Author: DebbieLynne Kespert

It Depends On What You Mean By “The Gospel”

/ DebbieLynne Kespert / Leave a comment

Flourishes03

It jarred me a bit to see Beth Moore described as a minister of the Gospel. It probably shouldn’t have, given the powerful deception that engulfs her followers. As far as they can tell, Moore indeed represents a type of gospel that sounds pretty Biblical.

As I reflect on the idea of Beth Moore being a minister of the Gospel, my initial laughter gives way to sadness and concern. I begin wondering how well evangelicals at large really understand the Gospel. Interestingly, her newly refurbished website offers no actual Gospel presentation beyond a surface level Peace With God page that waters things down considerably. It reminds me of the impotent gospel that Continue reading →

Changing Plans And A Steadfast God

/ DebbieLynne Kespert / 1 Comment

TypingLast night I posted on The Outspoken TULIP  Facebook page that I wouldn’t be blogging today because John and I had a family funeral to attend. Circumstances made it necessary for John to stay home today (don’t worry, he’s all right precisely because he opted to stay home and rest), leaving me with time to blog.

So hi. I’m here!

The change in plans initially hurt my pride. After dramatically announcing that I wouldn’t be able Continue reading →

It’s Not Really About Either John MacArthur Or Beth Moore

/ DebbieLynne Kespert / 2 Comments

Todd Friel asked for a pithy answer. John MacArthur’s reply was witty, funny and a lot  more controversial than it should have been.  If you’ll listen to the following clip from Friday’s Q&A at the Truth Matters Conference in its context, you’ll realize that MacArthur went on to defend his position Biblically.

Maybe the “Go home” crack was unnecessary. Maybe it gave egalitarians an excuse to Continue reading →

Committed To The Scripture

/ DebbieLynne Kespert / 1 Comment

The Reformation happened, at its core, because men and women went back to the Bible. They measured the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church against God’s Word, and consequently rejected the false teaching that Christians need to supplement faith with works in order to even hope for salvation. These brave Reformers risked — and sometimes sacrificed — their lives because they were committed to the Scripture.

What a powerful example for us to follow! All glory goes to God, Who taught them to have faith alone in grace alone through Christ alone depending on Scripture alone. As we celebrate the 502nd anniversary of the Protestant Reformation this month, may our gracious Lord keep us committed to the Scripture.

< Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Saturday Sampler: October 13 –October 19

/ DebbieLynne Kespert / Leave a comment

Autumn Leaves Sampler

I dearly hope that you’re tired of the fluffy things being passed off as women’s Bible Studies these days. If so, read this Introduction to A Zero Fluff Bible Study on the Deity of Christ by Sharon Lareau of Chapter 3 Ministries. Sounds like a helpful study, ladies!

On the Ligonier blog, Nathan W. Bingham presents a video clip of Robert Godfrey explaining why the 16th Century Reformers considered the Roman Catholic Church to be A False Church.

Why should we avoid telling people ‘God has big plans for you!’ in our evangelism? Visit The End Time for Elizabeth Prata’s well-reasoned argument against that unscriptural and misleading assertion.

Erin Benziger, writing in Do Not Be Surprised, cautions us to Employ Wisdom Wisely.

If you’re new to Reformed Theology (or even to Christianity in general), you may wonder what salvation entails and how it happens. Eric Davis of The Cripplegate outlines the entire  process in So Great a Salvation — an easily read description of the various components. And those of you who are familiar with Reformed teaching will still appreciate this concise reference tool.

Charismatics don’t have a corner on mysticism. In Throwback Thursday: Flying nuns and flying priests, Tom of excatholic4christ walks us through Roman Catholic history to demonstrate the mystical bent of that religion.

I love just about everything Michelle Lesley writes.  My regular readers know I do. But sometimes she’ll surprise me by writing an especially exceptional blog post like Putting on the “You Can!” of Complementarianism. Ladies, if you need encouragement to see value in serving the Lord apart from pulpit ministry, Michelle’s article is for you!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Flashback Friday: How Do We Hear The Holy Spirit?

/ DebbieLynne Kespert / 4 Comments

In honor of the Truth Matters Conference on the sufficiency of Scripture, I thought this article  from August 31, 2017 might be appropriate:

Voice Of GodCharismatics have claimed personal words from God for years. That figures, since the bulk of charismatic theology (despite their insistence to the contrary) depends on exalting experience over Scripture. In light of that fact, I can almost expect them to believe that God speaks apart from the written Word of God.

A Facebook conversation with someone from the Charismatic church I belonged to in California reminded me recently that a primary argument for God speaking personally pits the living Holy Spirit against the “dead letter” of the Bible. It’s not a denial of Scripture’s authority. In this person’s mind, it’s not even a denial of Scripture’s sufficiency (though that’s pretty much exactly what he’s doing). Rather, it apparently adds a personal relationship with the Spirit that Scripture somehow can’t provide.

Of course, my friend hastens to add, the Spirit never contradicts Scripture. Which raises the question: Why would He then need to speak apart from Scripture in the first place? Why not trust Him to speak through the Bible He inspired?

The mere suggestion that God’s Word is a “dead letter” needing augmentation with personal experiences absolutely chills me. That very idea completely ignores what the Bible says about itself.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ~~Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

As we read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit uses it to convict us of sin, instruct us in righteousness and reveal Who the Triune God is. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us what to look for in a spouse, how to conduct ourselves in business, how to order our families and what His Church should do. Above all that, He shows us His nature and His priorities. He lets us   know what angers Him, what pleases Him and what honors Him.

Certainly, during the course of a day, the Holy Spirit will bring Scriptures and/or Scriptural principles to our minds that we can apply. Even then, please notice, He’s speaking Scripture. He doesn’t, as some claim, direct us to brush a stranger’s hair or purchase an extra bottle of milk. Rather, He commands us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love others as much as we love ourselves.

Until we obey everything He tells us in His Word, what would be the point of Him speaking personally to us?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin