We live in a digital world where online resources are endless. Whether we want the latest news, immediate commentary, unique humor, shopping, our favorite television shows, or a million other things, the Internet provides a one-stop shop.

Unfortunately, superb online Christian college or seminary education is not as easy to find.

For over 40 years, Criswell College has provided Christ-centered education to pastors, deacons, missionaries, professors, seminary presidents, entrepreneurs, artists, school teachers, stay-at-home moms, and everyone in between! We thrive on developing Christian leaders for all walks of life, and we want to provide you with even easier access to our outstanding curriculum.

Allow us to introduce to you our new fully online Master of Arts in Christian Studies! This 36-hour degree is designed for:

• Pastors and deacons desiring to strengthen their foundation for ministry
• Christians in the secular workplace looking to build evangelistic skills
• Students who want to pursue further biblical education
• Anyone else seeking a deeper understanding of God's Word!

Our courses will prepare you for the Great Commission work to which you have been called, will encourage your academic and spiritual growth, and will treat Scripture with the highest regard as you learn more about God’s Word. Join us in God's mission!

To view a detailed degree plan and to apply, click HERE.

2013 Truth and Life Conference: The Word of God

The theme of the 2013 Truth & Life Conference at The Master's College is The Word of God. The conference explores the authority and sufficiency of the inerrant Word of God. Participants will learn more about how God's Word guides and transforms the individual believer as well as the Church, for His glory. If you are in the Southern California area, we invite you to join us January 16-18 to hear from our president, Dr. John MacArthur and noted speakers Dr. Mark Dever and Dr. Sinclair Ferguson. Please join us via live streaming video at www.truthandlife.org.

For more than fifteen years, The Master's College has welcomed alumni and guests from around the world to join our students, faculty, and staff on our campus for a time of strategic renewal and reflection from the Word of God at the Truth & Life Conference. This unique, three-day event brings in many of the most acclaimed preachers and teachers who hold high the exposition of the Scripture to encourage and challenge those in attendance to a deeper level of Christ-likeness.

Past conference themes have included Holiness; Proclaiming Christ: The True Gospel; and The Love of God with expositors such as Kevin DeYoung, Ligon Duncan, R. C. Sproul, D.A. Carson, Irwin Lutzer, Al Mohler, and Voddie Baucham. This year's outstanding conference program reconfirms our commitment to proclaim biblical truth, which impacts all areas of life.

For detailed conference information, please visit our website at www.truthandlife.org or you can find us through the College's website at www.masters.edu.

There are only two religions, said the Apostle Paul - we worship and serve the creature or the Creator. There are no other options. At truthXchange, we call the worship of the creature "One-ism" and the worship of the Creator "Two-ism."

In One-ism, all is one. We worship and serve creation as divine. All distinctions must be eliminated. Though enlightenment, we discover that we also are divine.

In Two-ism, all is two. We worship and serve the eternal, personal Creator of all things. God alone is divine and is distinct from His creation, yet through His son, Jesus, He is in loving communion with it.

These terms evolved through the research and writing of Dr. Peter Jones, who came back to the States in 1991, after teaching at a French seminary for seventeen years under Mission to the World (PCA). When Dr. Jones arrived in California to take up a New Testament teaching position at Westminster Seminary, he was shocked to find that although the US culture was still very spiritual, it had basically changed religions--from a generally Two-ist position, to a generally One-ist position. To understand the change, Dr. Jones began to analyze books written by self-professed pagans and to attend conferences where academic pagan leaders and thinkers laid out their beliefs and plans for society. Eleven years and several books later, he decided to devote himself full-time to informing and alerting the church concerning the false teachers of our age, and equipping Christians to share the gospel in a post-secular culture.

truthXchange was incorporated in 2003 and has a number of resources available for Christians, their churches and their leaders:

