Reformed Thinking

David Brainerd’s diary entries from April to June 1743 provide a profound glimpse into his spiritual struggles, devotion, and unwavering commitment to his missionary calling among the Native Americans. Despite battling intense physical weakness, frequent illness, and deep spiritual melancholy, Brainerd persevered in his mission. His entries reveal periods of severe dejection, where he felt overwhelmed by his sense of sinfulness, unworthiness, and the futility of his efforts. At times, he doubted his usefulness, felt estranged from God, and wrestled with thoughts of his own spiritual inadequacy. He lamented his pride, selfishness, and previous missteps, expressing deep repentance and a longing for holiness. Yet, amidst these struggles, Brainerd experienced moments of divine sweetness, spiritual elevation, and profound intimacy with God, especially in prayer. His reflections often centered on eternity, the fleeting nature of earthly life, and the glory of God’s kingdom. He found solace in the sovereignty and faithfulness of God, even in his darkest hours. Brainerd’s ministry was marked by a strong sense of duty and an abiding love for the souls of the Native Americans he served. Despite facing cultural and linguistic barriers, he persisted in preaching and counseling, finding occasional encouragement in small signs of spiritual concern among his listeners. His descriptions of prayer reveal a soul deeply attuned to God, longing not only for personal holiness but also for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom. Even during moments of physical weakness and despondency, Brainerd maintained a remarkable resolve, often pouring himself into intercessory prayer for others. His journey was fraught with physical and emotional hardships—fatigue from travel, illness, harsh living conditions, and isolation—but he consistently surrendered himself to God’s will. The entries culminate with Brainerd’s ordination, an event he approached with a solemn awareness of the weight of his calling. Despite his feelings of inadequacy, Brainerd’s diary reveals a man wholly dedicated to God’s service, embodying humility, perseverance, and an unyielding desire to glorify God in every aspect of his life. This recording is made by Eleven Labs AI audio generated platform: elevenlabs.io/?from=partnerhall9106 Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian If you want to support this podcast's operational cost, you can do so here: venmo.com/u/edisonwu --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support]

Charles Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of anecdotes and illustrations in preaching, outlining their manifold benefits when used judiciously. He argues that stories captivate audiences, especially those prone to distraction, ensuring attention throughout a sermon. Much like engravings in books attract readers, anecdotes can entice congregants to engage with deeper truths. Spurgeon contends that storytelling makes abstract ideas vivid and relatable, mirroring Christ’s illustrative teaching style. He also believes such methods can simplify complex doctrines for those with limited understanding, offering clarity through relatable examples. Additionally, anecdotes serve as effective memory aids, allowing listeners to retain key messages long after the sermon concludes. Spurgeon defends their emotional impact, noting that well-chosen stories arouse feelings and inspire actions, whether by evoking sympathy, illustrating faith, or highlighting moral lessons. Furthermore, anecdotes can appeal to logic in a manner accessible to those with less analytical minds, presenting truths through concrete, undeniable examples. They also act as tools to engage even the most indifferent hearers, bridging gaps between worldly distractions and spiritual focus. However, Spurgeon warns against over-reliance on anecdotes, which could render sermons entertaining but devoid of substantive truth. He insists that stories must support doctrinal teachings rather than overshadow them, ensuring the sermon carries meaningful instruction for transformation. By blending anecdotes with sound doctrine, preachers can capture attention, illuminate truth, and foster lasting impressions. For Spurgeon, anecdotes are not mere embellishments but vital tools to enliven sermons, communicate effectively, and ultimately win souls. This recording is made by Eleven Labs AI audio generated platform: elevenlabs.io/?from=partnerhall9106 Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian If you want to support this podcast's operational cost, you can do so here: venmo.com/u/edisonwu --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support]

