Post Tenebras Lux

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86677288479199424982012-02-16T15:00:21.701-08:00Post Tenebras Lux"...spreading the light of Reformation truth..."Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.comBlogger801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-75696679693302128302009-12-11T14:55:00.000-08:002009-12-11T15:10:41.949-08:00

I have begun reading The Elder by Cornelis Van Dam (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2009). It is 283 pgs including the index. It is one of five (more to come) volumes in the Explorations in Biblical Theology series. My professor, mentor, and friend, Robert A. Peterson, is the editor of the series, and I am thankful that he gave the book to me. I am sure that I will make some more comments

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-4895534890267902592009-09-12T10:40:00.001-07:002009-09-12T10:47:13.466-07:00Christ-Centered Worship: Letting the Gospel Shape Our Practice

Natalie purchased a copy of Bryan Chapell's new book, Christ-Centered Preaching: Letting the Gospel Shape Our Practice, from the Covenant Seminary Bookstore yesterday. I have only read a couple of pages so far, but I am extremely excited about this book. I would recommend that all Reformed pastors purchase a copy and begin reading today. The book asserts that the gospel should shape the

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-33071430154078070942009-09-09T07:42:00.001-07:002009-09-09T08:03:32.989-07:00Preach the Word - Part III - The Context of Preaching

Second, Paul paints a picture of the CONTEXT of preaching in verse 1: "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom..." In painting this picture for us Paul places preaching with the eternal context of Christ, his Second Coming, the final judgment, and the kingdom to come. Today, if you were to ask a

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-75398164986233207612009-09-06T13:02:00.000-07:002009-09-07T13:53:46.447-07:00The Big Picture

I preached a sermon this morning from Colossians 1:15-20 that I entitled "The Big Picture." The central assertion of the sermon is that the confession "Jesus is Lord of all" is the big picture of life. Some people call "the big picture" a worldview or a comprehensive paradigm. It is a framework for understanding all of reality. I presented my sermon in four sections: 1. The Subject of the Big

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-84113040622316239082009-08-31T18:25:00.000-07:002009-08-31T18:44:28.560-07:00Preach the Word - Part II - The Charge of Preaching

First of all, let us notice the CHARGE of preaching in verses 1-2. Paul says, "I charge you...preach the word." Preaching is a charge. It is a command. The first person verb in verse 1 ("I charge you...") is the Greek word diamarturomai. It is a powerful word. It refers to a solemn charge that is attached to a binding duty. The verb indicates that preaching is a command of God. Also, note that

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-78490631539506520822009-08-31T18:03:00.000-07:002009-08-31T18:22:15.755-07:00Preach the Word - Part I - Introduction

"Preach the Word" (2 Timothy 4:2). No imperative is more important for the minister of the gospel. No command is more grave. No exhortation is more sobering. At the end of his life, Paul writes to Timothy from a Roman prison. As the Apostle dictates his letter to an amanuensis, he contemplates his inevitible execution, pauses, collects his thoughts, and relates them through the scribe for

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-63084534064541208232009-08-24T19:55:00.001-07:002009-09-08T05:14:38.353-07:00Thank You, William Tyndale

William Tyndale was an English Reformer, Bible translator, and Christian martyr. In the words of John Foxe, Tyndale was "a true servant of God" and "a faithful minister of Christ." He was born about the borders of Wales, and he was raised in the University of Oxford. From the University of Oxford Tyndale then moved to the University of Cambridge, and he increased in his knowledge of the

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-54822099008489603822009-08-24T19:20:00.001-07:002009-08-24T19:21:07.472-07:00ELCA - Now This is Interesting

You must read this.

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-50649192265486800732009-08-22T14:21:00.000-07:002009-08-22T14:33:01.641-07:00Woe to the ELCA!

This morning I received my copy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and I was saddened by the news about the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). By a vote of 559-451 the ELCA voted in favor of allowing homosexuals in committed relationships to serve as clergy. Interestingly enough, the Post-Dispatch even calls this a "shift." Yes, indeed, it is a shift. And since it is a shift from the

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-12279514981916425602009-08-18T20:43:00.000-07:002009-08-18T20:59:14.300-07:00Practicing the Presence of God

I recently finished reading Brother Lawrence's Practicing the Presence of God for the third time. Although I am not a mystic, I am challenged by the basic premise of the book: Christians should develop a moment by moment awareness of presence of Christ. In many ways, Lawrence discovered the reality of 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which says, "Pray continually." It is extremely difficult to maintain

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-69683124898708263512009-07-23T09:52:00.000-07:002009-07-23T10:03:56.386-07:00Decisional Regeneration

