Iron Sharpens Iron: DR. DEREK THOMAS: "HERESY: DEFINED & EXAMINED"

Thursday, March 13, 2008

DR. DEREK THOMAS: "HERESY: DEFINED & EXAMINED"

DR. DEREK THOMAS, minister of teaching at First Presbyterian Church (PCA), Jackson, Mississippi, will address the theme: "HERESY: DEFINED & EXAMINED". Originally from Wales, Dr. Derek Thomas is the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, also in Jackson, Mississippi. After pastoring for 17 years in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dr Thomas returned to the USA in 1996.

In addition to serving in the pastorate, Derek has served as editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian, a monthly denominational magazine. A 1978 graduate of RTS, he gained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Lampeter, in Calvin’s preaching on the book of Job. He has written numerous books, including The Storm Breaks: Job Simply Explained, Wisdom: the Key to Living God’s Way, and God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained, Making the Most of Your Devotional Life based on the Ascent Psalms, and Praying the Savior’s Way, based on the Lord’s Prayer. Recently he published Let’s Study Revelation (Banner of Truth), Let’s Study Galatians (Banner of Truth), and Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God (Christian Focus). He also co-edited, Give Praise To God: A Vision for Reforming Worship (P & R).

Today Dr. Thomas will explore such serious questions as:

1.) How serious does an error in one's teaching regarding his faith have to be before it can be rightly labeled a "heresy"?

2.) Are all heresies damnable?

3.) Can a true brother in Christ or a true Church hold to heretical teaching?

4.) When is heresy so dangerous that a Christian must refuse fellowship from a person holding to that heresy?

5.) Is Arminian theology heretical?

6.) Why does the Apostle Paul refer to those in the churches of Galatia who embraced a false gospel "brethren", and yet pronounce an anathema upon those who *teach* another gospel?... and more...

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