Urban Puritano: Recent Episodes
Urban Puritano
All Christians are urban Christians. Whether you live in Graceville, Florida or Chicago, Illinois, the believer is on a pilgrim's journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. You are not alone in your journey. As we travel the narrow path from our current city to the one whose Architect and builder is the living God, one such traveler is Urban Puritano.
Disputes among Christians on social media are funny...until they aren't. When things heat up, it's either someone's intelligence, integrity, or orthodoxy being questioned. When things calm down, we are told to keep discussions focused on doctrines, not dudes.
The same thing can be seen in the discussions of the needlessly frustrating topic of Biblicism. What is Biblicism and why does it matter? I bet you're wondering what side I'm on.
Recent developments on the history and use of the term have me thinking: does original use preclude others from co=opting it for their purposes? Is a pejorative sense of Biblicism the only one? Who decides?
Perhaps our theological betters are to be followed with an implicit faith and lesser creatures should just go along as many pastors and podcasters have done.
Hey, thanks for listening to my podcast! As always, gird your loins as we scratch the surface of Biblicism!
Dont forget to check out urbanpuritano.com for more content.
Welcome, once again, to Urban Puritano!
On today's episode, we scratch the surface on a classic allegory of the Christian life according to good ol' fashioned classical Calvinism: The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
Charles Spurgeon once said of Bunyan, "...his very soul was saturated with Scripture...he cannot give us his Pilgrim's Progress...without continually making us feel and say, 'Why, this man is a living Bible!' Prick him anywhere--his blood is Bibline, the very essence of the Bible flows from him."
The edition I'll be working with is the Young Reader's Christian Library published by Barbour Publishing. It's a small, illustrated abridgement that I probably picked up at Half Price Books some time ago. I supplemented the reading with an assist from The Pictorial Pilgrim's Progress from Moody Publishers for the ending scene.
Gird your loins and stay tuned for an educational, edifying, and encouraging episode that can serve as a springboard for you to explore other unabridged editions of this important and delightful book of unadulterated Calvinism.
We live in a world that offers competing forms of Revelations and Traditions. In the Church, one or the other or perhaps a combination of the two are set forth as a Rule of Faith.
But what type of Revelation or Tradition is offered in the Bible? Is the Bible a sufficient Rule of Faith or is it inherently in need of a parallel source of material that constitutes, in perpetuity, an equal Rule of Faith distinct from Holy Writ?
Whether it's the Rich man being told that the writings of Moses were sufficient to testify to his brothers to avoid eternal, conscious torment or the Bereans being commended for verifying Paul's preaching and teaching by searching the Scriptures for themselves, the Bible must be consulted to decide the issue of what constitutes the Rule of Faith, doesn't it?
This episode is brought to you by Psalm 119!
The providential intersection of lives often leads to unexpected outcomes. In light of Pastoral Appreciation Month and on the eve of Reformation Day, we offer a chilled out conversation with Pastor Brandon from Christ the King Reformed Baptist Church and talk about his road to and through the ministry.
Whether you are Baptist or Presbyterian, pastoring a church requires grit. Church Eldership is not for the faint of heart. What theology best serves as the foundation for God-glorifying pastorate? You guessed it: Reformed Theology. Robust, realistic, and always rallying to the Word of God for the people of God!
https://christthekingrbc.org/
https://christthekingrbc.org/church-blog
https://christthekingrbc.org/church-blog/jerusalem-and-jesus-the-shadow-of-christ-in-the-conquest-of-zion
The Apostle Paul wrote a detailed and systematic explanation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His audience was a diverse metropolitan mix of believers. Urban Christians! (Aren't we all?)
Paul explained that we are all great sinners who are in great need of so great a salvation.
As we approach the anniversary of the Reformation, let's start the celebration early by listening to what a Reformed stalwart of yesteryear wrote on the Reformation's central tenets. Gordon H. Clark wrote what he called a "bare outline" in the Biblical Expositor of 1960 on Paul's Epistle to the Romans.