Decisional Regeneration is the false teaching that the sinner decides when he will be born again (How on earth could someone believe this in light of John 3:8: "The wind blows wherever it pleases," etc.). Usually, the sinner makes a "decision for Christ" by praying the "Sinner's Prayer" and receiving Christ into his heart as his Lord and Savior. In the Bible, however, God calls sinners to

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-60340212853367011922009-07-21T20:08:00.000-07:002009-07-21T20:13:11.692-07:00How to Bear Fruit - A Sermon on John 15:1-11

What is God looking for in your life? If you claim to be a follower of Christ, God is looking for fruit. God not only wants us to profess faith with our lips, but he wants us to produce fruit with our lives. Now if you are a Christian, then you probably already understand the importance of fruit bearing. After all, fruit is a recurrent theme in the Bible. In the OT God calls Israel his vine

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-61465695396715898402009-06-23T10:06:00.000-07:002009-06-27T18:33:45.387-07:00Recommended Read: Christ-Centered Preaching

A couple of months back I finally finished a book that had been on my reading list for some time: Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell. Chapell is the president of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. In his work on preaching, he presents a useful and helpful homiletical model that will benefit both the seasoned preacher and seminarian alike. It goes like this: Explanation-

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-69591318159836449982009-06-19T06:22:00.000-07:002009-06-19T06:57:06.630-07:00Blogging for the Glory of God

I apologize to our small readership for my intermittent blogging as of late. During my hiatus, I have spent time reassessing my goal in blogging. Why do I blog? Am I obeying 1 Corinthians 10:31 in the posts that I make? And most foundationally: why blog? Here are some of the good reasons that I blog:1. Blogging allows me to communicate gospel truths to an audience that I would not be able to have

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-61308657771986487152009-06-19T06:16:00.000-07:002009-06-19T06:21:43.276-07:00Calvin the Charismatic?

This morning I stumbled upon this while browsing another blog:The inward attitude certainly holds first place in prayer, but outward signs, kneeling, uncovering the head, lifting up the hands, have a twofold use. The first is that we may employ all our members for the glory and worship of God; secondly, that we are, so to speak, jolted out of our laziness by this help. There is also a third use

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-10751568005844604732009-06-18T05:38:00.000-07:002009-06-18T05:51:36.658-07:00C.S. Lewis on Art for Art's Sake

"'How soon do you think I could begin painting?' it asked. The Spirit broke into laughter. 'Don't you see you'll never paint at all if that's what you're thinking about?' he said.'What do you mean?' asked the Ghost.'Why, if you are interested in the country only for the sake of painting it, you'll never learn to see the country.''But that's just how a real artist is interested in the country.''No

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-35560071101814075442009-05-21T08:37:00.000-07:002009-05-21T09:12:09.360-07:00Preaching the Ascension of Jesus Christ

For those of you who may be unaware, this upcoming Lord's Day is Ascension Day, and even though I do not follow the church liturgical calendar in my preaching, my senior pastor asked me to preach on the Ascension. I agreed to do so for at least two reasons: (1) I have always wanted to preach on the Ascension and planned to do so, and (2) the Ascension is a neglected doctrine in the church today,

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-75351590778131747732009-05-18T16:30:00.001-07:002009-05-18T16:46:07.670-07:00Ten Reasons I Give for Why I Am Not Gossiping (When I Really Am)

"And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell." -James 3:6 (ESV)1. "I am seeking counsel."2. "I am venting."3. "I am making a prayer request."4. "I would say this to the person's face (lie)."5. "I am talking to my wife and I can't keep secrets from her."6. "

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-60562508250151760352009-05-14T14:57:00.000-07:002009-05-15T18:03:01.579-07:00Abusing the Love of God - Another Example

Rembert G. Weakland was an archbishop in the Roman Catholic Church, but his career came quickly to an end (2002) when a man whom he had paid $450,000 to keep his mouth shut about their romantic involvement, appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America," claiming that Weakland had "raped" him. His story can be read here. Archbishop Weakland was already a liberal voice in the RCC before his early "

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-48057758304755535242009-05-13T12:07:00.000-07:002009-05-14T14:49:36.875-07:00John Piper Speaks Prophetically Against the Sin of Abortion

This is awesome. Listen here. John Piper says, "No, Mr. President, we stand for the sanctity of human life because human life is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Christians should weep for America because pro-life legislation is quickly overturned by our new President. Make no mistake about it. Mr. Obama is the strongest pro-death candidate ever to set foot in the White House. And make no

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-53098115288658457112009-05-11T18:05:00.000-07:002009-05-14T14:48:53.119-07:00No Place for Truth

I never cease to be amazed at the constant disregard of absolute truth in the news media. This evening I read an article about the Hubble Space Telescope. In the article, I was shocked by the following sentence:"In Hubble's photos, believers witness the hand of God, nonbelievers see astronomy in action, and artists discover galaxies worthy of galleries."Now, when I read this sentence, I make the

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-51910303179236814992009-05-08T19:02:00.000-07:002009-05-08T19:05:11.363-07:00Sermons

My sermons are now available online. The website is still under construction, and the most recent sermon is from November. But you should be able to access the sermons soon. You can listen here.

