April 2014 – jtcochran.com

Monthly Archives: April 2014

Finding the best books to read on a subject of theology can be a challenge. This series provides suggested resources for hot topics of Theology. Each title is linked to Kindle. If you have another title to suggest for this area of study, please comment. I’m always happy to add another work to my library.

Here are 5 books that will launch you into studies on the subject of missiology.

1. Bible and Mission: Christian Witness in a Postmodern World by Richard Bauckham

2. The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission by Lesslie Newbigin

3. Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission by Andreas Kostenberger and Peter T. O’Brien

4. Mission in the Old Testament: Israel as a Light to the Nations by Walter C Kaiser

5. Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper

Joel C Baden and Candida R Moss. New Evidence Casts Doubt on ‘Gospel of Jesus’ Wife’. (CNN)

It seemed real; it seemed fake; it seemed real again; now we’re back to fake.

“It” is the controversial little scrap of papyrus, written in Coptic, that seems to have Jesus referring to “my wife,” in contrast to the traditional stance that affirms Jesus’ perpetual bachelorhood.

Everyday Prayers by Scotty Smith FREE

John E Phelan Jr. Essential Eschatology: Our Present and Future Hope. Reviewed by Nate Claiborne.

David Schrock. The Need for Expositional Preaching (part 1).

Paige Patterson has said , “There is no genuinely good preaching except exposition.” Such serious words require us to consider what expositional preaching is and why it is so important that preachers only preach expositional sermons.

J D Greear. Gaining by Losing: Sending Out Some of Our Best to Plant Churches.

A few weeks ago, I sat at a table with our four church planting leaders, listening to them address our team as they prepared to be sent out from our church. A small lump formed in my throat. Was it a lump of sadness, or one of joy? Honestly, I’m not sure. Probably both. With maybe a little fear mixed in there, and seasoned with a little panic. Was I really excited about this? “Sending” preaches more easily than it is executed. Our church will look different next year when these guys leave. They will leave significant gaps. And of course, as soon as they go, we’ll replace them with four more full time planters, some of whom will come right out of our staff team. And it is painful to think about sometimes.

Erik Raymond. Basking in God’s Love.

God loves me. These three words give serious occasion for reflection and delight. However, if you are anything like me you find yourself chasing this sweet taste of divine benevolence with other theological tonics, with the end result being that we think that we constantly need to feel guilty in order to enjoy this truth. This is a problem.

Exodus 22:29 “You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me.”

“God says ‘today’; the devil says ‘tomorrow’.” Basil of Caesarea

The Christian in Complete Armour

The Christian in Complete Armour: Reflection Two

Today we look at Direction First of Part Two in the Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall

Each of these reflection are broadly sweeping in nature. I’m not trying to review this fine work, nor am I trying to elaborate on it. I am merely sharing how I am responding to this work. To do so, I will briefly summarize each section and share how it struck me.

You’re invited to read along in this work and share as well. You can find the Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall at Banner of Truth’s website .

Direction first is an exposition of Ephesians 6:11.

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

The exposition of this verse is broken in two parts. The first part covers the “put on the whole armor of God” part of Ephesians 6:11. Gurnall exposits this part of the verse in four sections: the furnishing of armor, kind and quality of armor, the quantity and entireness of armor, and the use of the armor.

The first section directs us to recognize that the armor is Christ himself. The second section reckons us to see that Christian armor is provided through divine means. In the third section we see that this text refers to the entirety of God’s armor being available to believers. The fourth section reminds us of the use of our armor. It is used for sound doctrine.

The second part covers the last half of Ephesians 6:11: “that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Gurnall exposits this part of the verse by looking at two aspects: the danger, if unarmed; and the certainty of standing against all his wits and wiles, if we be thus armed.

The first aspect examines the subtleties of our enemy. The devils goal is to draw us into sin and then accuse, vex, and trouble the saint over his sin. The second aspect encourages saints to be armed by true grace and the Word of God. This section also encourages saints to recognize how God thwarts the devil’s effort.

Gurnall’s exposition of the first part of Ephesians 6:11 caused me to be grateful that I am not in a Christless state. O, how helpless, ignorant, and impotent I would be in that state! We must be grateful that we are friends to Christ and no longer a friend to Satan and sin. This text also makes us weary of armor that is not of God. Whether it has to do with false institutions or our own flesh, we must be weary to permit the armor we wear to be none other than Christ himself. And in this we must trust — not the armor, but the God of the armor — as Gurnall says (53). We must therefore pray earnestly for protection (54) and shoot Scripture-bullets (56). Because our enemy wants us to fail and fall. Gurnall says, “None sink so far into hell as those that come nearest heaven, because they fall from the greatest heights” (55).

