I've been at this blogging thing for ten years now and have been at the daily blogging thing for almost as long. This means that I've got an extensive backlist of articles from years gone by. I thought it might be fun to pull out some of the articles I wrote in previous months of October, stretching all the way back to 2003.

2011

Christians and Alcohol - Because discussing alcohol never generates any controversy or strong opinions, right?

Three-part series, Finding Joy, Finding Hope, I Can Only Imagine, and The Crushing Weight of Glory

2010

This Is Your Moment! - I felt that this was an important word about being slow to interpret providence.

7 Weird Things I’ve Written - I’ve written a few weird things over the years. Seven, at least.

2009

The Late Merger and its follow-up, The Right Way to Merge - I still remember getting an email from someone lambasting me for wasting his time with the first of these posts.

The Ultimate Christian Novel - Still a favorite, despite a couple of incorrect facts about the Amish (and probably about vampires as well).

2008

Darwin on the Right - I was taking issue with Darwinism. Again.

Overlooking an Offense - How do you determine when to pursue someone who has sinned against you and when do you choose to overlook their offense?

2007

It Was My Sin That Held Him There - A reflection on the cross.

Blood on the Book - I’ve always loved this metaphor.

2006

Poetry - I have a recurring love for poetry, but I’m a terrible poet.

Plagiarism in the Pulpit - Here is an issue that just doesn’t go away.

2005

A Theology of Profanity - I think I’ve written about this a few times. This was my first go at it.

Miracles and the Peculiarities of Human Psychology - Here are some reflections on the psychology of miracles.

2004

Decisional Regeneration - This hardly seems like an original thought, but it was important to me back then.

The Listener’s Responsibility - The same is true of this—not exactly original, but still an important part of my personal development.

2003

The Myth of Mother Teresa - Where it all began.

I am in the unique and enjoyable position of receiving copies of most of the latest and greatest Christian books and I like to provide regular roundups of some of the best and brightest of the bunch. Here are some of the notable books that I've received in the past few weeks.

Gospel Identity, Gospel Growth, Gospel Love - A partnership between World Harvest Mission and New Growth Press brings us three studies titled Gospel Identity, Gospel Growth and Gospel Love. “Gospel Identity focuses on the transformation of Christians by the power of the gospel. This ten-session small group study guides participants (and leaders) to discover their need for Jesus, examine the blessings of their new identity in Christ, and explain how those gifts move us outward so others can also experience new life in Jesus. With user-friendly small group activities and questions rooted in Scripture, this small group study (adapted from sections of Gospel Transformation) includes a leader’s guide and is suitable for small groups and individual mentoring. Other books in the series are Gospel Growth - Book 2 and Gospel Love - Book 3. These can be used as stand-alone products.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Gospel Deeps by Jared Wilson - “While pastoring for the past fifteen years, Jared Wilson has become known in contemporary evangelicalism for his passionate, gospel-centered writing and teaching. Following Wilson's well-received publication of Gospel Wakefulness, he writes Gospel Deeps as a ‘next step’ to establishing the need for astonishment, which begins by looking at the astonishing things God has done in and through Christ. Wilson holds up the gospel like a diamond and examines it facet by facet, demonstrating the riches of its implications. This book serves as a valuable contribution to the emerging canon of gospel-centered literature, in the spirit of John Piper's Pleasures of God and Tim Keller's emphasis on a ‘robust gospel,’ and continues in the glory-reveling legacy left by Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, and the like. The distinctiveness of Gospel Deeps is found in Wilson's winsome and frequently ecstatic writing voice, as well as his unique approach to showcasing the gospel's beauty.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Gospel’s Power & Message by Paul Washer - Here is what the publisher says about Paul Washer’s new book: “One of the greatest crimes of this generation of Christians is its neglect of the gospel, and it is from this neglect that all our other maladies spring forth. Absent from too many pulpits are the essential themes which make up the very core of the gospel the justice of God, the radical depravity of man, the blood atonement. In The Gospel’s Power and Message, Paul Washer addresses these essential elements of Christ s good news and provides a guide to help us rediscover the gospel in all its beauty, scandal, and saving power. May such a rediscovery transform your life, strengthen your proclamation, and bring the greatest glory to God.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon)

November is here and with the new month I’ve got a new desktop wallpaper for you to download. This one comes courtesy of Mark Wells. I’ll let Mark introduce himself: “Hey, I’m Mark and my wife Amy and I live in the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio safely tucked away in the Midwest. We have two sons and have been a part of a house church movement in the region that now has over 80! Since graduating from art school, I’ve worked for a large design firm, served as the creative director for a mega church and worked at another agency before starting my own studio, Antistatic. Throughout my journey I’ve been passionate about working with churches and faith-based non-profits. In this way God has allowed me to partner with these ministries and spread the gospel further than my own voice can carry.”

