September is here (Where did summer go?)! To ring in the new month I’ve got great new desktop wallpaper for you to download. This month’s wallpaper was created by Zack Smith of Uplyft Creative.

A few notes: Your desktop or laptop may take any of the sizes, depending on your monitor size and a host of other considerations. If you’re not sure of the size, just find one that looks like it would be pretty much the same size as your screen. 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.

With Calendar: 1024x768, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1680x1050, 1920x1200, 2560x1440

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

I have been on yet another biography kick in the past few months. Just in the last couple of weeks I’ve digested two fantastic biographies of characters who are at once very different and yet in at least one way not entirely dissimilar—Queen Elizabeth II and Abraham Lincoln. As I read these two books I came to see that each pointed me to the same question. I had not set out asking this question, rather, it naturally arose from the story of a life. It is this: Has this person placed his faith in Jesus Christ?

Abraham Lincoln has long fascinated me and I have read several of the most notable accounts of his life. What has always perplexed me is the question of whether or not Lincoln was a Christian—a true Christian who truly believed in Christ as Savior. While it is obvious that Lincoln believed in a higher power and that he knew and treasured the Bible, the nature of his religious beliefs has long been in dispute. Ronald C. White’s A. Lincoln: A Biography is a brilliant account of Lincoln’s life and brings a measure of clarity to my thinking.

I am increasingly convinced that Lincoln truly did come to understand the gospel at some point in life, though seemingly not until near the end. White shows that Lincoln’s understanding of God, gospel and providence were shaped at least in part by Phineas Densmore Gurley, the pastor of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. Gurley’s chief mentor was the great theologian Charles Hodge. Thus there was much of Hodge—much of Presbyterian Calvinism—in Lincoln. As he wrestled with understanding the presence of God in the Civil War, as he sought to understand the purpose of this conflict, he drew from this theological stream and found great comfort in the God who is sovereign.

There is much we can learn from the life of Lincoln, many lessons that can be applied. He is endlessly fascinating. But when I look at Lincoln, I am more and more comfortable in seeing a man who at some point grew from understanding God as an impersonal force to a man who encountered a living, active God whose hand was visible even, or perhaps especially, in the nation’s darkest hour.

Rather on a whim I also picked up a copy of Sally Bedell Smith’s new biography of Queen Elizabeth II: Elizabeth the Queen. While I have no great love for the monarchy as an institution, I’ve long respected the Queen. She is in a near-impossible position, reigning as a monarch in a country and a world that has moved away from monarchial forms of government. Yet she understands that it is her role to serve her country and her commonwealth and she has done so very well over the years.

The word “adoption” (Greek huiothesias) occurs only a few times in the New Testament, and each time it refers to God choosing a people for himself. Though there are not a lot of references to this word, there is a good deal we learn from them about the doctrine of adoption.

1) God adopts those whom he loves and has predestined to be his children

“In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:4-6)

2) It is through Jesus Christ that God’s children are adopted

“In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:4-6)

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)

3) God adopts his children so that he might display the glory of his grace

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.

The Thunder: A Novel on John Knox by Douglas Bond - “Told from the perspective of a young student resolved to protect Knox no matter the cost, Douglas Bond’s thrilling biographical novel provides a look at the harrowing life story of a giant of the faith. Discover the fascinating story of a man transformed by the grace and power of the gospel into one of the most influential figures in Scottish history.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Life of God in the Soul of the Church by Thabiti Anyabwile - “Extending the concept of Divine life presented in Henry Scougal's classic The Life of God in the Soul of Man, Anyabwile contends that union with Christ is not individualistic, but is discerned in the soul of the local church. This vision of spiritual fellowship is not centered on external activities and programs, but on our shared life in Christ.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon)

Kingdom through Covenant by Peter Gentry & Stephen Wellum - “The disciplines of biblical and systematic theology join forces to investigate anew the biblical covenants and the implications of such a study for conclusions in systematic theology. By incorporating the latest available research from the ancient Near East and examining implications of their work for Christology, ecclesiology, eschatology, and hermeneutics--Biblical scholar Peter Gentry and systematic theologian Stephen Wellum present a thoughtful and viable alternative to both covenant theology and dispensationalism.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Gospel Treason by Brad Bigney - “Using real-life stories and examples, Brad Bigney shows us how the idols we might not even recognize can still have devastating effects in our lives. In this transparent, honest book, he helps us to identify our idols, understand how they lead us to commit treason against the gospel—and finally repent of them and root them out forever by turning to the only One who can fill our every need.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon)

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

Unlike some terms such as Trinity and theology, the Bible itself provides a clear and concise definition of faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” In other words, faith is a staking of our hearts and minds on a reality that is beyond us, both in time and comprehension. It is ahead of us (“hoped for”) and above us (“not seen”).