Furthermore, we must put on the entire armor of God, not parts but the whole, which is put on through faith. We can’t just have the armor, but we must have it on — at all times. I wonder how often we do this in our absentminded, busy, post-modern world? Gurnall says, “It is not enough to have grace, but this grace must be kept in exercise…Satan’s advantage is great when grace is not in exercise” (64). So we shouldn’t let grace fall into disuse. We must be diligent to exercise whatever little grace we are given to steward. This protects us from falling into sin. This first part significantly challenged me to be grateful with the provision of grace that God has provided in himself.

The second general part of direction one focuses on the schemes of the devil. This part sobered me much. Because Satan is after people who are pastors and people of any leadership role, I felt my own vulnerability. Regardless of your role, if you are being used by God, our enemy wants to thwart that work. His ploys are subtle. Gurnall points out, “If every private soldier needs armor against Satan’s bullets of temptation, then the commanders and officers, who stand in the front of the battle, much more” (73).

Satan does this under the guise of friendship or deception. In fact, if he can deceive institutions and leaders to infiltrate the saints with false teaching, he will. He may even do so with one of God’s children who will speak much truth, but drip in enough falsehood to lead many astray and into the fetters of sin: “Precious truths dropped from them, with which they sprinkled their corrupt principles” (80). He will do so in modest, imperceptible means, and he will utilize his minions to this work. He will accuse us and attempt to cause us to lose assurance of God’s love and our grip on the gospel. What shall we do?

I can’t help but share this extended quote, burgeoning with Gospel grace:

Study that grand gospel truth of a soul’s justification before God. Acquaint thyself with this in all its causes; the moving cause, the free mercy of God, being justified freely by his grace; the meritorious, which is the blood of Christ; and the instrumental faith; with all the sweet privileges that flow from it. (95)

So God thwarts these attempts through gospel grace, to which his saints must anchor themselves; he subdues the devil underfoot. Satan may do nothing outside of the will of God. The devil is not the Creator, he is created. God accomplishes this by bringing sinners to repentance. When his children fall under Satan’s wiles, God delivers them. His own will repent and return to God. Gurnall posits, “God useth these temptations for the advancing of the whole work of grace in the heart” (103). These temptations burn away the dross around faith, making it pure as gold and kindles love within the penitent to Christ. This then becomes the testing ground of true faith. Those with true faith persevere through these testings. It is not that they remain sinless, for they are limited, fallen beings in the world. But when they sin, they grieve; they run to Christ. Gurnall concludes, “Unbelief fears Satan as a lion, faith treads on him as a worm” (110). This is such a deep encouragement to all who know Christ. It speaks of His divine protection and genuine love for saints. They will not suffer a perishing bite from the enemy; they may be bruised, but they will see the serpent’s head crushed.

These posts are made possible by my friends at BannerofTruth.org . At this website you’ll find the Christian in Complete Armour and other classic Puritan works that have withstood the test of time.

Mark Roberts. Pope Declares John and John Paul to Be Saints. (Patheos)

Today, Pope Francis did something exceptional, declaring two former popes to be saints. Now, Pope John XXIII is Saint John XXIII and Pope John Paul II is Saint John Paul II. This is making headlines, both because the canonization of any human being is notable and because pundits are trying to outdo each other in guessing at the political motivation for Pope Francis’ unusual recognition of the sainthood of two former popes at the same time, popes who are thought to represent different theological and political streams of the Roman Catholic church.

What’s Your Worldview? by James N Anderson $0.99

Trillia Newbell. United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity. Reviewed by Mark Robinson.

Moderated by Trevin Wax. Panel Discussion on Group Ministry in the Local Church. HT Trevin Wax.

Panel Discussion on Group Ministry in the Local Church from The Gospel Project | LifeWay on Vimeo .

Ryan Huguley. 3 People Every Pastor Needs.

Pastoral ministry can be lonely work for a number of reasons. Some pastors don’t know how to have meaningful relationships. Others live under the crushing weight of a misplaced Messiah complex that keeps them from connecting with others. Often times church planters, or pastors in new churches are simply isolated and don’t truly know anyone.

Jeff Medders. Manhood Marred: The Peter Pan Syndrome. (CBMW)

Do you remember Geoffrey the giraffe? What about the painfully catchy tune, their retail battle cry and hymn?

I don’t wanna grow up; I’m a Toys-R-Us kid.

“If you learn one thing from this post: Never trust a giraffe.

