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2026 The Present Day
1647 Westminster Shorter Catechism The Westminster Shorter Catechism, written alongside the longer, was based upon the Heidelberg Catechism and Calvin's Geneva Catechism to instruct children and families on the Christian faith. It provides a concise summary of Reformed doctrine and is capable of being memorized at any age.
1647 Westminster Larger Catechism The Westminster Larger Catechism, written alongside the shorter, was designed to supplement and expand upon the contents of the Shorter. It presents a full and balanced summary of the Christian faith and is more suitable for those who have attained some level of spiritual maturity
1646 Westminster Confession of Faith Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly, the Westminster Confession is the most widely adopted reformed confession in the world. It is used for doctrinal standards of presbyterians, Dutch Reformed, and others.
1618 The Synod of Dort Dort was a council of nine reformed countries convened to repudiate the teachings of Jacob Arminius outlined in the Articles of Remonstrance
1610 The Five Articles of Remonstrance Written by 43 dutch reformed pastors after the death of Jacob Arminius in 1609, the articles of remonstrance articulated five points of concern with reformed theology.
1592 The Saxon Visitation Articles Commissioned by Frederick William against crypto-calvinism, the Saxon Visitation Aritcles describe four points where lutherans reject reformed doctrine.
1571 39 Articles of Religion Written after Henry VIII broke with the Roman church, the 39 articles created a via media between catholic and protestant doctrine, and would be the standard for the Church of England
1563 Heidelberg Catechism Commissioned by Frederick III to unite the faith of his territories, the Heidelberg catechism would quickly become the greatest of the reformed catechisms, and is one of the three forms of unity of the reformed churches in Europe.
1562 Second Helvetic Confession Originally written by Heinrich Bullinger as a private exercise, the Second Helvetic Confession was translated into German at the request of Frederick III. It came to be a popular confession among the Swiss reformed churches.
1561 Belgic Confession Written by Guido de Brès before his martyrdom, the Belgic confession is the primary confession of the Dutch reformed church, and also one of the Three Forms of Unity.
1560 The Scots Confession Written by John Knox, the Scots Confession was the foundational document in the Scottish reformation and presbyterianism
1537 The Smalcald Articles The Smaldald Articles were written by Martin Luther to summarize lutheran doctrine for the Schmalkaldic League. They were adopted into the book of concord in 1580
1530 The Augsburg Confession One of the most important reformation confessions, the Augsburg Confession was presented to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V after the Lutherans were summoned to explain their theological convictions
1523 Zwingli's 67 Articles Written by Ulrich Zwingli in 1523 as a defense of his protestant theology, these articles would begin the Swiss Reformation.
1517 Luther's Ninety-Five Theses Written by Martin Luther in 1517 to address the practice of selling indulgences, the ninety-five thesis presented a critique of the medieval church that kicked off the protestant reformation.
1517 The Protestant Reformation
1420 The Four Articles of Prague Written by the followers of John Hus after his execution, the articles outline four reforms wanted by the proto-protestant Bohemian reformers.
1180 The Waldensian Confession Written by Peter Waldo, this confession outlined the faith of the proto-protestant Waldensians, who would later join the reformed churches.
1054 The Great East-West Schism
529 The Second Council of Orange Convened to address semi-Pelagianism, the second council of Orange emphasized the necessity of grace and the inability of man to seek God without grace
451 The Council of Chalcedon Chalcedon sought to uphold the two natures of Christ without confusion or admixture against the monophysites, the error opposite of Nestorianism
449 The Epistle of Leo to Flavian Leo, the bishop of Rome, writes to Flavian, the bishop of Constantinople, in order to give an orthodox explanation of Christ's two natures. This letter was accepted by the Council of Chalcedon as orthodox Christology.
431 The Council of Ephesus Called in 431 to address the teachings of Nestorius, the Council of Ephesus reaffirmed unity of Christ's two natures, that Christ's person is fully God, and the propriety of calling Mary the mother of God.
430 The Second Epistle of Cyril to Nestorius Cyril again writes to Nestorius on behalf of a council convened at Alexandria, urging him to repent of his heresy and layout out right doctrine
429 The First Epistle of Cyril to Nestorius Cyril, the bishop of Alexandria, admonishes Nestorius for his seperation of the two natures of Christ, and refusing to say Mary is the mother of God.
420 The Second Letter of Jerome to Evangelus Jerome proves from the scriptures that presbyters are the same as bishops, and over deacons.
411 Augustine's Sermon on the Eucharist Augustine explains that the Eucharist is the body of Christ, that it is grasped by faith, and that it is composed of believers
381 The First Council of Constantinople Called by Emporer in 381 to reaffirm the Nicean faith, the first council of Constantinople expanded the Nicean creed's section on the Holy Spirit. This was a local eastern synod that was recognized as ecumenical at Chalcedon in 451.
