Monergism vs. Synergism

Dr. James White and Dr. Michael Brown: Monergism vs. Synergism

This debate between Dr. James White and Dr. Michael Brown took place several years ago. Since then, these two brothers in Christ have developed a deep friendship and mutual respect. They have partnered together in other debates and discussions and, by all accounts, may collaborate on additional projects in the future.

In fairness to Dr. Brown, he has expressed discomfort with the theological labels monergism and synergism, believing that they can be overly simplistic for a subject that stretches finite minds. Nevertheless, these are the terms Dr. White used in titling the debates, and they remain a helpful shorthand for the discussion that follows.

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Part 1: Monergism vs. Synergism on The Dividing Line (March 25, 2010)

James White opened this two-part discussion with Dr. Michael Brown, framing it as the classic Calvinist/Arminian debate, though preferring the terms monergism and synergism.

During this fast-paced, ninety-minute exchange, the participants examined passages selected by Dr. White, including John 6, Romans 8–9, and Ephesians 1. There is very little downtime as both men engage the biblical text in a spirited yet respectful manner.

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Part 2: Monergism vs. Synergism on The Dividing Line (April 1, 2010)

In the second installment, the discussion becomes more pointed while remaining well within the bounds of Christian charity. Dr. Brown and Dr. White continue to examine the foundations upon which believers interpret and understand Scripture.

This time, Dr. Brown selected the passages for discussion, including Luke 13:34–35, Matthew 23:37, Ezekiel 18, and 2 Peter 2:1.

Whether one agrees more closely with Dr. White or Dr. Brown, these debates provide an excellent example of two thoughtful Christians wrestling seriously with the text of Scripture while maintaining respect and fellowship.

Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled

The odds of one person fulfilling only a mere 8 of the messianic prophecies are 1 in 10 to the 17th power (1 in 1017). The odds then of Jesus or any one person fulfilling only 48 prophecies would be 1 in 10 to the 157th power (1 in 10157). The fact that over 330 were fulfilled by Jesus is beyond the realm of possibility without divine intervention. Here is a list of only 60.

Fulfilled Bible Prophecy Pertaining to Christ

Concerning his birth	Prophesied	Fulfilled
1. Born of the seed of woman	Gen 3:15	Gal 4:4
2. Born of a virgin	Isa 7:14	Mt 1:18-25
3. Seed of Abraham	Gen 22:18	Mt 1:1
4. Seed of Isaac	Gen 21:12	Lk 3:23+34
5. Seed of Jacob	Num 24:17	Lk 3:34
6. Seed of David	Jer 23:5	Lk 3:31
7. Tribe of Judah	Gen 49:10	Rev 5:5
8. Family line of Jesse	Isa 11:1	Lk 3:32
9. Born in Bethlehem	Mic 5:2	Mt 2:1-6
10. Herod kills the children	Jer 31:15	Mt 2:16-18
Concerning his nature	Prophesied	Fulfilled
11. He pre-existed creation	Mic 5:2	1 Pet 1:20
12. He shall be called Lord	Ps 110:1	Acts 2:36
13. Called Immanuel (God with us)	Isa 7:14	Mt 1:22-23
14. Prophet	Deut 18:18-19	Acts 3:18-25
15. Priest	Ps 110:4	Heb 5:5-6
16. Judge	Isa 33:22	Jn 5:22-23
17. King	Ps 2:6	Jn 18:33-37
18. Anointed by the Spirit	Isa 11:2	Mt 3:16-17
19. His zeal for God	Ps 69:9	Jn 2:15-17
Concerning his ministry	Prophesied	Fulfilled
20. Preceded by a messenger	Isa 40:3	Mt 3:1-3
21. To begin in Galilee	Isa 9:1-2	Mt 4:12-17
22. Ministry of Miracles	Isa 35:5-6	Mt 9:35;11:4
23. Teacher of parables	Ps 78:1-4	Mt 13:34-35
24. He was to enter the temple	Mal 3:1	Mt 21:10-12
25. Enter Jerusalem on donkey	Zech 9:9	Mt 21:1-7
26. Stone of stumbling to Jews	Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22	1 Pet 2:6-8
27. Light to Gentiles	Isa 49:6	Acts 13:46-48
Concerning his Crucifixion	Prophesied	Fulfilled
28. Betrayed by a friend	Ps 41:9	Jn 13:18-27
29. Sold for 30 pieces of silver	Zech 11:12	Mt 26:14-15
30. 30 pieces thrown in Temple	Zech 11:13	Mt 27:3-5
31. 30 pieces buys potters field	Zech 11:13	Mt 27:6-10
32. Forsaken by His disciples	Zech 13:7	Mk 14:27+50
33. Accused by false witnesses	Ps 35:11+20-21	Mt 26:59-61
34. Silent before accusers	Isa 53:7	Mt 27:12-14
35. Wounded and bruised	Isa 53:4-6	1 Pet 2:21-25
36. Beaten and spit upon	Isa 50:6	Mt 26:67-68
37. Mocked	Ps 22:6-8	Mt 27:27-31
38. Fell under the cross	Ps 109:24-25	Jn 19:17; Lk23:26
39. Hands and feet pierced	Ps 22:16	Jn 20:24-28
40. Crucified with thieves	Isa 53:12	Mt 27:38
41. Prayed for enemies	Isa 53:12	Lk 23:34
42. Rejected by His own people	Isa 53:3	Jn 19:14-15
43. Hated without cause	Ps 69:4	Jn 15:25
44. Friends stood aloof	Ps 38:11	Lk22:54;23:49
45. People wag their heads	Ps 22:7;109:25	Mt 27:39
46. People stared at Him	Ps 22:17	Lk 23:35
47. Cloths divided and gambled for	Ps 22:18	Jn 19:23-24
48. Became very thirsty	Ps 22:15	Jn 19:28
49. Gall and vinegar offered Him	Ps 69:21	Mt 27:34
50. His forsaken cry	Ps 22:1	Mt 27:46
51. Committed Himself to God	Ps 31:5	Lk 23:46
52. Bones not broken	Ps 34:20	Jn 19:32-36
53. Heart broken	Ps 69:20;22:14	Jn 19:34
54. His side pierced	Zech 12:10	Jn 19:34+37
55. Darkness over the land	Amos 8:9	Lk 23:44-45
56. Buried in rich man's tomb	Isa 53:9	Mt 27:57-60
Concerning his Resurrection	Prophesied	Fulfilled
57. Raised from the dead	Ps 16:8-11	Acts 2:24-31
58. Begotten as Son of God	Ps 2:7	Acts 13:32-35
59. Ascended to God	Ps 68:18	Eph 2:8-10
60. Seated beside God	Ps 110:1	Heb 1:3+13