Matthew Henry portrays Psalm 6 as one of David’s heartfelt lamentations, written during a time of profound distress, both external and internal. This psalm mirrors the structure of many others, beginning with deep sorrow and concluding with hopeful praise, reflecting the transformative power of prayer, akin to Hannah's shift from grief to peace. David’s complaints encompass three realms: physical sickness, spiritual turmoil triggered by sin, and the derision of his enemies. In verses 1–7, he lays his grievances before God, lamenting his bodily suffering and the agony of a soul burdened by guilt. Despite his regal and warrior status, David's physical and emotional trials highlight the shared vulnerability of humanity. He pleads for God’s mercy, recognizing that his afflictions stem from divine rebuke and seeking restoration through repentance. David’s suffering is profound, marked by incessant weeping and a sense of alienation from God’s favor. This deep sorrow arises not from mere external afflictions but from the spiritual weight of sin and the perception of divine wrath. His tears, shed in solitude, embody genuine penitence, contrasting with superficial displays of mourning. Henry underscores that even the strongest individuals, like David, are humbled under the weight of God’s discipline, aligning their experiences with the man of sorrows, Christ himself. In verses 8–10, David’s tone shifts dramatically, his despair replaced by confidence in God’s deliverance. Having poured out his heart in prayer, he trusts that God has heard and will respond. This assurance empowers him to distance himself from sin and confront his enemies with renewed faith. Whether praying for their conversion or predicting their downfall, David reflects a deep reliance on divine justice. Henry concludes by emphasizing the psalm’s message: affliction should drive believers to seek God’s mercy, knowing He hears the prayers of the contrite and offers comfort amid life’s darkest moments. This recording is made by Eleven Labs AI audio generated platform: elevenlabs.io/?from=partnerhall9106 Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian If you want to support this podcast's operational cost, you can do so here: venmo.com/u/edisonwu --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support]

The prophetic literature of the Old Testament, when viewed as a whole, offers a profound tapestry woven from threads of judgment, repentance, and hope. From the earliest voices that thundered warnings of social injustice and hollow ritualism, to the later prophets who witnessed the trauma of exile and envisioned a future restoration, these texts confront readers with the moral and spiritual imperatives at the heart of covenant life. No matter how tumultuous the historical setting, the prophets consistently affirm that human history does not unfold by accident: it is guided by the sovereign hand of a just and compassionate God. Their messages insist that moral order matters, that the oppressed cry out for deliverance, and that the divine ear is never deaf to cries of genuine contrition. Although prophecy eventually fell silent, that silence was not God’s abandonment, but a pause meant to deepen reverence for the revelation already given. The Jewish people learned to cherish the Torah and the prophetic corpus as living words, pondering them, interpreting them, and waiting for divine speech to erupt once more. When John the Baptist finally emerged, the prophets’ legacy spilled over into a new era, bridging the Old Testament’s promises and the New Testament’s fulfillment. His call in the wilderness revived the memory of Elijah and reawakened the old longing for a righteous kingdom. Today, the prophets still speak. Their words, preserved in Scripture, challenge complacency, provoke self-examination, and spark renewed hope. They model a faith that grapples honestly with real-world crises, never isolating spiritual truth from social conduct. In doing so, they provide not only a window into ancient Israel’s struggles and aspirations, but also a timeless guide for any people longing to understand the ways of God in history and to walk faithfully before Him. This recording is made by Eleven Labs AI audio generated platform: elevenlabs.io/?from=partnerhall9106 Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian If you want to support this podcast's operational cost, you can do so here: venmo.com/u/edisonwu --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support]

Idolatry, from a Reformed theological vantage point, signifies a grievous misalignment of the human heart, mind, and will. It involves directing the reverence, trust, and affection properly due only to the Triune God toward something else, whether tangible or intangible. Viewed through the lens of the Westminster Confession of Faith and the broader Reformed tradition, idolatry emerges as a deeply ingrained spiritual pathology. It is not confined to bowing down before wooden statues or carved images; rather, it lurks in the subtle elevation of any created entity—wealth, personal autonomy, cultural ideals, emotional experiences, intellectual constructs, or even religious practices themselves—above God’s revealed truth. The problem is not merely external; it originates in the heart, which naturally “manufactures idols,” as Calvin famously noted. This inclination reflects the pervasive reality of human sin, and highlights the necessity of Scripture and the means of grace to confront and correct it. Throughout the Bible, God’s people are repeatedly warned against the allure of idols, as the prophets, apostles, and ultimately Christ Himself emphasize wholehearted devotion to the Creator. Reformed theology underscores that proper worship is always regulated by the Word, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, and God-honoring. When believers forsake idols, embrace repentance, and submit to the Holy Spirit’s transforming work, they experience renewal that reorients their lives toward authentic worship. Recognizing the destructive consequences of idolatry, the Church calls its members to examine their hearts, flee from every false god, and anchor their hope in Christ’s redemptive work. In a world awash with distractions and false loyalties, the faithful must remain vigilant, continually reforming their affections and intellect according to Scripture. By doing so, they fulfill their chief end—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever—thereby restoring worship to its rightful center, where the living God alone is worthy of ultimate praise. This recording is made by Eleven Labs AI audio generated platform: elevenlabs.io/?from=partnerhall9106 Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian If you want to support this podcast's operational cost, you can do so here: venmo.com/u/edisonwu --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support]