330 Athanasius On Luke 10:22 and Matthew 11:27 Combatting the Arian heresy, Athansius writes on Luke 10:22 and Matthew 11:27 seeking to prove the eternal unity of the Father and the Son, and to refute the Arian interpretation of these passages.
325 The Council of Nicea Called by Emporer Constantine in 325 to address the Arian controversy, the Council of Nicea reaffirmed the divinity of Christ and defined what would become the Nicean Creed.
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Historic Reformed
Who Was George Whitfield?
George Whitefield, was an English Anglican priest and preacher who was one of the founders of Methodism and the evangelical movement. Born in Gloucester, he matriculated at Pembroke College, Oxford in 1732. Wikipedia
Born: December 16, 1714, Gloucester, United Kingdom
Died: September 30, 1770 (age 55 years), Newburyport, MA
Place of burial: Old South Presbyterian Church, Newburyport, MA
Spouse: Elizabeth James (m. 1741–1768)
Parents: Thomas Whitefield, Elizabeth Edwards -Wikipedia.
What are the Doctrines of Grace
The Doctrines of Grace, often summarized by the acronym TULIP, are five theological pillars of (Reformed theology) that emphasize salvation as the absolute work of God's sovereign grace, rather than human effort. They include Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints, highlighting that God saves sinners. The Five Points of TULIP
- Total Depravity (Radical Depravity): Because of the Fall, every part of human nature—mind, will, and affections—is corrupted by sin, leaving humanity dead in sin and unable to choose God on their own.
- Unconditional Election (Sovereign Election): Before the foundation of the world, God chose specific individuals for salvation based solely on His purpose and grace, not on any foreseen merit or faith in them.
- Limited Atonement (Definite Atonement): Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross was designed to effectively redeem specific individuals (the elect) rather than making salvation possible for everyone.
- Irresistible Grace (Effectual Calling): When God calls the elect to salvation, they cannot resist it. The Holy Spirit regenerates their hearts, enabling them to repent and believe willingly.
- Perseverance of the Saints (Preserving Grace): Those whom God has elected, redeemed, and called will be kept by His power to the end; they cannot lose their salvation.
These doctrines are designed to demonstrate that salvation is entirely by grace for God's glory alone.
What Does the Bible Say?
What Does the Bible Say?
Historic Reformed Theology is rooted in doctrines emphasizing divine sovereignty and human inability which were synthesized at the Synod of Dort, in a theological answer to Joseph Arminius and the Remonstrants who opposed to Historic Reformed Theology.
Historic Reformed Theology is supported by verses highlighting unconditional election, irresistible grace, and total depravity. Key, frequently cited passages include Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 9:16, John 6:44, and Romans 8:29-30, which emphasize God's purposeful, sovereign role in salvation. Key Calvinist Biblical Proof Texts
- Total Depravity (T): Humanity is incapable of saving itself due to sin (Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1-3).
- Unconditional Election (U): God chooses individuals for salvation based on His purpose, not human merit (Romans 9:11-16, Ephesians 1:4-5, 11).
- Limited Atonement/Particular Redemption (L): Christ died specifically for the "sheep" or the elect (John 10:11, 15, John 17:9).
- Irresistible Grace (I): Those called by God will inevitably come to Him (John 6:37, 44, Acts 13:48).
- Perseverance of the Saints (P): The elect are eternally secure and will continue in faith (John 10:27-29, Romans 8:29-30).
Core Supporting Verses
- Romans 9:16: "It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy".
- Ephesians 1:4-5: "...he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us...".
- John 6:44: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him...".
- Romans 8:29-30: Outlines the "golden chain" of salvation: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified.
- Acts 13:48: "...and all who were appointed for eternal life believed".
- Daniel 4:35: "...he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth...".
These verses are used to argue that God is in complete control of salvation from beginning to end.
Faith and Science
Religious Practices
What Does the Bible Say?
While faith and science may seem like two opposing concepts, many people believe that they can coexist. Science can explain the how, while faith can provide the why.
Religious Practices
Religious Practices
Religious Practices
Religious practices vary widely, from prayer and meditation to fasting and pilgrimage. These practices can help people connect with their faith and deepen their spiritual experience.
Faith and Ethics
Religious Practices
Religious Practices
Faith can provide a moral compass and guide people in making ethical decisions. Many religions have their own set of values and principles that help followers live a virtuous life.
Arminian Wesleyan Reformed
Who Was John Wesley
Who Was John Wesley
Who Was John Wesley
Join us as we strive to spread love and hope to our community.