To guard us against failing to unpack the full meaning in this verse ourselves, the author of Hebrews makes his definition clear by filling the remaining 39 verses of chapter 11 with example after example of what this faith looks like when lived out. He does this to ensure that we understand that “assurance of things hoped for” and “conviction of things not seen” are not merely words. True faith cannot exist as only thoughts or feelings. Instead, it affects all of life, giving birth to works of obedience and endurance.

And it is important to remember that “things hoped for” and “things not seen” do not refer (at least in Christian faith) to things that are imagined or invisible. These phrases refer to those realities that we know of through the Word of God. Christian faith is inseparable from and unfounded apart from God’s Word. Thus Paul writes in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” John Calvin is likewise careful to emphasize,

There is a permanent relationship between faith and the Word. He could not separate one from the other any more than we could separate the rays from the sun from which they come. … The same Word is the basis whereby faith is supported and sustained; if it turns away from the Word, it falls. Therefore, take away the Word and no faith will then remain. (Institutes, 3.2.6)

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “Oh great. Two men—two more men—have gone and written a book on modesty. Here we go again.” But this one is different I promise.

A couple of years ago R.W.[Bob] Glenn and I were speaking at a conference and no sooner had we met than we came to see that we had a lot in common. One issue that interested and frustrated both of us was modesty. Both of us had seen a lot of bad material on the subject but very little that we felt really got to the heart of the issue. We talked that day about eventually putting together a short book that might elevate the discussion of modesty.

Well, it has finally happened with the release of Modest: Men and Women Clothed in the Gospel. This is a short book of less than 100 pages and it does not contain a single checklist or diagram. What it does contain is lots of biblical teaching that grounds the discussion of the topic in the right place.

My particular concern was that a book on modesty should go beyond mere dress code—that there needs to be more to our discussion of modesty than a woman’s neckline and hemline; further, the discussion needs to include both men and women. Bob’s concern was that any discussion of the subject be rooted and grounded not in law but in gospel. Jerry Bridges caught this emphasis and penned this little blurb: "The authors of Modest break new ground in their treatment of this difficult subject. It is a healthy antidote to the prevailing views, which tend toward either legalism or antinomianism, by grounding the whole subject in the gospel. I heartily recommend this book."

Paul Tripp says:

It is so refreshing to have a book on modesty that is a useful resource and not a legalistic, culture-bound list that leaves you a bit paranoid and guilty. No, this book is different. Its counsel on modesty is not rooted in rules, but in the grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That grace alone is able to get at the heart of the problem of modesty, which is the heart. In a culture where immodesty is the accepted norm, Glenn and Challies have given us help that every Christian desperately needs.

And Mary Kassian says this:

How short is too short? How tight is too tight? Glenn and Challies don't say. But they do provide a thoughtful framework to help us come to a grace-based, gospel-grounded understanding of modesty that extends beyond mere clothing. They uphold a vision for modesty that's both beautiful and desirable -- and not only for gals, but for guys too! This book is a great tool to help you wrestle with the practical question of what and what not to wear.

In the end, we believe we’ve written a book that takes the discussion of modesty in a new direction and a far more profitable one. Not only that, but this is a book on modesty that a man can read and benefit from just as much as a woman. Unlike so many books on the subject, that is one to read and reflect on in your own life, not one to skim and then subtly (or not-so-subtly) hand to that woman at church.

If you want to get a feel for the book, you may be interested in reading a sample. You’ll also find some early reviews here and here.

If you’d like to buy it, you can find it at Amazon ($9.99 for paperback, $5.99 for Kindle) or at Cruciform Press ($8.45 or less for printed copies, $5.45 for ebook).

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.

Lady Jane Grey by Simonetta Carr. Reviewed (5 stars!) by Monique Bergmeier. “Simonetta Carr’s newest addition to her Christian Biographies for Young Readers, lives up to the high standard the author has set for herself in the previous books in this series. This biography covers the life of Lady Jane Grey. I was only vaguely familiar with her story prior to this and found this book educational and encouraging. Lady Jane Grey was known for her courage in defending the gospel. Though she lived 17 short years, her life has left a mark on the history of her country, England and more importantly on the church. Young women in particular should know her story and be encouraged by her faithfulness to the point of death.”

