Alex Chediak

Helping young adults thrive at college and beyond

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Theology

Young, Restless, &…Emergent or Reformed?

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Two books appeared in March 2008 that both claimed to address movements that are attracting younger generations of Christians, while shaking up institutions, denominations, and churches along the way. The books are Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvinists by Collin Hansen and The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier by Tony Jones. Hansen is an editor-at-large for Christianity Today and Jones is the national coordinator of Emergent Village. I am several chapters through Hansen's book and am finding it to be excellent (but you may have already … [Read more...] about Young, Restless, &…Emergent or Reformed?

What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace

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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

Modern Parables – Individual DVDs Available

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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

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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

Christians and Alcohol

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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