Christians know to expect suffering and persecution. The formula is simple: If the perfect and sinless Son of God suffered persecution, so too will his imperfect and sinful followers. We are to be people who live in the world, but not of the world. We are to live among unbelieving people, but to live in…
Sooner Count the Stars Today marks the release of Sooner Count the Stars, a new album from Sovereign Grace Music. I’ve listened to most of it and have really enjoyed it. James Is, You Know, in the Bible Rick Phillips says it well: “I can think of few messages more urgently needed by our worldly…
I read it because it was on the New York Times list of bestsellers. That is not only a significant accomplishment for an author but an indication that her work resonates with a wide audience. So I read the book. And, oh my. Nadia Bolz-Weber is founding pastor of a Lutheran congregation in Denver called…
What Pastors Wish Their Worship Leaders Knew Bob Kauflin offers quite a good list of things pastors wish their worship leaders knew. Advice for a Young Man Dating a Young Woman I think this is a tremendously helpful collection of wisdom for the young man pursuing the young lady. My favorite line: “Whether she’s your…
This sponsored post was prepared by Dennis Johnson. You may have heard passionate advocates and ardent critics debate “Christ-centered biblical interpretation” and wondered what the fuss is about. Why is it important to read the Bible as a unified story of God’s one redemptive plan, climaxing in Christ and his mission? Why should we read…
At some point, we have all witnessed the devastation of an affair. On the one hand, it is shocking just how much can be destroyed by the act of one person sharing sexual intimacy with another. But on the other hand, it is not shocking at all when we consider how much meaning God has…
Ashokan Farewell “When the documentary The Civil War debuted 25 years ago, it gave a new life—and old history—to a gorgeous melody.” It really is both distinctive and beautiful. No Hay Otro The conference I was at last weekend had its own theme song called “No Hay Otro.” You’ll need a bit of Spanish to…
Be kind to Your little children, Lord.Be a gentle teacher,patient with our weakness and stupidity.And give us the strength and discernment to do what You tell us,and so grow in Your likeness.May we all live in the peace that comes from You. May we journey towards Your city,sailing through the waters of sin untouched by…
It would be difficult for me to explain just what a blessing it has been to spend time with the Christians here in Dominican Republic, and especially at Iglesia Bautista Internacional. Sadly, I have to make my way home today. But I sure hope I can return in the future. God is at work here…
This week’s Free Stuff Fridays giveaway features the great new NIV Zondervan Study Bible. There will be 5 winners this week, and each of the winners will receive 2 copies of the NIV Zondervan Study Bible—one to keep, and one to give away. Here is a little bit of information about this study Bible: In…
Thanks to all who prayed for me and for the Se Hombre conference here in Santo Domingo. A couple of thousand men attended with thousands more watching the livestream. The Lord is at work in Latin America and it’s wildly encouraging. I preach one more time this evening, then head home tomorrow. Revive ’15 Women…
We are easily distracted by the things that matter less, and preoccupied with the things that matter least. This is exactly the case—too often, at least—when it comes to talk of revival and when it comes to our desire to see the Spirit’s work in our lives and in the church. J.I. Packer makes the…
‘Close Your Eyes and Pretend to Be Dead’ Here’s a long, sad, account of what really happened two years ago in the bloody attack on Nairobi’s Westgate Mall. Your Rights as a Christian in a Public School If your children attend a public school, it may be helpful to review their rights. A Glass Half…
Testimony—that’s a good Christian word, isn’t it? Each of us has a testimony, an account of how God extended his grace to us. And these testimonies are beautiful things, each one recounting the sovereign work of our great God. Now, much has been said about how we tend to prefer the testimonies that feature the…
I would appreciate your prayers over the next few days. I am currently heading to Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), to speak at Se Hombre. Please pray for safe travels and that I would simply and confidently preach God’s Word. Are We Together? Ligonier Ministries is giving away R.C. Sproul’s excellent book Are We Together? In…
On the positive side, I think [William] Paul Young has become a markedly better writer since The Shack. On the negative side, he continues to use his writing to undermine and redefine Christian theology. By my reckoning, that’s a net loss. Where The Shack was meant to revolutionize our understanding of God, his new novel…
Women in Combat Writing for Canada’s National Post, this columnist makes some valid (and completely counter-cultural points). He asks, “Why are we determined to put women in combat alongside men when we absolutely refuse to do it in sports?” Debauching Kermit This is a sign of the times, I suppose. “What were previously sly winks…
Has your pastoral ministry become dry and stale? Do you sense a need for reinvigoration and renewal? Do you need some intensive and concentrated time in the Word? Perhaps the Doctor of Ministry program, Strengthening Ministry in the Kingdom of God at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh can help address some of these…
Prayer has always been a struggle for me, and I know I am not the only one. There’s a reason that books on prayer continue to flood our bookshelves. Very few of us pray as often and as earnestly as we would like. Very few of us are confident that we pray well. Fewer still…
Private Sin, Public Fallout It is so important that we face this fact: “An inescapable characteristic of the sin of believers is that it always affects other people. Since all believers are part of a community—the Body—even the most personal of sins always spawns devastating public fallout.” They All Look Alike to Me Fascinating: “It…