May God cause teachers, preachers, pastors, and church planters to get the Gospel right for the glory of God and the good of His people!
The Covid-19 pandemic turned this country's workers into patients, worshippers into zoomers, and its citizens into subjects. We are now denizens. Strictly speaking, it's not Covid's fault. The fault lies squarely at the feet of the ruling class at the federal, state, and local levels. The medical industrial complex (Big Pharma and Big Government with its useful idiots in the complicit media) successfully transformed healthcare's medical paternalism into medical tyranny. Seemingly, overnight.
Where were Christian ethicists? There were lockdowns, school closures, businesses ruined, parks filled with sand, vaccination passports, and thousands coerced to receive a medical intervention to retain employment they were carrying out before Covid-19 vaccines were available. Informed consent? Coercion? Therapeutic proportionality? Autonomy in assessing beneficence and non-maleficence?
Where was the Church? Does the Christian faith have moral eyes and ears or an ethical voice or is she deaf, dumb, and blind to the concerns of the common man? Does the sovereignty of God in the area of ethics even apply or must Christians accept the utilitarian ethics of soft totalitarianism?
I am simply asking the questions.
There will be a reckoning. It's already started...
The right reading of Scripture neither bifurcates the Old from the New Testament nor the literal from the spiritual sense of Scripture. In fact, "when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly." Are you an audacious or an arrogant interpreter of Scripture? 2 Samuel 5:6-10 is a fascinating test case for a seriously literal, full, single sense, Christocentric understanding of Scripture.
I know "manifold" (multiple or many) senses of Scripture are becoming all the rage amongst a few Protestant scholars, some pastors, and their seminarian whippersnapper acolytes. But a seriously single sense of Scripture should be embraced by all Protestant believers because it emerges from Scripture itself. After all, the Reformation's "Dangerous Idea" is that the Bible was addressed to the populace at large and that because the Scripture is perspicuous and rational, a correct understanding is within everyone's reach. Scripture's message is sufficiently clear and evident to all who apply a due use of the ordinary means.
The conquest of Zion as detailed in 2 Samuel 5:6-10 has deeper, not dual or quadruple, meaning. Let's take a look and scratch the surface on Jerusalem and Jesus: The Shadow of Christ in the Conquest of Zion.
The providential intersection of lives often leads to unexpected outcomes. Today, we offer a chilled out interview with Pastor Moisés from Iglesia Cristo el Redentor and talk about his road to and through the ministry. From Amistad Cristiana to Nuevo Pueblo (an OPC Church Plant ministry) to Cristo el Redentor. Learning from diverse and various experiences and people is God's providential design. Whether you are Baptist or Presbyterian, church planting requires grit. Church planting is not for the faint of heart. What theology best serves as the foundation for God-glorifying church plants? You guessed it: Reformed Theology. Robust, realistic, and always rallying to the Word of God for the people of God!
The beauty of God's Word is that whether you read it with a Systematic Theology lens or a Redemptive Historical lens, you will always find coherence and consent of its parts. In EP 8, we scratched the surface on the spiritual dynamic that gave birth to the Church and the ensuing spiritual antithesis that was realized after Genesis 3:15. We perceived a theological resonance between the enmity God graciously and sovereignly placed within redeemed mankind and the serpent and what the Scriptures later develop as the doctrine of effectual calling. We continue our consideration of the people of God as an assembly of the saints through the Biblical motif of the "kingdom of God". Gird your loins and attune your heart to the theological resonance found in Scripture concerning the kingdom of God.
The Biblical Doctrine of the Church is so multifaceted that it can hardly be exhausted in one passage of Scripture, one podcast episode, one Sunday School lesson, one sermon, or even a seminary education. The doctrine of the Church is deeply rooted in multifaceted motifs and theologies that its exploration begins in this life and will continue on throughout eternity.