It Is Finished!

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Jesus: The Hope of the World

Press the play button to hear the audio—or watch the video—featuring the band Third Day and Pastor Gary Buchman of Emmitsburg Community Bible Church as he preaches about Jesus.

This unique presentation combines worship and biblical preaching, pointing listeners to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Intelligent Design

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Intelligent Design: Does Design Require a Designer?

The evidence is in.

The brain is intelligently designed. The eye is intelligently designed. Even the faces of four presidents on Mount Rushmore are, quite obviously, intelligently designed.

Could anyone reasonably conclude that intelligent design does not presuppose an intelligent designer?

This thought-provoking message examines one of the foundational questions of human existence and challenges listeners to consider the implications of design in the world around us.

Click here to hear the complete sermon on SermonAudio.

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From Little Loaves, the blogging fellowship of Pastor Russ Sukhia.
All rights reserved.

Website: www.littleloaves.blogspot.com  |  Phone: 410-655-5466

Paul Washer - Shocking Message

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Paul Washer: A Shockingly Powerful and Biblical Message

This is a shockingly powerful and deeply biblical message preached by Paul Washer to approximately 5,000 young people during a time when youth ministry was increasingly characterized by shallow and worldly appeals.

At one point in the sermon, the crowd is clapping and cheering. Then, with a single statement, the entire atmosphere changes. The room becomes so quiet that, as many have said, you could have heard a pin drop.

As you might imagine, Paul Washer was never invited back.

Regardless of where one lands on every point of theology, this sermon has challenged and convicted countless listeners over the years and continues to call people to examine themselves in light of Scripture.

We believe the entire message will be a blessing to many souls.

For more information about Paul Washer and HeartCry Missionary Society, visit: www.heartcrymissionary.com

Something Greater

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Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

To take up your cross and follow Jesus means, among other things, to deny yourself.

This is certainly not a popular message in our society today. We are often more interested in hearing what Jesus can do to please us than what we can do to please Him.

Yet Jesus calls His followers to something far greater than the pursuit of personal comfort and pleasure. He calls us to surrender.

We cannot truly be disciples of Christ if we are unwilling to lay down our own ambitions and live for Someone greater than ourselves.

Taking up our cross is not merely a one-time decision—it is a daily act of faith, obedience, and devotion to the One who first gave Himself for us.

Todd Friel Pleading the Gospel!

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Todd Friel: Pleading the Gospel

Todd Friel passionately pleads with listeners to examine themselves and ask a vital question: Are we truly in right standing with God?

Many people assume they are doing just fine spiritually, but Scripture calls us to test ourselves and consider whether our faith is genuine.

Take some time to listen to this powerful message and engage in honest personal reflection. If you discover that something is missing, this message points to the One who alone can satisfy forever.

And be sure to listen all the way to the end—there is a surprise conclusion.