Also reviewed by Wes Bredenhof. “With this volume, Simonetta Carr continues to excel as a writer of church history for children. The story moves briskly and is not weighed down by unnecessary details. A member of a United Reformed Church in the San Diego area, this is now her fifth book in the series "Christian Biographies for Young Readers." Other volumes deal with Athanasius, Augustine of Hippo, John Calvin, and John Owen. As with the other works, Lady Jane Grey has professional quality pictures, maps, and illustrations throughout. There is also a timeline, an appendix entitled ‘Did You Know?’ and, most compelling of all, Lady Jane's last letter to her sister Katherine.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

“Economics for Everybody” by Ligonier Ministries and Compass Cinema (this is actually a DVD, but we’ll go with it). Reviewed by Jeremy Lundmark. “This twelve part series walks viewers through the complex task of interconnecting the relationship between theology, economics, and philosophy in an incredibly simple way. The videos and images coupled with Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr.'s God given talent to simplify the difficult make this a great study for all kinds of venues and audiences. … In short, I can do nothing but give the highest recommendation for this study. It serves as a desperate warning to a country that is heading in a wrong direction and as a guide to help individuals, families, churches, and governments rightly understand their roles in God's sovereign schematic.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or The Compass Store)

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 week or two.

The Mission of God Study Bible edited by Ed Stetzer and Philip Nation - “In The Mission of God Study Bible, readers will hear through more than 150 additional writings from today's top thinkers, theologians, and leading voices in the church about what it means to live in the mission of God. Essay contributors include Matt Chandler, Tullian Tchividjian, Ed Stetzer, Linda Bergquist, Dave Ferguson, Christopher J.H. Wright, Matthew Barnett, and many others. Readers will also discover "Letters to the Church" from elder statesmen that speak to the grand narrative of God's mission in Scripture. These words from Billy Graham, Jack Hayford, Erwin Lutzer, Calvin Miller, and R.C. Sproul will inspire you to live God's mission daily.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon)

Gospel-Centered Discipleship by Jonathan Dodson - “This book helps us understand and experience the fullness of discipleship as God intended. It combines the mess and the weight, the imperfection and transformation, the honesty and wonder of being a disciple who revolves around Jesus. Here is a practical guide to discipleship that is Spirit-filled, Christ-centered, field-tested, and easily implemented.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

God in Our Midst by Daniel Hyde - “Christians often wonder whether it is worth their time to read and study the seemingly odd narratives about God's instructions for the tabernacle in the second half of the book of Exodus. The answer, according to Daniel R. Hyde, is an emphatic yes. In God in Our Midst: The Tabernacle and Our Relationship with God, Hyde shows that the tabernacle narratives have much to teach us about God Himself, about sin, about redemption in Christ, and about how we are to live for God today. Above all, by interpreting these narratives according to solid hermeneutical principles and New Testament revelation, Hyde shows that these passages reveal Christ.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon)

I've been at this blogging thing for quite a long time now--it's coming up on ten years. I've 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 August, stretching all the way back to 2004.

2011

A Holy Moment - This is a memory I had to deal with at last.

How Big Is the Universe? - As a Christian, you simply can’t ponder the universe without glorying in God.

2010

5 Reasons Books Are Better Than E-Books, 5 Reasons E-Books Are Better Than Books, and concluding thoughts in Books & E-Books, Media & Messages - I look back at this and realize just how quickly our technology is moving us in new directions.

Help Lord--The Devil Wants Me Fat! - It just so happens that I was looking at this book yesterday. For some reason I keep it right beside my desk.

2009

A Faithful Servant - A brief biographical sketch of Reverend Alden.

Counseling Myself - Here I am, after my eleventh wedding anniversary, lecturing myself.

2008

Who Do You Love More? - Here’s a time I made my children cry.

Open Mind, Closed Bible - Sometimes having an “open mind” requires having a closed Bible.

2007

My Best Friend’s Wedding - Another anniversary article. It was fun to read it again.

Wrestling with Evolution - Here I tried to think through some of the implications of evolution.

2006

Thanksgiving for Thanksgiving - This was one of those moments that gave me a glimpse of God’s care for me.

Repaying a Gift - This is still one of my favorite articles of all-time, I think.

2005

Biblical Perspectives on Sex and Autoeroticism, Part 1 and Part 2 - This series was an important stepping stone toward eventually writing Sexual Detox.

Human Predictability - We are an awfully predictable bunch, aren’t we?

2004

What Could Be - Back in 2004 I was taking a sports metaphor to the pews of the church.

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

First and foremost, righteousness is an attribute of God: “For the LORD is righteous” (Psalm 11:7). The fact that God is righteous means that he “always acts in accordance with what is right and is himself the final standard of what is right” (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology). Righteousness is a statement about God’s moral nature and it means that he never does wrong. More than that, God’s righteousness means that he cannot do wrong.

For man, righteousness is a measure of morality just as it is for God, but man has no part in defining what is right. Man is righteous only as much as his morality, expressed in desires, thoughts, and deeds, conforms to that of God’s. Where he differs with God, he is unrighteous.

Scripture is clear that because Adam’s sin has corrupted every man, “none is righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10; cf. Psalm 14:1-3). But it is also clear that Jesus Christ lived a perfectly righteous life and died for our sins in order to free us from our punishment and credit us with his own righteousness—the righteousness of God (see 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the gospel.