Today’s Christian Husband and Father: Killing His Family with Awesome Preaching
Bob is on his way to Jerry’s house for dinner. Bob is the chairman of their church’s elder board. Jerry is being considered for eldership and Bob will be dining at his house for a pre-interview en lieu of further discussion. Pizza is the cuisine. And apparently, not just on this night—Bob notes that every trashcan in the house is stuffed with pizza boxes. Dishes full of M & Ms also adorn many of the table tops. Bob is taken to the kitchen by Jerry to meet his wife, and Bob perceives no less than twenty-five bags of potato chips staked about in various places. One corner of the kitchen is occupied with a tall stack of Coca-Cola 12packs. Big on taste—small in nutrition. Precious few will disagree that Bob’s family is headed for serious health problems if they do not change their ways. Yet, Bob is a picture of how the vast majority of Christian husbands oversee the spiritual diets of their families. However, the “Bob” motif falls woefully short of making the point; at least Bob knows what his family is eating for better or worse. Christian husbands of our day don’t even know the difference between Redemptive Historical hermeneutics and Grammatical Historical hermeneutics. In fact, when the subject comes up, a rolling of the eyes follows. That’s because the preaching/teaching is awesome where they go to church. Uncompromising, and God glorifying. As one pastor exhorted me when inquiring about what hermeneutic he used in his preaching: “Come and see if it tastes good, and if you still want to, we will talk about theology.” But I never doubt it will taste good. Who doesn’t love pizza for dinner, potato chips as a side, Coke to drink, and M&Ms for desert? Fact is, nearly 90% of preaching/teaching in today’s American church is fundamentally based on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation. This document is the very heart of the Reformation and the engine that drives the present-day New Calvinist movement. Its premise was based on the idea that all spiritual reality, wisdom, and truth comes from the combination of two perspectives, and only these two: the holiness of God, and the wretchedness of all men whether they are Christians or not. Luther called this perspective the “theology of the cross.” It has come to be known as Gospel-Centered preaching/teaching. It is also the foundation of the Calvin Institutes. Everything in the Calvin Institutes, in some way, points to the glory of God “as set against our sinfulness.” This has become job one: as described in the Heidelberg Disputation; this way of teaching is the “cross story,” and all other spiritual wisdom is the “glory story.” Hence, the contemporary clarion call of the Reformation derived from Luther’s Disputation is, the centrality of the objective gospel outside of us. Anything at all that has anything to do with us is “subjective,” and part of the “glory story.” Unless it concerns our wretchedness. Therefore, the Disputation ridiculed a negative attitude towards suffering as well for this serves to further reveal our woeful state in life which magnifies the redemptive work of Christ and our utter worthlessness. The whole motif can be visualized by the following Reformed chart: 
Yes, you can preach wonderful sermons on those two dimensions. They are both abundantly true. Charles Spurgeon is known as the “prince of preachers.” All of his sermons are based on the “cross story.” All, I repeat “all” of John Piper’s sermons and the (seems like) 600 books he has written are based on nothing but, I repeat, nothing but the “cross story.” Amen, pass the potato chips. In circa 1994, John MacArthur abandoned the “glory story” aspects of his preaching and now focuses on the “cross story.” Amen, pass the M&Ms. And those babies slide down nice with a big swig of Coca-Cola. “But Paul, what’s so sweet about focusing on our own wickedness?” My dear friend, haven’t you seen any Staples commercials? It’s easy. You totally stink. Nothing is expected of you: “Hey honey! Good news! We don’t change! Our marriage isn’t about a bunch of do’s and don’ts! Our failures make us wiser!” That was easy. In fact, teachers like Michael Horton and John Piper continually espouse the idea that expectations are just, “more bad news.” And regarding leaders? “Alright, time to prepare my message for tomorrow, and all I have to do is look for two things, and two things only in the text: how great God is, and how bad we are.” That was easy. In fact, we find the following on a well-known Reformed blog regarding instruction on how to prepare a Bible lesson:
At this time, resist the temptation to utilize subsequent passages to validate the meaning or to move out from the immediate context. Remembering that all exegesis must finally be a Christocentric exegesis. Look for Christ even if He isn’t there directly. It is better to see Christ in a text even if He isn’t, than to miss Him where He is.
But as the apostle asked rhetorically, “What saith the Scriptures?” Is there another story other than the “cross story”? Anybody interested in the House on a Rock story?
