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The Circumcision Without Hands
The Circumcision Without Hands
(Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 27)
by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. Its Meaning
II. Its Relationship to Baptism
III. Its Implications for Paedobaptism
Gifts of the Spirit Debate
Debate on Revelation TV between Rev. Angus Stewart and Rev. David Antwi on Reformed Cessationism vs. Charismaticism/Pentecostalism
For more, see http://www.cprf.co.uk/cessatio<wbr>nismresources.htm
The Biblical Identity of the Antichrist
The Biblical Identity of the Antichrist (II Thessalonians 2:1-12), a special lecture by Rev. William Langerak
Check out "The Antichrist" by Rev. Herman Hoeksema, http://www.cprf.co.uk/pamphlet<wbr>s/antichristhh.htm
The Scriptures speak often of Antichrist. An Old Testament picture of him must, undoubtedly, be seen in the "little horn" of Daniel 7:8, that came up among the ten horns on the fourth beast, that "shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until time and times and the dividing of time" (Dan. 7:25). A partial and typical fulfilment of this prophecy was seen in the terrible Antiochus Epiphanes; the full realization, however, must be expected in the end of time.
More often, however, we read of Antichrist, his coming, power, and final destruction, in the New Testament. The Lord speaks of false prophets that come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves (Matt. 7:15). He warns that many shall come in His name saying that they are Christ, and shall deceive many (Matt. 24:5). "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matt. 24:24). We are all acquainted with the description of Antichrist in II Thessalonians 2:10, where the apostle Paul speaks of him as the "man of sin," whose chief characteristic is sin, and as "the son of perdition," who is born of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped; whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders; but whom the Lord will consume with the spirit of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. And the apostle John tells us that the existence of antichrists and the final coming of Antichrist is characteristic of the "last hour," so that we may be assured that the dispensation in which we now live is the last time (I John 2:18). There will, then, be no other period of time, millennial or otherwise, following the dispensation in which Antichrist shall appear. This is positively the "last hour" on the clock of the history of the world. When it is finished eternity will be ushered in.
And this is as we would expect. For, Antichrist will fill the measure of iniquity, and in him the "man of sin" will be completed. Also the powers of darkness, as they shall culminate in Antichrist, must fulfil the counsel of the Most High. In the deepest sense they must be explained from that counsel of God. Were there no counsel of election there would be no church; were there no counsel of reprobation there would be no Antichrist. And just as for the church as a whole and for every member individually God has ordained good works, "that we might walk in them," so God has also ordained a certain task for the whole of the power of darkness as it reaches its ultimate development in Antichrist. Also the wicked accomplish God's work. To be sure, they do not "mean it so"; they purpose to do their own work; they set themselves against God and His Anointed; and thus they become worthy of damnation. But the fact remains that God is always God, and all creatures always execute His will. Willingly or unwillingly, all are servants of the Almighty. They have a work to do. When their work is finished, the end of time is reached. And because Antichrist shall "fill the measure of iniquity," the dispensation in which he appears must needs be the "last hour."
Historically the appearance of Antichrist must be explained from the fact of the fall of the human race in Adam, and from this other fact that God has anointed His King over Zion, Who is ordained Heir of all things, Lord of lords and King of kings, and Who will subject all things under Him in the name of God. Man was originally an office-bearer of God, and anointed one, a king-servant. Through the Fall he became the devil's office-bearer. He proposes to rule in the name of Satan. When, therefore, God sends His Anointed into the world, fallen man reveals himself as antichrist.
The derivation of the name Antichrist is not quite certain. It may signify one that opposes the Christ of God; it may also mean the Counter-christ, one who claims to be Christ and acts accordingly. Materially it makes no difference which of these two interpretations of the name one may choose. For, Antichrist is both: a Counter-christ and Christ's opponent. Fallen man, who proposes to rule over the world in the name of the devil and press all things in the service of iniquity, must needs proclaim himself a Christ, a king; and as such he must necessarily oppose the Christ of God. This also explains why the antichristian power assumes the form of a kingdom and its king, with universal political power ...
The Man-Eating Lion Survival Guide
The Man-Eating Lion Survival Guide (I Peter 5:8-9) by Rev. William Langerak
I. Knowing the Adversary
II. Avoiding an Ambush
III. Withstanding an Attack
For more on Satan, listen to the audio classes on "THE DEVIL AND THE DEMONS" on the Belgic Confession classes on Article 2
http://www.cprf.co.uk/audio/be<wbr>lgicconfessionclass.htm
Born Again
Born Again (I Peter 1:22-25) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. Out of an Incorruptible Seed
II. By the Word of God
III. To Love One Another
Canons of Dordt V:11-13 on regeneration:
Article 11. But when God accomplishes his good pleasure in the elect, or works in them true conversion, he not only causes the gospel to be externally preached to them, and powerfully illumines their minds by his Holy Spirit, that they may rightly understand and discern the things of the Spirit of God; but by the efficacy of the same regenerating Spirit, pervades the inmost recesses of the man; he opens the closed, and softens the hardened heart, and circumcises that which was uncircumcised, infuses new qualities into the will, which though heretofore dead, he quickens; from being evil, disobedient and refractory, he renders it good, obedient, and pliable; actuates and strengthens it, that like a good tree, it may bring forth the fruits of good actions.
