Welcome to the online home of Tim Challies, blogger, author, and book reviewer.

Tim Challies

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The Man on the Moon

April 27, 2015

I have a particular interest in technology and the way human society has been shaped by it. Over the past few years, I have pursued this interest by reading several books and watching several documentary series on the race to the moon. Having been born in 1976, I was too young to witness anything more than the aftermath of this epic race between the United States and the Soviet Union, and maybe this is why it fascinates me so much. It was history unfolding in the world I was born into.

Every film series eventually reaches its climax at the moment Neil Armstrong sets his foot on the moon’s surface. The sound track swells, the camera pans, and then Armstrong steps off the lunar module and utters his unforgettable words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Recently, as I watched another dramatization of this event, I found myself thinking, “I wish I could be involved in something that significant.” Those astronauts and the vast team that supported them left their mark on history. Those men accomplished something unprecedented in human history, and they spent the rest of their lives basking in the fame of their accomplishments. Though forty-five years have passed, we continue to laud and honor them today. For a moment, I wanted to be able to leave behind that kind of legacy.

But very quickly I caught myself. I thought about the sweep of history and all the great moments and inventions, and I realized that even an accomplishment as grand as the space race will disappear into the annals of history. Someday Neil Armstrong will be as significant to history as the inventor of the plow or the first man or woman to shoot an arrow from a bow. These, too, were important historical moments that forever changed the world, but the people involved have long since faded away and been forgotten.

And then I thought of one of the great and enduring privileges that is mine as a Christian. I have the honor and the duty to preach the gospel and to call upon other people to hear it and to heed it. I am able to stand between God and a person He has created and to tell him about the One who made him and the One who can save him. And sometimes that person responds in repentance and faith. Sometimes he is given ears to hear the words, eyes to see the Savior, and a heart to believe and obey.

And this—preaching the gospel and seeing another person transformed by God’s power—this is something that will endure through the ages because human beings will endure through the ages. We’re created for eternity. This accomplishment by God and for God will endure through all eternity—even after the greatest of human accomplishments have faded away.

Image credit: Shutterstock

A La Carte (April 27)

April 27, 2015

Here are some new Kindle deals to start the week: Shame Interrupted by Ed Welch (free); The Mingling of Souls by Matt Chandler ($3.99); The Wonder-Working God by Jared Wilson ($2.99); The Storytelling God by Jared Wilson ($2.99); Can We Trust the Gospels? by Mark D. Roberts ($1.99); The Man Christ Jesus by Bruce Ware ($2.99); Discovering Jesus by T.D. Alexander ($2.99).

A Guy on the Subway - You’ll enjoy reading about Elisha’s encounter with a stranger on the subway.

How the Prosperity Gospel Hurts Racial Reconciliation - Russell Moore: “You cannot reconcile people across carnal divisions with a gospel based on carnal promises.” So true.

Hanging Out with Your Friends Is Not Church - “Increasingly, I see younger evangelicals wondering if they can call their spiritual hang outs with friends a congregation. They are exploring the question: What is church?”

The Gum Nebula - The Hubble space telescope takes you on a fly-through of the Gum Nebula.

Nepal - Here is some guidance on praying for Nepal in the wake of that devastating earthquake.

What Is Gender Reassigment Surgery? - This article from CBMW offers a medical assessment with a biblical appraisal.

Christ is much more powerful to save, than Adam was to destroy. —John Calvin

Calvin

What Diversity Matters?

April 26, 2015

In their book Compelling Community, Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop write about the importance of diversity within each local church. While the word diversity tends to draw our minds immediately to racial diversity, they believe the Bible points to a wider kind of diversity. Here is what they say:

Many reading this book live in places where churches share guilt for the moral scourge of racism. As a result, we care deeply about the presence of ethnic diversity in our churches. And this concern is noble. Scripture celebrates ethnic diversity. Certainly, that’s at least part of what Paul speaks of in Ephesians 3.

But if by diversity we only ever mean ethnic diversity, we’re missing the main message of Ephesians 3. After all, not every region of the world has ethnic diversity. The diversity I’m writing about is any multiplicity of backgrounds where unity is possible only through the gospel. With this as our standard, many types of differences fit the basic pattern of Ephesians 3. Think of all the different boundaries—respected by society—that the local church must transgress.

Boundaries of age. “Multigenerational” has become a buzzword among evangelicals for good reason: it’s not something we often see in the world. This was perhaps the first kind of diversity that attracted me to my own church, as the generation who joined in the 1940s was infiltrated in the 1990s by a generation recently come of age. Amazingly, they functioned as a single community! Young men spent their Friday nights in nursing homes. Octogenarians vacationed in Cancun with twenty-somethings.

Boundaries of economics. Our world is familiar with rich people doing kind things for poor people. But then those rich people retreat to the comfort of other rich people—or at least those with a similar educational pedigree. Not so in the church. That’s why James castigates the church’s preferential treatment of the rich in James 2:8–9: “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”

Boundaries of politics. The local church must speak strongly on moral issues. But rarely does that moral authority translate cleanly into the details of public policy. As a result, Christians with divergent views on government policy should find unity in the more ultimate reality of God’s kingdom. Of course, there are groups—such as the Nazi party in 1930s Germany—whose claim of moral authority so stretches credulity that the church must chose political sides. But by God’s grace, we often find ourselves in less extreme situations.

