Covenant Theology: The Absolute Sovereignty of the Creator

Westminster Presbyterian Church ^ | Dr. James E. Bordwine

[sheltonmac]

Threads for previous sermons:

1. The Foundation

[sheltonmac]

*ping*

[CCWoody]

You would never hear a sermon like that in any church I've ever attended. Not enough seeker sensitivity.

Woody.

[sheltonmac]

You would never hear a sermon like that in any church I've ever attended. Not enough seeker sensitivity.

Yeah, a topic like this doesn't lend itself very well to a light-hearted, two-minute sketch by the church's theater group.

[George W. Bush]

Hmm...

Normally, I associate covenant theology with certain doctrines most markedly associated with Presbyterian and Reformed churches.

I'm not certain how labeling the sovereignty of God as a covenant theology actually forwards any argument. I generally think of covenants with God as being His promise not to flood the earth again or His covenant with Israel or the New Covenant of Christ.

Perhaps I lack a certain theological sophistication.

History of Covenant Theology, R. S. Clark, Westminster Seminary California

New Covenant Theology (IDT).

Perhaps as we see more of the series of sermons, the preacher's intent will become clearer. For now, I would say that the preacher states the obvious, not a peculiar feature of covenant theology. The entire idea of God does presuppose His sovereignty after all. But perhaps the preacher merely intends to lay the groundwork for his subsequent teachings in actual covenant theology.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Bump for a reaffirming sermon from a doctrinally-sound PCA pastor.

I like their homepage.

[drstevej]

***Yeah, a topic like this doesn't lend itself very well to a light-hearted, two-minute sketch by the church's theater group.***

I don't know.

How about three people costumed as clay pots of varying types whining about their maker, griping about how they were made, what they were made to do, etc.

Suddenly a loud voice says, "STOP!" and they freeze in place as the voice continues, "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? "
Fade to black.

Pastor says, turn in your Bibles to Romans Chapter 9...

This skit is consistent with the intent of Paul's illustration. It is simply a visual illustration. It could include some humor but make a very serious and sobering point.

Just a thought.

[George W. Bush]

You would never hear a sermon like that in any church I've ever attended.

I've never heard any other kind of sermon. Actually, I can't quite imagine any other kind on this topic but I don't get out much, not being...um...denominationally adventurous (?). Not sure what exactly the right term is.

I just don't get out much or something.

[Gamecock]

Indeed.

The good people in Vancouver Washington are blessed to have such a church in their midst.

[George W. Bush]

I would flee any church that taught by dance or theatrics. A godly man expositing the Word is all that is sufficient. And a great deal of mischief is made with modernism.

[drstevej]

***I would flee any church that taught by dance or theatrics.***

Ya suppose when Jesus taught about the vine and branches there were any vineyards visible? I believe He often used visuals in the vicinity to illustrate spiritual truth.

Agree?

[rwfromkansas]

awesome post. This is one Calvinistic issue that needs more exposure on FR.

[George W. Bush]

Ya suppose when Jesus taught about the vine and branches there were any vineyards visible? I believe He often used visuals in the vicinity to illustrate spiritual truth.

Was He dancing or using theatrical technique? Did Peter or Paul or the early missionaries need these artifices?

[drstevej]

Did I mention dance?

A parable is a skit script.

[connectthedots]

Instead, the Bible simply tells us what this God is like, what He has done and is doing; and it tells us what should be our response to Him.

Sounds to me like this guy is saying man can choose to be obedient or disobedient. It does not sound like 'total depravity' at all. Nor does it look like unconditinal election, either.

Besides, this can't be the Gospel; there's no mention of Calvinism. /sarcasm

Since Covenant theology is not identified as Calvinism, what is the difference between Calvinism and Covenant theology?

[Alex Murphy]

How about three people costumed as clay pots of varying types whining about their maker, griping about how they were made, what they were made to do, etc.

How would this skit be performed in Arminian/Pelagian churches? Are the pots chided by God for not melting themselves down, and reforming themselves into "vessels fit for honorable use" (Romans 9:21)?

[drstevej]

The voice would come on and say, "Hey it wasn't Me, I have my limits. Welcome to My world."

Oops, that's Bruce Almighty.

[George W. Bush]

A parable is a skit script.

Matthew 13:3 - And he spake many things unto them in skit scripts, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

Matthew 13:10 - And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in skit scripts?

Matthew 13:13 - Therefore speak I to them in skit scripts: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Matthew 13:18 - Hear ye therefore the skit script of the sower.

Matthew 13:24 - Another skit script put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

Matthew 13:31 - Another skit script put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

I see your point.

[connectthedots]

I actually know one of the founding families (one of the families who are no longer attending there) of this church. My ex and I attending the local CRC for a couple years prior to going to Vancouver First Church of God (Anderson, IN). Many others (well over 1/2 of a fairly small congregation) from the CRC left earlier or soon thereafter; so many that the CRC simply shut down the church altogether.