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-30011038192027590952009-04-15T11:20:00.000-07:002009-04-15T11:33:30.242-07:00Reclaiming the Arts: In Defense of a Calvinistic Poetic, Part I

In contradistinction to the elevation of reason that characterized the Enlightenment and Modernism, our post-everything culture has exchanged this edifice for one more befitting its "beyond propositional" mantra: art. Facing such a cultural milieu, Christians should rejoice that reason has been exchanged for art not because truth cannot be encapsulated in propositions, but because truth cannot

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-8399200198897444092009-03-14T07:22:00.001-07:002009-03-14T07:51:15.775-07:00Ad Honorem: Logan Almy

In the next four hours, I will be flying to St. Louis where I will reconvene with friends and family to celebrate the ordination of my brother, Logan Almy. Ordination is a serious time in which men of sound doctrine and character are called to "rightly handle the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15)." I could not think of a man for which this verse more aptly describes than Logan. In light of this

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-63608278829063687022009-02-16T14:25:00.000-08:002009-02-16T15:00:14.951-08:00What is Baptism?

When we consider the sacred rite of baptism, it is necessary to understand both its significance and its application. First, the significance of baptism.As a result of the emergence of a man-centered view of redemption, there has been a corresponding rise in a man-centered view of the sacrament of baptism. This should really come as no surprise since baptism is the initiatory rite of being

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-26072299986867655002008-12-25T10:35:00.000-08:002008-12-25T12:00:04.724-08:00Peace Between God and Man

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'" (Luke 2:13-14; emphasis mine)In the middle of the Advent narrative in Luke's gospel, we find this marvelous promise of peace. Yet while the angels sung of peace to the onlooking shepherds, Herod was in Jerusalem

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-89742758481606976022008-12-22T20:31:00.001-08:002008-12-22T20:43:55.745-08:00Honest Inquiry or Avoiding the Question?

It has been a couple of days since I have responded to the rantings of Matthew O'Donnell, a man whose views change with the passing of each day. While he has proceeded to hop from one issue to the next, I have consistently pressed home the question of how he can account for the laws of logic. Perhaps the most honest answer I received from him was when he admitted he didn't have a clue.Like most

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-48878434600638634172008-12-21T21:36:00.000-08:002008-12-21T21:54:11.673-08:00Is Calvinism Significant to the Gospel?

In light of my ongoing series examining the doctrines of grace and evangelism, I thought it would be pertinent to write a brief entry considering the general question this whole series has been probing: how important is Calvinism to the gospel? I am still constantly bewildered by the response of those (especially those who bear the moniker "Reformed") who would challenge the necessity of

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-10082446933607442322008-12-20T08:40:00.000-08:002008-12-20T09:26:03.619-08:00Read Great Literature Books, Not Just Theological Ones

As I write this article, I am sitting on our sandy colored canvas couch with skin that is still blistery from my morning shower. The smell of dark, rich coffee grounds still wafts through our apartment as I sit and ponder. My bare feet are pressed against the wood floor and I can still taste the saccharine, coffee creamer. The soft hum of the air conditioner is the only white noise as I am left

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-43994823651547288672008-12-19T21:24:00.000-08:002008-12-19T21:31:22.725-08:00Children are included in the New Covenant

A book I highly recommend (though I do not endore his Federal Vision theology) is Douglas Wilson's To a Thousand Generations. I find the case he makes for ochobaptism (or household baptism) to be very convincing. Concerning his argumentation, Douglas Wilson makes the bold claim: "In arguing for biblical infant baptism, it is not sufficient for us to say that infant baptism is merely consistent

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-2194259017496357212008-12-18T14:40:00.000-08:002008-12-18T14:43:06.045-08:00The Birth of the King: Isaiah 9:1-7 - Part VII

The King brings light because he fulfills the messianic promise, and because he fits the messianic profile. The King also brings light because he finishes the messianic program. God gave his King a messianic program to finish, and that program is his kingdom or his government. Isaiah says, “…and the government shall be upon his shoulder” (verse 6). He also says, “Of the increase of his

