The Third Q&A Session, Part One

First of all, a blessed Easter to everyone in the name of the risen Christ.

Thabiti Anyabwile, D. A. Carson, Robert Godrey, R. C. Sproul, and Derek Thomas participated in the third and final question/answer session.

1) A questioner perceived a de-emphasis on general revelation in Reformed theology. The panel disputed the question's point. General revelation brings knowledge of God and his goodness but does not bring the gospel. Book I of the Institutes is largely an exposition of the uses of general revelation.

2) How does one handle a poor work atmosphere, closed to the gospel? TA worked in a liberal policy thinktank in DC for six years. In many ways it was a hostile environment. Be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, be joyful in one's relationship with God, and don't be bashful. Instead, be thankful that God has sent this one into the harvest field. We must love these people and not be afraid or resentful of them. It's a danger for us to love ideas more than people.

3) What challenges are there to the holiness of God in churches today? [Question not well worded--nothing challenges the holiness of God.] The church has become a poor cousin of commercial enterprise, filling gaps in perceived human need. Avoidance of suffering. Decline of honoring the Lord's Day, which does not allow for adequate time with him. The preaching of the word is one of the most important means of sanctification.

4) As a pastor of new church, a congregation of mostly all new Christians, from what biblical books should he preach first? It's all God's word, but would emphasize those portions that explain the gospel. Don't go slowly or with painstaking exegetical series taking years. Get congregations to know their Bibles, get a thorough grounding in the gospel. Use one of the catechisms as a framework of instruction.

5) Growing in the grace of God. Working out God's grace given us in Christ Jesus. We are increasingly transformed into his likeness. Outworkings in behavior, speech, thinking patterns.

6) What motivation is there for evangelism if one is a Calvinist? Guaranteed success. The same God who ordained the elect ordained the means. God's sovereignty underpins perseverance in evangelism.

7) Are we all equally sinful? We are all equally guilty. "Gilead"--distinction between honorable sinners and dishonorable sinners. Any gradation in sin is "small potatoes" compared to being a sinner at all. Jesus did recognize differences in degree, and the apostles recognized that hardness of heart mattered.