Our makeup of our spiritual diet will impact our spiritual walk. Lionel Windsor from Australia makes a compelling case from the Scriptures themselves that our diet and our church's diet should reflect the following:
Read the whole article here.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Quote of the Day
“The gospel, by telling us Jesus died for us, is also really insulting. It tells us that we are so wicked that only the death of the Son of God could save us. This offends the modern cult of self-expression and the popular belief in the innate goodness of humanity.”
“The gospel, by telling us Jesus died for us, is also really insulting. It tells us that we are so wicked that only the death of the Son of God could save us. This offends the modern cult of self-expression and the popular belief in the innate goodness of humanity.”
- Timothy Keller, The Message of Romans (Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2003), 2.
HT: Of First ImportanceMonday, February 09, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Toronto Pastors Conference
Speaker: Mark Dever
Date: June 1-3
Location: Richview Baptist Church, Toronto
Registration: Check back soon to the website for more info...
Who are the Speakers for the Toronto Pastors Conference?
Mark Dever will be the keynote speaker for this year's conference. Mark is pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, leader of 9Marks ministries, and author of several great books (including Nine Marks of a Healthy Church and The Deliberate Church).
Breakout sessions will be led by various pastors.
What Will the Conference be About?
The goal is to cultivate and encourage churches to reflect the character of God, something we believe they will do as they institute several, often-overlooked biblical practices. We will present six main sessions on building healthy (that is, biblical) churches. Primarily, these sessions are for pastors, church leaders, and seminarians, but registration is open to all eager to learn about how healthy churches glorify God.
What Will I Hear?
Our goal is not to make your church look just like ours. It’s to say, 'Here are the biblical principles. Here is how we have applied them. Now you have to figure out how to apply them in your location.'
The six Workshop sessions are divided into the following parts:
Foundation
Session 1: Displaying God’s Glorious Gospel
Construction
Session 2: Preaching & Biblical Theology
Session 3: Gospel, Conversion & Evangelism
Session 4: Membership, Discipline, and Discipleship
Session 5: Leadership
Life Together
Session 6: Covenanting Together
In all six, we aim to present pastors and church leaders with a little theory and a little practice, kind of like moving between your high school chemistry lecture room and the laboratory. Pastors want to 'get the point'—that’s the theory. But they also want to know how to 'get the church from here to there'—that’s the practice.
We will aim to address both. We also try to build in lots of time for Q&A.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Desiring God Pastor's Conference Messages
The Need for Evangelism
A Shepherd and His Unregenerate Sheep
The Pastor and Evangelism
"I Will Not Be a Velvet-Mouthed Preacher!”
The Church and Evangelism
Missions as Fasting
The Need for Evangelism
Desiring God 2009 Conference for Pastors
February 2, 2009
Mark Dever
A Shepherd and His Unregenerate Sheep
Desiring God 2009 Conference for Pastors
February 3, 2009
Matt Chandler
The Pastor and Evangelism
Desiring God 2009 Conference for Pastors
February 3, 2009
Mark Dever
"I Will Not Be a Velvet-Mouthed Preacher!”
The Life and Ministry of George Whitefield: Living and Preaching as Though God Were Real (Because He Is)
February 3, 2009
John Piper
The Church and Evangelism
Desiring God 2009 Conference for Pastors
February 3, 2009
Mark Dever
Missions as Fasting
The Forsaking of Things Present for the Global Exaltation of Christ
February 4, 2009
Michael Oh
Beale Interview on the Current Challenges to Inerrancy
I just listened to this the other night and found it very very interesting. One thing that hit home was the fact that many biblical scholars compromise concerning inerrancy, not because of intellectual reasons, but because of sociological reasons: fear of conflict and the desire to fit in to one's environment:
Greg Beale and Carl Trueman join the Christ the Center discussion forum to talk about inerrancy and evangelicalism.
HT: JT
I just listened to this the other night and found it very very interesting. One thing that hit home was the fact that many biblical scholars compromise concerning inerrancy, not because of intellectual reasons, but because of sociological reasons: fear of conflict and the desire to fit in to one's environment:
Greg Beale and Carl Trueman join the Christ the Center discussion forum to talk about inerrancy and evangelicalism.
HT: JT
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Dear Brothers in Ministry,
I’d like to tell you about a Preaching Workshop being held in the GTA from March 25th to 27th. This workshop is sponsored by the Charles Simeon Trust and has been designed to help men fulfill their calling to accurately and effectively preach the Word of God.
This year’s workshop is being held at
Let me encourage you to set these two and a half days aside to hone your preaching skills and be encouraged and motivated in the work of preaching to which the Lord has called us. For more information or to discuss the details of the workshop please feel free to call Pastor Doug Kelley at 905-873-0249. To register you can go to the Charles Simeon Trust website. We will be making arrangements for discount rates in nearby hotels so please be sure you check your registration confirmation for this important information.
I hope you will be able to take advantage of this opportunity for fellowship and instruction. Please forward this post to those whom you think would benefit.
God bless!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Religion Bad. Atheism Good.
The following is my unpublished letter of my response to Stephen Marche's weekend opinion piece in the National Post, one of Canada's national papers:
The following is my unpublished letter of my response to Stephen Marche's weekend opinion piece in the National Post, one of Canada's national papers:
Stephen Marche writes of "religion's inherent toxicity," but is it right to lump all "religion" together under one category? If one religion teaches: "love your enemies and pray for those persecute you" (Mt. 5:44) and another teaches "When the sacred forbidden months for fighting are past, fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, beleaguer them, and lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war" (Qur'an 9:5), are they the same? Would those helped in India by William Carey and Mother Teresa and those helped in Africa by World Vision consider all religion toxic? In fact, atheist and secular regimes in the twentieth century alone have killed well over 100 million people, more than one hundred times the total deaths caused by Christians from the Crusades until the present (See R.J. Rummel, Statistics of Democide, U of Virgina Press, 1997).
