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reformed baptist

Book Review — Kingdom Through Covenant – 2nd Edition

December 11, 2020 by Chuck Ivey

In Kingdom Through Covenant – 2nd Edition, Gentry and Wellum have given us a much needed updated to their seminal work on the biblical covenants. Whether one finds their arguments convincing or not, theologians who argue for or against covenant theology or dispensationalism will eventually have to consider the claims made by the authors.

Filed Under: Theology Tagged With: 1689, Biblical Theology, book review, Chuck Ivey, covenant, Crossway, dispensationalism, Gentry, reformed baptist, Systematic Theology, theology, Wellum

Psalm 119:173-176 — Seek Your Servant Like a Lost Sheep

March 21, 2020 by Michael Coughlin

Jesus, the lamb of God, became sin for His people that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Jesus was the lamb who never strayed from the pasture, yet he took on the penalty deserved by foolish and rebellious sheep. Jesus is the lost sheep when he is suffering the penalty for our sins. Jesus is the one who cries to God to be sought after in this state. And Jesus is the one who never forgot God’s commands.

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Psalm 119:169-172 — Eruption of Praise

February 8, 2020 by Michael Coughlin

Pray Like Jesus Psalms 119:169  Taw Let my cry come before you, O Yahweh; give me understanding according to your word! As we begin to close the longest chapter of the Bible, we might be tempted to think that God has already said everything that can be said. We must put away any thought that […]

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Psalm 119:165-168 — Cause → Effect

February 1, 2020 by Michael Coughlin

It has been said that there are two religions in the world: the religion of grace and the religion of works. A distinguishing characteristic of the religion of works is that somehow the good deeds a man does are what pleases his deity. This is true whether that religion sees man as inherently good or as innately sinful. Since this is an affront to the gospel of grace, our Scriptures go to great lengths to destroy any hope men can have to save themselves by proclaiming the gospel of grace (Romans 3:24,25; Ephesians 2:8, 9). But wicked men will always twist good religion to their own ends and many a man has proclaimed the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ apart from works as a license to sin.

One of the ways God helps us to walk in his ways while we strive to imitate Christ is by granting us awareness of His immanence. Nothing can be hidden from the anthropomorphic eyes of God. For the heathen, this truth is blatantly denied as they fancy themselves into thinking they will escape judgment. It’s not always because men think they are good that they shall escape judgment, but sometimes it is that they think no one knows of their crimes. The child of God whose heart has been quickened earnestly desires obedience to God’s precepts and adherence to God’s testimonies, yet he or she still finds it difficult to obey. The spirit and flesh are opposed to each other and the battle rages, and sometimes the flesh wins.

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Psalm 119:161-164— Do You Hate Falsehood?

January 25, 2020 by Michael Coughlin

Christianity is thought of by many as the “religion of niceness.” Whoever came up with that idea knows very little of the scripture. Yes, Christians are called to be kind and should be known by their kindness and meekness. But too often we mistake kindness for fake-virtues like “never disagreeing with anyone,” and “never hating anything or anyone.” But as David speaks here, so does the Christ, “I hate and abhor falsehood.” Jesus Christ is the Truth and falsehood is a lie. Thus it is fitting that we should hate the opposite (falsehood) of that which we love (Christ). God chooses more than one word here to denote His holy hatred for lying. God personally hates lying and morally detests it.

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Psalm 119:157-160 — We Are In A Battle

January 18, 2020 by Michael Coughlin

We vomit spoiled food almost instantaneously, not because we think about it and decide we should expel it, but because our bodies are naturally designed to protect us. We have a *”gag reflex” for a reason, and it prevents things from getting deep inside us before we have time to realize all the effects. Similarly, our Christian conscience and convictions, bathed in the Word and Law of God, are capable of causing a natural aversion to sin and evil before we’ve even had time to consider it. We are disgusted by the ideas of lying, stealing, vandalism, gossip, slander, sexual immorality, rape, orgies, homosexual acts and desires, drunkness, hypocrisy, envy, sorcery, and faithlessness. A Christian who is growing in holiness and separation from worldly lusts will find themselves more quickly disgusted when they encounter rampant wickedness and filth as they walk their path in this world (James 1:21).

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Psalm 119:153-156— Christ Alone Delivers

January 11, 2020 by Michael Coughlin

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible. It’s longer than several entire books. I imagine that due to our propensity to read to the end of the chapter, a good number of people read Psalm 119 in one sitting when they get to it in their Bible reading plan. While there is […]

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Psalm 119:149-152 — Be Comforted For God Is Near

December 28, 2019 by Michael Coughlin

It is easy to be anxious in this world. We are surrounded by difficulty even when we are not being chased down by evildoers. A Christian’s comfort must begin with God. And the only way we can find comfort is with a God who is near to us. Other religions brag of completely transcendent gods. Some religions have gods who are so much like us that it’s impossible to discern what makes them gods in the first place. But our God, the God of Heaven and Earth, is near to us. He is omnipresent so we always have access to Him through Jesus Christ who shed his blood for us then rose again and ascended into Heaven. There is no place we can go to avoid His presence (as if we’d want to!).

