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 
“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?” I feel it is a shame that I have to ask this for a 3rd time. You, if nothing else, are a master of evasion.
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Matthew,
We support missionaries directly–some to the tune of 25% of their total support. We do a significant amount of free biblical counseling. We have also been long time and very vocal supporters of the Institute for Nouthetic Counseling. Take you preconceived Reformed stereotypes of people who disagree with you and stick them where the sun doesn’t shine.
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You gotta stop ranting and rambling about everyone else and look at this from my standpoint. All I want is your information, so I can study it, and see if it is true or not. Quit trying to persuade me to “Come out from among them.” or convince me there is a false Gospel, because I am not going to listen to a word you say unless you can show me a scriptural case for some body of information you provide to support a theology. If you think people are going to just drop everything and trust you for no reason at all, then you’ve mad. I need to hear a preacher, or see an outline somewhere, or a doctrinal statement so I can compare, contrast, and discern the truth, but it you keep avoiding the part that really matters. You claiming I am studying from the wrong people is empty unless you can provide an alternative viewpoint. Really, I seriously, strongly doubt your credentials and your claims based on the simple fact that you have not only avoided the point-questions of my comments everytime, but you seem to have a zero ability to discern that I am looking for information, even though I keep flat out asking you. I almost feel ridiculous even continuing this conversation. PLEASE, give me preacher’s name, and some evidence for these outrageous claims you make about the Master’s Seminary. Everyone I talk to (and they have every right to) thinks you are a liar, because you say alot of stuff but you do not have any proof. It is thought that you are just some guy looking for attention, and that you will NEVER provide anything concrete to view or examine. I, on the other hand, have a little faith that you just might finally put your own beliefs on the table for research and examination. Please, stop defending yourself, because I am not attacking you, in fact you have offered NOTHING to attack but vain arguments. Give me something! Again, I repeat, who is a preacher I can listen to who you DO support, and where can I find the material that expresses what you DO believe. This is the last time I’ll ask you, because if you still have some secret reason to avoid the question, I will know everything I need to know about you.
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Matthew,
My doctrinal statements and a truck load of the other information you ask for are posted all over the place on this blog. Other than the fact that there is a search engine, toward the top of the sidebar, we read, ” Mission Statement” “Statement on the Authority of Scripture” “Statement on the Gospel” etc. Are you smoking crack?
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If you ever had any connection with the Master’s Seminary, then you should have proof. Who knows you, who is a witness to all of your claims? These people have been around here for a long time, so who knows you, Paul? How do we know you are not lying and making all of it up for attention?
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Matthew,
You are rude and immature, and I really have better things to do than to prove anything to you, but if you would like, contact Dr. John D. Street–elder over biblical counseling, and professor Jay Snider. Ask them if they know me bubba.
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Matthew, All you have done is “appeal to authority” which is a cult follower tactic. You want someone with a
Christianese title to tell you what to think. This blog has TONS of information on it yet you want Paul do to your homework for you by restating the millions of words already here and then to give you some guru’s affirmations. That is a big part of the problem already in Christendom. If saved, you have the same Holy Spirit any guru claims to have.
If you read the entire blog, are an independendent thinker and still have questions, then that is fine. Bring them on. My suggestion to people like you is to read history and ask yoursself about the subsequent fruit of certain doctrines. It is a bloody nasty mess so many want to claim is of Christ.
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Well, yes, or at least use the search engine for crying out loud.
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And just think–this guy is a new believer being sucked into that mess. Gives me cold chills.
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And then the whole question of where to even send new believers in our day. Very discouraging.
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Send them to the Gospels. It is their only hope to KNOW Jesus Christ and not the one presented by the seekers, emergents or the Reformed. That is better than them following some guru who wants followers….Nicolaitans are everywhere.
