J.I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom have just published a book with InterVarsity Press called Praying: Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight. The book is based on a series of taped lectures on prayer given by Dr. Packer, which Ms. Nystrom then developed into a transcript, which the two later developed. The authors describe their book as a “heart-to-heart affair in which two Christians who try to pray and wish they prayed better share thoughts about what they are doing with people whom they envisage as being like themselves.” I resonate with the struggle in prayer that they describe: … [Read more...] about Praying: Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight
Alistair Begg – movie star?
OK, this is old news, but it was new to me. When I read on Gary Shavey's blog that Alistair Begg had been in a movie, I was skeptical. Marni and I decided to rent the movie. The movie tells the story of Bobby Jones, the only golfer to ever win a Grand Slam (all four of the biggest tournaments). Of course, we didn't check in advance who Begg was playing. We tried to figure it out during the movie. We were surprised to discover that Pastor Begg was exactly who we thought he was -- what was so shocking was how many lines they gave him! Spoiler warning! This link provides the story of how … [Read more...] about Alistair Begg – movie star?
PC(USA) — losses in membership
I have made a few blog posts in the past on the PC(USA). My intention has not been to be mean-spirited, but to honestly probe what happens when the simple yet counter-cultural teaching of Scripture is circumvented in the name of relevance. That having been said, I am in no way denying that there are some God-honoring, Christ-exalting, Bible-affirming PC(USA) pastors out there. For example, I've been blessed by much of what Mark D. Roberts has been sharing. Here are some of the sad statistics on the massive decline in membership within the PC(USA). In short, a loss of 65,000 in 2005 and an … [Read more...] about PC(USA) — losses in membership
Desiring God National Conference – Sep 29 – Oct 1
We're back from our family vacation to Grand Rapids, MN. It was a fantastically relaxing time of sitting by the lake, swimming, barbeque-ing every night, and bonding. Our daughter Karis had some difficulty (as did Marni and I) with the sweltering heat (mid-90s, sometimes with humidity to boot). The family vacation afforded me the opportunity of some extended reading time. I read ahead on most of the assigned reading for my upcoming Preaching class this Fall and Spring. But the book that has most been captivating me (I'm about 1/3 of the way through) is David Well's Above All Earthly … [Read more...] about Desiring God National Conference – Sep 29 – Oct 1
Joe Lieberman – On the Ropes
Joe Lieberman has gained respect in his three-term U.S. Senate career as a centrist Democrat who is able to work with Republicans to get things done. Though I do not agree with him on every issue (his support of abortion rights, his opposition to the tax-cuts which are profoundly responsible for today's strong economy), he consistently comes across as a man guided by principle rather than by public opinion polls. For example, Lieberman has supported school vouchers (as I do) and criticized affirmative action. As the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee alongside Al Gore in 2000 and … [Read more...] about Joe Lieberman – On the Ropes
Blogging Vacation: July 22 – July 29
Dear Readers, My wife and I will be taking Karis up to a lake for a week (it is a Minnesota-sort of thing to do). No Internet. Almost no telephone. Just a few books, games, and conversation. I posted a bunch of stuff tonight, and Lord willing, will be back to posting on July 30. Blessings, Alex … [Read more...] about Blogging Vacation: July 22 – July 29