John Piper tackles one of my favorite theological twisters: Was it possible for Jesus to sin? He helpfully distinguishes between natural ability and moral ability. … [Read more...] about Was It Possible for Jesus to Sin?
Theology
A Conversation With Mark Dever
Denny Burk links to a very good conversation with Mark Dever on multi-site churches, whether a church should make a millennial position required for membership, and a host of other interesting questions related to polity, ministry, and church life in general. A 50 minute of stimulating, free-flowing, interchange between Mark Dever, Denny Burk, and the students of Boyce College. … [Read more...] about A Conversation With Mark Dever
R.C. Sproul – The Righteous Shall Live By Faith
R.C. Sproul has just published (via Crossway) a new 520-page commentary on the book of Romans. I believe it is the first release in the new St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary series, an adaptation of Dr. Sproul's sermons into a collection of chapters, 58 in this case. Though he tries to touch on each verse, Dr. Sproul focuses on the key themes and ideas in each of the passages unpacked. With only the occasional Greek word, the material is quite accessible for layman and pastor alike. The next commentary (on John) is due out later this year from Reformation Trust. Some of the … [Read more...] about R.C. Sproul – The Righteous Shall Live By Faith
30 years ago today: John Piper called to the pastorate
Justin Taylor has posted a lengthy and very moving account of how, thirty years ago today, John Piper was called to the pastoral ministry. An excerpt: The decisive night of wrestling was on Monday, October 14, 1979—30 years ago today. His wife and two young sons were asleep. But Piper was up past midnight, writing in his journal, recording the direction God was irresistibly drawing him to. The journal entry for that evening begins in this way: I am closer tonight to actually deciding to resign at Bethel and take a pastorate than I have ever been. . . . The urge is almost overwhelming. It … [Read more...] about 30 years ago today: John Piper called to the pastorate
Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, & the Future of Denominationalism
Trevin Wax live-blogged Union University's conference entitled Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, and the Future of Denominationalism. Here is a round-up of his posts. 1. Ed Stetzer: “Denominationalism – Is There a Future?” 2. Jim Patterson: “Reflections on 400 Years of Baptist Movement” 3. Hal Poe: “The Gospel and Its Meaning” 4. Timothy George: “The Faith, My Faith, The Church’s Faith” 5. Duane Litfin: “The Future of American Evangelicalism” 6. Ray Van Neste: “Pastoral Ministry in SBC Life” 7. Robert Smith: “The Church’s One Foundation” 8. Mark DeVine: “Emergent or Emerging” 9. Danny Akin: … [Read more...] about Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, & the Future of Denominationalism
Tim Keller on Counterfeit Gods
Tim Keller's new book, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters, is releasing October 20. I previously posted a series of excerpts from Chapter 1, which is outstanding. Here's just one: "Each one has its shrines—whether office towers, spas and gyms, studios, or stadiums—where sacrifices must be made in order to procure the blessings of the good life and ward off disaster. What are the gods of beauty, power, money, and achievement but these same things that have assumed mythic proportions in our individual lives and in our society? We may … [Read more...] about Tim Keller on Counterfeit Gods