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-23823869769511375562008-12-18T14:36:00.000-08:002008-12-18T14:40:00.616-08:00The Birth of the King: Isaiah 9:1-7 - Part VI

The King brings light because he fulfills the messianic promise, but the King also brings light because he fits the messianic profile. In the OT we find a composite profile of the Messiah. Isaiah contributes to that messianic profile by providing the four names of this coming King. Verse 6 says, “…His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-36777715097672805522008-12-18T14:31:00.000-08:002008-12-18T14:35:46.517-08:00The Birth of the King: Isaiah 9:1-7 - Part V

The King brings light because he fulfills the messianic promise. Verse 6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” These words reflect the messianic promise. It is called the messianic promise because it concerns the Messiah. The Messiah or Christ is the “anointed King” who was promised to defeat God’s enemies, deliver God’s people, and establish God’s kingdom.This messianic

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-2365215203768284372008-12-17T21:07:00.000-08:002008-12-17T21:12:37.693-08:00Does God's Sovereignty Destroy Human Agency?

A common objection to God's exhaustive control over all events is the claim that such determinism would make humans "robots." However, the Historical Calvinist never claims that man does not possess a will or that he is coerced into making decisions. Man makes decisions according to his nature and desires. Therefore, in one sense it may be properly said that man's will is free, if we just mean

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-66490903909902979462008-12-16T19:36:00.000-08:002008-12-16T19:50:11.792-08:00Limited Atonement and the Gospel Call

This is the third part in a series of articles examining the doctrines of grace and evangelism. In this article, I will seek to provide Biblical warrant for a definitive view of the atonement and then, in light of this truth, I will demonstrate how we are to preach the gospel.The teaching of the atonement is one that remains cloaked in a shroud of confusion for most Christians. This is

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-74201562483550472512008-12-15T13:37:00.000-08:002008-12-15T13:47:29.654-08:00Unconditional Election, Brokenness, and the Success of the Gospel

This is the second part in my five part series on the doctrines of grace and evangelism. It is my earnest hope that through these articles the Holy Spirit might awaken a deep and abiding passion for the truth of God's electing love and a hunger to teach the untaught peoples this doctrine. One objection to Historic Calvinism that I could never understand was, "Calvinism destroys evangelism!"

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-24726066111416336402008-12-14T06:36:00.000-08:002008-12-14T06:47:30.171-08:00Radical Depravity and Evangelism

This will be my first post in an ongoing series examining the doctrines of grace and how each one particularly effects evangelism. Perhaps attempting to achieve what the second disc of Amazing Grace didn't, I want to look exegetically at how the Reformed view of God and man ultimately impacts our sotieriology and thus our evangelism. I want to begin by looking at what may be called the Bible's

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-83605409824230798682008-12-13T07:29:00.000-08:002008-12-14T06:31:20.324-08:00More from the frontlines...

As to be expected, our friend Matthew has followed up with some kind and tenderhearted responses. I was really hoping that we would receive some kind of significant and meaningful response to the question I have been posing, but that was wistful thinking I suppose. Notice the hubris that seems to be emanating from these kind of replies. It is almost as if he has dismissed any possibility that

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-37017840996126929612008-12-12T16:51:00.000-08:002008-12-12T17:06:28.222-08:00The Birth of the King: Isaiah 9:1-7 - Part IV

Having seen the historical and the literary context of Isaiah 9:1-7, and having elucidated the specifics of what would constitute fulfillment of this messianic prophecy, I now turn to a theological exposition of the passage. Isaiah 9:1-7 has one main purpose. Here it is - the birth of the Messiah will bring light to a people walking in darkness. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-73732987713857257252008-12-11T20:07:00.000-08:002008-12-18T09:35:47.807-08:00Does God Love Everyone Equally?

A prevalent misconception in the evangelical church today is the teaching that God loves all people in the same way. Proponents of this view often quote the ever popular John 3:16, placing added emphasis on the universal term: "For God so loved the WORLD, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." However, does the term "world" or kosmos in

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-61437027865462556972008-12-10T18:01:00.000-08:002008-12-10T18:45:52.975-08:00Still barking up the wrong tree...

