Discussion on Free-will, Calvinism and the Problem of Evil
In this livestreamed episode, Matt Salih comes on the broadcast to discuss the problem of evil and how a Calvinist would handle it. He asks me a hypothetical question about a woman who was abused by her husband…and I give my response. Then we look at a few passages of scripture on the topic.
Apologetics From the Attic Broadcast RELAUNCH!
In this episode, I announce the (hopefully) return of regular content on the Apologetics from the Attic broadcast. I go over what’s been going on in my world and we return to some foundational things that underlie the approach of this podcast and what we are going to cover moving forward. Audio Link : https://www.spreaker.com/episode/52309040…
Ephesians 1:1-14 Response to Corporate Election from The Provisionist Perspective
In this long episode (over two hours) I record my response to a public challenge issued by Drew and Eric over at the Provisionist Perspective channel, to respond to their exegesis of Ephesians 1:1-14. I play their entire walk through of verses 1-14 and attempt to understand them in their own words and give a…
James White, R. Scott Clark, Carl Trueman, RTS, and Aquinas…OH MY! Great Tradition Exegesis, Reformed Baptists and Twitter Wars.
In this episode, I give my opinion of the debate currently happening in reformed Baptist circles surrounding “great tradition exegesis”, hermeneutics, divine simplicity, etc… We look at several tweets that I’ve bookmarked over the last month on this issue, we look at the thought of Henri De Lubac and Robert E. Webber. Overall, I try…
Study of Pelagius’s Letter to Demetrias
In this episode, we look at Dr. Alister McGrath’s description of the Pelagian controversy. Then we begin a study of Pelagius himself, by starting to read a letter he wrote in 413. Hopefully this helps us see the benefit of looking at primary sources when we look at a topic like this, instead of depending…
Romans Bible Study- 1:25-32
In this episode we continue our verse by verse study of the book of Romans. We cover chapter 1, verses 25-32, and show how the apostle Paul is setting up his audience to confront them on their sin of self-righteousness by using the 3rd person plural pronouns.
Romans Bible Study 1:18-24
We continue our study of the book of Romans by beginning the section starting with 1:18-3:20. We walk through until 1:24 and then look at the book cam! We read from Herman Hoeksema, Haldane and Karl Barth! Link mentioned to past episode on Herman Hoeksemahttps://youtu.be/iGJcea2OjG0 Podcast Audio Linkhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/48424654
White Stratton Debate: Is Molinism Biblical Review Part 1
In this episode we review Dr. Tim Stratton’s opening statement from his debate with Dr. James White that occurred February 15, 2022 on the topic “Is Molinism Biblical”. We play the entirety of Dr. Stratton’s opening statement and see if he made the case that the concept of Middle Knowledge and libertarian free-will is found…
Information Overload- How to Sift Through Internet Theology
In this new episode of AFA, (been a little while) we talk about the evolution of how we find and consume information with a little help from Ben Shapiro. Then I walk through 2 different grids that can be helpful in filtering through and organizing all of the biblical and theological information that is flowing…
Romans Bible Study 1:16-17
We continue our study through the book of Romans by looking at the thesis statement of the letter. We walk through 1:16-17, breaking down the terms, looking at the ordo salutis, and then we look at multiple commentaries on the book cam! Enjoy. Below is the link for the article we looked at. Article on…
Romans Bible Study 1:7-15
In this episode, we continue our study of the book of Romans. I am excited to reveal my new “book cam” where I can show a book while I am reading it! Maybe I am more excited about this than most people! Anyway…we look at the personal greeting of Paul to the Roman Christians and…
Romans Bible Study 1:1-7
Back after another break! Today I launch a new series where we study the book of Romans. In this episode, we look at the introduction in 1:1-7 and look at where we are headed with chapters 1-3. Link to Audio Podcast https://www.spreaker.com/episode/48320016
Is It a Sin to Take the Vaccine? Review of “A Christian Response to Mandatory Cookies”, Part 2
In this episode we complete our review of Pastor Jeff Durbin’s sermon. With the rise of public resistance and revolt against the COVID vaccine mandate among police officers, firefighters and other public employees, this issue is becoming more and more relevant. We as Christians need to be clear on our stance on this, and not…
