In this episode we continue our conversation with David Martinez about a Wesleyan understanding of suffering and theodicy. In this episode we focus on how specifically Wesleyan theology gives us comfort and strength in suffering. Then we share encouragement to all those who are facing seasons of trial and suffering. We pray this episode is an encouragement to you in whatever you are facing. God bless and Merry Christmas from all of us here at Remonstrance Podcast.
In this episode we are joined again by David Martinez to discuss a Wesleyan understanding of suffering and theodicy. First, we will discuss what theodicy means and then talk about why it is important to have a theodicy to answer questions about suffering. We will then contrast the Calvinist explanation of suffering with the Wesleyan-Arminian explanation. Make sure you don't miss the second part of the conversation.
Links:
Fundamental Wesleyan Publishers Bookstore
An Interview with Author Joseph D. McPherson
This episode is the final part of an excellent lecture by Dr. Vic Reasoner titled, "What is a Wesleyan?" This lecture was presented at the 2018 Fundamental Wesleyan Society Conference. Dr. Reasoner is the Chairman of the Fundamental Wesleyan Society and the editor of the Arminian magazine. If you want to listen to more lectures on Wesleyan theology check out our sister podcast, "the FWS podcast." Also, if you are interested in learning more about the FWS and possibly subscribing to the Arminian magazine check out the link below.
This episode is the first part of an excellent lecture by Dr. Vic Reasoner titled, "What is a Wesleyan?" This lecture was presented at the 2018 Fundamental Wesleyan Society Conference. Dr. Reasoner is the Chairman of the Fundamental Wesleyan Society and the editor of the Arminian magazine. If you want to listen to more lectures on Wesleyan theology check out our sister podcast, "the FWS podcast." Also, if you are interested in learning more about the FWS and possibly subscribing to the Arminian magazine check out the link below.
Happy Reformation month everyone! In honor of the 502nd Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation we will be releasing a series of two lectures this month about the later years of Martin Luther's life given at Wesley Chapel (our church) last year. These lectures pick up right where the two from last year left off (see Episodes 49 and 50). Enjoy the lectures and Happy Reformation Day from all of us here at Remonstrance Podcast.
Link to Power Point Used:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IIwbThGEfAV54Df28-bXAfttWyrQl8Ab/view?usp=sharing
Happy Reformation month everyone! In honor of the 502nd Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation we will be releasing a series of two lectures this month about the later years of Martin Luther's life given at Wesley Chapel (our church) last year. These lectures pick up right where the two from last year left off (see Episodes 49 and 50). Enjoy the lectures and Happy Reformation Day from all of us here at Remonstrance Podcast.
Link to Power Point Used:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IIwbThGEfAV54Df28-bXAfttWyrQl8Ab/view?usp=sharing
In this episode we will continue to discuss some specifics regarding the doctrine of Justification by diving into the topic of Imputation and Impartation. First, we will be diving into some scholastic theology. What is the difference between the Formal Cause and Meritorious Cause when it comes to Justification? What did Wesley affirm regarding this question? What about the Active and Passive righteousness of Christ? After discussing this we will move on and discuss why Wesley was so specific about his teaching on Justification. We will then talk about how Wesley was doing what he was doing to defend the doctrine of Justification from distortions. Often Wesley is portrayed (wrongly) as being an attacker of the Doctrine of Justification. When in reality he was defending the Doctrine of Justification from distortion.
Look below for the resources we used.
Links:
In this episode we will begin discussing some specifics regarding the doctrine of Justification by diving into the topic of Imputation and Impartation. Did Wesley believe in the imputation of righteousness? Why was he so hesitant and careful when promoting this teaching? Can it lead to Antinomianism? We will discuss carefully what Wesley affirmed about this teaching and what he was concerned about. Follow the links below for the articles we received help from in this episode.
Links:
In this episode we will continue discussing the very important (and controversial) topic of falling away or Christian apostasy. This time we will briefly discuss the views of John Wesley primarily using Thomas C. Oden's book "John Wesley's Teaching Volume 2: Christ and Salvation." We then talk about the similarities between the views of Wesley and Arminius. Next we discuss how both "once saved always saved" and "once saved barely saved" are dangerous extremes and neither are biblical. We will then briefly discuss some of the small differences between Arminius and Wesley which primarily have to do with language and emphasis. Finally, we wanted to let you all know about some great Wesleyan-Arminian theology books available through the Fundamental Wesleyan Society. If you are interested follow the link below.
