Daniel L. Arter’s Post

My goal in ministry is to inform the mind through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word for the purpose of transformation, which results in changed affections and good works. As the mind is transformed, the heart grows towards the things of God, which then results in godly behavior. I hope to help people mature in their faith in such a way that their belief in Jesus Christ influences every aspect of their life—what they think, feel, and do. Nothing more and nothing less. #ministry #ministrygoal #transformation #heartchange #maturebelievers

“The world becomes a strange, mad, painful place, and life in it a disappointing and unpleasant business, for those who do not know about God. Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfolded . . . with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you. This way you can waste your life and lose your soul.” J.I. Packer, Knowing God (1973; repr., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023), 19. #packer #knowinggod #theology #studyofgod #senseofdirection

I’ve now read this twice—it’s better the second time around (though it wasn’t bad the first time either). It’s lengthy, but it’s worth it. #augustine #cityofgod #theologyandculture #phdlife #mbts #doctoralstudent

“The Christian life is a long and difficult race, and we must run it ‘looking unto Jesus’ (Heb. 12:2). We cannot endure as Christians merely by observing a list of rules, embracing a philosophy of life, or pursuing a series of experiences. The Christian must have Christ. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is everything to the believer. This is true not only for our conversion and justification, but also for our spiritual growth. Therefore, it is our great duty, necessity, and delight to know him in an ever-increasing way.” Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley, Reformed Systematic Theology, vol. 2, Man and Christ (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020), 721. #rst #manandchrist #beeke #smalley #christianlife #christianliving

Did you miss Sunday’s sermon? Visit https://lnkd.in/eDG2FTVG to hear Pastor Daniel introduce our new sermon series on the Theology & Practice of Prayer by answering the question: What is Prayer?

To clarify, no cessationist believes that God, through the Holy Spirit, no longer leads, directs, or even “nudges” His people in the right direction. To claim so is a misrepresentation of what a cessationist believes (and honestly, it’s a straw man). Cessationists believe that God no longer provides new revelation through the means of revelatory spiritual gifts (i.e., speaking in tongues, spontaneous healings performed by individuals, or dreams and visions (consider the purpose of those gifts every time they’re recorded in Scripture)) because the completion of the Old and New Testaments removed the need for continued new revelation given in miraculous ways. No one today receives words from God like the prophets, patriarchs, or authors of Scripture did (and honestly, if you hear or read someone claiming to today, you really have to ask “why?” Why would someone today need to claim to hear from God in the same way as the prophets, patriarchs, or authors of Scripture did when Hebrews 1 claims that God spoke to us in the past through those means, but not now? Could it be so that you can’t question what they’re teaching without them accusing you of disobeying God?) However, this doesn’t mean that God doesn’t lead, direct or even “nudge” His people in the right direction through the Holy Spirit working in people’s hearts and lives. Nor does the cessationist position mean that God doesn’t do miraculous healings on His own today. All it means is that no one today is receiving new revelation through these means and thus, the means through which new revelation was given and then confirmed are no longer active. For more info, check out this article by Thomas Schreiner: https://lnkd.in/eiWuhj_Y #spiritualgifts #cessationism #cessationist #continuationism #continuationist

https://lnkd.in/em2MUcFE.

What is Prayer? (Gen 4:25-26) The Theology and Practice of Prayer Rev. Daniel L. Arter https://lnkd.in/eXjgKMP9

“I realize I’ve spent over 2500 words now to make a simple point: because total depravity is real, the attractional—some might call it “seeker-sensitive” or “pragmatic”—model of church simply doesn’t work. It’s weighed down by good intentions, and its “success” in producing converts—both genuine and apparent—should not let us ignore the scourge of people that it leaves unsaved yet self-deceived, relaxed yet unregenerate . . . Humanity’s problem is too great to be solved by relatable sermons and niche programs for broken people. And God’s solution is too great to exhaust itself with redeemed families and balanced budgets. So, what do we do? We trust the means God has promised to bless in his Word, which is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” https://lnkd.in/ebdK6-HQ #9marks #attractional #attractionalmodel #churchgrowth #godsword

The issue with being heavily invested in only one view of apologetics (whether that’s presuppositional, evidential, classical, etc.) is that not having a cursory understanding of other view on apologetics causes difficulties relating to misunderstandings and intramural arguments. Personally, I believe it’s wise to have knowledge of every view concerning apologetics to prevent misunderstandings and to limit intramural arguments. Yes, everyone will lean on their preferred view, but developing a working understanding of the other views doesn’t hurt you, but rather helps you. #apologetics #presuppositional #christianity #evidential #classical #blendedargument