Is It a Sin to Take the Vaccine? Review of “A Christian Response to Mandatory Cookies”, Part 1
In this episode, we dive into the controversy over the government imposed vaccine mandates and our Christian profession. Many are claiming that if a Christian chooses to take the COVID vaccine to keep their job, they are bowing the knee to Caesar, sinning against the Kingship of Christ and complicit in ushering in a tyrannical…
Review of “A Quest for the Historical Adam: A Conversation with William Lane Craig” Part One
In this new episode, we look at an interview Dr. Craig did with Sean McDowell on his new book, The Quest for the Historical Adam. We begin to look at the concept of “mytho-history” and the slippery slope of relegating portions of the Bible as myth in order to make them acceptable to the unbelieving…
The Death of John Shelby Spong: A Review of His Theology
In this episode, we discuss the death of Bishop John Shelby Spong. We Review a sermon that he preached entitled “From a Tribal God to a Universal Presence: The Story Of The Bible” We discuss how Spong presents the progressive/liberal view of scripture, which is that the Bible is simply a record of the religious…
Back After 4 Months: Story of Being Addicted to Analytics and The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill
In this new episode, I am back after taking an entire 4 months off from producing any content! I explain why and how dangerous and treacherous the world of the internet can be. Trying to get views, likes, downloads and website visits, slowly but surely took me over and had me in a bad place.…
Dogmatic Theology vs. Systematic Theology
In this episode of Apologetics from the Attic, I discuss why the term Dogmatics is preferred to Systematics, and introduce the Theology of Herman Hoeksema. Link to Hoeksema’s 2 Volume set https://rfpa.org/products/reformed-dogmatics-volumes-1-2
Study the Confessions: Synod of Dort Part 2
In this episode of “Study the Confessions”, we begin to walk through the Synod of Dort, focusing on articles 5-6
Review of Rod Saunders Kanye West Walks with Jesus
In this episode of A Gentle Calvinist, I review Mr. Rod Saunders and his video entitled “Kayne West walks with Jesus”. His Youtube page is called “Jew and Greek”. He misrepresents calvinism (no big surprise) but also claims that calvinst pastors are “dishonest” and therefore Kayne’s relationship with this pastor must therefore be dishonest. I…
William Lane Craig, Molinism, and the Matrix!
In this episode, I explain how the system of Molinism attempts to answer the question of why God doesn’t create a universe in which all people are saved, and actually creates more problems than it solves. And I do this by also watching a clip from The Matrix!
Review of Romans 3:10-12 De-Calvinized
In this episode, we review Dr. Leighton Flowers video entitled “Romans 3:10-12 De-Calvinized”, where he explains the provisionist view of what it means that “no one seeks after God”. Dr. Flowers Original Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bBJERjnyHA
Review of “Sovereignty De-Calvinized”
In this episode of AFA, we review Dr. Leighton Flowers’ video where he explains why the Calvinistic view of meticulous providence is not Biblical and he defines his understanding of sovereignty. Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/19777804
Study the Confessions: Synod of Dort Part 1
In this episode, we begin a study of the synod of Dort. This is a very important moment in church history the place where what are commonly know as the “five points” of calvinism were developed, in response to the “5 points” of the remonstrants. Enjoy Audio Podcast Link :https://www.spreaker.com/episode/20385664
Review of Soteriology 101 Dead Like Lazarus or the Prodigal Video
In this episode, we review a video where Dr. Flowers tries to show that the term “deadness” in scripture does not mean to be “unable to respond to God’s call to be reconciled to himself”. He uses the parable of the prodigal son as a means to try and prove this. We walk through this…
Having a Consistent Exegetical/Hermeneutical Method
In this episode I begin with Dr. James White and his challenge to Dr. Flowers in their Romans 9 debate cross examination. Dr. White asked Dr. Flowers if the method of exegesis he employs to defend provisionism is the same that he would use in defending the Trinity, Deity of Christ, etc… I then show…
I am in 100% Agreement with Leighton Flowers on This!
