A Starter Pack

A.C.Pike

Introduction

In previous posts, I recommended Bibles, a Confession of Faith, and a Systematic Theology. In this post I will put together a little 'Starter Pack' for a new Christian or a recent convert to the Reformed Faith.

Bible

The Windsor published by the Trinitarian Bible Society. It is the Authorised (King James) Version of the Bible. It can be used for daily readings, church use, and studying. In the back of the Bible is the 1650 Metric Psalter. This can be used for private, family, and corporate worship.

Here is a link to where this Bible can be purchased: https://www.bing.com/search?q=windsor+Bible+with+psalter&cvid=104c4b9e7219432c8a37812d3af912f0&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMgYIAhAAGEAyBggDEAAYQDIGCAQQABhAMgYIBRAAGEDSAQg3ODkxajBqNKgCALACAA&FORM=ANAB01&PC=W230

Confession of Faith

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a biblical confession that is used by Presbyterian Churches. This Confession contains both the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. It is a good teaching tool for newly Reformed Christians to use to help them learn about the Reformed Faith as it covers a wide spectrum of doctrines and topics from the cannon of Sciripture to a biblical Government. 

Here is a link to it: The Westminster Confession – The Westminster Standard

A Systematic Theology

A Systematic Theology is a work that goes through various different biblical topics and subjects. It goes into detail and explains what is point means, for example, it will have a section of the 'Trinity' and provide Scriptural reference to support it.

The two Systematic Theologies that I recommend are: 

A) A Systematic by John Brown. I recommend this one as it is a single volume Systematic Theology and it uses the AV/KJV of the Bible. Here is the link: The Systematic Theology of John Brown of Haddington

B) A Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof. I recommend this one for two reasons. The first reason being that it is easy to read and understand. The second reason being that it goes into great detail on a wide variety of subjects. Here is the link: https://www.bing.com/search?q=systematic+theology+berkhof&FORM=AWRE

Daily Devotion

A Daily Devotion is a resource to help Christians in their personal worship and devotional time to the Lord. It encourages a Christian to start and end the day in time spent in the worship of God. I recommend 'Morning and Evenings' by Charles Spurgeon. I recommend this one because Spurgeon is required and standard reading for all Reformed - new and old - Christians. Also, most people have heard of Spurgeon.

Here is a link to it: Morning | Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

A Bible Commentary

A Bible Commentary is a work that comments on Scripture from Genesis through to Revelation. It goes into great detail on the background, history, and content of a particular chapter and verse. I would normally recommend John Gill's Bible Commentary as it is the best biblical resource. However, it is a multi volumn work. So I will recommend Matthew Henry's shorter abridged Bible Commentary.

Here is a link to it: https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/bible-study/bible-commentaries/full-bible-commentaries/matthew-henrys-commentary-on-the-whole-bible/

Conclusion

Above is a selection of resources specially selected to help the new or newly Reformed Christian to understand and learn about the Reformed Faith.

The Four Beasts Of Daniel

A.C.Pike

Introduction

The prophet Daniel receives a dream from God. In this dream he sees four world Empires that will arise. These Empires are represented as Four Beasts.

The First Beast

The Bible informs us that: "The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it." (Daniel 2:4 AV). This kingdom is Babylon. It is specifically directed to king Nebuchadnezzar.

The Second Beast

Daniel then goes on to say: "And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh." (Daniel 2:5 AV). These two Beast are the dual kingdoms of Medo and Persia under the reign of Darius and . 

The Third Beast

He then says "After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it." (Daniel 2:6 AV). This is the kingdom of Ancient Greece under the rulership of Alexandra the Great and his four Generals. 

The Fourth Beast

Lastly, the Fourth Beast is described,  After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." (Daniel 2:7 AV). This is the final kingdom which is Rome.

Conclusion

These are the four Empires that go against the Nation of Isreal. The last kingdom, Rome, remains until the return of Jesus Christ.

Note

At a later date, I hope to do a more in depth study on the four kings in the book of Daniel and the beasts of Revelation 13.

Heresies In the Early And Modern Church

 A.C.Pike

Below is a list of Denominations, beliefs and Movements that I reject.


