Sometimes we get so caught up in our doctrine of the cross that we forget the ULTIMATE PURPOSE FOR WHICH CHRIST DIED AND WAS RISEN. It was, in fact, not first and foremost for us, rather it was for Him. It was—like everything God does—for the sake of His own name and His own glory. He died and rose again so that one day everyone would acknowledge His supremacy and His right to rule over the entire universe. The following... Read more
In our churches these days we have people coming from all kinds of backgrounds. I know that I probably have readers of the blog who feel the Mass or Communion in some way is a repetition of Jesus’ sacrifice. I wanted, therefore, to take this opportunity to share some verses which, to my mind, settle that point once and for all. “Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the Holy Place yearly with blood not... Read more
A number of years ago I remember watching an evangelism training video. It had a laughable sketch where someone went up to a total stranger and asked, “Have you been washed in the blood of the lamb?” In our squeamish culture, it probably isn’t the best question to ask someone at the very beginning of a conversation about Christ. I fear for us, Howe ever, that we are in danger of loosing the appreciation that the old saints had for... Read more
UPDATE – In 2008, I was also able to record a video interview with Terry Virgo, that has also been transcribed. UPDATE In January 2008, this post was identified as the 14th all-time most popular post with readers of this blog. The 15th most-read post was one in which I announced a major gift of free audio messages from Sovereign Grace Ministries. The following post is the summary post of an interview with the father of the family of churches... Read more
On the first day of my interview with Terry Virgo we spoke about his ministry and his view of the wider evangelical scene. Yesterday, we began to speak about how newfrontiers began, and how Terry was led to a radical view that apostolic ministry was never intended to stop when the Bible was completed. Today we will begin by examining in more detail what that looks like in practice. Terry, can you tell us a bit more about what are... Read more
I am joined again today by Terry Virgo, leader of the reformed charismatic group, Newfrontiers. Yesterday I spoke with Terry about his ministry and his view of the wider evangelical scene. Today I would like to begin by taking him back to the early days of his Christian life. AdrianTerry, can you tell us who particularly inspired you when you were a new Christian? TerryMy first pastor was a man called Ernest Rudman, who loved the Bible, was a real... Read more
It was a real delight to have the opportunity to spend some time with the leader of the family of churches I am a part of when Terry Virgo came to preach at the church I attend. He was kind enough to sit with me for what was a very interesting and open interview. Terry is perhaps not as well known to my American readers as he ought to be. He is , however, widely perceived among Christians of different... Read more
One of my commentators didn’t like my last post when I said that God really does change us when we become a Christian. I am not going to get into the philosophical arguments he does. As O don’t think the Bible All I can say is that when God declares someone to be righteous, in some mysterious way he makes us righteous. I remember well what Terry Virgo who is one of my theological heroes once said in a comment... Read more
Many people criticize Penal Subsitutionary Atonement on the basis that it makes justification into a legal fiction. I suppose such a criticism might be valid if a simplistic explanation of PSA was all that happened because of the cross. We have already seen that is not the case. But, more than that we must not think that nothing actually happens to us at conversion. No, we are united with Christ and a real change happens to us — we are... Read more
The Warnie Awards started as a bit of fun, but I understand that for some they are a sought-after piece of blogging recognition. Today, I will award several more blogs a Warnie. As a result their headlines appear in a box in my side bar so there are even more reasons for you to come back here – even it if is just to keep track of what other Christian bloggers are saying. If it has been a while since... Read more
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