S2E15—Marrow 8: Providence — Michael & Cody continue through The Marrow of Theology, by William Ames, with particular focus upon Providence. Highlights:
- What is providence? its etymology? its parts? and how is it distinct from the decree, counsel, and creation?
- How should we consider God's attributes (e.g. justice, wisdom, holiness) in relation to providence?
- Primary and secondary causes: what are they, why should we care, and what can we learn?
- Participation in the divine.
- Should this doctrine beget activity or passivity in us?
- The abuse of providence.
- Ordinary and extraordinary providence; Hurricane Helene and western North Carolina.
- What is God's incarnate justice and comfort? How do they relate to providence?
- President Donald Trump and the bullet—extraordinary providence?
- Fear and thanks.
- Conservation and government: what are they: how can we see them today? what can we learn?
- Paul, Titus, and the imitation of God's conservation and government.
- Common government vs. special government.
- How does God cause secondary causes? How can we draw comfort from the seeming conflict of secondary causes?
- Thomas Cartwright's applications.
- Romans 8:28 and providence.
- If God causes all things, does he cause sin? If not, do we have hope? How should Christians think this through?