Errors and Heresies

Absolution by a Priest
​Adamites
​Adoptionism
Albigenses
Annihilationism
Antinomianism
​Antisabbatarianism
Arabici
Arianism
Arminianism
Apollinarianism
Arianism
Assumption of Mary
Auburn Avenue Theology
Catharism
Cerinthianism
Charismatic Gifts and Tongues
Collyridianism
Complementarianism
Consubstantiation
​Counter Reformation
Chrislam
Decisionism
​Docetism
​Dominionism
​Donatism
Easy Beliverism
​Ebionism
​Ecumenicalism
Eutychianism
Extreme Unction
​Federal Vision
Full Preterism
Gnosticism
​Henothesism
Holy Water
​Hyper Dispensationalism
​Immaculate Consumption
​Indulgancies
Kathenotheism
Kathenotheism
​Kenosis
Limited Theism
​Lordship Salvation
Manachaeism
​Man Made Worship Innovations
Marcionism
Melchisedechians
Modalism
Molinism
Monarchianism
Monophysitism
Montanlism
​Name It and Claim It
NAR
Neo Orthodoxy
​New Apostolic Movement
New Revelations
Nestorianism
New Perspectives On Paul
​Nontrinitarianism
Open Theism
Partialism
Patripassionism
Pelagianism
Penance to a Priest
Perfectionism
​Pluralism
Pneumatonmachianism
Prayers to Mary, Angels, and the Saints
Progressive Christianity
Prosperity Gospel
​Provisionalism
Psilanthropism
Psychopannychy
Purgatory
Quietism
Reconstructionism
Relativism
​Sacralism
Sebellianism
Second (Future) Probationary
Semi-Pelagianism
Seven Mountain Mandate
​Seven Sacraments
Scapular
Social Gospel 
​Socianism
​Soul Sleeping
Subordinationism
Synergism
​Transubstantiation
Tritheism
Works Salvation
Universalism

See CARM ​https://carm.org/apologia/heresies/
​
See Monergism https://www.monergism.com/list-heresies-errors

​High Church Practices

Altar - bowing
Altar Calls
​Bells
​Burning Incense
Candles
​Church Calendar
​Cross - processions
Images, icons and Statues
​Personal Testimonies
​Rosary
Vestments


Denominations and Movements

Catholic Church
Charismatic Movement
​Holiness Movement
​Monastacism
Orthodox Church
​Word of Faith Movement
Quakers
​

Cults and Sects

Armstrongism
Cambelites
Christadelphians
Christian Scientists
Church of Christ
Dawn Bible Students
​Hebrew Roots Movement
Living Church of God Int.
Jehovah's Witnesses
Members Church of God
Mormonism
​Moonies
​Oneness Pentecostals
Russelites
Seven Day Adventists
The Way International
Unitarians
United Church of God
Quakers


Other

Centering (prayer)
​Evolution (Atheist and Theistic)
​Inter Faith
Liberalism
Magic
​Marxism
Mindfulness
New Age
Occultism
Plato and Neo Platonism
​Positive Thinking
Socialism
Wicca
Witchcraft

Reference 

These have been sourced from the Internet.s

Here Is A List Of My Beliefs

 A.C.Pike

Statement of Faith

Below is a brief statement of my beliefs. 


The Holy Trinity

I believe in one God, Jehovah (Deuteronomy 4:6). Who is a Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Who is the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1; Ephesians 3:9; & Revelation 4:16). He is eternal, having no beginning or end (Psalm 90:2 & Revelation 10:6), he is all knowing (Isaiah 46:10-11), and all powerful (Genesis 17:1) being sovereign in and over all things (Creation, the fall, salvation, redemption, judgement, and all eternity). His attributes are power (Job 37:23), holiness (Isaiah 6:3), love (1 John 4:8), wisdom (Proverbs 2:6), knowledge (Romans 11:33-36), justice (Deuteronomy 32:4), mercy and graciousness (Exodus 34:60).