John Wesley (1703–1791) was an 18th-century Anglican clergyman, theologian, and evangelist who founded the Methodist movement. As a major leader in the18th-century Evangelical revival, he emphasized personal holiness, faith-based salvation, and social justice. His work, which included extensive open-air preaching, profoundly shaped British and American Protestantism. Key Facts About John Wesley:
- Founder of Methodism: While he remained an Anglican priest, his teachings and organizing of societies led to the formation of the Methodist Church.
- The "Holy Club": At Oxford University, he and his brother Charles were part of a small group nicknamed the "Holy Club" for their strict, disciplined approach to study and piety.
- Theology: Wesley focused on grace, faith, and sanctification (holiness of heart and life).
- Itinerant Preacher: Facing rejection from Anglican churches, he began preaching in the open air, reaching working-class populations in factories and mines.
- Prolific Writer: He wrote extensively on theology, published a medical text, Primitive Physick, and created a "Christian Library" of literature.
- Impact: His influence extended to the American colonies, where he helped establish the organizational structure for what became the United Methodist Church.
His 1738 spiritual experience on Aldersgate Street, where he felt his heart "strangely warmed," is often cited as a pivotal turning point in his life and ministry.
Prevenient Grace
Who Was John Wesley
Who Was John Wesley
The doctrine provides a foundation for optimism in evangelism. It means God is already at work in every person's life before the church even arrives to share the gospel. It also ensures that no one is without excuse, as every person has been given enough "light" to begin seeking God
In Wesleyan theology, prevenient grace (from the Latin praevenire, meaning "to come before") is the divine love and power that surrounds all humanity and precedes any human initiative toward God. John Wesley championed this concept as the essential "first step" in the journey of salvation, arguing that while humans are born in a state of total depravity due to original sin, God’s universal grace partially restores the capacity to respond to Him. Core Characteristics
- Universal Reach: Wesley believed this grace is given to every human being, regardless of their faith or background.
- Restoring Free Will: It does not save a person instantly but instead "enables" them by mitigating the effects of sin, allowing for a truly free choice to accept or reject further grace.
- The "Porch" Metaphor: Wesley famously compared the spiritual life to a house: prevenient grace is the porch (preparation), justifying grace is the door (entry into salvation), and sanctifying grace represents the rooms (living in holiness).
- Manifestations: It often appears as a "natural conscience," a sense of guilt, or a sudden desire for something higher or more meaningful in life.
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Who Was John Wesley
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Reformed Methodist Resources on Youtube.com
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Links to George Whitfield on Youtube.com
Walking with God!
https://youtu.be/pt-Xu3JC1sg?si=-cM_PjaWHLHyOXFA
A Repentant Heart!
https://youtu.be/Mp61wr8pgYU?si=nF68ysGwfE60Ou4P
Marks of a True Conversion!
https://youtu.be/UQ6YCISfutU?si=sKhYNHcop4naRIkE
The Potter and The Clay!
https://youtu.be/XVuZ3qY4PFI?si=kgaV5DTVmH2lVVRE
George Whitefield - Born Again: Full Documentary, Whitefield ignited the Great Awakening.
https://youtu.be/HDIHSeYQluI?si=tLA-2NDePxGrW2iJ
George Whitefield: The Revival That Shook England and America.
https://youtu.be/xH30kaGT36M?si=fj1r49As58l6V9nL
The Resurrection of Lazarus! - George Whitefield Sermon
https://youtu.be/58M1L04BvIg?si=2y8hU96KBGLE19Nv
Dr Lloyd-Jones documentary on George Whitefield
https://youtu.be/QhN2VgdJp_c?si=NWWUEC7eu53lpIbZ
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Arminian Wesleyan Reformed Methodist Resources
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John Wesley
John Wesley Bio:
https://youtu.be/gH6Hqu12sDk?si=eA-cGKeN9QWcfRJt
Salvation by Faith
https://youtu.be/jN36jAZK5K4?si=67sqTtIV8KRzt4TU
Justification by Faith
https://youtu.be/XdlVv6sFiR8?si=QTTr6W1iCIrvBXuW
The Spirit of Bondage and of Adoption
https://youtu.be/vslx8xKURhU?si=UsEuiyrU_KLrvp4G
John Wesley – The Man Who Saved England
https://youtu.be/UwjdD_JbOok?si=Y3VT14dT5Qchxldz
John Wesley Sermon - On The Death Of The Rev. Mr. George Whitefield
https://youtu.be/TH4eSoHt9ao?si=zGr3HwQiz92zSqyF
Preface to the First Series of Wesley's Standard Sermons
https://youtu.be/SDurGklceSU?si=B6pIatglU_pt4dyZ