A few notes: Your desktop or laptop may take any of the sizes, depending on your monitor size and a host of other considerations. You can click here to see what your resolution is. Generally you set one of these are your wallpaper by clicking on the link to the image, then right-clicking on the image (once it's open) and selecting "Set as Background," "Set as Desktop Background," or something similar. If you aren't sure, post a comment and we'll try to help you figure it out.

Give Thanks

The wallpaper designs I’ve created are a simple reminder for us all to pause daily, and give thanks. It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, meetings, obligations and I hope this visual inspires you to step away and spend time with the Father.

With Calendar: 1024x768, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1680x1050, 1900x1200, 2560x1440

Without Calendar: iPhone, iPad 1 & 2, iPad 3 & 4, 1024x768, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1680x1050, 1920x1200, 2560x1440

This is the tenth installment in an occasional series on theological terms. See previous posts on the terms theology, Trinity, creation, man, Fall, common grace, sin, righteousness, faith, and pride.

Election is the term the Bible uses to refer to God’s act of choosing people to salvation. Paul unpacks this meaning most clearly in Romans 9:10-13, where he sees God announcing and then carrying out his plans in the lives of Jacob and Esau. He writes,

When Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad--in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls--she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Election is a demonstration of the sovereign love of God in knowing, choosing, saving, and safeguarding particular people to be members of his family forever, apart from any merit or credentials on the part of those chosen (see Romans 8:29-30, where “predestination” is used as a synonym for election). People who are loved and chosen by God in this way, like Jacob was, are fittingly called “the elect” (cf. Matthew 24:22; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1).

There is a great deal to be said about what election means and what it does not mean, and church history has certainly seen more than its fair share of writing and interpretation on this matter. The main purpose and effect of the doctrine is not to confuse or to divide, but to generate worship. Wayne Grudem captures this well in his Systematic Theology:

The doctrine of election tells us that I am a Christian simply because God in eternity past decided to set his love on me. But why did he decide to set his love on me? Not for anything good in me, but simply because he decided to love me. There is no more ultimate reason than that.

It humbles us before God to think in this way. It makes us realize that we have no claim on God’s grace whatsoever. Our salvation is totally due to grace alone. Our only appropriate response is to give God eternal praise. (687)

I suppose it should come as no surprise that the Bible has a great deal to say about anger. Anger is, after all, not only a result of sin but also a common cause of sin. Here is what the Bible has to say:

It is good to be slow to anger. Those who are quick to anger display a lack of wisdom.

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. (James 1:19)

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

Anger should be addressed as soon as possible because it can easily turn to sin.

The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6-7)

You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment …. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:21-24)

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. (Ephesians 4:26)

Though at times anger can be righteous (see especially Mark 3:5 where Jesus becomes angry), anger is generally to be avoided.

For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish--that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. (2 Corinthians 12:20)

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. (Ephesians 4:31)

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)

I am in the unique and enjoyable position of receiving copies of most of the latest and greatest Christian books and I like to provide regular roundups of some of the best and brightest of the bunch. Here are some of the notable books that I've received in the past few weeks.