In this episode of AFA, I review a video clip that Dr. Leighton Flowers did where he answered the question, “Are Calvinists really saved?” Audio Version:https://www.spreaker.com/user/11687764/i-totally-agree-with-dr-flowers-on-thisCheck out Dr. Flowers content on http://www.soteriology101.com
Does Trump Bear ANY Responsibility for What Happened at the Capitol?
New Episode of AFA here. If you listen to the political commentators on Fox News they clearly condemned, in no uncertain terms, the violence, destruction and death threats that occurred on January 6, 2021 in our nation’s capitol. (However, many on Fox and other news outlets floated the idea that the actual vandals and extremists…
Most Of The TV Media Is NOT Showing the Full Chaos and Insanity of the Capitol Invasion
We are still all reeling from the attack upon the U.S. Capitol that we all witnessed. As a matter of fact, I mainly watched the coverage on Fox News and NBC, and neither of these news outlets captured the full extent of the how fierce the attack on the Capitol was. For example, my own…
James White, Babylon Bee, Leighton Flowers, Twitter & The Foreknowledge of God
So I fired up twitter this morning (a practice that I don’t recommend) and saw that Dr. James White had responded to a meme that Dr. Leighton Flowers posted. (see the tweets and meme below) Then Seth Dillon (of Babylon Bee fame) jumped into the twitter thread and challenged Dr. White. They went back and…
Welcome to the Red Pill of Calvinism
Many younger people (I am 39 years old) have NO IDEA what the reference is to “red pill vs. blue pill” ! Am I just getting old? Anyway, in this new episode of AFA, we start a study of a book called “The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination” by Loraine Boettner. A must read for someone…
Does Beth Moore Have a Point About the Dangers of “Christian Trumpism”? David French and Michael S. Horton Weigh in.
If you’ve been following the news, the election win of Joe Biden and President Trump’s cry of election fraud has been at the top of the headlines. But apart from Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson, there are leading voices in the “evangelical” churches who are saying that the election was stolen and that…
Doug Wilson Gives “Evidence” that Biden Stole the Election & Why Trump Lost
I’m back after taking a 2 month break from producing any videos. Much needed. In this episode I review a brief clip from the guys at CrossPolitic where Pastor Doug Wilson claims that Trump actually won the popular vote because Biden and the Democrats cheated! And then he gives us his “evidence” for this claim.…
Gabe Rench Provokes Moscow Idaho Police, Gets Arrested and They Taunt Police. Cross Politic Goes Emergency Live, Claims It Is Their “Daniel Moment”, and Get 100k+ Views In 24 Hours.
I Don’t know if you saw it yet, but Gabe Rench from Crosspolitic was arrested yesterday! And if the fellows at Cross Politic are to be believed, it was because they were being persecuted for singing Amazing Grace! (See Toby Sumpter’s remark at 8:15 mark of this facebook video) Is this really the case? Were…
SHOCK POLL: 65% of Evangelicals Agree That Jesus is The First & Greatest Being Created By God!!
You may have seen the headline published on the Christian Post Website which read “More than half of US adults, 30% of evangelicals believe Jesus isn’t God: study” But the title of this blog post is NOT the title of that article, because I think the most shocking part of the article is not reflected…
John Calvin on Applying the Old Testament Prophetic Books to Current Events
Recently I was reading John Calvin’s commentary on Isaiah the Prophet and came across this quote in the preface… “Hence we may learn in what manner the doctrine of the word should be handled, and that we ought to imitate the Prophets, who conveyed the doctrine of the Law in such a manner as to…
New AFA Episode: Review of: Original Sin – A Doctrine Examined – Episode 1 – What is Original Sin & Total Depravity?
