A Marriage Made in Heidelberg (15): Secular Counseling vs. the Sufficiency of Christ & His Word

THIS CONTENT HAS BEEN REMOVED On Thursday, November 2, I released an episode titled “Secular Counseling vs. the Sufficiency of Christ & His Word.” It was part of my series titled “A Marriage Made in Heidelberg.” I removed the episode from my podcast as well as the transcript here. Listen to my explanation in the above SPECIAL episode.

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Why do many Christians foolishly argue against creeds, confessions, and catechisms as if they threaten the authority of Scripture?

“Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. 8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.” It makes little sense to me to argue against creeds. There are Christians who foolishly state, “No creed but Christ” or “No...

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A Marriage Made in Heidelberg (14): Your Spouse Cannot Save You

When I was single, especially in my twenties, I really wanted to get married. I grew up believing that dating was for the purpose of finding a spouse, and so I was on a quest to find a wife. My quest ended on August 7, 2004. In some ways, I think I made marriage an idol. I still do. Don’t get me wrong, a spouse is a blessing from God, a wonderful gift from God to be thoroughly enjoyed. It is right and good to enjoy your spouse. However, your spouse is not the solution to your biggest...

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A Marriage Made in Heidelberg (13): A Rock to Stand on in Marriage – God’s Providence

Last episode I gave you a truth that will provide you immense comfort, fortitude, strength, and thankfulness in marriage if you believe it. Here’s the truth again: Your loving heavenly Father will sustain you in marriage and work your marriage for your ultimate good. Oh, that you would believe that. When you confess, “I believe in God the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,” you are confessing the truth that God will preserve, protect, and provide for you in your marriage. Can...

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A Marriage Made in Heidelberg (12): He Will Sustain You in Marriage & Work It for Your Good

Before we get rolling, if you are being abused in your marriage, either physically—which includes sexually—or emotionally, you should act immediately. If you’re in immediate danger, fly to a safe place and get help. If you are being abused, I recommend several options. If you go to a healthy church with godly shepherds, tell your elders about the abuse so they can protect and help you. You can also reach out to a Biblical counselor through CCEF.org or biblicalcounseling.com. Another...

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A Marriage Made in Heidelberg (11): Have You Ever Thought about How Trinitarianism Can Help Your Marriage?

Marriage.com addressed 25 common marriage problems, each of which creates pain in marriage. Here are nine of them. I think you’ll resonate with them. Selfish Behavior – Do your desires, opinions, ambitions, hobbies, and more get in the way of your marriage?    Communication Problems – Do you really listen to your spouse? Are you committed to understanding them? Do you realize that others including your spouse may not understand what you’re feeling or trying to say...

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A Marriage Made in Heidelberg (10): How about a Gospel-Centered & Gospel-Driven Marriage?

Last time I posed two questions: What is true faith and what is the gospel? We defined true faith as: a sure knowledge whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in His Word. At the same time, it is a firm confidence that not only to others but also to me, God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation, out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ’s merits. (HC 21) And the origin of this faith is “the Holy Spirit [who] works [true...

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Women in ordained ministry? Anabaptists baptizing one another privately? Calvin & Clark weigh in.

“Now since this charge [the Great Commission from Matthew 28] is expressly given to the apostles along with the preaching of the word, it follows that none can lawfully administer baptism but those who are also the ministers of doctrine. When private persons, and even women, are permitted to baptize, nothing can be more at variance with the ordinance of Christ, nor is it any thing else than a mere profanation.” [1] “By divine institution, they are public, ecclesiastical...

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A Marriage Made in Heidelberg (9): The Necessity of Hearing & Believing the Gospel in Marriage

This week, I listened to a sermon from another church. I won’t disclose the name of the church or its location. The preacher’s main focus during the sermon was how to get along with others who disagree with you. He used little Scripture. He didn’t really read Scripture (1 Tim. 4:13) or give the redemptive meaning of Scripture (2 Tim. 4:2). His focus was less faithful exposition than it was application. Besides using some misleading and unhelpful wording about Jesus being a...

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