Article 12. And this is the regeneration so highly celebrated in Scripture, and denominated a new creation: a resurrection from the dead, a making alive, which God works in us without our aid. But this is in no wise effected merely by the external preaching of the gospel, by moral suasion, or such a mode of operation, that after God has performed his part, it still remains in the power of man to be regenerated or not, to be converted, or to continue unconverted; but it is evidently a supernatural work, most powerful, and at the same time most delightful, astonishing, mysterious, and ineffable; not inferior in efficacy to creation, or the resurrection from the dead, as the Scripture inspired by the author of this work declares; so that all in whose heart God works in this marvelous manner, are certainly, infallibly, and effectually regenerated, and do actually believe. - Whereupon the will thus renewed, is not only actuated and influenced by God, but in consequence of this influence, becomes itself active. Wherefore also, man is himself rightly said to believe and repent, by virtue of that grace received.
Article 13. The manner of this operation cannot be fully comprehended by believers in this life. Notwithstanding which, they rest satisfied with knowing and experiencing, that by this grace of God they are enabled to believe with the heart, and love their Saviour.
Scripture Alone!
Scripture Alone! (Matthew 15:1-20), a special lecture by Rev. Angus Stewart.
Westminster Confession 1:10: "The supreme Judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the scripture."
Belgic Confession 7: The Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures to Be the Only Rule of Faith: "We believe that those Holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe unto salvation is sufficiently taught therein.1 For, since the whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in them at large, it is unlawful for any one, though an apostle, to teach otherwise2 than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures; nay, though it were an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul saith.3 For, since it is forbidden to add unto or take away any thing from the Word of God,4 it doth thereby evidently appear that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects. Neither do we consider of equal value any writing of men, however holy these men may have been, with those divine Scriptures,5 nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees, or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God,6 for the truth is above all; for all men are of themselves liars7 and more vain than vanity itself. Therefore we reject with all our hearts whatsoever doth not agree with this infallible rule,8 which the apostles have taught us, saying, Try the spirits whether they are of God.9 Likewise, if there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house."10
1 Rom. 15:4—For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. John 4:25—The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. II Tim. 3:15--17—And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. I Peter 1:1—Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Prov. 30:5—Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Rev. 22:18—For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. John 15:15—Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Acts 2:27—Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
2 I Peter 4:11—If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. I Cor. 15:2-3—By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. II Tim. 3:14—But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. I Tim. 1:3—As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine. II John 10—If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.
3 Gal. 1:8-9—But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. I Cor. 15:2—By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. Acts 26:22—Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. Rom. 15:4—For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Jerusalem's Children Praising Jesus
Jerusalem's Children Praising Jesus (Matthew 21:1-17) by Rev. Martyn McGeown
I. The Children's Praise
II. The Enemy's Opposition
III. The Saviour's Response
The Angels' Chorus at the Saviour's Birth
The Angels' Chorus at the Saviour's Birth (Luke 2:14) by Rev. Martyn McGeown
I. Extolling God's Glory
II. Announcing God's Goodwill
III. Proclaiming God's Peace
Redeemed With Christ's Precious Blood
Redeemed With Christ's Precious Blood (I Peter 1:17-19)
by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. Redeemed From What?
II. Redeemed With What?
III. Redeemed to What?
To read "Fundamentalists and the 'Incorruptible' Blood of Christ" by Rev. Martyn McGeown, go to http://www.cprf.co.uk/articles<wbr>/blood.htm
The Preaching of the Gospel
The Preaching of the Gospel (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 25) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. What It is
II. Who Is to Bring It
Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 25:
Question 65. Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence doth this faith proceed?
Answer. From the Holy Ghost, who works faith in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use of the sacraments.
Question 66. What are the sacraments?
Answer. The sacraments are holy visible signs and seals, appointed of God for this end, that by the use thereof, he may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the gospel, vis., that he grants us freely the remission of sin, and life eternal, for the sake of that one sacrifice of Christ, accomplished on the cross.
Question 67. Are both word and sacraments, then, ordained and appointed for this end, that they may direct our faith to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, as the only ground of our salvation?
Answer. Yes, indeed: for the Holy Ghost teaches us in the gospel, and assures us by the sacraments, that the whole of our salvation depends upon that one sacrifice of Christ which he offered for us on the cross.
