I have returned home from the G3 Conference a little bit early so I can get my son back to Boyce College for his second term. It was wonderful to meet so many of you there! Westminster Books has discounted the excellent God’s Word for You series of devotionals. They are a great way to enhance your devotions or Bible study. Today’s Kindle deals include a few books that may be of interest. (Yesterday on the blog: My Three Essential …
This week’s free stuff Friday’s is brought to you by our friends at Southern Seminary and Boyce College. They are giving away five copies of Dr. Tom Schreiner’s new commentary on 1 Corinthians. To learn more about the book – including an author interview and videos, visit equip.sbts.edu. A degree from Southern Seminary represents more than a list of courses: It represents the trustworthiness that only comes from personal sacrifice, academic study, spiritual cultivation, and an unwavering call to ministry …
During the past few weeks I’ve been asked many questions about blogging and other forms of writing, so thought I’d tell you about the three tools I consider essential to my writing life. There’s an app, a font, and a calendar that represent the heart of all I do. The App: Ulysses For many years now, the great majority of my writing has been done in an app called Ulysses. This is a Mac-only app, though iA Writer is a …
Today’s Kindle deals include some classics as well as a trio of newer books you’ll enjoy checking out. (Yesterday on the blog: Announcing: A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible) Being Forgotten “The Lord has promised to build his church. Sometimes the Lord builds his church through gigantic heroes of the faith. More often than not, however, it is the simple, ordinary, and everyday means of being faithful to the calling the Lord has put in front us.” Indeed. The Mud …
Today I’m thrilled to announce A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible: Seeing and Knowing God’s Word. This new book will be releasing at the end of March, and is now available for pre-order. This is the second Visual Theology book I’ve co-authored with Josh Byers, and in this one we have prepared an introduction to the Bible that combines graphics and text to teach the nature and contents of God’s Word in a fresh and interesting way. It is …
I’m at the G3 conference in Atlanta for the next couple of days and look forward to meeting many of you here! Today’s Kindle deals include a trio of commentaries written for pastors or general readers. (Yesterday on the blog: Jesus Wins) The Everlasting Impact of Faithful Shepherding Faithful shepherding can make all the difference in a life. “As I hung up, two questions overwhelmed me: First, what would have happened to Joan if no one had called? And second, had …
It’s ironic and more than a little pathetic that a doctrine as glorious and comforting as Christ’s impending return has been a source of such vehement disagreement among Christians. Though we universally agree that he will return, the timing, circumstances, and sequence of events are all matters of much dispute. Some respond to these disagreements by making eschatology ultimate, the mark of a standing or falling Christian. Some respond by failing to attach any importance to any view of eschatology. …
There are lots of solid Kindle deals to consider today. Westminster Books is offering a deal on an excellent series on biblical theology. Also, the film American Gospel, which I reviewed some time ago, is now available for purchase or rental at Amazon. (Yesterday on the blog: Has Your Child Been Looking at Bad Stuff Online?) False Feminism This is a long but important read from First Things that attempts to grapple with the contemporary sexual chaos. “As the #MeToo movement has spread …
What does a parent do when they catch their young child looking at inappropriate stuff online? I have been asked this one many times and in many ways and wanted to take a crack at answering it. Here is the Circle device we use in our home. Transcript Over the years there’s an email I’ve gotten many times, it’s a conversation I’ve had at conferences, it’s one I’ve had with friends, at church. It’s one that comes up a lot …
Here’s a reminder that if you prefer to listen than read, I’ve got a near-daily podcast where you’ll find many of my articles in audio format. You can find it here, subscribe to the feed here, or subscribe via iTunes. (Yesterday on the blog: Where Did All This Pentecostalism Come From?) In China They’re Closing Churches, Jailing Pastors–And Even Rewriting Scripture The Guardian covers the increasingly difficult situation for Christians in China. “Researchers say the current drive, fuelled by government unease over …
This sponsored posted was written by Matthew J. Hall the dean of Boyce College, the undergraduate school of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (and, as it happens, the college my son attends). Boyce is committed to providing a biblical worldview for every student in every degree program. They’re expanding their degree offerings and just announced a new BS in Communication. To learn more about Boyce College, consider attending Preview Day on March 22. Use code Challies and they’ll waive your registration …
It is impossible to consider the modern history or contemporary state of Christianity without accounting for the sudden rise, the explosive spread, and the worldwide impact of Pentecostalism. To that end, I’ve been reading several books on the subject, focused especially on the Azusa Street Revival, which most historians consider the setting in which Pentecostalism began. Here are a few key points I’ve learned about the Azusa Street Revival and the Azusa Street Mission that housed it. Its roots were …
Today’s Kindle deals include several good books from Crossway, including one of my all-time favorites: Owen’s Overcoming Sin and Temptation. (Yesterday on the blog: What Has the Lord Been Teaching You From His Word?) Do All Things Without Complaint I enjoyed this reflection on God’s goodness and our complaining. “God’s plan is to do a new thing; he’s making us holy like he is holy, removing sin fully from our hearts so we can one day live with him in glory. …
Earlier in the week, eager to be encouraged, I put this question out to Twitter: What has the Lord been teaching you from his Word recently? The responses were quick, plentiful, and encouraging. Here are a few of them. (Click here to read them all.) I've been meditating on the Good Samaritan, and I'm learning that loving our enemies isn't merely the same as not "repaying evil for evil", it means returning love for evil. It's been quite convicting. — …
Today’s Kindle deals include a pretty good variety of books crossing a few different categories. (Yesterday on the blog: Does God Want Me to Obey Him Out Of Duty or Joy?) What’s Good in World Missions? I think we can sometimes feel guilty or disappointed when it comes to world missions, but here are a couple of things that are going very well. Like this: more people are becoming Christians than at any other time in history. The Sorrow of Comparing Suffering …
This week’s Free Stuff Friday is sponsored by Ligonier and Reformation Trust. The Bible teaches us to pray without ceasing, but many Christians struggle with prayer. Is there a right way to pray? How should we address a holy God? In The Prayer of the Lord, R.C. Sproul helps us understand how to pray according to the pattern Jesus set for us as he examines each line of the Lord’s Prayer. For one week, Ligonier Ministries and Reformation Trust are …
It is a question Christians often ask: What is the relationship between obedience and joy? I was asked about this during a recent Ask Me Anything event in Philippines (which followed a sermon I gave that focused on Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”). Here is my answer. Transcript How should Christians strike a balance between obedience out of duty and obedience out of joy in the Christian walk? Well, Christian …
There are some pretty Kindle deals for you to consider today. Some of them are newer while some of them are classics. (Yesterday on the blog: Why You Shouldn’t Stop Blogging (or Why You Should Consider Starting)) When Discontent Sheep Show Up Every pastor needs to consider what to do when discontent sheep show up. “When pastors are not careful to ask the right questions, to challenge gossip or uncharitable comments, or to insist on attempts at reconciliation, there is a subtle …
I wrote this short, fast-paced, practical guide to productivity to share what I have learned about getting things done in today’s digital world. It will help you learn to structure your life to do the most good to the glory of God. Read More
