This devotionally and doctrinally rich new title from the pen of pastor Rick Phillips (Greenville, SC) has two purposes. The first is to explain the doctrines of grace through a coherent exposition of Scripture. Phillips does not attempt an exhaustive study by any means; rather, he seeks to expound a few passages as they pertain to total depravity, unconditional election, definite atonement, effectual calling, and the perseverance of the saints. His goal is to succinctly explain both the message of Scripture on these matters as well as their practical implications. But Phillips goes … [Read more...] about What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace
Theology
Modern Parables – Individual DVDs Available
Awhile back I reviewed Modern Parables - a modern rendition, via the medium of film, of six of Jesus' parables (Hidden Treasure, The Good Samaritan, The Shrewd Manager, The Persistent Widow, The Sower, and Prodigal Sons). Forgot the "cheesy Sunday School videos" stereotype, the cinematography of Modern Parables is as excellent as their theology. Two of the six videos are now available as individual DVDs, and the others will be available sometime between late May and mid-July. Check out a trailer: See more trailers. … [Read more...] about Modern Parables – Individual DVDs Available
In My Place Condemned He Stood
It is hard to deny that a proper understanding of the atonement is at the heart of the gospel. Christians can disagree over whether to baptize infants, over whether congregations should vote, or over end times, but as J.I. Packer notes, since one's belief about the atonement is bound up with one's belief about the very character of God, a faulty understanding can be indicative of a major problem. In our day, massive distortions exist on the significance of Christ's death. Some are bold enough to call it "divine child abuse," since they deny that God's righteous indignation toward sin … [Read more...] about In My Place Condemned He Stood
Discussion on Thabiti’s T4G Talk
The Nine Marks guys are having a good interaction on Thabiti Anyabwile's T4G message. Jonathan Leeman asks two good questions. Thabiti responds. … [Read more...] about Discussion on Thabiti’s T4G Talk
Christians and Alcohol
The entire most recent issue of the Criswell Theological Review is dedicated to Christians and alcohol. They published an article by Dr. Richard Land and Dr. Barrett Duke which argues that alcohol, while not inherently evil, ought not to be consumed by Christians at all. They also included an article by Dr. Kenneth Gentry which argues that a moderate use of alcohol is permissible for Christians. [Note: I have not yet read these articles, but it sounds like a good discussion.] [HT: Denny Burk] … [Read more...] about Christians and Alcohol
Let No One Despise You For Your Youth
John Piper kicked-off a five-part sermon series on a "vision for the rising generation of young people." When I was still at Bethlehem, I had the pleasure of hearing this vision in seed form, and participating in several productive meetings on this topic. Piper's introductory message was taken from I Timothy 4:11-16: "Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the … [Read more...] about Let No One Despise You For Your Youth