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All I was trying to do is find out where that stuff was, and ask you to support your claims that you ever had any relation to the Master’s Seminary. I will look for and read the information you say is provided. I have never been “tricked” or “sucked into” anything. It is a huge testimony to your ability to discern when you go THAT far into assuming and inventing. If you use those methods to study the Bible, then it explains alot. I am here for fellowship. I do not owe you an explanation, or a story of my history, but just know that you are very nasty to everyone, including me. All I wanted was information, and you attacked me from the first moment you posted on my Facebook wall. Do not think for one second that I am here for any reason other than to learn, and if you knew where I came from then you would hold that wicked tongue of yours. I don’t know who you think you are, but attacking people is counterproductive. Please rework your entire system of beliefs and add LOVE and COMPASSION and MERCY and all those other fruits you seem to be lacking. I am sorry I ever got SUCKED into this troll-trap. Goodbye.
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Matthew,
Geez, whatever–don’t let the blog door hit you in the backside.
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And just so you know, all of those links you claim are there, AREN’T THERE, so you can stop your sarcastic know-it-all mentality too. I have no clue how to find or read any of that information. Oh, because you never cared to ask questions that weren’t aimed to destroy. Whatever links you say are there, aren’t provided on this page I’m on or that I have been on. Nice assumption thought, you seem to be good at that.
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Paulspassingthoughts – a page full of pit vipers who cannot explain what they believe. They strike and bite everyone around them before they ever show an ounce of care or compassion. They verbally abuse anyone who doesn’t know their doctrine (which they can’t seem to explain without a dramatic display), and apparently paul has been kicked out of normal life situations for the very same sort of attitude and social incompatibility. If you have questions, they will attack you. If you don’t have questions, they will attack you. In fact, if you are not one of their cult members, they will attack you. There is sarcasm, mean-spiritedness and immaturity in every conversation, and seemingly no compassion for anyone anywhere other than themselves. If the choice presents itself to be either “compassionate and loving”, or “hateful and mean,” they always choose “hateful and mean” by default. And through all of this over-dramatic, egocentric, know-it-all behavior that alienates and abuses everyone but themselves they relentlessly seek to evangelize others with their doctrine. In fact, that have devoted their entire life to the single-dimensional view of “Jesus turning the money changers.” And, hypocritically claim that everyone else should spread the a three-dimensional gospel.
Yeah, that pretty much sums up my experience here. Amazing. And everyone else is crazy, huh? I guess they think everyone else is “smoking crack.”
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Got it Matthew. I will take all of that under advisement.
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Matthew
You came on here already demanding and attacking Paul-
These were the very first paragraphs you wrote Matthew and now you are accusing Paul of being the ornery one? We see through it. Are you the water boy for all these Big Boys? Matthew are you so insecure about Calvinism that you have to come and defend it against what…. a few people on a blog? Cannot Calvinism defend itself if it so true?
“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.”
Matthew 7:15-20
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
This is why we are here, because the fruits of Calvinism are “rotten in Geneva”.
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If I could post the pictures, you could see the 6 HOUR attack he did on me Facebook wall prior to all of this. You are ignorant.
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Matthew,
6 hours? Attacks? Well, in fact, I do have the screen shots Matthew. Would you like me to post them?
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I have them too. Feel free. But, unlike you, when people do something I disapprove of, I do not devote my whole life to attacking them. I prefer to just say what the truth is, and anyone who want to go to my Facebook wall and read the things I affirm, feel free. I think it is much more productive and conducive to say what I DO believe in as much as what I do not. There is a worldly unbalance of negativity on this blog. When presenting your case, just present your case. All of your presentations are merely relative to your resentments. Even in your “mission statement” you have your whole goal pivoting off what everyone else says, and most of that is out-of-context. You never just say what you believe, and everything is centralized on what you don’t believe. That is borderline pathological. I came here, regardless of the picture you paint, because I care. Talking to you is like talking to an Arminian. It feels hopeless to reflect to you the animosity and immaturity between the lines of all your writings. Someone can comment 100 lines of truth, and all you see is the one line that you can create an argument over, even if it is a stretch. Where is the love? Where is kindness? Why must everything you say and do be a war and reason to argue? The proof is in the pudding. Everytime I say something is like you are so lust-drunk to wage war that you search for anything you can use against me or attack me with, and foolishly I have taken the bait. I am tired of this, Paul. I am tired of trying to convince you to stop the ranting and raving. Honestly, I never intended to do anything but express to you the image and hurtful ways you try to “help.” If you all want to continue devoting your lives to the pitchfork carrying lustmob, then go right ahead. The whole premise of this page and the way you carry yourself is the first strike, and you know it. Doesn’t matter how it looks, because you are borderline criminal mastermind. Sociopath almost. You justify attacking everyone and everything.