It appears that our friend Matthew has responded. I have not the time at the moment to provide a detailed rebuttal of everything he has said but I do want to provide a brief response. Unfortunately, there is still no meaningful discussion of the subject at hand: how to account for the laws of logic. Sigh. My responses are in bold."Ha! You believe me an atheist? I do not fit your definition of

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-38577220738232280632008-12-10T16:15:00.000-08:002008-12-15T15:53:49.327-08:00The Impossibility of the Contrary

Recently, I have been engaging in an online discussion on the topic of the existence of God with a man named Matthew O'Donnell. The discussion began when I posed the question, "How do you account for morality?" The following is an excerpt of our interaction, indicating once again the impossibility of the contrary and just how unwilling the unbeliever is to give an answer for the laws of logic,

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-8386151026774329242008-12-09T09:57:00.000-08:002008-12-09T10:38:33.496-08:00Was Satan Bound at the Coming of Christ?

When approaching the question of who reigns over the world currently, the New Testament is thoroughly clear: the Lord Omnipotent reigns. Christ in his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension has been exalted as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and "must reign until he (the Father) has put all enemies under his feet (cf. 1 Cor. 15:25)." Jesus erases all doubt about who is in charge when saying:

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-15196998428970259892008-12-08T16:57:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:44:07.019-08:00The Birth of the King: Isaiah 9:1-7 - Part III

It is important to consider what would constitute fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy to his original hearers without assuming knowledge of the NT or later developments in the redemptive story. First of all, although the text does not specify the Davidic descent of the King, this is certainly implied in verse 6. Isaiah envisions a Davidic descendant ruling on David’s throne (cf. 11:1ff.). Second,

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-56744485480382084102008-12-08T16:51:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:43:15.215-08:00The Birth of the King: Isaiah 9:1-7 - Part II

As already mentioned, the larger literary context of Isaiah 9:1-6 is the “Book of Immanuel” in Isaiah 7-12. The more immediate literary context for Isaiah 9:1-6 is Isaiah 8:23 (ET – 9:1; cf. the citation in Matthew 4:15-16). In this verse, it is clear that God has shined his light upon “the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.” Therefore, when reading Isaiah 9:1-

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-34953896298505757522008-12-08T16:42:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:43:48.957-08:00The Birth of the King: Isaiah 9:1-7 - Part I

In order to understand and appreciate the prophecy concerning the birth of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:1-7, we must begin with its historical and literary context. The references to the “days of Ahaz” (7:1) and the crisis posed by the Syrian-Israelite alliance (734-732 BC) require the prophecies of the so-called “Book of Immanuel” (chapters 7-12) to be dated around 734 BC.[1] In the north, the

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-81017849491282704682008-12-08T09:13:00.000-08:002008-12-08T10:58:51.699-08:00Trivial Joy-Killers: Why Video Games Can Eradicate Deep Affections for God

Before beginning this article, I would like to preface with a few disclaimers. First, when I say "video games" that term can be replaced with virtually any other technological distraction (PDAs, Ipods, Facebook accounts, Blackberries, TVs, etc) and the same case be made. Second, when I say "video games can eradicate deep affections for God", I use the word can purposefully. I do not mean that any

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-15465950124770067142008-12-07T13:36:00.000-08:002008-12-07T14:55:36.179-08:00Presuppositionalism, the Transcendental Argument, and the Impossibility of the Contrary

Within Christian apologetics, there are various schools of methodologies. One such school is presuppositionalism, which argues that one must assume a conceptual framework or ultimate standard of truth in order to make any sense of reality. In other words, there are no "brute facts" that exist in the universe apart from an understanding of God. Because of this, we cannot attempt to persuade the

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-48507293195322041012008-12-06T08:48:00.000-08:002008-12-06T09:50:25.098-08:00Pro Tem (12/6)

Spring Break Plans?The Gospel Coalition is holding their 2009 National Conference in Chicago from April 21st-23rd. I highly recommend that you attend if at all possible. The lineup of speakers is outstanding: Bryan Chapell, John Piper, D.A. Carson, Mark Driscoll, Tim Keller and Ligon Duncan to name a few. I can say as well that my time at a related event, Together for the Gospel, was worth every

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-51853657890586449922008-12-06T06:36:00.000-08:002008-12-06T08:42:34.602-08:00The Pitfalls of Modern Youth Ministry

Throughout the evangelical church, there is a dearth of fatherhood. Men have abandoned their God-ordained role as teacher and leader in the home (cf. Deut. 6; Eph. 5:23-24). As a result, much of Biblical religion has been equated with femininity. Consider the atmosphere of much of our modern worship services. Everything from the flower arrangements and the sentimental music to the topical,

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-20592658939381191462008-12-05T11:14:00.000-08:002008-12-05T12:08:39.656-08:00Pro Tem (12/5)

Pro Tem means "for the time being." This is the first edition of a daily series of contributions designed to guide you to some useful, Reformed resources to read.Reformed Approach to EvangelismMonergism's monthly focus is on evangelism. Why is it that Reformed people have been stigmatized for not being evangelical? Although much of these accusations are unfounded, there is still some genuine