• An evangelistic tool, There Are Only 2 Religions, that lays out the definitions of those two religions, making the choice clear and allowing a Christian to tell a friend or neighbor why Two-ism is better! We also have "I'm a Two-ist" buttons, should anyone like the idea of wearing one to start a conversation.
• We will soon have a training manual that walks Christians through the evangelism tool. This can be used in Christian school classrooms, Sunday School classes and small groups. We should have the manual available by late spring.
• InsideOut, a monthly article by Dr. Jones, commenting on the culture--see, for example, "spiritual, but not religious." To receive this newsletter, sign up here.
• Books
• Occaisonal public conferences. Our 2010 conference was called the Exchange Conference and featured Dr. Peter Jones, Mark Driscoll, Kevin DeYoung and Francis Chan. Video can also be seen on the Resurgence site.
• An annual Think Tank for pastors, teachers, artists, lawyers, scientists, businessmen and Christian leaders of all kinds. Attendance has so far been limited to 200.
• Church Seminars. Dr. Jones is available for weekend seminars and some intensive courses. For more information, email Joshua@truthxchange.com

truthXchange is a unique ministry that senses a call to come to the aid of Christians who have been intimidated into silence because One-ists are framing the issues. Find out more by purchasing Dr. Jones' latest book, One or Two. Then help us find those who need what we have to offer by forwarding the truthXchange monthly emails, putting our links on your Facebook page, sending out Tweets, or encouraging your pastor to invite truthXchange to your church.

Note: This is a sponsored post
(click here to learn about sponsored posts)

Mission Immanuel — Explore God's World Mission at California's 2012 Truth & Life Conference

The theme of the 2012 Truth & Life Conference at The Master's College is The Mission of God. The conference explores the mission of God throughout history and traces the Church's vital role in that mission today. Participants will learn more about how the Lord has worked and continues to work redemptively, for His glory. If you are in the Southern California area, we invite you to join us January 18-20 to hear from our president, Dr. John MacArthur and noted speakers Kevin DeYoung, and Thabiti Anyabwile. Please join us via live streaming video at www.truthandlife.org.

For more than fifteen years, The Master's College has welcomed alumni and guests from around the world to join our students, faculty, and staff on our campus for a time of strategic renewal and reflection from the Word of God at the Truth & Life Conference. This unique, three-day event brings in many of the most acclaimed preachers and teachers who hold high the exposition of the Scripture to encourage and challenge those in attendance to a deeper level of Christ-likeness.

Past conference themes have included Holiness; Proclaiming Christ: The True Gospel; and The Love of God with expositors such as Mark Dever, Sinclair Ferguson, R. C. Sproul, D.A. Carson, Irwin Lutzer, Al Mohler, and Voddie Baucham. This year's outstanding conference program reconfirms our commitment to proclaim biblical truth, which impacts all areas of life.

For detailed conference information, please visit our website at www.truthandlife.org or you can find us through the College's website at www.masters.edu.

Note: This is a sponsored post
(click here to learn about sponsored posts)

Next week most people in the USA will celebrate by eating turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and squash, pumpkin pie and cylinders of cranberry goodness. We all have much to be thankful for. Which is why we are announcing a special holiday challenge that will give back to those in need, when we have plenty. From Thanksgiving Day until New Year's Day, we are asking everyone we know to team up with the good folks over at Rice Bowls to feed children in 52 orphanages across the globe. But we are not only asking, we are going to reward the biggest giver with a big gift!

Our hope is that more than 1,000 churches and gospel ministries will partner with Rice Bowls during this holiday season. To help motivate the givers, we are giving away a FREE Church Plant Media website (valued at $1,000 one time + $50/month) to the church or gospel ministry that sponsors the most meals between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day.

If you don't need a new website, then the FREE website will be yours to give away in January!

Will you take the Red Bowl Challenge?

1. Fill out the form to order 1 red bowl for your church or gospel ministry.
2. Fill the bowl - inspire everyone to donate between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day.
3. Send the funds to Rice Bowls by Friday, January 6th and feed some kids!
4. The biggest giver will be given a FREE Church Plant Media website in January.

Who can win the free website?

Any gospel-loving church or ministry in the USA that provides the most meals can win. This challenge is designed for congregations and para-church ministries to pool their resources and feed children. The only stipulation that we have in order to win the free website is that participants affirm our Gospel Agreement.

How many meals will be given to orphans?

With the help of over 50 Christian orphanage partners across the globe, Rice Bowls is able to provide 4 meals for every US dollar. That means you can provide 250 meals for the price as a 16-pound Turkey. We're not saying don't eat the bird... but we would love your help in feeding the children too!

Why is it an awesome time to give now?

