Theology

This looks like a very interesting conference, particularly for those interested in helping the next generation defend the Christian faith in an increasingly hostile world. It runs from January 13-16 in Birmingham, AL and featured speakers include Alastair Begg and Ravi Zacharias. HT: Josh Harris … [Read more...] about January 13-16, 2010: Seek. Engage. Defend.

I had the pleasure of proof-reading this book. Of all the books on which I've ever provided editorial feedback, it was the most enjoyable and the most fruitful read for me. This is another expositional commentary from Dr. Sproul - it is not an exhaustive treatment of every verse in John, but it faithfully covers the "big picture" of each passage covered (they are essentially sermons converted into chapters). The Gospel of John is (in my view) both the most theologically rich gospel and the most evangelistic (the account with the Samaritan woman in chapter 4, the adulteress woman in John 8, … [Read more...] about New R.C. Sproul Commentary on John

John Piper's latest book, A Sweet and Bitter Providence: Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God, looks interesting, as always. The product description: Sex. Race. Scripture. Sovereignty. The book of Ruth entails them all. So readers shouldn't be fooled by its age, says Pastor John Piper. Though its events happened over 3,000 years ago, the story holds astounding relevance for Christians in the twenty-first century. The sovereignty of God, the sexual nature of humanity, and the gospel of God's mercy for the undeserving-these massive realities never change. And since God is still sovereign, … [Read more...] about New John Piper Book

Good post by Noel Piper on why it is better for young children not to grow up mixing Santa Claus with the manger scene: First, fairy tales are fun and we enjoy them, but we don’t ask our children to believe them. Second, we want our children to understand God as fully as they’re able at whatever age they are. So we try to avoid anything that would delay or distort that understanding. It seems to us that celebrating with a mixture of Santa and manger will postpone a child’s clear understanding of what the real truth of God is. It’s very difficult for a young child to pick through a marble cake … [Read more...] about Contra Santa Claus

If you are in ministry or live near Minneapolis, MN, you'll want to check this out: … [Read more...] about Bethlehem Pastors Conference

Brian Borgman writes: The Bible leaves us no room for debate. The source of fear, worry, and anxiety is unbelief. The unbelief is specific, laid out for us by Isaiah and Jesus. When we fail to believe that God is for us, will take care of us, has our future in his hands, and is with us right now, we cave in to fear, worry, or anxiety.....When we are gripped with anxiety and fear, we are making an evaluation. Our souls are speaking, and our innermost being is expressing what we believe and whom we do not believe. How do we handle these emotions that can overwhelm us? We put a stranglehold on … [Read more...] about The Source of Worry, Fear, and Anxiety