In doing an Internet search, I came across a 200 page Doctor of Ministry dissertation by Sunghyun Pae. It's entitled "John Piper's Sermon Preparation: A Model for Pastors Who Emphasize The Supremacy of God in Expository Preaching." Here's the Abstract: This dissertation aims to answer the question, How can the preacher complete the process of his expository sermon preparation to manifest God‘s glory and exalt His supremacy in preaching by studying Piper‘s life and methods? Based on an analysis of Piper‘s writings and selected sermons, this project investigates Piper‘s background … [Read more...] about John Piper’s Sermon Preparation
Pluralism and Tolerance
D.A. Carson: Genuine pluralism within the broader culture is facilitated when there is a strong Christian voice loyal to the Scriptures--as well as strong Muslim voices, skeptical voices, Buddhist voices, atheistic voices, and so forth. Genuine pluralism within the broader culture is not fostered when in the name of tolerance none of the voices can say that any of the others is wrong, and when this stance is the only ultimate virtue. -From The Intolerance of Tolerance, Eerdmans, 2012 Chapter 2, which unpacks just how widespread intolerance is today, cloaked in the garb of so-called … [Read more...] about Pluralism and Tolerance
Israel, Gaza, ‘Divine Right,’ and John Piper
Great post by Matt Smethurst, associate editor for The Gospel Coalition. The Story: After eight days of bloody conflict, Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, The New York Times reported yesterday. Five Israelis and more than 150 Palestinians have been killed along the Israel-Gaza border during the past week. Such events raise typical and salient questions. Does Israel possess a "divine right" to the "Promised Land" in the Middle East? What is the "Promised Land," anyway? The interminable Israeli-Palestinian conflict has always been freighted with … [Read more...] about Israel, Gaza, ‘Divine Right,’ and John Piper
The Conviction to Lead – Albert Mohler
I previously mentioned this book. Here are a few short promo videos with Dr. Mohler discussing his new book. … [Read more...] about The Conviction to Lead – Albert Mohler
Great Quotes on Great Leadership
Tim Challies lists some great quotes from what sounds like an excellent new book by Dr. Albert Mohler. Here are the first two: Christians are rightly and necessarily concerned about leadership, but many seem to aim no higher than secular leadership standards and visions. We can learn a great deal from the secular world and its studies and practices of leadership, but the last thing the church needs is warmed-over business theories decorated with Christian language. Without apology, the Christian leader is a devoted student and a lifelong learner. Convictional intelligence emerges when the … [Read more...] about Great Quotes on Great Leadership
Tim Keller’s Every Good Endeavor (a review)
While others have written more scholarly defenses of the theology of vocation, Every Good Endeavor is the most accessible and helpful book I've ever read on integrating a Christian perspective with our daily work----whether that work be "blue-collar" or "white-collar," physical or mental, menial or high-profile. Moreover, Keller simultaneously (and winsomely) speaks to non-Christians who are trying to make sense of the frustrations and pleasures of their work lives. Keller begins with God's plan for our work: The idea that work preceded the Fall, that work gives dignity to humankind, and … [Read more...] about Tim Keller’s Every Good Endeavor (a review)