Francis Schaeffer argued that "at its core, the Reformation was the removing of the humanistic distortions which had entered the church." Schaeffer explains: ...The Christianity of the Reformation, therefore, stood in rich contrast to the basic weakness and final poverty of the humanism which existed in that day and the humanism which has existed since. It is important that the Bible sets forth true knowledge about mankind. The biblical teaching gives meaning to all particulars, but this is especially so in regard to that particular which is the most important to man, namely, the individual … [Read more...] about Vintage Francis Schaeffer
Theology
Investigating Prosperity Ministries
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance, is investigating the ministries of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, Eddie Long, Joyce Meyer and Paula White. Grassley believes that he owes it to donors and taxpayers to determine whether the organizations have abused their tax-exempt status as churches to finance lavish personal lifestyles. Each of the ministries received formal letters from the Senator. Jamie Dean of World Magazine notes that "the letters asked organization leaders to provide detailed financial information, … [Read more...] about Investigating Prosperity Ministries
Bible Story Books for Children
We had some friends over tonight and were discussing Bible story books for children. So I thought I'd mention our favorites, which Dr. Albert Mohler seems to also hold in high regard. We really like The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm and The Jesus Story Book Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. The former walks through the over-arching "meta-narrative" of the Bible: from creation, to fall, to redemption foreshadowed in the Old Testament to redemption accomplished in the New Testament. The Jesus Story Book Bible also walks through the biblical narrative chronologically, explicitly … [Read more...] about Bible Story Books for Children
John Piper on Justification and the Work of Christ
The audio and manuscript of John Piper's Crossway Lecture at the 2007 Evangelical Theological Society has been made available. His lecture is an outstanding introduction to his most recent book, The Future of Justification: A Response to N.T. Wright. Incidentally, I have also written a bit on law-gospel themes from Rom. 9:30-10:13 in a six-part series beginning with this post. … [Read more...] about John Piper on Justification and the Work of Christ
Author Steve Jeffery on Pierced for Our Transgressions
Steve Jeffery, one of three authors of Pierced for Our Transgressions, was kind enough to allow a brief interview. QUESTION: Steve, I also studied Materials Science and Physics, so I was wondering if you could tell us a bit about how it was that you sensed God calling you to serve Him in full-time Christian ministry. JEFFERY: I'd been thinking about how best I could serve the Lord for a few years, and as I came to the end of my postgraduate studies I began to wonder about the possibility of full-time ministry. I was quite nervous about the idea, and felt very ill-equipped for the task, but … [Read more...] about Author Steve Jeffery on Pierced for Our Transgressions
R.C. Sproul on Imputation
This is a great clip of R.C. Sproul explaining the union with Christ that we enjoy as Christians, which includes the transfer of our sins to Christ and Christ's righteousness to us. It is an important reminder that justification is better than forgiveness. God not only counts us "not guilty" because of Christ, He actually reckons us righteous. This is no "legal fiction." Vintage Sproul! (HT: Heart of Flesh via Lawn Gospel) Related: John Piper on Justification … [Read more...] about R.C. Sproul on Imputation