Rob Bell, founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, MI and author of the controversial book Love Wins, recently sat down with The New Yorker. As the Christian Post reports, Bell told The New Yorker that the publication of his book resulted in a 3,000-person decrease in membership at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, MI, which he founded in 1999. HT: Steve McCoy … [Read more...] about Love Lost Over Love Wins
Theology
John Piper’s Sermon Preparation
In doing an Internet search, I came across a 200 page Doctor of Ministry dissertation by Sunghyun Pae. It's entitled "John Piper's Sermon Preparation: A Model for Pastors Who Emphasize The Supremacy of God in Expository Preaching." Here's the Abstract: This dissertation aims to answer the question, How can the preacher complete the process of his expository sermon preparation to manifest God‘s glory and exalt His supremacy in preaching by studying Piper‘s life and methods? Based on an analysis of Piper‘s writings and selected sermons, this project investigates Piper‘s background … [Read more...] about John Piper’s Sermon Preparation
Tim Keller’s Every Good Endeavor (a review)
While others have written more scholarly defenses of the theology of vocation, Every Good Endeavor is the most accessible and helpful book I've ever read on integrating a Christian perspective with our daily work----whether that work be "blue-collar" or "white-collar," physical or mental, menial or high-profile. Moreover, Keller simultaneously (and winsomely) speaks to non-Christians who are trying to make sense of the frustrations and pleasures of their work lives. Keller begins with God's plan for our work: The idea that work preceded the Fall, that work gives dignity to humankind, and … [Read more...] about Tim Keller’s Every Good Endeavor (a review)
Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives
This new resource from CCEF sounds excellent, and it's 50% off (only $9.99) until November 21. Selections are by Ed Welch, David Powlison, Tim Lane, Winston Smith, Mike Emlet, and others. Topics include: love, hope, grace, redemption, faith, contentment, conflict, relationships, prayer, fear, patience, humility, and anger. The official description: Change that goes deeper than the surface of our lives happens as we daily remember the truths of the gospel. Every day we need to be reminded that Jesus, God’s own Son, came to this world to save us from sin, sorrow, and death. We need to … [Read more...] about Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives
Logos Bible Software 5
When I was at The Bethlehem Institute (now Bethlehem College and Seminary), I used Logos Bible software to analyze and diagram Greek passages in the New Testament, and to read electronic versions of various commentaries. I thought it was an outstanding product--easy to learn, yet amazing in its scope. They've just launched Logos Bible Software 5. The short video below describes what's new in it. If you're a pastor or seminary student, this is something you'll definitely want to consider. … [Read more...] about Logos Bible Software 5
Life Everlasting: The Unfolding Story of Heaven
Andy Naselli discusses what sounds like a great new book on Heaven: The authors give a road map to the book: We will treat five major biblical pictures or themes that portray heaven’s final state. Why did we choose these themes from among the many in Scripture? Because we find them compelling and encompassing of some of the others. We will trace each picture from Genesis to Revelation and will devote ten chapters to this task. We will allot two chapters apiece to each of the pictures: creation, rest, kingdom, presence, and glory. The first chapter devoted to each picture … [Read more...] about Life Everlasting: The Unfolding Story of Heaven