Second, the author says that "Christians have faith. Athiests and humanists have reason." However, the apostle Paul himself considered faith as trust in what is true (cf. his belief in the historicity of the resurrection, 1 Cor. 15:3-8). Faith is not belief in what some one knows not to be true, but trust in what is reasonable true.
Nick Hill
Toronto, ON
Monday, January 12, 2009
Spiritual Life Convention in Toronto: January 18-21 2009
Every year at People's Church Toronto this conference brings in world class Bible preachers/teachers to refresh your soul and increase your love for Jesus Christ.
Here are the Details:
Speaker: Colin Smith
Date: Jan 18-21
Times: Sunday evening 6 pm; Monday to Wednesday 7:30 pm
Location: The Peoples Church; 374 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, ON
Messages: Rescued from Sin (Rom 8:1-11)
Rescued from Fear (Rom 8:12-17)
Rescued from Frustration (Rom 8:18-27)
Rescued from Forever (Rom 8:28-39)
I encourage you to come and to bring someone with you.
Every year at People's Church Toronto this conference brings in world class Bible preachers/teachers to refresh your soul and increase your love for Jesus Christ.
Here are the Details:
Speaker: Colin Smith
Date: Jan 18-21
Times: Sunday evening 6 pm; Monday to Wednesday 7:30 pm
Location: The Peoples Church; 374 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, ON
Messages: Rescued from Sin (Rom 8:1-11)
Rescued from Fear (Rom 8:12-17)
Rescued from Frustration (Rom 8:18-27)
Rescued from Forever (Rom 8:28-39)
I encourage you to come and to bring someone with you.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
It's Amazing...
It's amazing how much of the Bible you can take in if you really want to. I have been listening to Max MacLean read the ESV Bible as I drive around Toronto doing errands, going to work, etc. Right now I am focusing on the book of Romans. I am currently on my third time through and I hope to listen through it 30 times and then pick another book, probably 1 Corinthians, then 2 Corinthians, and then Revelation after that.
I have also started the Bible reading plan located in the new ESV Study Bible. It is about 30 minutes a day (around 4 chapters a day) and I will read the Bible through this year (I think I will read the Psalms twice).
We make time for what we value. If you don't know the Bible, its because you do not want to or do not desire it.
With all the different ways that we can take in the Bible nowadays, I challenge you to make the Bible central in your life this year.
It is through the Bible that we hear God speak to us (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and in responding to this Word in confession, repentance, faith, and obedience we develop a relationship with our Creator, Redeemer, and Father.
Take up and Read (or Listen!)
It's amazing how much of the Bible you can take in if you really want to. I have been listening to Max MacLean read the ESV Bible as I drive around Toronto doing errands, going to work, etc. Right now I am focusing on the book of Romans. I am currently on my third time through and I hope to listen through it 30 times and then pick another book, probably 1 Corinthians, then 2 Corinthians, and then Revelation after that.
I have also started the Bible reading plan located in the new ESV Study Bible. It is about 30 minutes a day (around 4 chapters a day) and I will read the Bible through this year (I think I will read the Psalms twice).
We make time for what we value. If you don't know the Bible, its because you do not want to or do not desire it.
With all the different ways that we can take in the Bible nowadays, I challenge you to make the Bible central in your life this year.
It is through the Bible that we hear God speak to us (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and in responding to this Word in confession, repentance, faith, and obedience we develop a relationship with our Creator, Redeemer, and Father.
Take up and Read (or Listen!)
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Job Opportunity
The camp that I first heard the gospel at has a full time year round position available: Boys Camp Director. I would love to see a faithful, godly man fill this position. Please pass this on to anyone who fits this description and loves the outdoors.
The camp that I first heard the gospel at has a full time year round position available: Boys Camp Director. I would love to see a faithful, godly man fill this position. Please pass this on to anyone who fits this description and loves the outdoors.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
What is Prophecy and Has it Ceased?
A while back, Jim Hamilton shows exegetically why the position advocated by Wayne Grudem and others looks wanting.
A while back, Jim Hamilton shows exegetically why the position advocated by Wayne Grudem and others looks wanting.
So, Aren't We All Cessationists (at least on this point)
A while back, Jim Hamilton, a professor of Biblical Theology at SBTS argues this exegetically (which many think is impossible). He is very convincing.
A while back, Jim Hamilton, a professor of Biblical Theology at SBTS argues this exegetically (which many think is impossible). He is very convincing.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of this Year
Don Whitney states the following:
2. What's the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?
3. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?
4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?
6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?
7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?
8. What's the most important way you will, by God's grace, try to make this year different from last year?
9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?
10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity?
HT: JT
Don Whitney states the following:
The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to stop, look up, and get our bearings. To that end, here are some questions to ask prayerfully in the presence of God.
1. What's one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?2. What's the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?
3. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?
4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?
6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?
7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?
8. What's the most important way you will, by God's grace, try to make this year different from last year?
9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?
10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity?
HT: JT
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Reading Through the Bible in a Year: Some Different Plans
Justin Taylor reviews a number of different Bible reading plans here in this very helpful post.
Justin Taylor reviews a number of different Bible reading plans here in this very helpful post.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
How John Stott Prepares a Sermon
Check here for good practical help on the preparation of Biblical messages that will feed your own soul and will feed the souls the people you serve.
Update: I fixed the link.
Check here for good practical help on the preparation of Biblical messages that will feed your own soul and will feed the souls the people you serve.
Update: I fixed the link.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Virtual Friendship and the New Narcissism
My friend John Meinen recommended this article this past summer. It is a very helpful analysis of Facebook and other such things. I enjoyed reading it then and I highly recommend it to you to evaluate the impact of this type of technology on your life.