Matthew 7:24 -“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Learn and do. That’s how we have a life built on a rock. It is the very definition of a disciple:
Matthew 19 – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
So, here is my suggestion. When you go to church this Sunday, and other days following that involve sitting under the teachings of your leaders, take a legal pad with you. Draw a line at a downward angle on the bottom labeled, “our sin.” Draw a line at the top with an upward angle, and label it “Christ.” Then draw a line in the middle and label it, “What? Why? And How?” Or, “Not only what Jesus did, but what did He SAY?” Or simply, “Life built on a rock.” If there isn’t a three-dimensional balance—get out of there. You either love your family or you don’t. You will be judged by Christ accordingly. I was approached by my wife Susan this morning. My son by marriage had approached her asking questions about demonology. Apparently, he had questions concerning some things he had heard about the subject in the secular realm. I was astonished; though both of them have been in church for a combined total of 72 years, they didn’t even know the basics regarding this subject. My wife wanted to know the answers to his questions—other than the usual answers: “Jesus” and “gospel.” And if we don’t know, the world will gladly inform our children accordingly. Knowledge equals authority. Men, wake up. paul
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
Reblogged this on Clearcreek Chapel Watch.
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You write well. You make very good points about full-bodied, three-dimensional learning/teaching. I would go further to say that even that doesn’t encapsulate God, but none-the-less it beats not having an outline or awareness of what is going on at all. Still, every time I read your blogs you talk critically about Calvinism, John Piper, and John MacArthur; and you do so in ways that totally expose your hatred for these men personally. John MacArthur does not affirm all of John Calvin’s writings or beliefs, Calvinism, or “New Calvinism” (whatever that is) and, furthermore, if you go to http://www.gty.org there is a MOUNTAIN of evidence against your wild claims that he doesn’t preach the whole counsel of God, or that he is “m&m’s.” He preaches far more than just the “cross story.” And, it still remains that our mandate is to spread the Gospel.
Some of the things you say and assume seem to be more of a personal vendetta than a struggle for truth. It is like you have some preconceived ideas about people and everything you perceive reinforces those notions instead of actually seeing what is going on around you. You have a very critical eye, and I believe what you say should be taken with a grain of salt because you do go overboard and exaggerate much of the imagery you make of others, which by the way is the same thing as lying. Surely you do not want to be known as an over-critical, mean-spirited liar? On another note, I still do not know what a “New Calvinist” is by your definition. Or, how attacking them in every blog accomplishes “your mission.” I would like to know what your doctrinal statement is, and if you have put that over-powered critical microscope on your own beliefs. Aside from attacking others, I seldom see anything you post in a positive manner. When are you just going to lay out the “right outline,” and quit the endless task of pointing out everything you think is wrong with everyone – that is easy to do.
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You write well. You make very good points about full-bodied, three-dimensional learning/teaching. I would go further to say that even that doesn’t encapsulate God, but none-the-less it beats not having an outline or awareness of what is going on at all. Still, every time I read your blogs you talk critically about Calvinism, John Piper, and John MacArthur; and you do so in ways that totally expose your hatred for these men personally. John MacArthur does not affirm all of John Calvin’s writings or beliefs, Calvinism, or “New Calvinism” (whatever that is) and, furthermore, if you go to http://www.gty.org there is a MOUNTAIN of evidence against your wild claims that he doesn’t preach the whole counsel of God, or that he is “m&m’s.” He preaches far more than just the “cross story.” And, it still remains that our mandate is to spread the Gospel.
Some of the things you say and assume seem to be more of a personal vendetta than a struggle for truth. It is like you have some preconceived ideas about people and everything you perceive reinforces those notions instead of actually seeing what is going on around you. You have a very critical eye, and I believe what you say should be taken with a grain of salt because you do go overboard and exaggerate much of the imagery you make of others, which by the way is the same thing as lying. Surely you do not want to be known as an over-critical, mean-spirited liar? On another note, I still do not know what a “New Calvinist” is by your definition. Or, how attacking them in every blog accomplishes “your mission.” I would like to know what your doctrinal statement is, and if you have put that over-powered critical microscope on your own beliefs. Aside from attacking others, I seldom see anything you post in a positive manner. When are you just going to lay out the “right outline,” and quit the endless task of pointing out everything you think is wrong with everyone – that is easy to do.
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Matthew,
Did you not read the whole post? The quotations concerning the interpretive mindset of these people are an “exaggeration” and personal “vendetta”? Though I appreciate you stopping by, you need to know that I was, in the past, not just a verbal proponent of Mac, but put big bucks where my mouth is. No man is above God’s truth, and the fact is indisputable: he gives CJ Mahaney, a known criminal, credibility and extends to him the right hand of fellowship. End of conversation. There is no excuse for that–period.
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Yes Paul! Right on the money! Just the fact that John MacArthur is associating and converging with the Calvinist celebrities of the day is enough proof for me! In fact, there is no condemnation of CJM is his own dealings and sins with SGM. The Bible is very clear about associations and the dealings of false teachers- have nothing to do with them!
By the way Paul, interesting tidbit of information about Martin Luther: the Rose and Cross symbol of ML you have placed in your articles is actually a Rosicrucian symbol called the Rosicrucian Cross and definitely comes from Rosicrucianism- associated with Masonry, gnosticism, RCC etc… So now we may see the connections of the symbols along side the writings of these imposters.
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Plus ML’s waxed seal that he used for his letters and documents contained symbols of alchemy.