Jesus Christ

I believe Jesus to be the Christ (Matthew 16:16), the “Only Begotten Son of God” (John 3:16), the second member of the Trinity, born of a virgin (Luke 1:26-35), come in the flesh (1 John 4:2). He died for our sins upon the cross being the sinless sacrificial Lamb of God (John 1:29; Romans 5:6-8 & 1 Peter 2:22), and after three days he was raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) in a physical body (Luke 24:39 & John 20:27), where he now sits on the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34).

He is our "mediator" (1 Timothy 2:5), our "great high priest" (Hebrews 4:14-16), our "Saviour" (Matthew 1:21), and the Head of the church (Colossians 1:18). He is the “King of Kings and the Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). He is the judge of all (Acts 17:31).


Holy Spirit

I believe the Holy Spirit to be the third member of the Trinity.

I believe in the person-hood of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; John 16:13; Acts 15:28; & Hebrews 3:7,8).


Holy Scriptures

I believe the ‘entire’ Bible (all 66 books: 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament) to be the divinely inspired, infallible, and inerrant word of God (2 Timothy 3:16,17). I believe the entire Scriptures to be the “truth” (John 17:17). I believe that the Holy Scriptures are sufficient enough for God’s people, regarding them to be our absolute and final authority in ‘all’ matters (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

​I believe that God has providentially preserved his word (Matthew 5:18). 

The original Old Testament manuscripts were written in Hebrew and Aramaic. The original New Testament manuscripts were written in Koine Greek.  I believe that the Masoretic Hebrew and Textus Receptus Greek Texts to be the superior (correct) manuscripts.

I believe that the 'Authorised Version' (also known as the 'King James Bible') to be the most accurate translation in English.

I believe in the translation of the Bible into other languages so that the Gospel Message can be preached.


The Psalter

​God has given us a 150 divinely inspired songs to sing called the Psalter (Psalm 145:1). I believe that we should sing the Psalter in corporate, family, and private worship (Psalm 85:1; 95:1-2; 98:4; 100:-2; & 105:2).

I use the 1650 Metric Psalter.


Apologetics

I believe in Presuppositional Apologetics. That everything must be based upon the truth of Scripture - God's Holy word the Bible.
​

Reformed Theology

I believe in the Doctrines of Grace more commonly known as the 'Five Points of Calvinism.' The Five Points of Calvinism is an acronym known as "TULIP." This means:
A) Total Depravity.
B) Unconditional Election.
C) Limited Atonement.
D) Irresistible Grace.
E) Perseverance of the Saints.

I believe in the Five Solae of the Reformation Period. These are:
​A) Sola Scriptura - Scripture Alone.
B) Sola Fide - Faith Alone.
C) Sola Gratia - Grace Alone.
D) Solus Christus - Christ Alone.
​E) - Soli Deo Gloria -  Glory to God Alone.


Order of Decree

I hold to the Supralapsarian view.


Covenant Theology

I hold to Covenant Theology - Covenant of Works. Covenant of Grace, and Covenant of Redemption. . 


​Creation

Jehovah God created all things (Genesis 1:1 & Hebrews 1:10).

​I believe in the six literal days of creation (Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23,31 & Exodus 20:8-11; 31:14-17).

​I believe in a round earth (Isiah 40:22). 


The Flood

I believe in a world wide flood (Genesis 6-8). 


Church

I believe that the church is the gathering together of the members of the body of Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22 *1 Peter 2:9,10). We are commanded to meet together with other Christians to hear Scripture, partake of the Lord's Supper, worship, sing psalms, pray, and to have fellowship (Acts 2:44-46 & Hebrews 10:25). *

I believe that Jesus Christ is the absolute “Head” of the church (1 Corinthians 11:3 & Ephesians 4:15).

Each member of the congregation is referred to as a Christian (Acts 11:26 7 1 Peter 4:16). We are the holy saints (Jude 1:3), a priesthood of ‘all’ believers (1 Peter 2:5) with Christ as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). We are God’s people in a Covenant relationship with him (Luke 22:29; 1 Corinthians 11:25; & Hebrews 9:15).

The Minister (an Elder) is the man who leads in preaching and teaching, prayer, Psalm singing and handling and administering the Lord's Supper. He also performs Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. He is known as the preacher or pastor. 