In this episode we will begin discussing the very important (and controversial) topic of falling away or Christian apostasy. We will begin by discussing the recent public denial of the faith by the popular author Joshua Harris. We will then discuss how a Christian should respond to another believer falling away from the faith. What is a helpful response? What is an unhelpful response? We will then briefly discuss some verses that deal with the issue (there are a lot). We then spend the rest of the episode discussing the teaching of Arminius on apostasy and use "Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace" by Keith Stanglin and Thomas McCall as a guide. Arminius did believe that a true believer can fall away but how does one fall away? Is it only a complete renunciation of the faith or is it possible to grievously sin and fall away? Listen to find out. We will continue next episode and focus on the teaching of John Wesley on apostasy so stay tuned.
You NEED to buy "Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace" if you have not already done so. Follow this link:
"Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace" by Keith Stanglin and Thomas McCall
In this episode we will continue to discuss the very important doctrine of Prevenient Grace. We will begin by sharing and discussing biblical support for the doctrine. There is actually a lot throughout the whole Bible. We will then talk about the subtle but very important differences between Semi-Augustinianism and Soft Semi-Augustinianism. We then end the episode talking about the implications of the doctrine of Prevenient Grace. How does it impact our philosophy of ministry? How will it impact how church services are conducted?
Links:
What is Prevenient Grace by Andrew Dragos
A Preliminary Defense of Prevenient Grace by Steve Witzki (FWS)
In this episode we will begin to discuss the very important doctrine of Prevenient Grace. This doctrine separates Wesleyan-Arminian theology from all forms of Pelagianism and Reformed theology. We will begin by defining Prevenient Grace with help from Thomas Oden. Then we will discuss an article by Andrew Dragos from Seedbed. We will talk about the benefits of Prevenient Grace as described by Wesley (via. Kenneth J. Collins) and find scriptural support for them. Then we will discuss the differences between the Wesleyan-Arminian Doctrine of Prevenient Grace and the Reformed Doctrine of Common Grace. What is the difference? Which one is better news for the sinner? We will then discuss whether Prevenient Grace or Irresistible Grace is more similar to our personal testimonies. We will continue this conversation in our next episode so stay tuned.
Links:
What is Prevenient Grace by Andrew Dragos
Buy This!
In this series of episodes we will be discussing the Synod of Dort again along with the events that followed it. To do this we will continue reading through portions of an article by Kevin D. Young titled, "The Four Hundred Year Flower: Arminius, Dort, and the Battle for Grace" published on Desiring God. In this episode we will be discussing how the politics of the Netherlands surrounding the Synod of Dort dictated to how it was decided. We will also discuss how it was by no means a fair debate. We will also be discussing how the Synod of Dort defined what it meant to be "Reformed" in a way it was not clearly defined before. We will also discuss how the Arminian understanding of grace is different from the Calvinist understanding of grace. Finally, we will talk about what happened to the Remonstrant leaders after their "defeat" at the Synod of Dort.
Links:
The Four Hundred Year Flower: Arminius, Dort, and the Battle for Grace" by Kevin DeYoung
In this series of episodes we will be discussing the Synod of Dort again along with the events that led up to it. To do this we will be reading through portions of an article by Kevin D. Young titled, "The Four Hundred Year Flower: Arminius, Dort, and the Battle for Grace" published on Desiring God. We will be discussing what DeYoung got right in the article and what he got wrong. Like many others he presents some popular Arminian myths as facts. Is it true that Arminius was a devoted Calvinist after graduating from Geneva? Is it true that Arminius became a humanist (?) after preparing for a debate with a Dutch Humanist? What did it really mean to be Reformed at the time of Arminius? Listen to join us in this conversation.
Links:
The Four Hundred Year Flower: Arminius, Dort, and the Battle for Grace" by Kevin DeYoung
Avengers: Endgame and Middle Knowledge (Article 1, Article 2)
In this episode we will continue to discuss the theme of "Optimism of Grace" in the theology of John Wesley. Our specific focus is how having an optimism of grace has a significant impact on many areas of the Christian life. This is true of evangelism, social justice, and sanctification. In this episode we receive help from Fred Sanders and an article by Vinicius Couto.
Links:
In this episode we will begin to discuss the theme of "Optimism of Grace" in the theology of John Wesley. It is clear that this theme runs through all aspects of the theology of Wesley. This goes for Atonement, Soteriology, and Eschatology. We will receive help from Henry H. Knight III and his books "Anticipating Heaven Below." We also discuss how an overemphasis on optimism or pessimism could impact an individual's walk with Christ or a church culture. Hint: there are dangers in both extremes.