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-34417997125933431162008-12-05T09:44:00.000-08:002008-12-05T11:01:48.874-08:00When Atheists Attack: Christmas, Morality, and the Public Square

Recently, two events have surfaced that indicate a growing hostility by atheist organizations towards any Christian presence in the public sphere. The first event involves the American Humanist Association and their new campaign of bus ads in Washington, D.C. The ad depicts a quizzical Santa Claus and asks, "Why believe in a god? Be good for goodness' sake."The message of these bus ads are clear:

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-2709416443683882762008-12-04T17:18:00.000-08:002008-12-04T19:07:15.676-08:00Clarity on Covenant Theology

In the sphere of Reformed Theology, there are two types of covenant theology, not necessarily two contradictory types, but two types nonetheless. The first type is dogmatic covenant theology, and the second type is biblical covenant theology, which does not imply that it is any more biblical than dogmatic. Rather, biblical covenant theology means that it seeks to understand the unity of biblical

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-68503289566181286542008-12-04T08:47:00.000-08:002008-12-04T08:57:58.761-08:00God is God-Centered

John Piper recently spoke at the Evangelical Theological Society, and his lecture was entitled, "Why God is Not a Megalomaniac in Demanding to Be Worshiped."I highly recommend that you read his theses on the God-centeredness of God. The American evangelical church is simply wasting away on anthropocentrism. In other words, our main focus is man: his hopes and dreams, his felt needs. It is

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-83779210564622527162008-12-03T06:41:00.001-08:002008-12-03T07:42:01.529-08:00Consumerism Gone Homicidal

Consumerism (n.)- the belief that personal happiness is obtained through the purchase of material possessions. Homicidal (adj.)- capable of or conducive to murder. When does consumerism become homicidal you may ask? Well, by now I am sure that many of you have heard of the outlandish story coming out of Long Island, N.Y. where a worker was trampled to death by a stampeding mob ( read the full

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-47041291192404784032008-12-02T21:00:00.000-08:002008-12-03T06:40:51.616-08:00Ten Reasons the Altar Call Can Be Destructive to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

1. Sinners will equate "coming down the aisle" to "coming to Jesus" and may not really be experiencing any true conversion at all.2. Most preachers who perform altar calls assume an inherent capacity in man to come to Christ, which is dangerous and not Biblical (see Romans 3:10ff).3. Altar calls are often joined with a sinner's prayer. These prayers can be wrongly viewed as a magic formula that

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-41351976831416552952008-12-01T10:57:00.000-08:002008-12-01T11:29:11.700-08:00The Holiness of God- Part Two

Moral PurityWhen we come to verses 4-5 of Isaiah's temple vision, we are presented with an earthquake and smoke. This signifies the might and power of the one who sits enthroned. Isaiah's response in verse 5 is the only response a sinful creature can give in the presence of a holy God. This is the secondary definition of holiness that I alluded to in part one. It has to do with moral purity. In

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-67553546300670641862008-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:002008-12-01T10:50:51.942-08:00The Ignominy of the John 3:16 Conference

On November 6th and 7th, Jerry Vines hosted the "John 3:16 Conference" from First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia. The lineup was a veritable "who's who" of Southern Baptist speakers including: Johnny Hunt, Paige Patterson, Richard Land, David Allen, Steve Lemke, Ken Keathley, and Charles Stanley. Though a disclaimer was issued that the conference would not be a "Calvinist bashing" event,

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-67891394688286814232008-11-30T20:41:00.000-08:002008-12-01T09:59:38.443-08:00The Holiness of God- Part One

The scene is a familiar one. A witless, young blonde opens a door to find a dark stairwell that leads down to an old basement. She begins to fumble down the stairs while the audience knows all too well that something strange and sinister lurks below.In every culture, there exists some idea of the holy. This is due to the fact that within every human there is an innate desire to feel terror. It is

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-88828775170056897112008-11-30T12:10:00.000-08:002008-11-30T12:24:06.327-08:00The Lord's Supper

Today, the church where I serve celebrated the Lord’s Supper. I must confess that I cherish the Supper because it is a real means of grace to the believer. More importantly, the Supper, among other things of course, is a sacred occasion for believers to feast on the body and blood of the risen and exalted Lord Jesus.Unfortunately, the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament that the contemporary Reformed

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-39811740405904161362008-11-29T04:57:00.001-08:002008-11-29T05:43:55.490-08:00The Lord Jesus Christ- The Promised Seed, True Israel, and Last Adam- Part Two

