The long-awaited interaction with N.T. Wright arrives November 1. I had the privilege of reading this book in draft form about nine months ago and found it to be a terrific blend of academic rigor and pastoral warmth. One of the many things I love about John Piper is his ability to clearly and compellingly answer the "so what?" question that lurks behind some of the more technical and theologically challenging issues of our day. And if ever there was a such an issue, this is it. So in the spirit of Dr. Piper, I'll attempt a brief, Theology 101-level explanation on why this book is timely … [Read more...] about John Piper on NT Wright and Justification
Theology
Gary Shavey interviews Mark Dever
Used to hearing Mark Dever conduct interviews? Gary Shavey turns it around and asks Mark to talk about his book What is a Healthy Church? … [Read more...] about Gary Shavey interviews Mark Dever
Instone-Brewer, Piper and Kostenberger on Divorce and Remarriage
Instone-Brewer wrote on divorce in the October issue of Christianity Today, arguing that divorce (and remarriage) is permissible in cases of adultery, emotional or physical neglect, or abandonment and abuse. John Piper responded, rightly chastising Christianity Today for putting the careless phrase "When to separate" on its cover, even thought the matter being debated is whether separation is ever permissible, and if so, under what circumstances. Then Andreas Kostenberger entered the fray, representing the majority opinion among evangelicals: that divorce is only permissible in cases of … [Read more...] about Instone-Brewer, Piper and Kostenberger on Divorce and Remarriage
Great Westminster Bookstore Website Re-design
The Westminster Bookstore is a great place to get quality Christian books at extremely low prices. They recently redesigned their website --- and it looks great. Why not poke around a bit? … [Read more...] about Great Westminster Bookstore Website Re-design
Joel Osteen (and Michael Horton) on 60 Minutes
In case you missed it, Byron Pitts did a great job interviewing Joel Osteen last night on 60 minutes. The engaging interchange included these remarks regarding Osteen's latest book Become a Better You (which hit stores nationwide today, and is reviewed by Tim Challies): Byron Pitts: "To become 'a better you', you must be positive towards yourself, develop better relationships, embrace the place where you are. Not one mention of God in that. Not one mention of Jesus Christ in that." Joel Osteen: "That's just my message. There is scripture in there that backs it all up. But I feel like, … [Read more...] about Joel Osteen (and Michael Horton) on 60 Minutes
Albert Mohler and Tim Stafford on Church Planting
Tim Stafford writes in the September 2007 issue of CT on the growing trend of church planting in North America: "North America is the only continent in the world where the church is not growing," says Eric Ramsey of the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board (NAMB). George Hunter of Asbury Theological Seminary says, "Churches after 15 years typically plateau. After 35 years, they typically can't even replace those [members] they lose. New congregations reach a lot more pre-Christian people." Those who study churches say established congregations tend to turn inward, no … [Read more...] about Albert Mohler and Tim Stafford on Church Planting