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Psalm 119:145-148— Meditate on the PROMISE

December 21, 2019 by Michael Coughlin

The promise we have received is no different, but we have received more revelation. We meditate on the aspects of that promise which are already fulfilled: that Jesus Christ has come into the world. He was born of the virgin, conceived without the stain of sin by the Holy Spirit, and was perfectly righteous before the Father in every respect, although He was tempted by Satan (Hebrew 4:15). He was delivered to death and suffered the wrath of almighty God for sinners, (Isaiah 53:11), was buried, and on the third day rose from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). THIS is what we meditate upon, and all its implications: that we are wretched sinners, that Christ is a kind and gracious and all-sufficient savior, and that only by grace through faith can salvation be accomplished (among others)!

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Psalm 119:141-144 — Assurance of Perseverance

December 7, 2019 by Michael Coughlin

First, we note the extent and duration of God’s righteousness. It is righteous forever. There is no other being of whom that can be said. God is eternal and unchanging. Thus, His righteousness is forever righteous. What a comfort to know that our God will not change and will forever be righteous. Secondly, we note the quality of God’s righteousness. His righteousness is righteous. While this seems obvious, it bears remarking that God describes our righteousness in very different terms. Isaiah 64:6 reminds us that “all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” God’s righteousness is contrasted with ours in that His righteousness is eternal and unblemished righteousness. There is no stain on God’s righteousness and it isn’t pushed about by winds of change. Praise Him!

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Psalm 119:137-140 — Zeal + Ignorance = Worthless Religion

November 30, 2019 by Michael Coughlin

In Romans 10:2-4, Paul criticizes the Israelites for having a zeal for God but not according to knowledge. It is not that they didn’t know who God is or that they worshipped the wrong God. No, Paul’s admonition is that the Israelites knew God, but didn’t comprehend His righteousness. Thus, they didn’t submit to it, nor were they grasping their need for Christ’s righteousness to cover them. But the Israelites could not blame the psalmist. For centuries before the incarnation, Psalm 119 was telling the people of God’s righteousness and His faithful promise. Thus, the psalmist is consumed with his own zeal for God’s righteous testimonies. He is consumed with zeal for God’s faithful promise as a contrast to the ignorance of his enemies.

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Psalm 119:133-136 — Does Your Love Bring You To Tears?

November 23, 2019 by Michael Coughlin

God justifies us by grace through faith alone, and that faith is followed by good works (Ephesians 2:10). God doesn’t just forgive sinners and leave them in their sin; He promises them help along the way (Proverbs 3:6). That is his promise to us. God provides us with new affections and desires. But in our unredeemed flesh, we still must wage war with sin. Confessing our weakness, we ought to pray with the psalmist “let no iniquity get dominion over me!” It is good and right to plan on not sinning, but we humbly request God to be the power that enables us to walk in newness of life. A healthy fear of the power of sin is essential to avoid it. It is those who think they stand who are in most danger of falling (1 Corinthians 10:12). Humbly acknowledge your need for His grace today.

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Ep. 029 | Brad Weber Interview — TAU Roundtable

November 21, 2019 by TAU Roundtable

TAU Roundtable logo with a gravestone left and lady praying on right

Michael interviews Brad Weber of Theology Nights @ http://theologynights.com/ Theology Nights offers Reformed theology, articles, teaching, videos, and podcasts. In this episode, Brad gives us insight into his former life of addiction and what drives him to do what he does today. Brad is an elder at Youngtown Metro Church. Enjoy this discussion between brothers who […]

Filed Under: Theology, Things Above Us Roundtable Tagged With: blogging, Cessationism, Christian Life, conversion, cruciform, Devotional, gospel, grace, reformed baptist, Reformed Baptist Theology, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture, sin, sola scriptura, titus

Psalm 119:129-132 — Into The Light

November 16, 2019 by Michael Coughlin

God is glorified by His giving of more and more grace. It magnifies God’s benevolence and kindness in the eyes of creatures when He expresses pity on them and blesses them with still more grace. Oh, how many Christians will go to Heaven and only realize there that there was more grace available in this life had they only asked. God will never run out and you can never exhaust His grace! Too often we don’t ask for more grace because we don’t feel we deserve it.

We never deserve it. That’s why we call it grace. It is not earned. It’s granted by a good and merciful Savior.

