James’s Comments (group member since Oct 30, 2014)

James’s comments from the Reformed Pub group.

If you want, I can just email the files to you. Message me your email, and I will send them for you.

Dmreichle wrote: "Can you send as PDF? I'll have to get the books as well, but it's great to have it in a schedule for sure."

If you click the dropbox link you should be able to download the pdf. If you need, I can just email them to you.

Here is a link to a one year reading plan. There is a pdf or an apple calender reading plan. I can put them in different formats if anyone needs, since I made them with my Logos 6 software. I can also make them a word doc or printable calender. For now, they can be sent to your apple calendar or I could share them with you if you want to put them in your own logos software. As you can see, it is only about 5 pages a day. You could probably just read on Saturday for an hour and be done for the week. I'll update the reading group for this book. Let's do it!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/iwlcxylr0y...

Here is a link to a one year reading plan. I can put them in different formats if anyone needs, since I made them with my Logos 6 software. I can also make them a word doc or export in calendar form. For now, they can be sent to your apple calendar or I could share them with you if you want to put them in your own logos software. As you can see, it is only about 5 pages a day. You could probably just read on Saturday for an hour and be done for the week. I'll update the reading group for this book. Let's do it!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/iwlcxylr0y...

I suspect that many of you, much like myself, have fallen behind due to various other reading projects and responsibilities. Of course, maybe some of you are all caught up! Which are you? If you are behind, never fear! I bet some of us will take a year to finish, and we will finish together nonetheless!

No worries. I don't disagree with some of your points. If you leave, there won't be any lively discussion ;)

I've been thinking about your posts for a few days. I'll keep thinking haha

There has been recent discussion in the Pub concerning images in the mind, images of God, and the second commandment. Feel free to hop over there and read that massive thread. Also feel free to start a separate discussion on Calvin's chapter on idolatry. For many of us, it's the first time we have heard any argument against images. Might be a good discussion. Many people disagree with Calvin on this point.

Nemo, I just want to warn you that you are coming close to violating the Pub rules. You are permitted to discuss things, but if you begin to militate against our confessions of faith, then you will be removed. This does not mean that you can't disagree with everything we believe, it merely means that this is not the place to try and convert others. So far you have come close to denying the authority of Scripture and now you appear to be attacking depravity in some way (key word being "appear"). So far, I think you are fine, but I'm just letting you know, since I don't know you from the Pub FB group, and you may be unaware of the rules here:

"This is a group exists mainly for the edification of Reformed Christians. While anyone is welcome, and healthy debate is encouraged, we will not tolerate hostile ongoing opposition to the Reformed faith, as described in the 3 forms of Unity, The Westminster Confession of Faith, and the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. If you disagree with these documents be respectful about it, and we will return the favor."

No need to take offense to this response. It's just a concern as I am charged with moderating this community.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was Augustine...so far he has quoted him the most often as far as I can tell.

^^ good question. I did a quick google search and didn't find anything. That would be interesting to find out!

I'm excited to see some of you reading this to learn reformed theology! You're going to learn about it from a wonderful perspective. Wait until you read Calvin on prayer...breathtaking! :)

Personally, I hope to gain a better understanding of how the Reformers made the transition from Roman Catholic dogma into Protestant theology. These men were trained intellectually by some of the greats: Augustine, Aquinas, et al. So, how much were they influenced by their received tradition? This might be a good way for me to understand how to remain a catholic (universal) Christian while still being baptist, reformed, and protestant. Also, I hope to study the scripture passages that Calvin uses. I'm hoping to use my reading as a devotional time led by a great teacher. And, finally, I hope to see how theology is done pastorally and in the context of suffering and persecution. The protestant church was being slandered and attacked, both physically and spiritually, so Calvin felt led to defend the doctrines of the Reformed protestant church. This is a far greater purpose for sound doctrine than merely being right in an argument down at the coffee shop!

As far as I can tell, most people will be using beveridge, but we are breaking the reading up by chapter and section, so it probably won't matter if you use McNeil/Battles.

That article has some great resources in it. I especially like this study guide: A Study Guide to Calvin's Institutes

Don't forget Calvin's own introductory letter to the King of France! I was just looking at that today and forgot how good it was (duh!)

Good idea! I'll be on the lookout for some good articles and resources. I believe WTS or RTS had a free class on Calvin's Institutes. I listened to parts of it, and it was awesome.

Janurary 1-31: Book 1

Feb 1-28: Book 2

March 1-31: Book 3 (chapters 1-11)

April 1-30: Book 3 (Chapters 12-25)

May 1-31: Book 4 (Chapters 1-12)

June 1-30: Book 4 (Chapters 13-20)

Post quotes, questions, or comments here. We will discuss this section in full on Feb. 1 after everyone has read, as our discussion leader, Ross, directs us.

Shawn wrote: "[bookcover:Church History in Plain Langu..."

I've read some Timothy Paul Jones. I love his take on Family Ministry. Our church has been trying to implement his model with some success. It's hard to shift a church when the whole culture (inside and outside the church) is fighting against you.

Share what you are currently reading!

Is it any good? Why or why not?