God has appointed a body of "elders in every churches" (Acts 14:23). They are to oversee the church, and to shepherd the flock (1 Timothy 3:1; and Acts 20:28). They have the responsibility of ruling and labouring (1 Timothy 5:17). They are to pray for the people (James 5:14). As stewards the elders are to manage the church funds (Acts 11:30). In the Bible elders were always men (1 Timothy 3:1-7; and Titus 1:5-9).

Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8) are servants who minister to the physical needs of the people of the church (Acts 6:1-5).

Laity - people of the church (Romans 12:4-5).

​I hold to a Presbytery structure of church. 

Head Coverings while praying (1 Corinthians 11:3-16).

* The Church is the people (Acts 20:28 & Romans 16:23), not the building.


Christian Fellowship

I believe that we are to have fellowship with other biblically sound Christians. 

​The Bible teaches us to mark and avoid (not associate with) those living in deliberate sin (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). 

Scripture teaches that the Church Officers have the biblical right to remove from fellowship those committing certain sins (Mathew 18:17; Romans 16:17-18 & 1 Corinthians 5:9-13).


Gifts of the Spirit

I believe that special revelation and the spiritual gifts have ended (1 Corinthians 13:8-12).


​The State​

As Christians we are to obey and be subject to the governments that rule over us (Romans 13:1,5; 1 Timothy 2:1,2; Titus 3:1; & 1 Peter 2:13), as long as it doesn't conflict with our Christian beliefs (Acts 5:29). The State is to be "the minister of God" (Romans 13:4) upholding God's commandments and laws.

​We are to pay our taxes (Matthew 17:24-27; 22:15-12; & Romans 13:7).

​I hold to the Establishmentarian Principle.


The Kingdom and Preaching

As Christians we honor Jesus as the “King of Kings and the Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).

I believe that Christ is now ruling in his spiritual Kingdom from heaven (Mark 1:14-15; Mark 9:1; Mark 12:34; Luke 9:27; Luke 10:9; Luke 10:11; Luke 17:20;21; Luke 21:31; 1 Corinthians 15:24,26 & Ephesians 1:20;22).

I believe that Christ will one day return to set-up his physical earthly Kingdom from Israel (Acts 1:6-7; 2 Peter 3:13 & Revelation 21:1).

The Gospel Message should be preached in and to the entire world (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16 & Luke 24:47,48).

​I hold to Classic Historical Premillennial. 


Salvation and Saved by Grace

I believe that Jesus is the ‘only’ way to God (John 4:16), and that he is our only means of salvation (Acts 4:12), and that faith in him alone leads to eternal life (John 11:25,26), he being our only mediator between both God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).

I believe that we are saved by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8,9), and that it is a free gift from God (Romans 6:23). We can-not earn our salvation by works (Romans 11:6 and Ephesians 2:8,9).

We are not under the Mosaic Law (the types and shadows), but grace (Galatians 5:18).

I believe in eternal security (Perseverance of the Saints), that true believers can not lose their salvation (Mark 16:20; John 3:16; and Hebrews 5:9), as they are sustained by God's might hand (John 10:25-30; Ephesians 4:20; and Jude 1:24).


Sin; Repentance; and the New Man

I believe that Satan the Devil was once a perfect angel (Luke 10:18) who fell from glory. He took a third of the heavenly host, the angels (Revelation 12:4).  He tempted Eve who enticed Adam into sin (Genesis chapter three).

I believe that sin entered into this world though one man named Adam (Romans 5:12) and due to this all have sinned, except Jesus (Romans 3:23), as a result of sin we all die (Romans 6:23). I believe that Jesus died for our sins (Romans 5:6-8), as the sacrificial Lamb of God (John 1:29). We are purchased by Christ (Galatians 3:13), this being achieved through his shed blood on the cross (Ephesians 1:7,13 and 1 John 1:7) cleansing us from our sins (Galatians 3:26,27).

Jesus died in our place, the just (Jesus) for the unjust (Isaiah 53: 5,10; Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Ephesians 5:2; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18 & Hebrews 9:26).