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, darkness, Devotional, gospel, light, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Ep. 027 | Dustin Benge Interview — TAU Roundtable

November 14, 2019 by TAU Roundtable

TAU Roundtable logo with a gravestone left and lady praying on right

Michael interviews Dr. Dustin Benge of Southern Seminary about the two sermons he gave at the 2019 Cruciform Conference concerning the cruciform gospel. Dustin preached from Titus 3 and posed 4 questions to consider: Where does a cruciform gospel start? What does a cruciform gospel exalt? What is the message of a cruciform gospel? And […]

Filed Under: Theology, Things Above Us Roundtable Tagged With: blogging, Cessationism, Christian Life, conversion, cruciform, Cruciform Conference, cruciform gospel, Devotional, Dustin Benge, gospel, grace, reformed baptist, Reformed Baptist Theology, reformed theology, Roundtable, sanctification, scripture, sin, sola scriptura, Things Above Us, titus

Psalm 119:125-128— God’s Law > Everything on Earth

November 9, 2019 by Michael Coughlin

Thus, David begins the end of this octet with the proclamation that God’s precepts are right. All of them! And thus it follows that every other way is false and therefore worthy of disposal. It is not enough for the Christian to say “I believe what I believe but I won’t judge someone else for their beliefs.” This is as hateful as letting a child play with a fork near an outlet or walk through a parking lot with his or her hand unheld. When you love someone, you do what you can to protect them while they are weak, teach them how to protect themselves so they’ll grow, and warn them of the very real dangers they are ignorant of.

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, judgement, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

Ep. 025 | Various Interviews — TAU Roundtable

November 7, 2019 by TAU Roundtable

TAU Roundtable logo with a gravestone left and lady praying on right

Michael interviews a few more interesting people from the Cruciform Conference. Micah Hasty of Micah Hasty Music https://twitter.com/themicahandrew Josh Hamon of https://theministryofwar.com/ Bryan Lamb of https://www.garageministries.com/  

Filed Under: Evangelism, Theology, Things Above Us Roundtable Tagged With: Bryan Lamb, Christian Life, conversion, Cruciform Conference, Devotional, gospel, grace, interviews, Josh Hamon, Luther, men's ministry, Micah Hasty, Michael Coughlin, music, reformed baptist, reformed theology, Roundtable, sanctification, scripture, sin, sola scriptura, Things Above Us

Ep. 024 | Kofi Interview — TAU Roundtable

November 5, 2019 by TAU Roundtable

TAU Roundtable logo with a gravestone left and lady praying on right

Michael interviews Kofi regarding his sermon, Hebrews 12: Cross Purchased Discipline. This discussion will edify saints as you get the benefit of the hours of study which was put in before the Cruciform Conference in Indianapolis. Also, we hear about Kofi’s church’s upcoming ministry events. Please visit https://gccroguevalley.org/ to learn more about Grace Community Church […]

Filed Under: Evangelism, Theology, Things Above Us Roundtable Tagged With: atonement, Cessationism, Christian Life, conversion, Devotional, From death to life, gospel, grace, Hebrews, Kofi, Michael Coughlin, reformed baptist, Reformed Baptist Theology, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture, sin, sola scriptura

That Ain’t Your Mama’s Hyssop

October 26, 2019 by Michael Coughlin

David is guilty of the death of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:15). Although he hadn’t physically touched Uriah’s dead body, there is a sense of uncleanness because of his involvement in Uriah’s death. So when David cries out to the Lord to be purged with hyssop, he is calling on God to cleanse him from his sin. David could have offered more sacrifices than nearly anyone who has ever lived. He was a rich man! But he knew that God delights in “a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart,” rather than animal sacrifices (Psalm 51:16-17), and certainly hyssop is similarly a prefigurement of something…or Someone.

Filed Under: Missions, pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Cleanliness, conversion, David, death, Holy Spirit, hyssop, love, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sin, sprinkling

Psalm 119:121-124— Deliverance

October 12, 2019 by Michael Coughlin

ot only are we promised deliverance from our own cursed flesh, but we are promised freedom from the evil of this world. We long to see the day when all of God’s enemies are finally made a footstool (Hebrews 1:13) so that we might be delivered from them! Our suffering and oppression, although ordained by God and granted by God (Philippians 1:29) is nevertheless something we naturally want to avoid. We long for the time and place where God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4), where there will be no more pain and no more death. Suffering and pain are results of the curse, and all creation groans to be delivered—ourselves included (Romans 8:22-23). It is this meaningful focus on future deliverance that strengthens the child of God for every circumstance in this world. We are not promised health and wealth now, but when we inherit all the rewards earned by the Christ, we will be glad we traded none of them for temporary comfort!

Filed Under: pSaturday Psalms, Theology Tagged With: Christian Life, Devotional, gospel, love, mercy, Psalm 119, Psalms, reformed baptist, reformed theology, sanctification, scripture

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The Team

Allen Nelson IVAllen Nelson IV

Allen S. Nelson IV is the pastor of Perryville Second Baptist Church in Perryville, Arkansas. He and his wife Steph...

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Michael CoughlinMichael Coughlin

Michael Coughlin lives near Columbus, OH, and leads local outreaches to glorify our Lord and reach the lost with...

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Chuck IveyChuck Ivey

By God’s grace, Chuck Ivey grew up in a Christian home and came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a y...

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George AlvaradoGeorge Alvarado

George Alvarado is an almost retired member of our Armed Forces (yes, he's older than he looks). He has a beautiful w...

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Justin Bullington is the husband of Deb, a father of four, the Associate Pastor at Princeton Bible Church, a 6th...

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Garrett O’HaraGarrett O’Hara

Garrett appears to have originated the term, but not the theology, "dispybapticalvinistic-expialidocious." He ...

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