On a related note, Justin Buzzard has some helpful thoughts on thinking biblically about Facebook here.
My friend John Meinen recommended this article this past summer. It is a very helpful analysis of Facebook and other such things. I enjoyed reading it then and I highly recommend it to you to evaluate the impact of this type of technology on your life.
On a related note, Justin Buzzard has some helpful thoughts on thinking biblically about Facebook here.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Mark Driscoll interviews D.A. Carson
Below is a very interesting, personal, and insightful interview. I especially enjoyed D.A. Carson's discussion of the life of his father and what true success in ministry looks like.
HT: Darryl Dash
Below is a very interesting, personal, and insightful interview. I especially enjoyed D.A. Carson's discussion of the life of his father and what true success in ministry looks like.
HT: Darryl Dash
True Evangelism Advice from an Atheist
Penn of Penn and Teller is an atheist. His response to being evangelized after a show may surprise you.
"I don't respect people who don't proselytize. If you believe that there's a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell, and you think, 'Well, it's not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward'...How much do you have to hate somebody not to proselytize? How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that."
HT: Darryl Dash
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Christopher Hitchens vs. Douglas Wilson
On October 30th, there was a debate between atheist Christopher Hitchens (author of God is not Great) and Christian Douglas Wilson (author of Letter from a Christian Citizen) on the existence of God.
You can watch the lively debate here.
You can also read Dr. Oliphant’s thoughts on the debate here.
HT: Tullian
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Pragmatic Christianity
Are you a pragmatic Christian? If you are a leader in the Church, are you unknowingly helping or encouraging Christians to embrace the philosophy of pragmatism? Check out this interesting post by Phil Steiger here.
Are you a pragmatic Christian? If you are a leader in the Church, are you unknowingly helping or encouraging Christians to embrace the philosophy of pragmatism? Check out this interesting post by Phil Steiger here.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Thursday, November 06, 2008
This is Abortion
Check out this powerful video specifically addressed to Canadians. What are you doing?
Check out this powerful video specifically addressed to Canadians. What are you doing?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Reformation Day!Without the faithfulness of this one man, I might never have heard the pure biblical gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith alone, through Christ alone we are saved to live for the glory of God alone. Good news indeed! For more on Reformation day check out this site.
Quote of the Day: Francis Schaeffer
“Tell me what the world is saying today and I’ll tell you what the church will be saying in seven years.”
-Francis Schaeffer
In trying to become relevant, we become irrelevant. Truth is always relevant. Because God exists, God reigns, Jesus died and rose again and will come again to judge the living and the dead, expositing the Bible in the power of the Spirit is the most relevant thing we can do on earth.
“Tell me what the world is saying today and I’ll tell you what the church will be saying in seven years.”
-Francis Schaeffer
In trying to become relevant, we become irrelevant. Truth is always relevant. Because God exists, God reigns, Jesus died and rose again and will come again to judge the living and the dead, expositing the Bible in the power of the Spirit is the most relevant thing we can do on earth.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Princeton Professor's Analysis of Obama's Abortion Extremism
Check out this well written, logically argued, eye opening article written by Robert P. George (Harvard Law School (JD), Harvard Divinity School (MTS), and New College, Oxford (DPhil), McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, here.
HT: JT
Check out this well written, logically argued, eye opening article written by Robert P. George (Harvard Law School (JD), Harvard Divinity School (MTS), and New College, Oxford (DPhil), McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, here.
HT: JT
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
God Calls Us to an Unfashionable Life
Pastor Tullian Tchividjian (grandson of Billy Graham and one of my favorite bloggers) describes his new book Unfashionable in the short clip below:
Pastor Tullian Tchividjian (grandson of Billy Graham and one of my favorite bloggers) describes his new book Unfashionable in the short clip below:
Having a Hard Time Getting Through the Bible Each Year?
Here is some good advice that Justin Taylor posted on his blog (see especially the last part):
Here is some good advice that Justin Taylor posted on his blog (see especially the last part):
In listening to an old lecture recently by J. I. Packer, he made the comment that it was not until after the 17th century (as far as he could tell) that people started doing silent prayers and reading as opposed to praying and reading out loud.
For most evangelicals, silence represents the vast majority of our reading and praying. But I wonder if that's to our detriment. One of the great enemies to Bible reading and praying is a wandering mind--and one of the great ways to make your mind wander is to do everything in your mind without involving your voice and ears!
. . . Here's something else to consider: the entire Bible on audio is usually about 75 hours (or 4500 minutes). If you commute to work 5 days a week, that's about 260 days a year. And if it takes you, say, 17 minutes to commute each way to work--and if you listen to the Bible on audio during your drive each way--you'll get through the entire Bible twice in a year.Here are some audio Bibles that are available on amazon.ca:
- Listener's Bible (NIV) MP3 CD by Max McLean CDN$ 32.96
- Listener's Bible-ESV Mp3 CD CDN$ 33.28
- Listener's Bible-ESV (Audio CD) CDN$ 79.92
- Dramatized Bible (NIV) Mp3 CD CDN $34.01
- Audio Bible Voice Only-NIV (Audio CD) CDN$ 54.17
- Audio Bible-NIV-Dramatized (Audio CD) CDN$ 68.03
- The Bible Experience - TNIV (MP3 CD) CDN$ 47.24
- The Bible Experience: The Complete Bible TNIV (Audio CD) CDN$ 85.04
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Religion and the Gospel
This comparison chart shows the difference.
Which one characterizes you?
HT: Reformissionary
This comparison chart shows the difference.
Which one characterizes you?
HT: Reformissionary
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Look Who's Irrational Now!
