I'm looking forward to attending and live-blogging the Ligonier Ministries 2010 National Conference this June 17-19 in Orlando, FL. The conference theme is Tough Questions Christians Face. Here is the list of the non-softball questions to be addressed: Why Did Jesus Have to Die? - John MacArthur Is the Doctrine of Inerrancy Defensible? - Michael Horton Does the Doctrine of the Divine Decrees Eliminate the Reality of the Human Will? - John MacArthur What Is Evil and Where Did It Come From? - R.C. Sproul Why Do Christians Still Sin? - R.C. Sproul Jr. How Do We Know Which Interpretation is … [Read more...] about Ligonier Ministries 2010 National Conference
Archives for 2010
Kenny Stokes Named Interim Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem
I was happy to learn that Bethlehem Baptist Church's Organizational Elders voted unanimously Tuesday, April 27, to name Kenny Stokes Interim Pastor for Preaching during Pastor John Piper's leave. Piper explains the three-fold rationale: First, the elders believe that consistency is more important for the church’s stability, strength, and health than a stream of different preachers. Second, the elders believe that individual speakers feel a special burden of shepherding a weekend, but a “pastor for preaching” feels a special burden of shepherding the overarching effect of the pulpit. We … [Read more...] about Kenny Stokes Named Interim Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem
Chart of Government Spending in 2011
Here's a pretty nifty chart of the federal budget for 2011. You can zoom in and move it around. At the lower left, there is a legend to help you calculate your contribution per program: … [Read more...] about Chart of Government Spending in 2011
Boosting Academic Performance with Adderall and Ritalin
Interesting 60-minutes segment on the strong rise in academic enhancement-performance drug use by college students. They are popping pills like Adderall and Ritalin -- ADHD prescription drugs, which they acquire from friends or by feigning symptoms to secure a doctor's sympathy. It's called neuroenhancement, and some say that 50-60% of undergraduate juniors and seniors are doing it (perhaps up to 80-90% for those in fraternities and sororities). Apparently, college students believe there is a big pay-off from taking these products: they believe that the enhanced level of concentration and … [Read more...] about Boosting Academic Performance with Adderall and Ritalin
Why Study Ecclesiastes?
Phil Ryken lists 5 reasons: 1. Because it is honest about the troubles of life. 2. To learn what will happen to us if we choose what the world tries to offer instead of what God has to give. 3. Because it asks the biggest and hardest questions that people still have today. 4. It will help us worship the one true God. 5. It teaches us how to live for God and not just for ourselves. Ecclesiastes is a fascinating book, and one that is not without controversy among commentators. On balance, I land with Ardel Canaday and Brian Borgman. Here's how I'd put it:The book of Ecclesiastes is not an … [Read more...] about Why Study Ecclesiastes?
Trembling Joy in the Christian Life
Brian Borgman:In the final chapter of Isaiah we are told that God looks with favor on those who are humble and contrite in spirit and who tremble at His Word (Isa. 66:2b). The one who knows he has nothing to offer, who sees his own sin and that he really needs help, this is the one God looks on with favor. The next description is he trembles at God’s Word. He who sees the awful majesty of God in the Word and his own sin in light of that majesty, the one who is cut deeply, wounded and humbled under the Word, this is the one to whom God says, “I am pleased with you.” The Word comes to each of us … [Read more...] about Trembling Joy in the Christian Life