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T4H,
Right, it is basically a Gnostic symbol. Ya, the whole Reformation thing is like a total joke. Susan is doing some great research for TRM. Amazing stuff.
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Another problem with this whole issue is that unless one has followed these guys for a long time, they are not going to pick up on a lot of things. One is that quite a few of them have veered one way or another because that is what is selling at the moment. Most of the young have NO idea how much of this is about having influence and followers. I used to be in the “Christianity business” and know exactly how it works. But I will say the YRR have perfected it to a degree I did not think possible.
A whole new generation to lead astray and it works.
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“I don’t think the Bible means that at all. And if we are all just sinners saved by grace, because we cannot see enough to do anything good of ourselves, how can you claim that your opinion is any better than mine?”
The pause before the answer is the best part. And then the answer: an appeal to his “authority” will seem so absurd you’ll start laughing out loud.”
Exactly. Ask them why as totally depraved worms saved like me, their interpretation is right and mine is wrong? Do they get more anointing than me? No, that cannot be true because 1 John says we all get anointing and does not say guys with titles get more. Then you can tell them that your interpretation does not bring a salary or job title.
His appeal to authority will look just like that: An appeal to human authority which is meaningless in God’s economy.
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“Not to engage in hyperbole, but Paul is turning over the tables of the money changers here on this site.” Okay, well that happened ONE time, and there is a whole bible filled with much more than only money changer flipping. Could you imagine an entire Bible filled with only stories of Jesus being angry? That is actually a very good assessment of this blog, and I am glad that it came from the home team. When you talk about 3 dimensional teaching, where does that apply here? Where is the evidence of that here, on this blog? It seems like this is a good place to practice what you preach. Also, how about answering the biggest question of the day, and the point that you have avoided every time we talk: what is your doctrinal statement? When are you just going to lay out the “right outline,” and quit the endless task of pointing out everything you think is wrong with everyone else – that is easy to do.
You know, I am new to studying, and I don’t claim to have all the answers. In fact, I have a good idea that when I ask fellow brothers about this blog that I will be advised to stay away from people who act and say the types of things that are said here. It is not as much what you are saying, but that you can’t seem to just post your views. Like a moth to the flame, you insult Christians and find ways to deliver your critical assessments of others without presenting a counter-claim. Somehow, I have managed to read a few of your blogs and trying to get an idea of what you DO believe is like finding a needle in a haystack. Perhaps there is a preacher you support? Perhaps there is material you affirm? Perhaps there is something that would give someone an idea of why you think everyone else is wrong? An outline somewhere, or a doctrinal statement? Anything? Because reading your blogs can be more confusing, and argument creating than anything. I am seeing someone who loves to thrash about others’ work, but isn’t willing to provide any of his own.
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Matthew,
Really now. You don’t know my life. But anyway, I accept it. I know how folks are going to react to someone thinking for themselves. It’s a threat, I understand that. But set what you are saying here against what these guys get a pass on wholesale. By the way Matthew, I worked with some well-known pastors for some time–begging them as ones who had much more clout and resources than me to take a stand so I could move on to other things. Nope. Also, they know its wrong–that’s why I was asked to write a piece in a theological journal, but it was blacklisted by the board. The article is actually published in the journal under another name which is ok with the board–they just didn’t want the word to get out about me.
Matthew–it’s a false gospel. Come out from among them.
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Matthew first of Paul has provided quite of info. about Calvinism and its false gospel; more then any other site I have been to.
Secondly, we do not seek a new theological doctrine from Paul; we just want people to seek Gods word instead of relying on doctrines of men. We want people to rely on the Holy Spirit for the whole truth, instead of getting half truths from mortals. Yes, godly shepherds are necessary to edify and exhort but they are not necessary if they are not in line with the Spirit of truth and each person has to deal with that truth between them and God.
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No pastor is responsible for my relationship between me and Jesus Christ and this is where I will fight tooth and nail when pastors or anyone for that matter feels and actively acts like like they have too.
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And the bottom line is that lives and families are destroyed daily by these guys. I didn’t choose this fight. I begged, and my daughter begged, many, many people to stand for what was right in regard to what happened to our family. Then I spent another two years begging notable leaders to do something. Ok, so now it falls on me. And be sure of this: I will do what I am called to do.
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Ok, so, I was working with a group of PCA pastors, feeding them all of my 4 years of research because they were going to take a stand against Duncan et al, and then I was going to ride off into the sunset. What happened instead? They all had a big conference to discuss a compromise! So, this is my ministry now. What is happening to families that ask questions is unacceptable. And the more I learn, the more I realize how important it is to inform the church. Here I stand, and they can all kiss my white sanctified butt if they don’t like it. I will build this ministry into a bigger and bigger educational machine as long as my Lord allows it. Vendetta? Baloney. I only wanted notable leaders to stand for what’s right, and because they wouldn’t, I am supposed to go away. LOL! Not going to happen.
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