“”What Americans Really Believe,” a comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows that traditional Christian religion greatly decreases belief in everything from the efficacy of palm readers to the usefulness of astrology. It also shows that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to superstition, tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in pseudoscience than evangelical Christians.” Check it out here.
HT: Challies
“”What Americans Really Believe,” a comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows that traditional Christian religion greatly decreases belief in everything from the efficacy of palm readers to the usefulness of astrology. It also shows that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to superstition, tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in pseudoscience than evangelical Christians.” Check it out here.
HT: Challies
Dr. Ortlund on Preaching
Dr. Raymond Ortlund Jr., pastor of Immanuel Church in Nashville, TN, gave the 2008 Mullins Lectures at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary:
HT: Justin Taylor
Dr. Raymond Ortlund Jr., pastor of Immanuel Church in Nashville, TN, gave the 2008 Mullins Lectures at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary:
HT: Justin Taylor
Friday, September 19, 2008
Resources for Teaching and Preaching Ephesians
This year in the youth ministry of our church, Rexdale Alliance, we are studying the book of Ephesians.
Below are some helpful resources on Ephesians.
Some Model Expositions on the book by R. Kent Hughes (formally pastor at College Church Wheaton, IL):
Go to the website here, and click on the book of Ephesians (on the right hand side). You will see all these messages:
Helpful Commentaries (for those at RAC, talk to me):
Stott, John R.W. The Message of Ephesians: God’s New Society. Downers Grove: IVP, 1979.
R. Kent Hughes, Ephesians: The Mystery of the Body of Christ
O'Brien, Peter T. The Letter to the Ephesians PNTC. 1997.
This year in the youth ministry of our church, Rexdale Alliance, we are studying the book of Ephesians.
Below are some helpful resources on Ephesians.
Ephesians Introduction from the soon to be released ESV Study Bible
Some Model Expositions on the book by R. Kent Hughes (formally pastor at College Church Wheaton, IL):
Go to the website here, and click on the book of Ephesians (on the right hand side). You will see all these messages:
Blessing Above: Ephesians 1:1-14
In Accordance with His Pleasure: Ephesians 1:3-6
Celebration of Redemption: Ephesians 1:7-10
Celebration of Salvation: Ephesians 1:11-14
A Prayer for Enlightenment: Ephesians 1:15-23
Mighty Power of God: Ephesians 1:15-23
From Death to Life: Ephesians 2:1-7
All of Grace: Ephesians 2:8-10
Brought Near by the Blood of Christ: Ephesians 2:11-18
The Third Race: Ephesians 2:19-22
The Mystery of Christ: Ephesians 3:1-13
The Measure of Love: Ephesians 3:14-21
Walking in Unity: Ephesians 4:1-6
Growing the Church: Ephesians 4:7-16
Living in Light: Ephesians 4:17-24
Living as the New Race: Ephesians 4:25-32
The Cookie Jar Syndrome: Ephesians 5:1-7
The Fullness of the Spirit: Ephesians 5:15-21
The Mystery of Marriage, Part I: Ephesians 5:21-24
The Mystery of Marriage, Part II: Ephesians 5:25-33
God and the Family: Ephesians 6:1-4
Servants and Masters: Ephesians 6:5-9
Ephesians 6:5-9
Armed for
Armed for
Armed for
Armed for Battle, Part IV: Ephesians 6:18-20
Glad Benedictions: Ephesians 6:21-24
All Prayer: Ephesians 6:18-20
Helpful Commentaries (for those at RAC, talk to me):
Stott, John R.W. The Message of Ephesians: God’s New Society. Downers Grove: IVP, 1979.
R. Kent Hughes, Ephesians: The Mystery of the Body of Christ
O'Brien, Peter T. The Letter to the Ephesians PNTC. 1997.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Therapeutic Gospel
The Therapeutic Gospel: Part 1
In this new gospel, the great evils to be redressed do not call for any fundamental change of direction in the human heart. Instead, my deepest problems are merely limited to what has happened to me.
The Therapeutic Gospel: Part 2
God gives good gifts. But he also gives the best gift, the inexpressible Gift of gifts.
HT: JT
The Therapeutic Gospel: Part 1
In this new gospel, the great evils to be redressed do not call for any fundamental change of direction in the human heart. Instead, my deepest problems are merely limited to what has happened to me.
The Therapeutic Gospel: Part 2
God gives good gifts. But he also gives the best gift, the inexpressible Gift of gifts.
HT: JT
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Why Don't We?
If it is true as Dick Lucas says that "one of the clearest lessons of Acts is that the Word of God on the lips of his servants is the supreme secret of missionary advance (Acts 6:7; 12:24; 13:49; 19:20)" then why isn't there a greater emphasis on teaching and preaching the Word of God as well as training people in how to teach and preach the Word of God in youth parachurch ministries? Is it because of a false understanding of the incarnation as applied to us and this is now our controlling paradigm? We often hear youth ministry people talk about incarnational ministry or "you are Jesus with skin on," but the fact is that we are not. Jesus is Jesus and we are not Jesus [for more on the roots of this idea in early 20th century liberal theology see this excellent book edited by David Peterson: The Word Became Flesh: Evangelicals And The Incarnation (2003)]. We are to take our cue from the apostles who preached about Jesus, who hearalded the good news wherever they went and whenever they could. The gospel is advanced, people are saved, and people are sanctified through the preaching of God's Word in the power of His Spirit. Let's look at the Acts passages above:
Acts 6:7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 12:24: But the word of God increased and multiplied.
Acts 13:49: And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.
