Over the past few weeks Dr. Joel Beeke and I have been teaming up to work our way through a portion of his massive new work A Puritan Theology. We have not been reading the whole book, but just the final eight chapters which deal with practical theology, the “so what?” of systematic theology. This…
Conrab Mbewe is a man who wears many hats and who fulfills many different responsibilities, but above all else he is a preacher of God’s Word. MacArthur introduced him by explaining that he wished to have Mbewe at the event because the charismatic movement has done devastating damage in Africa and he wanted an insider’s…
Quick Tips on Spiritual Growth – Erik Raymond offers some “quick tips on spiritual growth.” But don’t be fooled–there’s nothing quick and easy in the Christian life! Twenty Years and Counting – Be sure to read this amazing account of Al Mohler’s time at Southern Seminary. Few people know or remember the kind of hostility…
John MacArthur opened the conference with broad statements about the purpose of the conference and what he perceives as the main challenges of the charismatic movement. Joni Eareckson Tada offered her unique testimony and this was followed by R.C. Sproul’s theological perspective. And now added to the mix is Steve Lawson and his perspective from…
For the third session at Strange Fire, John MacArthur introduced his good friend R.C. Sproul. Because of issues with his health, Sproul was unable to travel to California, so instead he sent along a video message. And his task was to speak about Pentecost. R.C. Sproul He began by saying, “I want to look specifically…
John MacArthur opened the Strange Fire conference, and then, for the second session introduced Joni Eareckson Tada as a friend and former member of his church. She was at the conference to share her testimony of living as a quadriplegic who has prayed for, but not received, a miraculous healing. As MacArthur said in his…
I am always intrigued by current trends in the Evangelical world, and especially in this Reformed corner of the Evangelical world. When something comes along that seems as if it will make a significant impact, I like to take note. For that reason I have been tracking with what John MacArthur is attempting through his…
I never met my father’s father. He died several years before I was born and I knew him only as the mysterious “grandpa,” a tall and powerful figure in black and white photos and old newspaper clippings. But my mother’s father I knew well. He was “Bapa” to his grandchildren, a name bestowed upon him…
I Hate Porn – There are a lot of people who hate porn, but who still look at it every day. I’m hoping they read this and learn to really hate it. Vulnerable to Attack – Chuck Lawless: “Based on years of my studying spiritual warfare, here are eight ways I’ve seen leaders allow themselves…
I do not read a lot of fiction. It’s not that I have anything against a good novel, but more that there is just so much I want to know and so many facts I want to learn, that time dedicated to story feels like it is taking me away from a more urgent pursuit.…
God is Faithful – It is good to be reminded again and again that God is faithful. Because otherwise we somehow begin to doubt it. Punishment and Discipline – “God does not punish His children—He disciplines them. There is an enormous difference between punishment and discipline…” Removing My Children from the Internet – A father…
Every guy has received a warning about “the second glance.” Here’s how it works: When you see an attractive woman, you are morally responsible for the second glance, not the first. Because you cannot help seeing what is there in front of you, the second glance is the one where you will display sin or…
Strange Fire – It has just been announced that since the Strange Fire conference sold out so quickly, it will be live-streamed to anyone who wants to watch it. It runs from this Wednesday to Friday. Would you be interested in having me live-blog it and making this a place we can discuss it? I…
John Davison Rockefeller was a Christian, an industrialist and a great philanthropist who founded, among other institutions, the University of Chicago and The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now known as Rockefeller University) in New York City. Born in 1839 to William and Eliza Rockefeller, John was the second of their six children and their…
Appreciating Our Differences – There is value in reading this article about appreciating differences in marriage; there may be a bit more value in actually filling out the assessment and talking it over. A Slow Death to the Soul – I think the best part of Mez McConnell’s article on mercy ministry comes near the…
This week’s Free Stuff Fridays is sponsored by Christian Statements, sister company to Missional Wear. They are offering 5 prizes, each of which is a $50 gift certificate to their store. Christian Statements offers removable decorative wall vinyl with a focus on scripture verses, inspirational phrases and quotes from your favorite theologians. They are ideal…
I spent a couple of days this week speaking at a conference at the Creation Museum—my first time visiting it. (Note: this article is dated October 2013.) Before I arrived I decided to put a little bit of thought into why I am a six-day creationist. I wanted to affirm in my own mind that…
Mourn Over Your Sins – “Spiritual mourning is laden with blessing and we are to go after it and get as much of it in our lives as we possibly can. The more you know of this mourning, the more joy you will experience in your life. How does one receive the comfort that comes…
Over the past few weeks Dr. Joel Beeke and I have been teaming up to work our way through a portion of his massive new work A Puritan Theology. We have not been reading the whole book, but just the final eight chapters which deal with practical theology, the “so what?” of systematic theology. This…
The Ayres Family Buried Eight Children – “Recently, we walked through the oldest cemetery in New Albany, Indiana, where the founders and many of our town’s first settlers are buried. We happened upon the family plot of a father, mother, and their eight children. These parents buried all of their sons and daughters before their…