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, what can we learn and apply?
• Participation in the divine.

• Should this doctrine beget activity or passivity in us?
• The abuse of providence.
• Ordinary & extraordinary providence; Hurricane Helene and Western North Carolina.
• What is God's incarnate justice and comfort? How do they relate to providence?
• Donald Trump & 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 & providence.
• If God causes all things, does he cause sin? If not, do we have hope? How should Christians think this through?