Rick and Kay Warren opened up tonight to Piers Morgan (CNN) about the tragic suicide of their son Matthew (27), who struggled with mental illness throughout his life. The video is not yet available online, but a summary article from CNN has been posted. It's gut-wrenching, but Warren's message is also one of hope. A few excerpts: "I have cried every single day since Matthew died," Warren said. “If love could have kept my child alive, he'd be alive today, because he was incredibly loved,” the pastor said. “I never questioned my faith in God; I questioned God’s plan,” Rick Warren said. … [Read more...] about Rick Warren Speaks Out About His Son’s Suicide
Practical Ministry
Matt Chandler: To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain
This looks really good. The publisher's description: Using Paul's radical letter to the Philippians as his road map, Matt Chandler forsakes the trendy to invite readers into authentic Christian maturity. The short book of Philippians is one of the most quoted in the Bible, yet Paul wrote it not for the popular sound bites, but to paint a picture of a mature Christian faith. While many give their lives to Jesus, few then go on to live a life of truly vibrant faith. In this disruptively inspiring book, Chandler offers tangible ways to develop a faith of pursuing, chasing, knowing, and … [Read more...] about Matt Chandler: To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain
Why Do People Reject Christianity?
A provocative post by Don Johnson explaining six reasons that many people reject Christianity. Each alleged reason is well defended. A few memorable snippets below. 1. Christians Behaving Badly As Gaudium et Spes points out, “believers themselves often share some responsibility for [atheism]…To the extent that they…fail in their religious, moral, or social life, they must be said to conceal rather than to reveal the true nature of God and of religion.” (19) 2. Heartbreak A recent study led by psychologist Julie Exline of Case Western Reserve University supports this notion. In … [Read more...] about Why Do People Reject Christianity?
Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue
This may be the first book I've heard of that deals entirely with the subject of gossip. Perhaps that's because gossip is a slippery subject--hard to define, easy to justify, and uncomfortable to discuss. Pastor Matt Mitchell has done us all a valuable service through his new book, Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue (which releases today, and is currently available for 54% off at WTS Books - $6.50/copy until 9/11). Pastors and ministry leaders will particularly want to check this one out. The Foreword is by Ed Welch and endorsers include Ken Sande, Sam Crabtree … [Read more...] about Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue
The Poverty of Nations
What can we do to assist those who live in extreme poverty? If you're not asking that question, and you're a Christian, you really should be. And this new book by Wayne Grudem and Barry Asmus would be a great place to start. The official description: The whole world has a stake in the war against poverty and leaders across the globe are looking for a permanent solution. That’s why economist Barry Asmus and theologian Wayne Grudem have teamed up to outline a robust proposal for fighting poverty on a national level. These two experts believe the solution lies in a comprehensive development … [Read more...] about The Poverty of Nations
R.C. Sproul Jr. on His Suffering and God’s Sovereignty
Within the space of less than one year, R.C. Sproul Jr. lost his wife Denise to a protracted battle with cancer and his daughter Shannon to a rare illness. This is an outstanding personal interview on the sovereignty of God and suffering. His new teaching series on suffering is now available. HT: Justin Taylor … [Read more...] about R.C. Sproul Jr. on His Suffering and God’s Sovereignty