Glorious Ruin by Tullian Tchividjian. “In this world, one thing is certain: Everybody hurts. Suffering may take the form of tragedy, heartbreak, or addiction. Or it could be something more mundane (but no less real) like resentment, loneliness, or disappointment. But there's unfortunately no such thing as a painless life. In Glorious Ruin, best-selling author Tullian Tchividjian takes an honest and refreshing look at the reality of suffering, the ways we tie ourselves in knots trying to deal with it, and the comfort of the gospel for those who can't seem to fix themselves--or others. This is not so much a book about Why God allows suffering or even How we should approach suffering--it is a book about the tremendously liberating and gloriously counterintuitive truth of a God who suffers with you and for you. It is a book, in other words, about the kind of hope that takes the shape of a cross. (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Glory of Grace: The Story of the Canons of Dort by William Boekestein. This excellent series for kids continues. “An important confession of the reformed churches for hundreds of years, the Canons of Dort teach clearly that salvation is by grace alone through Christ alone. yet some people may find it an intimidating document and wonder why it was even written. In The Glory of Grace, William Boekestein and evan hughes help our children understand the difficult challenges the churches in the netherlands faced in the Arminians distortion of the gospel message. in this story about the Synod of Dort (1618), children will learn about the history and ideas that formed the Canons of Dort and come to a greater appreciation of this great treasure of the reformed faith and its emphasis on the glory of god in graciously saving sinners.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon)

When Your Husband Is Addicted to Pornography by Vicki Tiede. “When your husband’s addiction to pornography leaves you shattered, betrayed, and alone, where do you turn? Who do you turn to? Vicki Tiede, writing from personal experience, gently guides women toward God and away from despair. Through daily readings and questions on six important topics: hope, surrender, trust, identity, brokenness, and forgiveness, you will grow in healing and hope. Allowing God to meet your greatest needs is a long and learned process, but he promises to help you every step of the way. Questions and daily readings are suitable for both individuals and small groups.” Sadly, this is a much-needed book. (Learn more and shop at Amazon)

I've been at this blogging thing for ten years now and have been at the daily blogging thing for almost as long. This means that I've got an extensive backlist of articles from years gone by. I thought it might be fun to pull out some of the articles I wrote in previous months of October, stretching all the way back to 2004.

2011

My Halloween Theory - Last year I shared a theory about the growing popularity of Halloween.

This is a four-part series on the will of God:

1. How to Know the Will of God
2. How Does God Speak to Me Today?
3. God’s Will for Your Life
4. How Do I Make Decisions That Please God?

2010

How I Got Here, Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 - This is a three-part biographical series.

The Heart of Frugality - I needed to think about frugality and this is what I came up with.

2009

Teachers, Watchmen, Gatekeepers - This reflects some of my thinking on the role of parents in the lives of their children.

Applying the Heat - An article about accountability relationships.

2008

The Moral High Ground - Thinking about abortion where the pregnancy was caused by rape.

The Burden of Perverse Assumptions - Lincoln and Speed, Sam and Frodo, and the burden of perverse assumptions.

2007

Halloween - Trick or Retreat? - Apparently I’ve done quite a bit of thinking about Halloween.

Bringing Life to the Living - One of my pet peeves is when people claim that their new book or new program will bring the Bible to life.

2006

The Folly of Solomon - How the wise became foolish.

I Don’t Need a Boyfriend - I had just read a John Eldredge book…

2005

Unity Through Theology - Doctrine divides? It shouldn’t.

The Extraordinary Value of Women - I claimed that no system of religion exalts women higher than biblical Christianity. 

2004

Tim - I had forgotten all about the day Aileen hijacked the blog.\

I love writing book reviews and I love reading them. Since I cannot possibly read and review all of the interesting books out there, I publish occasional round-ups of reviews written by other writers. Or even if I am able to review the book, it's always good to get a second opinion. So here are a few notable links I've collected over the past few weeks.

Gospel Deeps by Jared Wilson

Reviewed by Mike Leake. “Gospel Deeps is a risky book. I say that it is risky because it is not immediately practical.  There are not 10 steps to ‘going deep in the gospel.’  There is no immediately practical advice for living out the Christian life. Neither does this book make any shockingly new insights; it is not revolutionary in that sense.  The point of the book is not to help you change your church, reconsider your theology, or inspire you with newfound truth. All Jared Wilson does in Gospel Deeps is hold up an infinitely precious jewel, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and call us to marvel along with him.  That's risky.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon)

Tempted and Tried by Russell Moore

Reviewed by Mike Wittmer. This is one of my all-time favorite books; Wittmer liked it as much as I did. “Moore's book reads like a sermon series on the temptations of Christ, with numerous memorable lines and extended commentary on contemporary church and culture. I think anyone who is planning to preach on temptation and sin in general or Christ's temptations in particular should read this book. Also anyone who is planning on sinning. …Moore's book is simply theology the way it's supposed to be. You may not agree with every one of his points, but you'll be better off for having read his book (assuming you apply the points that convict you, and unless you've completed Wesley's steps to Christian perfection, I'm sure you'll find more than a few).” (Learn more and shop at Amazon)

