Joe and Jimmy are hanging out at the cigar shop talking about the doctrine of divine providence from the 1689 Baptist Confession Chapter 5 paragraphs 3 and 4. What comfort comes from the idea of God's providence over sin, and where do we see this doctrine in scripture? Plus, the guys reveal the details of the 2019 Doctrine and Devotion Conference, "Biblical Theology: The Revelation of God's Person, Plan, and Purpose."

For links and all the show notes visit
www.doctrineanddevotion.com/1689534

Today, Joe and Jimmy walk through their RANSOM Bible Study Method. This is a six step method of reading the Scripture that can encourage you to read the Bible thoughtfully, apply it personally, and interpret it theologically. The guys have also created a RANSOM Bible Study Method ebook that you can download for free. To get the resource just sign up for our email list and you can download it right away. If you are already a subscriber be sure to check your inbox for a link that will allow you to get the goods today. Plus, Joe's tab at the cigar shop has a higher monetary value than Jimmy's 2006 Canadian Ford Focus.

For all the relevant links and show notes head over to
doctrineanddevotion.com/podcast/ransom

This is the first episode Jimmy and Joe have recorded since Joe got back from South Africa. So they guys catch up and Jimmy presses Joe on why he was in a South African police station. Then they jump into chapter 5, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the 1689 Confession on God's Providence. If divine providence is "God's ordering all outcomes and events of things, after the counsel of his will, to his own glory" (Watson), what does this mean for the ideas of chance, determinism, and God's responsibility over sin?

And for the 10% of you who don't like it, you can skip the banter and get straight to the topic at the 6:28 mark.

Joe and Jimmy are hanging out in the cigar shop talking about how to best prepare to lead a group of people in "devotions." Christians are often asked to lead a group in a "devotional," meaning, share something good from the word of God for those in attendance. But how can we do it well? The guys offer five pieces of advice to lead a group in better devotionals. And the guys introduce the Doctrine and Devotion "RANSOM" Bible Study Method. You can expect more on that in the future. Plus, why do fit people stretch so much in public, and why do people steal material from famous, current preachers?

Five Principles to Help You Prepare and Lead a Devotional Talk

1. Always Be in the Word
2. Distill the Main idea
3. Address Points of Application (to your life, and then to others)
4. Keep it Brief
5. Be Confident and Don't Apologize

The guys are back on the 1689 Confession, talking through chapter 4 on the doctrine of creation. What is the significance of the doctrine of creation? Does the 1689 hold a position on the sox days of creation? Why did God create all things and what does this have to do with us today?

Joe and Jimmy discuss how their workshop at Legacy Chicago went. Not so good. How do Jimmy and Joe evaluate themselves and their teaching? What does it look like to go back to the drawing board after a failure? The guys offer ten points of action and reflection for those who bomb and are ready to learn from their mistakes. Plus, we include a photo of the dude who fell asleep in our workshop. Gotacha, sucka!

Also, Adam Kareus wrote two articles for Doctrine and Devotion you will want to check out: I Just Bombed My Sermon, and My Pastor Just Bombed a Sermon.

10 Points of Reflection After You Bomb

1. Do not despair
2. Do not get defensive
3. Get feedback
4. Was I clear?
5. Was I organized?
6. Was I persuasive?
7. Was I dull?
8. Was I practical?
9. Did the audience know the stakes?
10. How could I have been more dependent on God in preparation and delivery?

For all the show notes and links go to
www.doctrineanddevotion.com/podcast/bomb

The guys are back on the 1689, this time wrapping up Chapter 3 on God's Decree by discussing the final paragraph. Why must we be careful with the doctrines of God’s decree and unconditional election? How do these truths relate to the Christian’s assurance of salvation? And how should all of this lead us to a healthy “praise, reverence, and admiration of God, and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation”? Plus, high people are not funny, and the guys argue over "bread and butter" vs "meat and potatoes".

Jimmy and Joe sit down to talk about leadership, and what what it means to leave a legacy (in a legitimate way). Opening up to Hebrews 13:7 the guys think through why and how good leaders should be imitable, and how we should all strive to be examples to those we serve.

Joe and Jimmy are back at the cigar shop walking through the 1689 Confession and dial in on chapter 3 paragraphs 4 through 6. If the number of the elect is fixed and cannot increase or decrease should be discouraged or encouraged? How does this doctrine impact our evangelism? Plus, Jimmy gets impatient when a regular at the cigar shop stops by to chat.

For all the links a d show notes head over to www.doctrineandevotion.com/podcast/1689346

The guys received an email from a listener asking questions about the doctrine of God's Decree as it relates to the God's sovereignty over sin. How can God cause all things to work together for his purpose and yet not be the author of sin? How do we make sense of those passages where God seems to change his mind?

For more on these subjects be sure to listen to our episodes: Does God Change His Mind?, The Decree of God, and Prayer.

RECOMMENDATION
Manual of Theology by J.L. Dagg

For all the links and show notes visit
www.doctrineanddevotion.com/podcast/decree-questions