The holidays are a great time to celebrate and give thanks for all that the Lord has done for us. That's why we have teamed up with Rice Bowls to challenge churches and ministries to take part. In fact, from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, Church Plant Media has committed to give a percentage of every website sale, directly to the Red Bowl Challenge. If we all work together, we can do something amazing for orphaned children around the world in the name of Christ.

When will Church Plant Media announce the winner of the website?

We will announce the final meal total along with the website winner on this blog after the 1st week of January. If you have questions, please call Rice Bowls at 866-312-5791, and ask about the Red Bowl Challenge.

To learn more about the Red Bowl Challenge go to: www.redbowlchallenge.org.

Note: This is a sponsored post (click here to learn about sponsored posts)

Are you leading a mission trip this summer? Wishing there was an easier way for you and your team members to raise money? A new website called Razoo.com can help your team reach its fundraising goal faster and easier.

A youth pastor named Kevin Weikel in Simsbury, Connecticut had this to say about Razoo:

Our goal was to raise $6,250 … Because of Razoo, we ended up almost doubling our goal, raising $11,657! Gone are the days of going door to door with envelopes, Razoo enabled our group to email aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends from all across the country. We wouldn’t have raised nearly as much without Razoo.

Razoo does a great job of simplifying mission trip fundraising.

• Stay organized. Their online tools help you keep track of each person’s fundraising progress.
• Save time. Since Razoo takes care of all tax-deductible receipting, you can spend more time outside of the office.
• Raise more. On Razoo, it’s easier to spread the word about your fundraiser via email, Facebook, or Twitter.
• Have fun. Before and after the trip, your team can tell their story by posting comments, pictures, and videos.

Above all, Razoo provides excellent customer service. They love to help mission teams reach their fundraising goals. A friendly employee can be reached at (866) 437-1952 or by email at missions@razoo.com.

Finally, Razoo is offering a $100 scholarship for mission trip teams that sign up before June 30, 2011 - definitely something to take advantage of soon.

Note: This is a sponsored post (click here to learn about sponsored posts)

Often today's Christian is less sexually pure than we care to admit. Therefore, Biblical intensive Counseling deals with the reality of sexual sin in the lives of Christian leaders and laypeople. With access to the Internet, we have clearly demonstrated that through "digital sin" we are as capable as ever of "every intention of the thoughts of man's heart to only be evil continually"(Genesis 6:5). Ministries are destroyed, marriages dissolve, and lives are ruined through just one look. Clearly the corrupt heart is all about immediate satisfaction, and having a short moment of pleasure regardless of the dreadful consequences. We not only deceive others, but ourselves, when we cordon off sexuality from the rest of the Christian life and expect to go on living the way we want.

This why Dr. Harry W. Schaumburg, created Biblical Intensive Counseling, a ministry of Stone Gate Resources, www.stonegateresources.org. For nearly twenty years, thousands of individuals and couples have traveled from across America and from many foreign countries to participate in a week of intensive counseling. This unique program guides the relationally and sexually broken and sinful from false intimacy to real intimacy, first with God, then with others. Biblical Intensive Counseling is strongly biblical counseling, brief intensive counseling, and proven counseling.

While Dr. Schaumburg strongly believes that sinful sexual behavior and relational problems are the symptom of the "evil intentions of the heart," there are other indicators to consider when looking at the relationally and sexually darkness:

• Diminished femininity and masculinity
• Sexual dysfunction
• Impersonal sex in marriage
• Lustful intent
• Declining modesty
• Premarital sex
• The acceptance of masturbation
• Hooking up

We are more than the product of our hurts and upbringing. We are both spiritually and sexually immature. Biblical Intensive Counseling is built on the concept that to be spiritually mature, you must be sexually mature; to be sexually mature, you must be spiritually mature.  Therefore, real change does not come primarily through behavior management, therapeutic techniques, recovery, or self-help, but must be from the inside out as God radically changes the intentions of the heart. For more information or to speak with Dr. Schaumburg personally about your situation, call 888-575-3030, or 303-688-5680.

