Southern Seminary's Towers magazine recently profiled Matt Perman, Senior Director of Strategy at Desiring God and a man I am privileged to know. He went through The Bethlehem Institute before me, then went to Southern Seminary, after which he rejoined Desiring God full-time. Matt is responsible for the look-and-feel of the Desiring God website (which features easy access to all of John Piper's sermons in audio and video format, going back to 1980 when Piper became the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church). He maintains a blog that deals with "integrating the big picture with everyday … [Read more...] about SBTS Profiles Matt Perman of Desiring God
Practical Ministry
Worliness – C.J. Mahaney
This sounds like an excellent book for addressing how the gospel is to permeate our lives--from our entertainment choices to our clothing styles. Too often these discussions are viewed with suspicions of underlying legalism, whereas the opposite error (selfish, immature, worldliness) is at least as common in our day. John Piper writes in the foreword: "C.J. Mahaney and his gang, as always, are in the business of applying the gospel. What does it look like when the blood of Christ governs the television and the Internet and the IPod and the checkbook and the neckline? Most people have never … [Read more...] about Worliness – C.J. Mahaney
Michael Phelps’s Bong
On the occasion of superstar swimmer Michael Phelp's recent marijuana bong photograph, C.J. Mahaney offers a timely reflection on the emptiness of worldly success and accolades. Once again we are reminded that athletic gifting, championship trophies, gold medals, and million dollar endorsement deals cannot satisfy the soul. Last year, in the wake of his third Super Bowl championship, disillusioned Patriots quarterback Tom Brady admitted on 60 Minutes, Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something greater out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot of people would say, “Hey … [Read more...] about Michael Phelps’s Bong
John MacArthur
Today Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA celebrated 40 years of John MacArthur's pastoral ministry in her midst. As a young Christian, I found MacArthur's expository preaching and writing to be very helpful, especially on the exclusivity of Jesus Christ and the importance of faith being worked out in practical obedience to Christ's teaching. MacArthur has been particularly helpful to many pastors with his emphasis on faithfulness to God rather than concern for worldly reputation or numerical markers. MacArthur has said many times that if the pastor focuses on the depth of the … [Read more...] about John MacArthur
Bethlehem College and Seminary Update
In case you haven't heard, there have been some exciting updates at The Bethlehem College and Seminary. Dr. Tim Tomlinson, 25 year veteran with Northwestern College, has been named President. Beginning this Fall, Dr. Jason DeRouchie will serve as an Associate Professor of Old Testament. Dr. John Piper is the Chanellor. Along with the start date of Dr. DeRouchie comes the official launch of Bethlehem College and Seminary. The first cohort of M.Div. students begin their coursework in Fall 2009. And as of Fall 2010, Bethlehem College and Seminary will, Lord willing, launch a 4-year bachelor … [Read more...] about Bethlehem College and Seminary Update
Ted Haggard’s Return To The Spotlight
This week, HBO will release a documentary by Alexandra Pelosi (daughter of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) called The Trials of Ted Haggard. Haggard will also appear on Larry King Live and Oprah Winfrey's show. He has done a two-part interview with U.S. News and World Report. Haggard's is a sad story--the revelation that broke in 2006, the counseling he's since received (which seems to have reinforced a victim mentality), and now his media blitz. That's what Patton Dodd is saying. Mr. Dodd was employed at New Life Church (where Haggard served as Senior Pastor) for eight years. Dodd … [Read more...] about Ted Haggard’s Return To The Spotlight