In a real sense, Noah is the new Adam. He is commanded to spread the image of God throughout the earth which is recorded for us in v.18-19. However, though he is the representative of a new humanity that is saved in him and his ark, he is not the last Adam. His own sin demonstrates that he is not the ultimate fulfillment of the seed of the woman (cf. Gen. 9:21). Unable to keep his line in

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-33511212365297545522008-11-28T12:57:00.000-08:002008-11-28T13:02:51.849-08:00The Glorious Doctrine of Double Imputation

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. "-2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)Though there is an anti-doctrinal movement sweeping the evangelical church today, such has not always been the case in church history. Historical Protestantism was berthed by a belief in the centrality of the Word of God. Naturally, along with this came a strong

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-13325299711521095602008-11-28T12:51:00.001-08:002008-11-28T16:59:35.216-08:00The Glory of the Triune God in the Gracious Work of Redemption

Here is a sermon I preached at Maranatha Baptist Church in Lilburn, GA:The Glory of the Triune God in the Gracious Work of Redemption

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-56774309624469995182008-11-28T08:58:00.000-08:002008-11-28T12:30:52.670-08:00Ad Honorem: Athanasius' Stand for Orthodoxy

"The sacred and inspired Scriptures are sufficient to declare the truth." -Athanasius, Council of Nicaea, 325 A.D.Romans 13:7 says, "Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed (emphasis mine)." In light of this, we have begun a new series of articles that will be entitled ad honorem

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-31709563004373717522008-11-28T07:53:00.000-08:002008-11-28T12:19:28.177-08:00Recommended Read: Communion with God by John Owen

Outside the Bible, John Owen's Communion with God is one of my favorite books. I usually do not recommend "the abridged and made easy-to-read" version of any Puritan work, but in Owen's case I make an exception. Puritan Paperbacks made a wonderful contribution with this volume (transl. R.J.K. Law, Banner of Truth, 1991, repr. 2000). It is 209 pages of sheer glory. Owen is infamously difficult to

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-34039767201179951222008-11-27T08:55:00.000-08:002008-11-27T09:19:44.895-08:00Ten Reasons for the Godly to Give Thanks

As we convene with our families today to celebrate God's provision, consider ten incentives to praise God for his goodness (there are, of course, far more than ten):1. Praise God- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- that he alone has accomplished your redemption. Exult in the Father's sovereign, immutable, electing love (cf. Eph. 1:4), without which we would never believe in His Son. Rejoice that the

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-21796006388184452332008-11-26T21:16:00.000-08:002008-11-27T08:53:48.995-08:00According to the NT, What is the Status of the Children of Believers?

In reading the NT the careful exegete should make at least FIVE OBSERVATIONS pertaining to the children of believers.First of all, according to the NT, the children of at least one believing parent are HOLY. In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul is explaining the implications of the gospel for marriage. In verses 12-16, he considers the problem of marriages in which only one spouse is a believer.

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-5548884417674019812008-11-26T21:03:00.000-08:002008-11-27T19:05:01.672-08:00An Echo of the Abrahamic Promise in the New Covenant

The promise of the New Covenant is found in Jeremiah 31:31-34. Although our Reformed Baptist brothers in Christ claim that the nature of the New Covenant excludes the practice of infant baptism, the details of the text suggest otherwise. Moreover, although the New Covenant is a discontinuation of the Mosaic Covenant (Jeremiah 31:32), it is a continuation of the Abrahamic Covenant, and since the

Logan Almynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-53226105942551184562008-11-26T13:11:00.000-08:002008-11-26T13:23:50.084-08:00When the Term "Protestant" Becomes a Misnomer

I have often remarked on this site on how the state of evangelicalism today comes down to the fact that the gospel has lost all specificity. No where is this more true than in the eccumenical movements to unite Protestants and Catholics such as the Evangelicals and Catholics Together document of 1994. As long as America's church has a vague, ambiguous understanding of the gospel, she will be

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-13644922535352830772008-11-25T06:24:00.000-08:002008-11-29T05:44:58.021-08:00The Lord Jesus Christ- the Promised Seed, True Israel, and Last Adam-Part One

At times, redemptive history seems turned on its head and the wicked seem to outnumber the righteous. However, the continual message of Scripture is one of hope: the meek will inherit the earth (cf. Matt. 5:5), the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will spread throughout the world (cf. Habb. 2:14), the cities of this world will become the cities of our Lord (cf. Rev. 11:15), and unrighteousness

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-68227997010732476902008-11-24T09:57:00.001-08:002008-11-24T10:35:57.871-08:00Charles Spurgeon and Modern Day Evangelicals

