Author: Ron Francis

Westminster Larger Catechism Study

I Am Who I Am

Ron Francis

Great analysis!

Possessing the Treasure

by Mike Ratliff

14 God said to Moses, “ I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 (NASB) 

In our look at the Bible and the Christian view that it is the living Word of God, His communication to His people, we see that it is not just a collection of writings or a simply a history. The Holy Spirit not only indwells Christians he also indwells Sacred Scripture. When believers read and study the Word of God, The Holy Spirit works through it to accomplish spiritual, eternal work within them. God communicates with His people primarily through His Word. One of the main goals in this is His revelation of Himself to those who love Him.

Jesus Christ is the interpretive key to Sacred Scripture. Any other hermeneutic will lead…

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Westminster Larger Catechism Study

God Justifies the Ungodly

Ron Francis

Rich truth in Mike’s post. I like his comment about fruit. Though that deserves it’s own study. Good fruit, bad fruit. Fruits of the Spirit. What about fruit of sound Biblical doctrine, and fruits of good works? The Bible speaks much about agriculture: Good Sed, Bad Seed. Good soil, which any farmer (or even the home gardener) knows takes hard work. Good fertilizer and watering. Seasons of fruiting. Pruning is needed. And maybe no so much about bees and pollination, or spraying. Doesn’t always work though…

Luk 13:8  And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Luk 13:9  And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

I’ll just mention I too am having discussions with two elders, both younger than I am at our church about the music. Our first live in building service was Easter and the sound level was off the charts. After a year in lockdown they seem to have forgotten to monitor using their decibel meter. Not as bad as our friend’s daughter’s church where they hand out ear plugs, but loud enough to take the edge off of the joy of regathering together. Like your church we probably can not change back to “traditional”, but hopefully can work on the volume, and if possible getting them to stop singing and paying royalties to churches like Bethel Redding, which dominate today’s music.

Possessing the Treasure

by Mike Ratliff

1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN,
AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.
8 “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.” Romans 4:1-8…

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Westminster Larger Catechism Study

I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Ron Francis

Truly favorite verses. I personally prefer the KJV text which seems to make it clear which gospel Paul is not ashamed of.

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Maybe not in Paul’s day, but today we can become confused by alternative gospels, but they likely will not get you persecuted.

Possessing the Treasure

by Mike Ratliff

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 (NASB) 

Western Christians, especially American Christians, are, for the most part, double minded. Materialism, humanism, and liberalism have so contaminated them that they believe that they will never be persecuted for their faith. It is as if the idea that persecution for being a Christian is unthinkable. In many parts of the World persecution is actually becoming worse. It is estimated that over 16,000 Christians are martyred each year. However, in this country Christians are more concerned about Football or Television shows or money or possessions than contending for the faith.

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Westminster Larger Catechism Study

WLC – Q. 46. What was the estate of Christ’s humiliation?

Ron Francis

Q. 46. What was the estate of Christ's humiliation?A. The estate of Christ's humiliation was that low condition, wherein he for our sakes, emptying himself of his glory, took upon him the form of a servant, in his conception and birth, life, death, and after his death, until his resurrection. What was Christ's condition before… Continue reading WLC – Q. 46. What was the estate of Christ’s humiliation?