Note: This is a sponsored post (click here to learn about sponsored posts)

Dear Partner in the Gospel,

We are pleased to extend an invitation to join us for our twelth annual Basics Conference on May 9-11, 2011. As we meet this year, we look forward to God using our time together to encourage us in our work for the Gospel.

doing the work of an evangelist

Alistair Begg has invited John Dickson and Rico Tice to join him for the 2011 Basics Conference, which will take place May 9-11, 2011 at Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls, OH. This year's theme is "Doing the Work of an Evangelist." Each of the speakers brings unique experiences and perspectives to this shared responsibility. 

the conference (may 9-11)

Basics is for men: pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and Christian workers or those training for such roles. To the extent that we value male friendship, support and camaraderie, we do not encourage wives to attend. Our brief but meaningful time is meant to equip, inspire and strengthen us in our demanding work.

register

The conference fee is $120 before March 1, $140 after March 1 and $65 for current students. Arrival and registration begins at 12:00pm on Monday, May 9. There are breakout sessions scheduled at 3:00pm with our first conference session at 4:30pm. The conference concludes at 12:30pm on Wednesday, May 11. You may register online or download a printed form from the website that you may mail to Parkside Church.

limited spots

Our facilitiy allows us to host 1,500 men for the conference and to feed 1,000. There are 1,000 "full conference" passes available for purchase. If these sell out, we will then make an additional 500 "conference only" passes available at a reduced price. These passes will allow participants to attend the conference sessions but will not provide access to the meals.

breakout sessions

We are very excited about our partnership with Logos Bible Software this year and will be making multiple free training sessions available to attendees. Watch a 90 second video of how Logos can help with your Bible study. There will also be breakout sessions, by the conference speakers, on Monday and Tuesday. More details will be made available as we get closer to May.

hotels

We have blocked rooms at three local hotels for the conference. Please reserve directly with them but ask for the Parkside Church conference rate. more>

resources

For audio, and limited video, from past conferences, please visit the website of our ministry partner at www.truthforlife.org.

Note: This is a sponsored post (click here to learn about sponsored posts)

This week's sponsored is Ligonier Academy.

R.C. Sproul announces the launch of the new college program at Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies near Orlando, Fla.

Ligonier Academy is a natural outgrowth of Ligonier's decades of teaching Christians to think deeply, critically, and obediently about every aspect of faith. The founding of this institution establishes a place for in-depth instruction and fellowship in central Florida.

"Ligonier Academy is a Bible college for the next generation that offers a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies, and an Associate of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. I am convinced that if you ground students in biblical truth at the college level, it will capture their thinking for the rest of their lives and enrich the church, and enrich the culture in which we live."-- R.C. Sproul, founder and president

Ligonier Academy is accepting applications now for its inaugural class in Fall 2011. Space is limited for our unique, demanding, uncompromising, and stimulating four-year and two-year undergraduate programs. We intend to offer young minds a deep, meaningful encounter with the author of history, the source of truth, and the sustainer of our faith.

Dr. Fowler White, Professor of Biblical Studies and Vice President for Academic Affairs, explains the academic focus: "Our degree programs are designed to give graduates a thorough knowledge of the Bible, a firm grounding in theology, and a conversance with the classic works of literature, philosophy, and music that shaped the intellectual world within which the great theologians of the church lived and wrote."

Watch Dr. Sproul introduce the new college:

RC Sproul introduces the college at Ligonier Academy from Ligonier on Vimeo.

Faculty

Ligonier Academy is led by Dr. R.C. Sproul, president; Dr. R. Fowler White, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Keith Mathison, dean of academics, Rev. Michael Morales, dean of admissions and assistant professor of Old Testament, and a growing list of distinguished visiting professors including Dr. Paul Helm, Dr. Stephen Nichols, Dr. Duncan Rankin, and Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr.

Endorsements

We have thankfully begun to receive some encouraging endorsements for the new college:

“Ligonier Academy is a welcome addition to the world of Bible colleges in America. With its rigorous commitment to the historic Christian faith and Reformed worldview it will, from its inception, provide excellent educational opportunities for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of God’s Word and world.”
-- Dr. Tom Ascol, Pastor, Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Fla. and Executive Director, Founders Ministries