Acts 19:20: So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
This preaching occurred among Jews and Greeks in a very relativistic and "postmodern" society with a multiplicity of gods, goddesses, religions, and worldviews. Instead of abandoning the preaching and teaching of God's words to pagan youth today saying something like "that doesn't work anymore," why don't we see how we can do it better. Why don't we take the principles that Paul used and equip a new generation of youth workers to preach the gospel boldly with broken hearts:
Jesus "is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead....that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name" (Acts 10:42-43).
For more on the principles of Paul in preaching see this excellent article by Dick Lucas called "Preaching to Pagans."
If it is true as Dick Lucas says that "one of the clearest lessons of Acts is that the Word of God on the lips of his servants is the supreme secret of missionary advance (Acts 6:7; 12:24; 13:49; 19:20)" then why isn't there a greater emphasis on teaching and preaching the Word of God as well as training people in how to teach and preach the Word of God in youth parachurch ministries? Is it because of a false understanding of the incarnation as applied to us and this is now our controlling paradigm? We often hear youth ministry people talk about incarnational ministry or "you are Jesus with skin on," but the fact is that we are not. Jesus is Jesus and we are not Jesus [for more on the roots of this idea in early 20th century liberal theology see this excellent book edited by David Peterson: The Word Became Flesh: Evangelicals And The Incarnation (2003)]. We are to take our cue from the apostles who preached about Jesus, who hearalded the good news wherever they went and whenever they could. The gospel is advanced, people are saved, and people are sanctified through the preaching of God's Word in the power of His Spirit. Let's look at the Acts passages above:
Acts 6:7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 12:24: But the word of God increased and multiplied.
Acts 13:49: And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.
Acts 19:20: So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
This preaching occurred among Jews and Greeks in a very relativistic and "postmodern" society with a multiplicity of gods, goddesses, religions, and worldviews. Instead of abandoning the preaching and teaching of God's words to pagan youth today saying something like "that doesn't work anymore," why don't we see how we can do it better. Why don't we take the principles that Paul used and equip a new generation of youth workers to preach the gospel boldly with broken hearts:
Jesus "is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead....that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name" (Acts 10:42-43).
For more on the principles of Paul in preaching see this excellent article by Dick Lucas called "Preaching to Pagans."
Monday, September 08, 2008
Doug Moo on Colossians
Doug Moo has written a new commentary on Colossians and Philemon that is about to come out in the Pillar New Testament Commentary Series (Eerdmans and edited by D.A. Carson).
He also has preached a four-part sermon series on Colossians:
Part One - Col 1:3-14
Doug Moo has written a new commentary on Colossians and Philemon that is about to come out in the Pillar New Testament Commentary Series (Eerdmans and edited by D.A. Carson).
He also has preached a four-part sermon series on Colossians:
Part One - Col 1:3-14
Douglas Moo gives a broad overview of the book of Colossians of how they were trying to fit Christ into the worldview they'd already adopted. He homes on some key thoughts in the book, such as bearing fruit and growing and God's rescue and redemption, like that in Exodus.Part Two - Col 1:15-20
This section of Colossians celebrates the supremacy of Christ in creation and the new creation. All you could possibly know about God is found in Christ. He is not some "blurry, impressionistic view" of God but the exact image of the Father.Part Three - Col 1:21-23; 2:6-15
The message of Colossians is that you don't need to go running after spiritual truth in other places in the "religious marketplace" outside of Christ. What is a life lived in Christ look like? It's rooted in Him, built up in Him, strengthened in Him, and full in Him.Part Four - Col 2:6-23
Doug tackles the difficulties surrounding the text concerning baptism and seeks to understand it in its context in the chapter. Baptism is a "last act of conversion" where it is more or less a "sealing" upon our conversion. "Your Christian life needs to be directed by the transforming work of the Spirit within," he underscores, "creating the mind of Christ in you, leading you to live a life that pleases Him and honors Him.
HT: Justin Taylor
Sunday, September 07, 2008
A Review of Brian McLaren's Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices
Well respected church historian Dr. Michael Haykin (Ph.D. University of Toronto) reviews Brian McLaren's new book Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices here.
Well respected church historian Dr. Michael Haykin (Ph.D. University of Toronto) reviews Brian McLaren's new book Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices here.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Functional Saviors: Idolatry in Everyday Life
In his new book, On Who is God? (A book you'll actually read), Mark Driscoll writes the following:
Read the book to see the solution to this problem. For more info on these little books go here.
In his new book, On Who is God? (A book you'll actually read), Mark Driscoll writes the following:
The temptation of idolatry is that it proposes a functional savior. What I mean is this. All people have a concept in their mind of what their hell is. They also have a concept in their mind of what their heaven would be. To get out of their proverbial hell and into their desired heaven, they worship a functional savior. While this all sounds very religious and spiritual, in practice it rarely is.
For example, if a young woman sees being single as her hell and dating a cute boy as her heaven, then some guy becomes her functional savior. In dating him she will be taken from her singles' hell into her couples' heaven. The only problem is that she must make sacrifices to worship the boy as a god, such as sleeping with him or putting up with his abuse.
Furthermore, if a man sees chastity before marriage and fidelity in marriage as his hell and naked women as his heaven, then perversion (e.g. porn, fornication, and adultery) becomes his functional savior. The only problem is that he must make sacrifices to worship his false god - blowing massive amounts of time and energy online or at strip clubs and buying cheap drinks for even cheaper women (pg 69).