In broadest terms, the "Church" refers to the whole body or number of believers that have been, are, or shall be recipients of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ, whether they are in heaven or on earth, whether from Old Testament times or from New Testament times and forward. The point is that anybody truly saved by grace has efficaciously been summoned from this sinful state and gathered into one new body under Christ.
Today's episode scratches the surface on the spiritual dynamic that gave birth to the Church and ensuing spiritual antithesis that was realized after Genesis 3:15.
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised (Edited by Miles V. Van Pelt)
Reformed Confessions Harmonized (Edited by Joel Beeke & Sinclair Ferguson)
The Mystery of Christ: His Covenant & His Kingdom (By Samuel Renihan)
Los Pastores y El Rebaño (By Humberto Casanova Roberts)
What does the prayer life of a disciple of Jesus look like? On today's bonus episode of Urban Puritano, we continue our exploration of Expository Preaching. My method is eclectic. Broadus-Robinson, Greidanus-Chappell, Beeke-Bunyan. A Text is analyzed according to its subject and complement in order to arrive at the sermon's proposition. A Fallen Condition Focus is infused throughout the message which goes from abasing man to exalting Christ for His provision in His offices. The Biblical Text is privileged with the understanding that no Biblical Text is an island unto itself. Today's Text is Luke 11:1-13.
"Prayer According to Jesus, Part 1"
I. Introduction
A. Secular Point
B. Personal Point
C. Biblical Point
D. Theme Announced/Text Read
E. Prayer for Illumination
II. Body of Sermon
A. Doctrine: The prayer life of a disciple of Jesus should be characterized by the priorities of the Father's Kingdom
1. What Jesus provoked in His Disciples
2. What Jesus provided for His Disciples
a. The Preface: "Father"
b. First Petition: "Hallowed be your Name"
c. Four Uses or Words of Application
d. Second Petition: "Your Kingdom come"
III. Conclusion-Summary
¿Cómo se vé la vida de oración de un discípulo de Jesús? En el episodio de hoy, continuamos nuestra exploración de la predicación expositiva. Mi método es ecléctico. Se analiza un Texto según su tema y complemento para llegar a la proposición del sermón. Un enfoque de condición caída se infunde a lo largo del mensaje. Todo debería conducir a un mensaje que humilla al hombre y exalta a Cristo según el pasaje. El Texto Bíblico siempre es privilegiado.
Estén atentos al mensaje basado en Lucas 11:1-13. Se titula, "La Oración Según Jesús, Parte 1"
I. Introducción
A. Punto Secular
B. Punto Personal
C. Punto Bíblico
D. Tema Anunciado y Pasaje Leído
E. Oración por Iluminación
II. Cuerpo del Sermón
A. La Vida de Oración de Un Discípulo de Jesús Debería Ser Caracterizada Por Las Prioridades del Reino Del Padre
1. Jesús Provocó En Sus Discípulos el Deseo de Orar Por Su Ejemplo Constante
2. Jesús Proveyó A Sus Discípulos el Currículo de la Oración
a. El Prefacio - "Padre"
b. Primera Petición- "Santificado sea Tu Nombre"
c. Cuatro Palabras de Aplicación
d. Segunda Petición- "Que Tu Reino Venga Pronto"
B. Conclusión- Resumen
Both scholars and laymen can by the same means arrive at the answer to how a holy and just God can bless rebellious, sinful mankind with salvation. As it was before for shepherds, warriors, royalty, and fisherman; as it continued to be for monks, maidens, lawyers, and tinkers; so the Bible’s message continues to be now — sufficiently “clear and evident” to all who would apply “a due use of the ordinary means.”
On this edition of Urban Puritano, we scratch the surface on the topic of Biblical Interpretation According to Calvinism. What are the contours of a Reformed reading of Holy Scripture?