While many modern evangelicals abhor Reformed theology, those who do so also unwittingly revere many godly men who embraced the doctrines of grace (i.e. Calvinism). It is interesting to note that those who are the most strident in their opposition against Calvinism are also those who think fondly of men who held firmly to the Reformed faith. One such example of this is the Prince of Preachers,

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-86566007832458118752008-11-23T14:10:00.000-08:002008-11-23T19:32:43.638-08:00God's Sovereignty and Plenary, Verbal Inspiration

Despite the rampant denial of God's exhaustive control over all human decisions by the majority of modern day evangelicals, there is still, within that same group, a strong tendency to affirm the inerrancy of Scripture. While we can rejoice at the preservation of this orthodox approach to the Bible, we must be diligent to note the theological inconsistency of denying God's sovereignty and

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-59262260136889484992008-11-22T08:12:00.001-08:002008-11-23T19:36:02.621-08:00Is Christmas a holy day for Christians?

It's that time of the year again. Mistletoe. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack frost nipping at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir. And folks dressed up like eskimos. Ok. Perhaps Nat "King" Cole is not the best authority on what Christmas should represent (I never did understand how we got from the Incarnation to eskimos anyway...). Even Christians who believe Christmas to be

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-88673730304879415422008-11-20T07:06:00.000-08:002008-11-20T07:14:50.584-08:00Another Author

In continuing in my attempt to update and improve this blog, I have doubled the number of our contributors (we are now at a grand total of 2). Logan Almy (M.Div Covenant Theological Seminary '08), my brother and fellow worshipper of our Sovereign, Triune God, will also be authoring Post Tenebras Lux. I am truly glad he has agreed to join and I am excited about his future articles. Welcome Logan!

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-10116366086983720112008-11-19T09:17:00.000-08:002008-11-20T11:47:15.569-08:00The Primacy of Preaching and Sound Biblical, Exposition

Throughout the evangelical community, there is a desperate and urgent cry for a recovery of gospel-centered ministry. While some churches try to fill their appetites with empty, Christian fadism, the sheep starve. Nothing will satiate the child of God as long as pastors continue to exchange gospel for gimmickry, teaching for technique, and ministry for management. In the face of such a dearth of

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-29100645937860701752008-07-17T11:54:00.000-07:002008-11-20T11:53:54.071-08:00Paedobaptism Article

The following is a brief article I wrote a few months ago which defends and advocates the position of paedobaptism. The complete title of the essay is: "Exulting in the Glorious Unity Between the Old and New Covenants Through God's Faithfulness to All Generations Displayed in the Sign and Seal of Household Baptism." I have republished it here for your edification. While there is an increasing

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-86870126694363480022008-07-17T11:53:00.001-07:002008-11-20T11:41:03.175-08:00Is Election Arbitrary?

One of the most prevalent objections to Historic Calvinism is this notion that election is arbitrary. When this subject is discussed for any length of time, the argument is often raised that if God chooses sinners before the foundation of the world without regard to any foreseen faith or works, then this makes God's sovereign choice arbitrary. God is reduced to a cosmic team captain, reminiscent

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-10172909272883259412008-07-16T09:11:00.000-07:002008-11-20T11:41:31.155-08:00Pneumatology- A Much Neglected Doctrine, Part One

Pneumatology. If that word sounds like a disease to you, chances are it is because it is one of the least emphasized elements of theology in the church today. Even in Reformed circles, where some of the finest systematic theology has been done, Pneumatology, or the study of the Person and the Work of the Holy Spirit, is scarcely discussed. Perhaps in an overreaction against some of the abuses of

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-23234918302446886672008-07-15T20:21:00.000-07:002008-11-20T11:42:07.133-08:00Election and Predestination

Much confusion abounds regarding these two Biblical terms: election and predestination. Though similar and related, these two terms refer to two different aspects of God's eternal decree. Election refers to God's choice of certain individuals before the foundation of the world. Predestination, on the other hand, concerns God's determination of these same individuals to a particular end. In fact,

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667728847919942498.post-63409944513490889642008-07-14T10:24:00.000-07:002008-11-20T11:42:36.794-08:00On the Meaning of "Post Tenebras Lux"

"Post Tenebras Lux" was the slogan of the Genevan Commonwealth during the time of the Reformation. It is latin for, "After darkness, light." In recent months, my previous blog, "Reformed Orthodoxy" was shut down due to the controversy it evoked. Interestingly enough, this was instigated by so-called "evangelicals." What is even more shocking is that most of the articles on my blog were doing

Trevor Almyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760160840794491045noreply@blogger.com0