Read the book to see the solution to this problem. For more info on these little books go here.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Simeon Trust Preaching Workshop Toronto Audio
I really enjoyed this workshop last year by the Simeon Trust and I highly encourage you to take advantage of them. Here is their website and here is some audio from this past year (bios below the audio):
Instruction 1
Why Exposition? [mp3, 73mb]
William Taylor
Instruction 2
Traveling Instructions [mp3, 75mb]
Steve Bickley
Instruction 3
Bone and Marrow [mp3, 51mb]
Steve Bickley
Instruction 4
Melodic Line [mp3, 61mb]
Steve Bickley
Instruction 5
Text and Framework [mp3, 59mb]
William Taylor
Model Exposition 1
Philippians 1.27-2.4 [mp3, 64mb]
William Taylor
Model Exposition 2
Philippians 2.5-11 [mp3, 53mb]
William Taylor
I really enjoyed this workshop last year by the Simeon Trust and I highly encourage you to take advantage of them. Here is their website and here is some audio from this past year (bios below the audio):
Instruction 1
Why Exposition? [mp3, 73mb]
William Taylor
Instruction 2
Traveling Instructions [mp3, 75mb]
Steve Bickley
Instruction 3
Bone and Marrow [mp3, 51mb]
Steve Bickley
Instruction 4
Melodic Line [mp3, 61mb]
Steve Bickley
Instruction 5
Text and Framework [mp3, 59mb]
William Taylor
Model Exposition 1
Philippians 1.27-2.4 [mp3, 64mb]
William Taylor
Model Exposition 2
Philippians 2.5-11 [mp3, 53mb]
William Taylor
| William Taylor studied at Cambridge University and served in the British Army as an officer in the Royal Green Jackets. He then studied theology at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and was ordained in 1991. He was then appointed curate at Christ Church, Bromley, in London. He joined St Helen’s, Bishopsgate under Dick Lucas in 1995 and succeeded Dick as Rector in 1998. He authored Partnership (Christian Focus Publishers), a book on teaching the themes of Philippians as well as John’s Gospel: Read, Mark, Learn. | |||
| Stephen Bickley is pastor of Help and Hope/Basics Pastor's Conference at Parkside Church near Cleveland. Prior to joining Parkside in 2001, he pastored in Minnesota and in England. He also organized pastor's workshops for the Proclamation Trust while in London. He attended Taylor University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. |  |
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail429',%20'avdetailpic_429');){kind=link}
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail430',%20'avdetailpic_430');){kind=link}
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail431',%20'avdetailpic_431');){kind=link}
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail433',%20'avdetailpic_433');){kind=link}
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail434',%20'avdetailpic_434');){kind=link}
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail463',%20'avdetailpic_463');){kind=link}
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail468',%20'avdetailpic_468');){kind=link}
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail471',%20'avdetailpic_471');){kind=link}
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail475',%20'avdetailpic_475');){kind=link}
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail476',%20'avdetailpic_476');){kind=link}
;%20displayAddDetail('avdetail480',%20'avdetailpic_480');){kind=link}
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
The Danger of Worshiping Spiritual Leaders
Carl Trueman writes a very insightful post on this subtle form of idolatry here. May we take heed.
HT: Justin Taylor
Carl Trueman writes a very insightful post on this subtle form of idolatry here. May we take heed.
HT: Justin Taylor
Saturday, August 23, 2008
What's the Matter with Canada?
Chuck Colson tells us what is wrong here. This is very sobering reading.
Chuck Colson tells us what is wrong here. This is very sobering reading.
The Devotional Life of Dr. Charles Feinberg
Dr. Charles Feinberg's, the late professor of Old Testament at Talbot Theological Seminary and professor of John MacArthur, devotional life is described here by Pastor Brouwer (may we learn from his sincere and pure devotion to Christ):
“One day while visiting, I noticed the two Bibles on his nightstand. The first one I picked up was unlike any I had seen. It had a red cover and contained the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament. The only English inside was the publisher’s information. We sometimes read together from the Hebrew portion. Yet it was the other Bible that made an indelible impression on me. In the back of that Bible Dr. Feinberg kept his own private reading record.
The top of the record was titled: “Read the Bible through.” Underneath this and for the next two pages followed the final third of an amazing log:
105th time: Mar. 31, 1978 (Mt. Zion, Jerusalem, Israel)
106th time: June 29, 1978 (Anchorage, Alaska)
107th time: Sept. 30, 1978 (Whittier, California)
The record continued until the last entry:
154th time: Aug. 15, 1990 (Walnut Creek, California)
“Here was a simple record of a man who spent a lifetime in devotion to God and His Word. It didn’t take a math expert to figure out that Dr. Feinberg’s lifetime practice was to read through the entire Bible four times a year. Apparently he had been doing so since 1952! I was awestruck, humbled, challenged and inspired—all at the same time. I began to bring younger missionaries with me just to meet Dr. Feinberg and to show them the back of that Bible. The reaction was always the same: amazement, admiration, inspiration and a sense of holy challenge.”
HT: Pastor Brouwer
Dr. Charles Feinberg's, the late professor of Old Testament at Talbot Theological Seminary and professor of John MacArthur, devotional life is described here by Pastor Brouwer (may we learn from his sincere and pure devotion to Christ):
“One day while visiting, I noticed the two Bibles on his nightstand. The first one I picked up was unlike any I had seen. It had a red cover and contained the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament. The only English inside was the publisher’s information. We sometimes read together from the Hebrew portion. Yet it was the other Bible that made an indelible impression on me. In the back of that Bible Dr. Feinberg kept his own private reading record.
The top of the record was titled: “Read the Bible through.” Underneath this and for the next two pages followed the final third of an amazing log:
105th time: Mar. 31, 1978 (Mt. Zion, Jerusalem, Israel)
106th time: June 29, 1978 (Anchorage, Alaska)
107th time: Sept. 30, 1978 (Whittier, California)
The record continued until the last entry:
154th time: Aug. 15, 1990 (Walnut Creek, California)
“Here was a simple record of a man who spent a lifetime in devotion to God and His Word. It didn’t take a math expert to figure out that Dr. Feinberg’s lifetime practice was to read through the entire Bible four times a year. Apparently he had been doing so since 1952! I was awestruck, humbled, challenged and inspired—all at the same time. I began to bring younger missionaries with me just to meet Dr. Feinberg and to show them the back of that Bible. The reaction was always the same: amazement, admiration, inspiration and a sense of holy challenge.”