The Work of Christ by R.C. Sproul

 Reviewed by Aaron Armstrong. “Rather than trying to be the final word, The Work of Christ serves as a starting point for greater study. Sproul doesn't expect readers to just take his word for the importance of each of these events, nor does he provide extensive overviews of each subject--he expects readers to study for themselves. From beginning to end, from incarnation to return, the work of Christ is necessary for our salvation and our growth in Christ. This is a subject we must study thoughtfully and apply well. The Work of Christ offers readers--whether individuals or small groups--a wonderful starting point. I trust that you'll be blessed as you see just how important all the events of Jesus' life are for you.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon)

This is the tenth installment in a series on theological terms. See previous posts on the terms theology, Trinity, creation, man, Fall, common grace, sin, righteousness, and faith.

Pride is the chief of all sins, as well as the chief cause of all sin. We learn from the prophet Ezekiel that this was the most essential problem with Sodom (16:49-50), and Paul teaches us that this is the sin that brought condemnation on the devil himself (1 Timothy 3:6).

C. S. Lewis identifies the unique place of pride among sins in chapter 8 of Mere Christianity::

According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.

As Lewis describes it, pride is an “anti-God” state of mind. It is a state of mind or, more essentially, a condition of the heart in which a person has supplanted the rule of God over their lives with the rule of their own will. Instead of depending entirely on God, as was God’s design, a proud heart now looks to itself to decide what is good and evil (see Genesis 3:4-6).

Most essentially, pride is an attitude of independence from God. It is synonymous in Scripture with being haughty, scoffing, arrogant, foolish, evil, and wicked (Psalm 10:4; Proverbs 8:13; Isaiah 2:11, etc.). It is directly opposed to the humble, God-fearing, meek, lowly, trusting, faith-filled disposition that is pleasing to God; its end is destruction.

For the LORD of hosts has a day
against all that is proud and lofty,
against all that is lifted up--and it shall be brought low;
… the haughtiness of man shall be humbled,
and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low,
and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.
(Isaiah 2:12, 17)

I love writing book reviews and I love reading them. Since I cannot possibly read and review all of the interesting books out there, I publish occasional round-ups of reviews written by other writers. Or even if I am able to review the book, it's always good to get a second opinion. So here are a few notable links I've collected over the past few weeks.

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. Reviewed by Jesse Johnson. “The Harris brothers point out that this expectation of worthlessness has produced years of wasted potential. In their book, Do Hard Things, they expose this culture of mediocrity as the teenager's enemy. They make it clear that the victims in this are teens who squander their first opportunities in life to excel -- to do things that count for eternity. … I would recommend this book be given high school students, and the younger the better. It could be a good graduation gift, but at that point the thrust of the book would already be in a person's rear-view mirror. It is more suited for freshman. Those who read it will be challenged to escape the trappings of modern-American adolescent mediocrity.” (Learn more or at shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Talking with Mormons by Richard Mouw. Reviewed by Kevin DeYoung. “At the most basic level, Mouw wants evangelicals to approach Mormons in a whole new way. While I think he rightly critiques one approach; his new approach is not the answer. Mouw criticizes the sort of approach that starts with an assumption that Mormons are some combination of stupid, evil, imposters, and charlatans and then offers the usual anti-Mormon talking points (God doesn't have a body, Jesus and Lucifer were not brothers, Joseph Smith was nuts, early Mormons were polygamists, etc.). He is right to call evangelicals to a better way. But Mouw's way is not it. ”

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle. Reviewed by David Steele. “Chan and Sprinkle serve up an impressive number of arguments that bolster the case for hell and provide a rational, biblical defense of this important doctrine.  While Erasing Hell is written with the laymen in mind, it is not simplistic.  Nor is it compromised in any way.  The authors do not claim to have all this answers, which may appeal to younger readers more inclined to postmodern literature.  Rather, they merely spell out the basics of the biblical doctrine.” (Learn more or shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)