Mr. Warren McGrew recently began a series of very well produced videos on the topic of Original sin that you can find here. This will be a helpful tool to study the historical development of the doctrine of Original Sin in the history and life of the Church. I am not certain of Mr. McGrew’s…
Calvin on How Systematic Theology Benefits Our Reading and Studying of The Bible
In an age where it seems like Biblicism has infected almost all of the American Evangelical Church, it will sound odd to most that we should need an external guide to help us read and understand the Bible. But this is exactly what John Calvin argues in his monumental work “Institutes of the Christian Religion”.…
Sola Scriptura vs Biblicism and The Doctrine of the Trinity Part 1
I have to confess, that I got caught up in the lack of balance that is easy to fall into when you exist on the internet! I fell away from my own first principles in the first episode I did of AFA! I found that I was mainly dealing with the issue of defending reformed…
Pentecost 2020: Riots, Pandemics, Revelation 18 & Acts 2 and The Psalms in Light of The Resurrection
As we wake up this morning, the United States of America is experiencing nationwide riots at a level that has never been seen in the history of our country. This is right on the heels of the global pandemic, which seems to have dropped off of the news cycle overnight! But what if these two…
Thomas Aquinas on The Relationship Between Philosophy and Scripture
I don’t know where I picked it up, but somewhere along the way I picked up the idea that Thomas Aquinas was simply a philosopher who also talked about God. When I thought of Thomas, I thought medieval scholasticism, which I was taught is a bad thing! It’s all about reason, philosophy and minutia of…
How to Learn to Read New Testament Greek
Today I watched a video by J.D. Martin on his process of learning to read New Testament Greek. It was good and I highly recommend it. I messaged J.D. on Facebook to let him know that I enjoyed his video and then I was going to send him the link to the Youtube video I…
New AFA Episode: Review of Dr. Flowers What is Semi-Pelagianism Video
Their is much internet bandwidth (modern version of ink spilling) being spent right now, and it has increased since Dr. Jordan Cooper accused Dr. Flowers of semi-pelagianism. Dr. Flowers then responded to that accusation here and then Dr. Cooper responded to that response here. Dr. Flowers also did a long video on what is semi-Pelagianism…
Augustine: In Every Vice There Lurks a Counterfeit Beauty
What an incredible section I read this morning in the Confessions of Augustine*: “For in vice there lurks a counterfeit beauty: pride, for instance- even pride apes sublimity, whereas you are the only God, most high above all things. As for ambition, what does it crave but honors and glory, while you are worthy of…
Review of Jon Steingard of Hawk Nelson Declares ‘I no longer believe in God’ Instagram Post
I have to admit, and some of my reformed friends will make fun of me, that I do listen to KLOVE! And I also admit that I really like a few songs that the band Hawk Nelson put out there. So I was disheartened to hear that their lead singer came out publicly and said…
Is God’s Knowledge The Cause of What Happens in Time? Yes it is!
If you have had any encounter at all with a non-Calvinist (Arminian, Wesleyan, Provisionist, or run of the mill Evangelical) on the topic of God’s sovereignty, you will probably have heard this statement: “Just because God knows that something will happen in the future, does not necessitate that He caused that thing to happen.” In…
Quote from John Calvin on the Role of the King in Promoting True Biblical Doctrine
Growing up in a land where the separation of church and state is such a clarion cry, many times we forget how important it was for the first few generations of the Protestant reformers to actually present their understanding of Christian doctrine to the rulers and authorities of their time. The Lutheran reformation itself would…
Jesus Explains Why “Seekers” Reject Him: Exegesis of John 6:1-71 (Part 3)
Link to Part 1Link to Part 2 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. (John 6:46) Here is a statement clarifying what Jesus meant by saying those who “heard” and “learned” from the Father come to Him. He is being careful to avoid the…
COVID-19, The Sovereignty of God, Cynicism, Normalcy Bias and Civil Liberties
In this new episode of AFA, Pastor Dave gives us a “stream of consciousness” style program where he addresses the COVID-19 pandemic and how government leaders, business leaders, the media and average Americans are reacting to the debate of “reopening” the country. He relates all these issues to the Biblical teaching of God’s providential power…