HT: Pastor Brouwer
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The ESV Study Bible: Endorsements
"The past quarter century has witnessed a plethora of study Bibles based on a corresponding array of new versions and translations. As excellent as many of them are, the ESV Study Bible is certain to take its place as the premiere work of its kind. Produced by a galaxy of evangelical scholars representing a broad geographical and ecclesiastical horizon, this tour de force of its genre is replete not only with clear and cogent notes on the biblical text but it provides in addition scores of articles on topics such as theology of the Old Testament, introduction to the Pentateuch, reading the Gospels and Acts, and reading the Epistles. The icing on the cake is the inclusion of dozens of beautifully colored maps, photos, and graphs and charts, all placed at strategically located places throughout. Crossway has raised high the bar by publishing a study Bible that is likely to become the standard for generations to come."
Eugene H. Merrill, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Studies
Dallas Theological Seminary
Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Interpretation
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Louisville, Kentucky
Enough said; you should pick one up for yourself and a friend here.
“The ESV Study Bible overcomes one of the greatest handicaps of other study Bibles, namely notes and comments that intrigue but are inchoate, due to lack of space. But this publication will set a new standard for comprehensive helps in interpreting more of Scripture in delightful detail—a handsomely illustrated commentary with copious notes on each page, as well as a profusion of maps, definitions, and explanations in addition to the ESV Bible itself—and all in one volume. Who could ask for more? The ESV Study Bible will be my first biblical resource henceforth.”
Paul L. Maier
Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History
Western Michigan University
“This ambitious project has a fine lineup of contributors, and I am also particularly impressed with the excellent visual features, including color maps and illustrations.”
Head of the School of Divinity Professor of New Testament Language, Literature & Theology
New College, University of Edinburgh
“This is surely the most comprehensive Study Bible yet! Serious students of the Bible will find this an invaluable aid to understanding the text, the background, and some key theological issues of the Bible. In addition to the reliable ESV text with notes, it has resources that no teacher or preacher should be without. Beautifully produced and accessible, it will also make a great gift for new Christians.”
–Graeme Goldsworthy, author, and formerly lecturer at Moore Theological College.
“The contributors to the ESV Study Bible represent the best of conservative biblical scholarship and solid and balanced theological positions. These scholars hold to a very high view of the authority of Scripture and are faithful interpreters. I cannot think of a better group of contributing scholars for such a project! The introductions, overviews, and study notes for each biblical book are immensely helpful to understanding the contents of these books. The charts, pictures, and maps help visualize what happened where and when. In addition, the special introductory essays are outstanding and will help readers to understand such difficult topics as the formation of the Old and New Testament canon, the reliability of the Old and New Testament manuscripts, how to interpret the Bible, how to apply biblical truth, and many more important topics related to Christian faith. The ESV Study Bible is an almost bottomless treasure from which readers will find many gems. I enthusiastically recommend it to students, pastors, and any Christians who want to understand their Bibles better!”
Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Professor of New Testament
Graduate Biblical and Theological Studies
Wheaton College
"The past quarter century has witnessed a plethora of study Bibles based on a corresponding array of new versions and translations. As excellent as many of them are, the ESV Study Bible is certain to take its place as the premiere work of its kind. Produced by a galaxy of evangelical scholars representing a broad geographical and ecclesiastical horizon, this tour de force of its genre is replete not only with clear and cogent notes on the biblical text but it provides in addition scores of articles on topics such as theology of the Old Testament, introduction to the Pentateuch, reading the Gospels and Acts, and reading the Epistles. The icing on the cake is the inclusion of dozens of beautifully colored maps, photos, and graphs and charts, all placed at strategically located places throughout. Crossway has raised high the bar by publishing a study Bible that is likely to become the standard for generations to come."
Eugene H. Merrill, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Studies
Dallas Theological Seminary
Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Interpretation
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Louisville, Kentucky
Enough said; you should pick one up for yourself and a friend here.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Purpose Driven Death Missions Conference
Here is the description of the conference (it looks amazing):
To Every Tribe Ministries is pleased to announce that
Dr. John Piper will be the featured speaker along with our own David Sitton, founder of TETM and another speaker soon to be determined.
The Purpose Driven Death Mission Conference aims:
1. To make much of Christ for the Romans 15:20 regions of the world
2. To challenge believers to pursue the privilege of radical mission to
unreached peoples
3. To pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out harvesters
Online registration is now open - www.toeverytribe.com
Plan to join us for this national conference and please pray for TETM as we
continue to take our strategic place in taking the gospel to the unreached.
May the Lord move quickly to save sheep and establish churches in the
hard to get to, least reached places!
Missionary suffering, even martyrdom itself, is part of the strategy that God
intentionally employs to advance the gospel. The Lord sometimes uses the death
of his disciples for the swifter extension of the Kingdom of God into hostile regions.
Risking our lives for the gospel is where we experience the joy of knowing Christ in
the fellowship of his sufferings. A death for the gospel is a Purpose-Driven Death.
David Sitton, President
To Every Tribe Ministries
Here is the description of the conference (it looks amazing):To Every Tribe Ministries is pleased to announce that
Dr. John Piper will be the featured speaker along with our own David Sitton, founder of TETM and another speaker soon to be determined.
The Purpose Driven Death Mission Conference aims:
1. To make much of Christ for the Romans 15:20 regions of the world
2. To challenge believers to pursue the privilege of radical mission to
unreached peoples
3. To pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out harvesters
Online registration is now open - www.toeverytribe.com
Plan to join us for this national conference and please pray for TETM as we
continue to take our strategic place in taking the gospel to the unreached.