Question 68. How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the new covenant, or testament?
Answer. Two: namely, holy baptism, and the holy supper.
Herman Hoeksema: "Through the preaching it pleases God through Christ, the exalted Lord, the chief prophet of God, who alone gathers his church, to speak to his people unto salvation. This is evident from Romans 10:14, which, according to the original, asks, 'How shall they believe in him whom they have not heard?' Through the preaching, therefore, you do not hear about Christ, but you hear him. The difference is easily understood. When you hear about or of someone, he is not present. You do not hear his own voice, but the voice of someone else who tells you something about him. But when you hear someone, you hear his own voice. He is present with you. He is addressing you personally. This is the sense of Romans 10:14, which teaches that you cannot believe in Christ unless you have heard him speak to you, unless you have heard his word addressed to you. This is exactly the meaning of the words, 'How shall they believe in him whom they have not heard?'" (Reformed Dogmatics, vol. 2, p. 289).
Calvin: "When the Prophet says, by the breath of his lips, this must not be limited to the person of Christ; for it refers to the Word which is preached by his ministers. Christ acts by them in such a manner that He wishes their mouth to be reckoned as his mouth, and their lips as his lips; that is, when they speak from his mouth, and faithfully declare his Word (Luke 10:16)" (Comm. on Isa. 11:4).
Augustine: "Yes it is I who admonish, I who order, I who command, it is the bishop who teaches. But it is Christ who commands through me." "The preacher explains the text; if he says what is true, it is Christ speaking."
Luther: "Flesh and blood are an impediment. They merely behold the person of the pastor and brother ... They refuse to regard the oral Word and the ministry as a treasure costlier and better than heaven and earth. People generally think: 'If I had an opportunity to hear God speak in person, I would run my feet bloody' ... But you now have the Word of God in church ... and this is God's Word as surely as if God Himself were speaking to you."
Second Helvetic Confession (1566): "Wherefore when this Word of God is now preached in the church by preachers lawfully called, we believe that the very Word of God is preached, and received of the faithful; and that neither any other Word of God is to be feigned, nor to be expected from heaven: and that now the Word itself which is preached is to be regarded, not the minister that preaches; who, although he be evil and a sinner, nevertheless the Word of God abides true and good."
Wilhelmus á Brakel (1635-1711): The minister must "remind himself in a lively manner that God has sent him, that he ascends the pulpit as an ambassador of God, speaks in the name of God, and is as the mouth of the Lord unto the congregation" (The Christian's Reasonable Service, vol. 2, p. 138).
John Murray on Romans 10:14: "... Christ is represented as being heard in the gospel when proclaimed by the sent messengers. The implication is that Christ speaks in the gospel proclamation."
Hughes Oliphant Old: "Fides ex auditu [faith comes by hearing] is a corollary to a strong Augustinian theology which believes that it is essentially God himself who reaches out to his people in the preaching of the word, and therefore it is what God does in and through these means of grace which makes them effective. That faith comes by hearing follows naturally from the doctrine of grace ... when the word of Christ is truly preached, then Christ is present" (The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures, vol. 1, pp. 183, 186).
For Whom Did Christ Die?
For Whom Did Christ Die? - a special lecture given by Rev. Angus Stewart in Lurgan Town Hall (includes the question and answer session at the end). For the accompanying pamphlet, go to http://www.cprf.co.uk/pamphlet<wbr>s/forwhomdidchristdie.htm
The Four Horns and the Four Carpenters
Zechariah's Night Visions (2): The Four Horns and the Four Carpenters by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The Four Horns
II. The Four Carpenters
The Rider Upon the Red Horse
Zechariah's Night Visions (1)
The Rider Upon the Red Horse
by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. His Identity
II. His Message
The Man With a Measuring Line
Zechariah's Night Visions (3): The Man With a Measuring Line (Zech. 1:18-21) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The Meaning of the Vision
II. The Calling of God's People
III. The Fulfilment in Jesus Christ
Spiritual Feeding
Spiritual Feeding (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 28) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. Eating an Drinking
II. Assurance and Admonition
The Lord's Supper - A Full Meal!
The Lord's Supper - A Full Meal! (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 29) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. What This Does Not Mean
II. What This Does Mean
Pecado: o problema do homem (Sin: Man's Problem)
Bem-vindo à primeira palestra na mini-conferência dada no Barreiro ICPP, Portugal (8 de Março, 2011): Orador: Rev.Martyn McGeown, traduzido por Nuno Pinheiro.
Pecado: o problema do homem (Efésios 2: 1-3)
Welcome to the first lecture at a mini-conference given in Barreiro ICPP, Portugal (8 March, 2011): Speaker: Rev. Martyn McGeown, translated by Nuno Pinheiro
Sin: Man's Problem (Ephesians 2: 1-3)
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