Boundaries of social ability. Do socially awkward people describe your church as a refuge? Or do they find it as cold and impersonal as the world outside? Social ability is no barrier to true fellowship in the Spirit.

Boundaries of cultural background. Especially for those who grew up in the church, cultural background carries with it expectations for how a church should feel. As a result, some degree of sacrifice is necessary to have a church composed of Christians from suburban, rural, and urban backgrounds; liturgical, Pentecostal, and African-American religious traditions; and many different countries of origin. That’s just fine. But explain to your congregation that everyone must sacrifice, in both the majority and the minority culture. Unity will often require sacrificing our interests for those of our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

If we seek boundary-crossing love that perplexes the world around us, then some types of diversity will often speak louder than others. A church in the suburbs of Boston comes to mind. Everyone might have similar skin color, but the congregation sits at the intersection of four towns with dramatically different class identities. So when a former addict from Weymouth spends nights and weekends speaking truth into the marriage of a Hingham banking executive, something is happening that perplexes the surrounding world. In my church, on the other hand, located in what has been one of the most ethnically segregated cities in the country, ethnic diversity speaks volumes. To be sure, ethnic diversity can be found among non- Christians in my city—so long as we’re only talking about, for example, young political liberals from Ivy League schools. But the first comments I often hear from visitors is about how my church includes such dramatically different backgrounds—and yet still functions as a single community.

What about for your church? What boundaries has the gospel overrun that society fiercely respects?

Weekend A La Carte (April 25)

April 25, 2015

I’ve got no new Kindle deals today, but you may want to take a look at these from Monday: Against the Gods by John Currid ($1.99); Ancient Word, Changing Worlds by Stephen Nichols ($2.99); Inerrancy and Worldview by Very Poythress ($2.99); Canon Revisited by Michael Kruger ($5.99); Do Historical Matters Matter to Faith? by Various ($5.99).

I am enjoying the new series of blog posts at 9Marks that they are calling the 9Marks Mailbag where they simply offers answers to readers’ questions.

Russell Moore answers this question: What Should the Church Say to Bruce Jenner?

This is a helpful little infographic on photography.

Yesterday marked the 30th anniversary of Coke’s biggest blunder.

Have you ever looked at your Bible and wondered, “How do we know that these 66 books, and no others, comprise the inspired Word of God?” So why these 66 books?

Mark Altrogge offers good counsel: Don’t Be Too Quick To Look for Fruit in New Believers.

It’s true you know: You Have Just Enough Time.

Special thanks to RPTS for sponsoring the blog this week.

If we love God’s fame and are committed to magnifying His name above all things, we cannot be indifferent to world missions. —John Piper

Piper

 

Free Stuff Fridays

April 24, 2015

This week’s Free Stuff Fridays is sponsored by Christian Statements, sister company to Missional Wear. They are offering 5 prizes, each of which is a $50 gift certificate to their store.

LogoChristian Statements offers a variety of decor products with a focus on scripture verses, inspirational phrases and quotes from your favorite theologians! They are ideal for making a statement in your home, church or place of business.

Vinyl Wall Statements
Our classic vinyl series is the best way to get a classy hand-painted look without the cost or hassle! At Christian Statements will find the largest selection of scripture and bible verse wall decals that can each be configured to your size and color preferences. If you want something even more personalized, we will gladly design you a custom decal!

FSF

Peel and Stick Wall Decals - NEW!
Peel and Stick Wall Statements will transform your space in literally seconds - simply peel and stick! Our Peel and Stick series is printed on the highest quality woven material offering vivid colors, easy application and the durability to be repositioned whenever needed. Perfect for kids rooms, nurseries, and almost any wall that needs a little love.

FSF

Prints
The prints collection was born from our desire to display timeless scriptural truths in unique and attractive ways. All of our prints come in a variety of popular framing sizes and are printed on high quality material using eco-friendly inks.

Finally, Mother’s Day will be here soon on May 10th, so don’t miss this chance to save 20% through the end of this month using coupon code LOVEMOM.

Giveaway Rules: You may enter one time. As soon as the winners have been chosen, all names and addresses will be immediately and permanently erased. Winners will be notified by email. The giveaway closes Saturday at noon.

New & Notable Books (Late April 2015)

April 24, 2015

I am in the enjoyable position of receiving copies of most of the latest and greatest Christian books, and every few weeks I like to provide a round-up of what is new and particularly notable. Here’s the most recent list as we come to the end of April.