May the Lord move quickly to save sheep and establish churches in the
hard to get to, least reached places!
Missionary suffering, even martyrdom itself, is part of the strategy that God
intentionally employs to advance the gospel. The Lord sometimes uses the death
of his disciples for the swifter extension of the Kingdom of God into hostile regions.
Risking our lives for the gospel is where we experience the joy of knowing Christ in
the fellowship of his sufferings. A death for the gospel is a Purpose-Driven Death.
David Sitton, President
To Every Tribe Ministries
Friday, August 08, 2008
Advice for Young Christian Leaders: An Interview with Wayne Grudem by Mark Driscoll
Here is a snipet from the interview:
I asked him which doctrines he would encourage young Christian leaders to devote themselves to studying as they prepare for what potentially lies ahead theologically. He said that for such a weighty question he would prefer to thoughtfully craft an answer, but did give two recommendations in the moment:
1. Scripture — He said that every issue ultimately hinges on one’s view of the inerrancy, authority, and truthfulness of Scripture in every way. He encourages all young Christian leaders to make sure that deep within them is a love for and trust in every word of Scripture as God’s perfect revelation to us.
2. Authority — He said that he sees authority as a pervasive problem in our culture. As we talked, it became clear that what he meant is that people profess to be Christians yet refuse to submit to God’s authority, including Scripture, and people God has ordained to be in loving authority, such as godly parents and pastors.
He summarized his points by saying that he aspires for Christians to believe whatever God says and obey whatever God commands.
For the complete interview go here.
HT: Justin Taylor
Here is a snipet from the interview:
I asked him which doctrines he would encourage young Christian leaders to devote themselves to studying as they prepare for what potentially lies ahead theologically. He said that for such a weighty question he would prefer to thoughtfully craft an answer, but did give two recommendations in the moment:
1. Scripture — He said that every issue ultimately hinges on one’s view of the inerrancy, authority, and truthfulness of Scripture in every way. He encourages all young Christian leaders to make sure that deep within them is a love for and trust in every word of Scripture as God’s perfect revelation to us.
2. Authority — He said that he sees authority as a pervasive problem in our culture. As we talked, it became clear that what he meant is that people profess to be Christians yet refuse to submit to God’s authority, including Scripture, and people God has ordained to be in loving authority, such as godly parents and pastors.
He summarized his points by saying that he aspires for Christians to believe whatever God says and obey whatever God commands.
For the complete interview go here.
HT: Justin Taylor
Monday, August 04, 2008
Jesus, Be the Center by Michael Frye
May you alone be what we live for Jesus, not self; by your grace and for your glory, Amen.
Jesus be the center
Be my source be my light Jesus
Jesus be the center
Be my song Jesus
Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in my sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus Jesus
Jesus be my vision
Be my help
Be my guide Jesus
May you alone be what we live for Jesus, not self; by your grace and for your glory, Amen.
Jesus be the center
Be my source be my light Jesus
Jesus be the center
Be my song Jesus
Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in my sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus Jesus
Jesus be my vision
Be my help
Be my guide Jesus
When It's All Been Said and Done by Robin Mark
God, may this be true of my life and everyone who reads this. In Jesus name, Amen.
When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best to live for truth?
Did I live my life for you?
When it's all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I have done
For love's rewards
Will stand the test of time
Lord, your mercy is so great
That you look beyond our weakness
That you found purest gold in miry clay
Turning sinners into saints
I will always sing your praise
Here on earth and in heaven after
For you've joined me at my true home
When it's all been said and done
You're my life when life is gone.
God, may this be true of my life and everyone who reads this. In Jesus name, Amen.
When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best to live for truth?
Did I live my life for you?
When it's all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I have done
For love's rewards
Will stand the test of time
Lord, your mercy is so great
That you look beyond our weakness
That you found purest gold in miry clay
Turning sinners into saints
I will always sing your praise
Here on earth and in heaven after
For you've joined me at my true home
When it's all been said and done
You're my life when life is gone.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Review of N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope by Professor Thomas Schreiner
See his very helpful 9 Marks review here.
HT: Kerux Noemata
See his very helpful 9 Marks review here.
HT: Kerux Noemata
Faithful Anglican Protests During Gene Robinson's Sermon
Openly gay US bishop Gene Robinson was forced to halt a sermon at a west London church after being called on to repent. You can watch the video here.
May God give more young people courage like this young man to stand up for truth and for the gospel. I am thankful for this young man: for his faithfulness, his boldness, his love for Christ, his love for the church, and his love for the truth.
HT: Challies
Openly gay US bishop Gene Robinson was forced to halt a sermon at a west London church after being called on to repent. You can watch the video here.
May God give more young people courage like this young man to stand up for truth and for the gospel. I am thankful for this young man: for his faithfulness, his boldness, his love for Christ, his love for the church, and his love for the truth.
HT: Challies
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Quote of the Day: The Power of God's Word
Martin Luther said:
May we live, think, walk, pray, meditate, teach, preach, on this Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) the rest of our lives. Amen!
Martin Luther said:
I simply taught, preached, wrote God's Word: otherwise I did nothing. And when, while I slept or drank Wittenberg beer with my Philip and my Amsdorf, the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that never a Prince or Emperor inflicted such damage upon it. The Word did it all.R. Kent Hughes, "Preaching: God's Word to the World Today" in The Coming Evangelical Crisis (Chicago: Moody, 1996), 96.
May we live, think, walk, pray, meditate, teach, preach, on this Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) the rest of our lives. Amen!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Fighting Covetousness by Looking to Others?
In his latest Taste and See, John Piper has a helpful meditation on this topic here.
In his latest Taste and See, John Piper has a helpful meditation on this topic here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)