By the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit we are "born again" (John 3:3-8), a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:7). The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins (John 16:7-11) and leads us into the truth of God's word (John 14:16), leading us to genuine repentance (Luke 13:3-5 & Acts 17:30). We are to reject sin (Galatians 5:19-21) and display the fruits of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-26).


​The 10 Commandment

I believe that man is under the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the moral law of God (Matthew 5:17-19). He is under both tables of the Law.


Separation and Holiness

As Christians, we are to be separate from the world and it's sinful ways (2 Corinthians 6:14 & Ephesians 5:11) and to with-draw from any brother who is committing grave sins (Romans 16:7; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6 & Titus 3:10). As the bride of Christ is to remain pure for her husband, Jesus.


Christ's return; Judgement Day; Heaven and Hell

I believe that one day Jesus will return to this earth (Acts 1:6-11). I believe that Jesus will raise the dead (Acts 12:15), and judge mankind (Acts 17:31 and 1 Corinthians 4:5), both the righteous and the unrighteous (Acts 24:15).


Heaven and Hell

​I believe in a literal Heaven (John 3:13) and Hell (Revelation 20:10). 

I believe in the reality and suffering of Hell. The lake of fire will be the place of eternal torment for, Satan (and his angels); the beast; the false prophet; and sinners (Revelation 19:20; 20:10,14,15; and 21:8).

The saints will be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).


Spirits: Angels and Demons

The word "Angel" means "Messenger." This means that they are messengers of God. There are good and bad angels. The fallen angels are called "Demons."

The Bible only mentions one Archangel and his name is Michael (Jude 1:9). He is "one of the chief princes" (Daniel 10:13).

The Bible mentions two angels by name - Michael and Gabriel.

Satan is a fallen spirit being and a real person (Genesis 3; Job 1 & Matthew 4), not a concept).

The Bible also mentions 'Seraphs' (Isaiah 6:2) and 'Cherubs' (Ezekiel 1:4_13).



The Lord's Day

We are required from scripture to observe the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10,11). It was on the first day of the week (the Lord' Day) that Jesus' disciples (John 20:19 & 26) and the early church (Acts 20:7 & 1 Corinthians 16:1-2) gathered together for worship. In like manner, we must do the same. 

​I reject man-made religious holidays (All Hallows Eve, Saints Day, Christmas, Easter, Lent and Mass) and pagan secular days (Birthdays, Bonfire Night, Halloween, May Day, New Years Day/Eve, and Valentine's Day). 


Observances

Baptism

I believe in baptism (Acts 2:23,24; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; and 1 Corinthians 1:16).

I believe that all three modes (Immersion, Sprinkling and Pouring) are valid. 


The Lord’s Supper

I believe that we as Christians are to observe and partake in the Lord’s Supper of "unleavened"  bread (Mark 14:12; 22-26) and red wine (Acts 2:44-46; Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19; and 1 Corinthians 11:17-34).

It should be one cup (1 Corinthians 11:27) and one bread (1 Corinthians 11:27).

I hold to weekly observance (Acts 20:11 & 1 Corinthians 11:17-34) around a table (Luke 22:14).


Marriage

I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Marriage is for life (Romans 7:2,3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39). - The only ground for divorce is adultery ( (Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; & Romans 7:2,3).


Family

I believe in the biblical family unit. The man is the head of the family (1 Corinthians 11:3). Husbands are to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25,28,29). Wives are to submit to and respect their husbands (Ephesians 522-24). Children are to obey their parents (Colossians 3:20 & Ephesians 6:1-3). Parents must take care of their children (Proverbs 1:8 and 1 Timothy 5:8).


Home Schooling

I believe in home schooling (Deuteronomy 6:5-9; Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 22:6 & 2 Timothy 3:14-17).

​
​Burial

I believe that burial is the only biblical practice of the dead: Adam returned to the dust (Genesis 3:19);  Abraham was buried (Genesis 25:9); Isaac was buried (Genesis 35:28,29); Jacob was buried (Genesis 49:29-31); Moses was buried (Deuteronomy 34:6); Joshua was buried (Joshua 24:0); Samuel was buried (1 Samuel 25:1); David was buried (1 Kings 2:10); and Lazarus was buried  (John 11:38).