“There is a critical need for solid Reformed Bible colleges in America today. I pray that God will use the new Ligonier Academy to help fill this void, and trust that it will be a premier institution offering stimulating undergraduate programs in Biblical Studies and Theological Studies for many decades to come.”
-- Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“Ligonier Academy promises to offer the best of the historic Reformed faith and a biblical worldview to prepare students for the challenges of today. Shaping a student’s intellectual world by study in classic literary and philosophical works is a further distinction of great wisdom. The guiding hand and faith commitments of R.C. Sproul are much in evidence and sure to bless.”
-- Dr. Bryan Chapell, President, Covenant Theological Seminary

“It is with great enthusiasm I recommend Ligonier Academy. I am particularly excited by the Great Books segment of the new curriculum. For a long time I have longed for an undergraduate program that taught the Great Books from a Christian perspective.”
-- Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr., President, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

“I am so very excited about R.C.’s desire to create this new academy. Working with college students, I cannot overstate the fact that the undergraduate college campus is the most hostile territory our young people face in this present culture. Ligonier Academy will provide the kind of solid biblical worldview foundation and environment that is much needed today. I highly encourage you to consider it.”
-- Dr. Del Tackett, Chief Spokesperson, Focus on the Family’s “The Truth Project”

Accepting Applications Now

The Academy is now accepting applications for its first four- and two-year undergraduate degree programs, beginning Fall 2011. Visit www.StudyAtLigonier.org to learn more. You can also download the application, catalog, and introductory brochure.

Quick Look posts are paid submissions offering only a brief overview of books or other resources. Vote in the poll below if you think any of these titles are worthy of a full-length book review!

What Did You Expect?: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage

Marriage, according to Scripture, will always involve two flawed people living with each other in a fallen world. Yet, in pastor Paul Tripp’s professional experience, the majority of couples enter marriage with unrealistic expectations, leaving them unprepared for the day-to-day realities of married life.

This unique book introduces a biblical and practical approach to those realities that is rooted in God’s faithfulness and Scripture’s teaching on sin and grace. “Spouses need to be reconciled to each other and to God on a daily basis,” Tripp declares. “Since we’re always sinners married to sinners, reconciliation isn’t just the right response in moments of failure. It must be the lifestyle of any healthy marriage.”

What Did You Expect? presents six practical commitments that give shape and momentum to such a lifestyle. These commitments will equip couples to develop a thriving, grace-based marriage in all circumstances and seasons of their relationship.

Surprised by Grace: God’s Relentless Pursuit of Rebels

God’s compassion and pardon are utterly shocking in their lavish abundance—that’s a lesson God himself pounded into the epic life-story of one man who kept resisting in whatever way he could. Surprised by Grace retells that man’s true story—in a gripping presentation that will open readers’ eyes wider than ever to God’s relentless, purposeful, and inexhaustible grace.

The man’s name isn’t new to anyone. It’s Jonah, the famous Old Testament prophet. This fresh unfolding of his story seeks to recapture the staggering effect it had on those who first encountered it so many centuries ago—the same shock effect that’s desperately needed today among those who think they know God’s heart far better than they really do.

In a powerful journey through unforgettable events and imagery, Surprised by Grace reveals how relentlessly God pursues rebels (a category that ultimately includes everyone), though he has every right and plenty of reasons to give up on us all.

Rescuing Ambition

Many think of ambition as nothing more than the drive for personal honor or fame. As a result, ambition—the God-implanted drive to improve, produce, develop, and create—is neglected and well on its way to paralysis.

For some, dreams are numbed. For others, there are no dreams; life just happens. And for those who are dreaming, motives are often confused. One thing is certain: ambition needs help.

Dave Harvey is calling for a rescue. He wants to snatch ambition from the heap of failed motivations and put it to work for the glory of God. To understand our ambition, we must understand that we are on a quest for glory. And where we find glory determines the success of our quest.

Has your God-given ambition been starved and sedated for too long? Are you ambitious? It’s time to reach further and dream bigger for the glory of God.

Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe

Doctrine is the word Christians use to define the truth-claims revealed in Holy Scripture. Of course there is a multitude of churches, church networks, and denominations, each with their own doctrinal statement with many points of disagreement. But while Christians disagree on a number of doctrines, there are key elements that cannot be denied by anyone claiming to be a follower of Jesus.

In Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe, Driscoll and Breshears teach thirteen of these key elements. This meaty yet readable overview of basic doctrine will help Christians clarify and articulate their beliefs in accordance with the Bible.