Journey to The Journey

The Arminian verses Calvinism debate, around and around it goes but when it ends we actually do know, when Jesus comes back. I'm personally fascinated with reformed theology and have thoroughly enjoyed numerous reformed theologians and their encouraging resources. However, discussions on biblical truth can often be (perhaps inevitably) met with intense hostility, especially with brothers and sisters in the faith. How are we going to deal with these situations when they happen? Can we do anything to prevent them?

When offensive biblical truths are faithfully taught some people will simply not accept it. The rejection of truth is then always followed by complaining. People often react to biblical truth in this way and we have a perfect example of such a scenario here before us in John's gospel (John 6:52-70).

Christ, in His perfect obedience, boldly corrects their corrupt notions in a collection of hard sayings that will mentally stretch us beyond that which we are capable of comprehending. Nonetheless, these truths of the 'bread of life' are to be clung to and offer fantastic assurance for all sons and daughters of the living God!

If I'm firing on all cylinders then I'll manage to fit all of these resources in during my week of preparation but sometimes my workouts and podcasts are sacrificed by the day-to-day needs of church planting. Fortunately, Ryle and Carson's opinions are ones I've not gone into a Sunday teaching without to this point.

"He reads the secret motives of all who profess and call themselves Christians. He knows exactly why they do all they do in their religion. The reasons why they go to church, and why they receive the sacrament, - why they attend family prayers, and why they keep Sunday holy, - all are naked and opened to the eyes of the Head of the Church. By Him actions are weighed as well as seen. 'Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh at the heart' 1 Samuel 16:7" - J.C. Ryle

This Sunday we've landed on one of the most well known miracles of Jesus! Outside of the resurrection of Christ this is the only miracle recorded in ALL four gospel accounts, this alone speaks of its remarkable significance. With that being said, this miracle seems to be one targeted with scrutiny. Was this simply a chain reaction of sharing? Did the disciples prepare food in advance for these people?