If they are so wrong, then be a LIGHT shining the truth, not devote your life to being a religious vigilante. You are not here to hurt everyone who disagrees with you. You are here to love them, show tolerance, and just spread the truth. Your methods do more to hurt your argument than help it, and I really wish you could understand that. You waste so much time talking about other people, that it is nearly impossible to know you have a standpoint at all. Like a professional critic, or a professional arguer. You are great at being convincing, and winning arguments, but none of that makes you right, or means your telling the truth. You want a gold medal for swaying the silent, unsuspecting, ignorant minority? You got it. You want to achieve something real, like spreading the truth, then you are going to have to put MORE emphasis on the truth, and LESS emphasis on making enemies and singling out individual people. Attacking John MacArthur does nothing but convince everyone who likes John MacArthur to dislike you and ignore you. Attacking Calvinism does achieve your goal of spreading the truth, it only achieves your goal of attacking Calvinism and making enemies of Calvinists. If I want someone to know that Nike shoes are the best, then I advertise Nikes – I don’t spend my life telling everyone that Reebocks are trash. Nike doesn’t have a anti-adidas website devoted to exposing how horrible their shoes are – they have a website devoted to telling everyone how great their shoes are, and all the details. It is so lame, and so stupid to have this blog with this focus. You completely destroy any ounce of credibility you have. I really like some of the things you say, but I can hardly make it through a blog post with being offput by your sidetracking hate remarks of others. They are people! You are supposed to love them!!!! If you want to be effective, then talk to John MacArthur, pray for him, and love him. And if you feel like he lies, then say that, then immediately get back on track and focus on whatever you think the truth is. This calvin-hating, reformer-hating blog is a joke though, and anyone with any discernment can see that. I tell you this because I love you, not because I am out to attack you. I am telling you the TRUTH.
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Geez Matthew, enough already, I got it. Hey, do you go to Macs church? You ought to get an appointment with Street for some anger management. He can teach you how to preach the gospel to yourself.
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How ironic that the guy who devoted his life to attacking those he hates would say I need anger management. I am so questioning myself for even posting here. This for me, Paul, is an isolated incident. This for you, is a lifestyle theme. So, take your own advice.
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Well Matthew, if you are going to be a good Calvinist, you need more self-loathing. I’m not feeling the “I am the chief of sinners” thing going on here.
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Lol,
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This is why we are here, because the fruits of Calvinism are “rotten in Geneva”. NO! You are here to love God, love your neighbor, and spread the Gospel. You are not here to devote your whole life against Calvinism. That would be as stupid as me devoting my life to trying to fight you guys. Just not a wise move.
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Matthew, Taken under advisement.
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I’m not a Calvinist, so please let all of that go and don’t resort to the straw-man attack again. Please, for all things holy, stop going back and forth with me. Please, just leave me alone, and I will do the same. I think it is obvious to anyone reading these blogs, as I have seen some other people posting the same sentiments, that this is a hole-in-the wall trap scenerio. If people do not blindly follow most of what you say, you rip them apart like a pack of wolves. To quote another commentor that I just found, “In your fervor to condemn everything except what you write, you slammed someone making some of the same points you do. Thank you for confirming what I’ve always suspected: you’re bitter, and everyone is the enemy… I certainly wouldn’t identify myself with any of the doctrines you have defined here. In fact, I don’t know anyone who does, including most of the people you blast all the time.” – JC I’m not alone in seeing through this chip-on-the-shoulder approach. Amen, pass the steak please.
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Ok Matthew, got it.
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