PsalmsPsalms: From Suffering to Glory by Philip Eveson. Despite their centrality to the Bible and their importance to Christian worship, the Psalms seem under-served when it comes to excellent, orthodox commentaries. This commentary is the newest volume in the excellent Welwyn Commentary Series and it looks promising. Here’s what the publisher says: “The Psalms continue to have an enormous influence on people’s lives all round the world and down the centuries they have brought comfort and encouragement to countless millions of people. In this commentary, Philip Eveson brings his skills as an Old Testament scholar, blended with a warm pastor’s heart to produce a work that will serve the student, the preacher/teacher and the devotional reader equally well.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon)

GenesisGenesis: History, Fiction, or Neither?, edited by Charles Halton. This is the latest volume in Zondervan’s Counterpoints series of multi-authored books, and it deals with an issue of critical importance: what exactly is the book of Genesis? “There is little doubt that in recent years the nature of the Genesis narrative has sparked much debate among Christians. This Counterpoints volume introduces three predominant interpretive genres and their implications for biblical understanding. Each contributor identifies their position on the genre of Genesis 1-11, addressing why it is appropriate to the text, and contributes examples of its application to a variety of passages. The contributors and views include: James K. Hoffmeier: Theological History, Gordon J. Wenham: Proto-History, and Kenton K. Sparks: Ancient Historiography.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon)

DeYoungWhat Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? by Kevin DeYoung. This is the publisher’s description, though I think the title pretty much says what you need to know: “In this timely book, award-winning author Kevin DeYoung challenges each of us—the skeptic, the seeker, the certain, and the confused—to take a humble look at God’s Word regarding the issue of homosexuality. After examining key biblical passages in both the Old and New Testaments and the Bible’s overarching teaching regarding sexuality, DeYoung responds to popular objections raised by Christians and non-Christians alike, making this an indispensable resource for thinking through one of the most pressing issues of our day.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Study BibleThe Reformation Study Bible. Ligonier Ministries recently released the second edition of their excellent Reformation Study Bible, and it’s bigger and better than ever. “The Reformation Study Bible (2015) has been thoroughly revised and carefully crafted under the editorial leadership of R.C. Sproul and the contributions of 75 distinguished theologians and pastors from around the world. Over 1.1 million words of new, expanded, or revised commentary represent 40% more content faithfully presented to emphasize the need for the grace of God to lead out of darkness and into the light of Scripture.” You won’t be surprised to know that it is distinctly Protestant and distinctly Reformed in its point-of-view. Be sure when you buy it that you are buying the 2015 edition. (Learn more or buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Mormonism 101Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints (Revised and Expanded) by Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson. With Mormonism surging, and with some Evangelicals now minimizing the difference between Evangelicals and Mormons, it is wise to know a little bit about the Latter-Day Saints. “Mormonism is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. For those who have wondered in what specific ways Mormonism differs from the Christian faith, Mormonism 101 provides definitive answers, examining the major tenets of Mormon theology and comparing them with orthodox Christian beliefs. Perfect for students of religion and anyone who wants to have answers when Mormons come calling.” Make sure you look for the new second edition. (Learn more or buy it at Amazon)

Pastor and CounselingThe Pastor and Counselling: The Basics of Shepherding Members In Need by Jeremy Pierre & Deepak Reju. I don’t know of too many areas where pastors tend to feel they are weaker than in the area of counseling. “Pastors spend much of their time counseling people in crisis—a delicate task that requires one to carefully evaluate each situation, share relevant principles from God’s Word, and offer practical suggestions for moving forward. Too often, however, pastors feel unprepared to effectively shepherd their people through difficult circumstances such as depression, adultery, eating disorders, and suicidal thinking. Written to help pastors and church leaders understand the basics of biblical counseling, this book provides an overview of the counseling process from the initial meeting to the final session. It also includes suggestions for cultivating a culture of discipleship within a church and four appendixes featuring a quick checklist, tips for taking notes, and more.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

I will also let you in on a little secret: I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of John MacArthur’s next book which is set to be released in October of this year. It is titled Parables: The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told. You can keep an eye out for that one this fall.

A La Carte (April 24)

April 24, 2015

I have been looking for Kindle deals, but this has been rather a slow week. How to Read the Bible in Changing Times by Mark Strauss is good value at $1.99, and new from GLH Publishing is John Flavel’s The Mystery of Providence ($0.99), but that’s about all I see. Pastors may want to check out some new deals from Westminster Books.

The Holiness of God - R.C. Sproul’s classic video series The Holiness of God is available now in the App Store as a free interactive course from Ligonier Connect for iPhone or iPad. (Also, here is an update on Dr. Sproul’s health after his recent stroke.)

Making the Most of Sunday - “There are three ways to get the most out of your Sundays with the church: prepare, participate, and reflect.”

Banner of Truth - Banner of Truth is rolling out a 3-part mini-documentary on their history. Check in over 3 weeks to see it all.

5 Wise Principles - Here are 5 wise principles gleaned from a too-short life of excellence. (This was posted in February, but I only spotted it today.)

How Do You Know You’re Repentant? - Jared Wilson offers 12 signs we have a genuinely repentant heart.

A Decade of YouTube - A decade of YouTube has changed the future of television in significant ways.

Be careful what books you read, for as water tastes of the soil it runs though, so does the soul taste of the authors that a man reads. —John Trapp

Trapp