What can we do in light of such discouragement?  How do we honor the Lord in the face of such a trying time?  What did the Lord tells us about Abraham in light of Sodom and Gomorrah?  What was Abraham to do in light of that tragic day when the Lord finally manifested His judgment on such blatant narcissism?

One God, One Will (Exodus 3:14; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 (LD 8 COD Head 5 Article 1)

The doctrine of the Trinity is a rather confusing doctrine.  In fact, it is a doctrine that we will not fully grasp or understand as creatures possibly even during glory. So, if this doctrine is so difficult can we really know our God?  What is good about such a confusing doctrine?  What does this doctrine have to do with our redemption?  In other words, if we cannot understand this doctrine then why talk about it?  What does such a doctrine have to do with the doctrines of grace?

Blindly Following a Puppeteer? (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 5:1-11 (COD Head 3,4 RE 6; LD 7)

One of the criticism of the Reformed faith is that if God chooses us then our wills are set aside.  This means that we become mere robots of puppets who follow the one who pulls our strings.  I guess my first reaction to this is if this criticism is true then I am not guilty for my sin.  So, this would present a huge problem because God does not tempt us to sin.  So, how can I preached a Reformed theology with such a glaring criticism and potential problem?

Why Preach if God has Chosen His People? (Romans 10:14-15 (COD Head 1 Article 3; LD 6)

One of the great struggles that people have with the Reformed faith is the notion that if God chooses His people then why preach or send missionaries?  We can understand the force of this because if God has determined what has happened then why do anything?  It would seem that we are merely helpless pawns in the game of life.  Is this fair?  Is this really what Reformed people believe about preaching?

God Loves the World? (John 3:16 (LD 5; COD Head 2 Article 1-4)

John 3:16 is a passage that seems to show the problem with a Reformed doctrine of salvation.  It seems to be rather plain and simple that it is God who loves the world.  So, if God loves the world then how can God only apply the blessings of Christ to His people?  How would a Reformed person explain this text without explaining the whole text away?

An Unearned Gift (Romans 6:23; LD 4; COD Head 1 Article 1)

If we are honest we want to think that we are a little better than what we are.  Sin deceives all of us into thinking that we might be a little worthy of the Lord’s grace and favor.  How do we know that the gift we receive from God is something that is forced upon us?  What is the contrast of Romans 6:23 that drives home the gift that God has given to us?  How do we know that we have not earned this free gift from the hand of God?

“Yes, We Really are THAT Bad” (LD 2; COD 3;4; 3-4; Genesis 6:1-13)

So often we want to think that we are not really that bad or that we are pretty good to put it positively.  In fact, in American culture we don’t like hearing that we are sinners because we want to think that we are pretty good or decent to say the least right? We want to believe that we are going to get better and at this point we are not perfect.  How can we cope with life if we are really sinful and by sinful I mean bad enough to do things that would absolutely make us shudder?  How do we overcome that struggle?  

Stimulated or Sluggish by Grace? (LD 1; COD 1; 13; Deuteronomy 7:7; 1 Peter 2:9)

Why do we want to conform to the Lord if we are already secured in Christ?  Do we want to conform to the Lord because it is better than facing the dread of not conforming to the Lord?   What is the primary motivation for our desire to conform to the Lord?  If you look at our confessions it seems that we do so because of what God has done or as we say, “Out of Gratitude.”  It seems that we obey the Lord because of His grace.  So, how can grace motivate us to conform to the Lord rather than just living selfishly in rebellion against Him?

Lead Us to Life (1 Peter 5:8 (LD 52)

It is rather strange to ask the Lord not to lead us into temptation because we are sinners who follow our sinful desires quit well.  We also believe and affirm that God cannot sin.  If God cannot sin, and we are sinners why would we then ask the Lord not to lead us into temptation?  It seems that we are more than capable of finding and following temptation ourselves.  So, why do we pray such a request, and why even ask the Lord such a thing when really it is our call to walk the straight and narrow in Christ?  Right or is there more to this request?

The Kingdom of Suffering and Forgiveness (1 Peter 3:13-22 (LD 51)

The call for us to suffer and forgive those who offend us is a rather difficult challenge.  We as humans want to make sure that we get our pound of flesh.  We think that those who offend us must pay the price or we might want be scared that they will make a habit of offending us.  So, why do we ask for forgiveness and ask that we would forgive others?  What could possibly motivate us to want to fulfill this radical request?

This Day Our Daily Bread” (Psalm 145 (LD 50)

Our temptation is to trust in ourselves for our daily physical needs.  We can look to money we have set aside for a rainy day, our investments, our business opportunities, or maybe just our shrewd handling of money.  The temptation we have as creatures is that we can trust in our abilities for our daily provisions rather than the Lord.  So, why is this wrong and what does the prayer request regarding the Lord providing our daily bread put our financial priorities in perspective?

“Your Will be Done” (Luke 22:42 (LD 49)

We are creatures who have our own desires, convictions, and goals.  It is not natural for us as fallen creatures to put another’s will ahead of our own will.  If this is true then how can we pray, “Your will be done?”  How can we want the Lord’s will over our own will?  Is the Lord requiring something of us that is beyond our capabilities?  Does the Lord even know how difficult it is to desire such a thing? How do we know that our high priest who resides in the glory of heaven knows such a struggle?

Your Kingdom Come (1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (LD 48)

The Lord is the king who rules over heaven and earth.  He is the one who triumphs and has while continuing to manifest His might, His power, and the strength of His hand.  So, if this is true then why would we ask that His kingdom would come if He is strong enough to establish it?  What does the resurrection have to do with this request?  Why would the resurrection be so essential for the Christian life?