Links:
"John Wesley: Optimist of Grace" by Henry H. Knight III
In this episode we have the opportunity to sit down with Dr. William Sillings who is the General Superintendent of the International Fellowship of Bible Churches (IFBC). Both Vin and Ben are ordained Elders (pastors) in the IFBC and the church plant they serve is an IFBC church. In this interview Dr. Sillings shares briefly about the history of the IFBC along with what makes it unique among denominations in the broader Wesleyan-Arminian movement. One way is that the IFBC holds to a "classical" Wesleyan theology unlike other groups. Dr. Sillings also discusses how the IFBC emphasizes the inerrancy, authority, sufficiency, and inspiration of Scripture. He also discusses how the IFBC strongly encourages contextualization to local ministry contexts while simultaneously holding strongly to Wesleyan orthodoxy. If you are a pastor who is looking for church affiliation or ordination in a group with a solid Wesleyan-Arminian theology we strongly recommend you look into the IFBC.
In this episode we will continue to discuss the crisis of biblical authority in the broader methodist movement. This time we will actually talk about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. We will begin by defining the Quadrilateral and then discuss what is good about it and what is dangerous about it. One very interesting thing to note is how Albert Outler regretted coining the term in the first place. We will discuss how the Quadrilateral can both lead people into error and heresy if it is understood incorrectly and how it could protect us from error and heresy if it is understood correctly. We will then discuss what early Methodist views were regarding the authority, inerrancy, and inspiration of Scripture. We will conclude this episode discussing what the International Fellowship of Bible Churches (IFBC) statement of faith is regarding the authority and inerrancy of Scripture. For more information about the IFBC see the link below.
Links:
The Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Theopedia)
The International Fellowship of Bible Churches (IFBC)
Note that Ben and Vin are ordained Elders in the IFBC and serve as pastors in an IFBC Church Plant in Connecticut.
In this episode we will begin to discuss the crisis of biblical authority in the broader methodist movement. We will begin by talking about the United Methodist Church Special Session of the General Conference 2019 and the decision regarding LGBT marriage and ordination. We will then move on to discuss what led to all of this. We would suggest it all comes down to a crisis regarding the question of biblical authority. We will then discuss what issues there are in the broader methodist movement regarding biblical authority. Is Scripture only a means of grace or is it the authoritative word of God as well? Do we have to choose between the two? At the end of the episode we will finally get to the Wesleyan Quadrilateral which we will discuss more extensively in the next episode in this series.
Links:
New Global, Orthodox Identity for United Methodist Surprises Many (TGC)
United Methodist Reject Call to Embrace Homosexual Clergy and Same-Sex Weddings (TGC)
In this episode we will continue discussing the Synod of Dort which took place from 1618-1619 and led to the "condemnation" of Arminianism by the Reformed representatives. Specifically we will be responding to another article that was published in the January 2019 edition of Tabletalk magazine. This episode we will be focusing on "The Reason for Dort" by W. Robert Godfrey. First we will discuss whether or not orthodox Arminianism is an expression of the "Apostolic Faith" or "one of the greatest challenges to the Apostolic faith" (?) as the article claims. We will then discuss the radicalization of "Arminianism" after the death of Arminius and some of the historical events surrounding the Synod of Dort. We also discuss whether or not Irresistible Grace is necessary to believe in Total Depravity. Finally, we discuss whether or not the Arminians "were uncooperative" or not. Do you sit at the middle table? A link to the article is below.
The Reason for Dort (Tabletalk)
In this episode we will begin discussing the Synod of Dort which took place from 1618-1619 and led to the "condemnation" of Arminianism by the Reformed representatives. Specifically we will be responding to an article that was published in the January 2019 edition of Tabletalk magazine. In this episode we will be discussing the article, "Five New Points of Old Heresy" (ouch). In this article the writers at Tabletalk make some unfounded and incorrect claims about Arminian theology and we spend some time explaining what they got wrong about Arminianism. Before we get there we discuss some interesting tweets from David Watson and Fred Sanders about Wesleyan theology.
Links:
This episode is the second part of our interview with David Martinez about his work to promote Wesleyan Reformation around the world. David is a missionary and evangelist who has traveled to many countries for the sake of the gospel. In this part of the interview David will discuss his interactions with popular Calvinists at Calvinist conferences in America. David then shares stories of Wesleyan-Arminian Reformation in Cuba and beyond. He then discusses what the best books are to introduce readers to Wesleyan-Arminian Theology. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
This episode is the first part of our interview with David Martinez about his work to promote Wesleyan Reformation around the world. David is a missionary and evangelist who has traveled to many countries for the sake of the gospel. In this part of the interview David shares how he became a Wesleyan and how he promotes Wesleyan theology around the world. He also discusses his role in the translation of Wesley's works into Spanish. We then discuss how Calvinism is making inroads into churches in Cuba and how the Lord is using David to promote Wesleyan theology as an alternative. Don't miss the second part of the interview which will be released in a week.
Links:
The Next Methodism: A Theology of Retrieval