I. Intro - Calvinism approaches Holy Scripture as the absolute word of the absolute God.
II. What is Interpretation? 2:54
III.Why is Interpretation Necessary? 4:55
IV. Going Forward 8:43
V. The Posture of Calvinism 10:17
VI. Underlying Assumptions and Starting Points 13:42
VII. Suggested Reading Strategies for Understanding Scripture 35:48
VII. Conclusion - Take up and read your Bible! 41:08
On today's episode (Episode 4) of Urban Puritano, we're having a Gospel Celebration! What is the Gospel all about? Why is it so simple a child can understand it and so profound that a philosopher-theologian can spend a lifetime studying it? Even angels contemplate and ponder the Gospel's message. What do you do with the Gospel? Are you ashamed of it or is it your highest honor and privilege? Let's scratch the surface of Romans 1:16-17 and find out what the Gospel essentially consists of!
Background: According to the thrust on Romans 1: 1-15, the Gospel is a message concerning Jesus Christ, God's Son. This message originated with God and He revealed His plan and promises concerning Jesus Christ throughout His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. It is referred to as the gospel of His Son, who was resurrected from the dead and through whom we have received grace. The Gospel, then is a message of grace or unmerited favor for sinners among all nations.
Why is this Christo-centric Gospel message even necessary? What does that imply about God? What does it imply about us? One major implication is: outside of God's grace in the Christ of Holy Scripture, there is nothing but bad news. Due to what we are, unrighteous, and due to what God is, absolutely righteous, we stand in need of the verdict against us to be overturned. This is very bad news, indeed.
However, the thrust of the verses preceding vv 16-17 lead us in the direction of some other news. This other news isn't simply something we can take or leave. In light of our irremediably great predicament, the theme of vv 16-17 is good news.
That is what the word "gospel" means. The gospel of Christ is good news for the sinner precisely where he needs it the most.
What, then, does the Gospel message consist of? We will answer that question under two headings.
(1) The Gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes it.
(2) The Gospel reveals the righteousness of God from faith, to faith, and by faith.
The conclusion of the matter is as this quote attributed to Martin Luther: "When I look at myself, I don't see how I can be saved. But when I look at Christ, I don't see how I can be lost."
Or as Augustus Toplady wrote in "Rock of Ages":
"Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee."
To God alone be the glory! Salvation belongs to the Lord! Let's pray that God may use us to advance the Gospel wherever our cities of destruction may be until we reach the Celestial City. See you next time or see you in glory!
On today's episode of Urban Puritano, we begin the first of many explorations in expository preaching. In Español. My homiletical approach is eclectic. Broadus-Robinson. Greidanus-Chappell. Beeke-Bunyun. Subject-Complement, Big Idea, Fallen Condition Focus, Propositional, Experiential, Reformed, and hopefully, I privilege the text. What text you may ask? Hebrews 3:12-19.
Stay tuned for a message called, "Great Danger of Unbelief."
I. Introduction
A. Secular Point
B. Personal Point
C. Biblical Point w/brief background of passage
D. Subject Stated w/ Hebrews 3:12-19 Read
E. Prayer
II. Body of Sermon
A. First Danger of Unbelief Stated: The Danger of Walking Away From the Living God
1. Your Heart is the Heart of the Matter
2. Unbelief is a Sin That Foments Other Sins
B. Transition Question: How Can We Combat Unbelief?
1. Harden Not Your Hearts
2. Hear the Voice of Jesus in His Word
3. Faith Comes By Hearing and Hearing By the Word of God
C. Uses/Application
1. A Word of Comfort- The Qualities of Saving Faith
2.A Word of Comfort Cont'd - Personal Appeal
III. Conclusion-Summary and Final Statement
In the inaugural episode of Urban Puritano, I consider Christian Education through the lens of worldview thinking. Although worldview thinking has fallen on hard times, I still think it is quite amenable to Reformed Theology. But you don't have to be a cage stage Calvinist to benefit from my dark predestinarian ruminations. My question for you, fellow pilgrim, is this: Is it possible to see Christ in all of Education?