Tim Challies has initiated (another) great idea: Using blogdom as a vehicle for accountability in reading through some of the classic Christian books. The first book selected is Holiness, by J.C. Ryle, which is absolutely fantastic. If you've never read it, you might consider checking out Tim's plan and perhaps joining in. … [Read more...] about Reading Classics Together Via The Blogosphere
Adam’s disobedience and Jesus Christ’s obedience
John Piper's sermon on Rom. 5:12-21, entitled The Fatal Disobedience of Adam and the Triumphant Obedience of Christ, is now available. Excerpt: "I want us to focus on the glory of Christ as the main purpose that God had in mind when he planned for and permitted Adam’s sin, and with him the fall of all humanity into sin. Remember what I said last week: Whatever God permits, he permits for a reason. And his reasons are always infinitely wise and purposeful. He did not have to let the Fall happen. He could have stopped it, just like he could have stopped the fall of Satan (as we saw last week). … [Read more...] about Adam’s disobedience and Jesus Christ’s obedience
U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Resigns
Howard Schneider writes: "Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales has resigned from his post, according to an administration official, ending a controversial cabinet tenure that included clashes with Congress over the firing of nine U.S. attorneys and over the use of warrantless wiretaps in the war on terror. The official said Gonzales told President Bush of his decision on Friday, but the announcement was withheld until he met with Bush at the president's Crawford ranch. His resignation will be announced at a press conference scheduled for 10:30 today." (HT: Denny Burk) … [Read more...] about U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Resigns
Nancy Pearcey and Total Truth
As I prepare to teach a course entitled Engineering from a Christian Worldview, I am increasingly impressed with the writing of Nancy Pearcey. Nancy Pearcey is a homeschooling mother who has authored two award-winning books on Christian worldview: How Now Shall We Live? (with Charles Colson) and Total Truth. Nancy Pearcey has posted articles on topics such as evolution, preparing homeschoolers, and intelligent design. I found these three articles to be helpful introductions to the clear thinking and lucid argumentation which her books also exemplify. … [Read more...] about Nancy Pearcey and Total Truth
Salvation to the Ends of the Earth
While we're on the missions theme, I want to highlight an interesting book that traces the foundational principles of world missions back to their Old Testament roots. Salvation to the Ends of the Earth by Andreas J. Kostenberger and Peter T. O’Brien was written to show that God's saving purposes for the entire world originated not at the Great Commission but at the very beginning of God's creation. From what I know of these authors, I imagine this book represents a helpful addition to mission literature. Zioneer writes: "From the original intent of creation, the significance of Abraham’s … [Read more...] about Salvation to the Ends of the Earth
Review of Let the Nations Be Glad!
Though the second edition first appeared in 2003, Let the Nations Be Glad! by John Piper continues to be an important book for any Christian who takes the Great Commission seriously. The book is neatly divided into three section, all of which deal with the theme of making God supreme in missions: Part I -- The Purpose, the Power, and the Price Chapter 1 argues that worship is the ultimate goal of the church, not missions. Missions exists because there are millions all over the world who do not worship. In addition to being the goal of missions, worship is also the fuel of missions. Those … [Read more...] about Review of Let the Nations Be Glad!