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?

So, Are We Really that Bad? (LD 3; COD 3;4; 3; Genesis 8:21)

 It would be nice if we could make ourselves a little worthy of grace or maybe earn some of God’s favor during our life.  The reality is that we cannot earn the Lord’s favor no matter how hard we work at it.  So, why do we continue to press forward if we cannot please God anyway?  Or maybe we are just exaggerating and man is not that bad.  So, is mankind really so sinful that we cannot work to receive grace?

“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?