Theology from a giraffe is never a good thing. From my limited experience, most talking animals are bad theologians: Barney, Chuck E. Cheese, Chester Cheetah, Geoffrey the Giraffe, and The Serpent in Eden. This theology from the 80s is, sadly, a still small voice echoing in the lives of professing adults. While the slinky has gone the way of the perm, refusing to grow up is still in stock.

Chris Castaldo. Relating to Culture.

Pastors and church leaders have a dual responsibility; with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other, they must work hard to be good interpreters of both the Scriptures and the culture. Showing Christians how to apply the Bible to life should occupy a meaningful amount of a pastor’s time, both in and out of the pulpit. Far from being silent, biblically literate Christians will be culturally engaged Christians convinced that the Bible addresses all aspects of life.

Psalm 51:6 “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”

“Keep the truth and the truth will keep you.” William Bridge

Dr. Dwight J Pentecost Meets Jesus

On April 28, 2014, Dwight J Pentecost met Jesus face to face.

Dr. Dwight Pentecost taught at Dallas Seminary for close to 60 years. He never walked in late to class, except when he broke his hip last fall, nor did he rarely miss teaching a class due to illness. During these many years he profoundly shaped the minds of men with his deep conviction and careful study of God’s Word. Many more read him as the author of Things to Come , The Words and Works of Jesus Christ , Thy Kingdom Come and many other works. Because of his clear calling to ministry, he did much of his teaching while simultaneously serving as the pastor of Grace Bible Church in Dallas.

It’s incredible to think that Dwight Pentecost taught classes on into his late 90s. Pentecost didn’t believe in retirement. His retirement is eternity. Remarkably, he took a very small salary for teaching. If he could, he would have refused a salary altogether. I think President Bailey had to pay Dr. Pentecost something, at least $5, $15, $50 or some other ridiculously low amount from what I hear. I only took Dr. Pentecost for one course: Kingdom and Covenant. Every day I would sit eagerly and listen to some of my favorite lectures of all seminary. I went to every chapel he spoke and every brown bag he hosted. His life oozed affection for the Word of God and alignment to the truth of God.

Yet, this man who loved pastoral ministry and educating future pastors had other remarkable loves. He loved fast cars and coo-coo clocks. He loved his Summer home in beautiful Buena Vista, Colorado. Affectionately know as Dr P, he loved having lunch with students in the seminary cafeteria, and it only made sense for him to live on campus at the seminary. He loved being near his students.

I have a few memories of this man who lived directly below my family in Swiss Tower for four years. I remember how he loved coming down to the courtyard at twilight to chat with children and fathers barbecuing at the grilling stations. I remember how good-natured he was during those horrible late night fire drills we all experienced. I remember how definitive and final his views were. He spoke his mind, not with an air of superiority but of deeply rooted conviction. Those are convictions he stood by during 99 years of life.

I’m going to miss Dr P very much, and I look forward to seeing him again. He is a gift to God’s people.

Dallas Seminary has a full article on Dr. Dwight J Pentecost. You may read the article here .

Martin Hengel on Property and Riches in the Early Church

Martin Hengel, renown German scholar, discusses the dangers of idolatrous mammon in light of the impending expectation for the consummation of the kingdom of God.

On the contrary, the imminence of the kingdom of God demands freedom over possessions, the renunciation of all care, complete trust in the goodness and providence of the heavenly Father (Matt. 6:25-34 = Luke 12:22-32). Service of God and service of mammon are mutually exclusive:

No one can serve two masters … You cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13 = Matt. 6:24).

The Aramaic-Phoenician word for possessions or property is clearly used here in a negative sense. Borrowing from contemporary Jewish terminology, the early church could talk directly about ‘unrighteous mammon’ (Luke 16:19, see above, p. 11). Clement of Alexandria supposed that this passage meant that private property was essentially adikia, unrighteousness (Quis dives 31: GCS 17,180) Perhaps the early church left this Semitic loan-word untranslated because they regarded it almost as the name of an idol: the service of mammon is idolatry. Here possessions acquire a demonic character, because they are a tie to men and close their ears to the summons of the kingdom of God. Jesus’ urgent warning against the danger of riches is in accordance with this fundamental criticism. It should be understood agains the background of his messianic announcement of the imminence of God, developed in connect with the prophetic pronouncement in Isa. 61:1.

Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung

The Taking God at His Word Pastor’s Library post first appeared at Lifeway’s Pastors Today web blog .

Kevin DeYoung. Taking God at His Word . Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2014. 144 pp. $17.99.

Kevin DeYoung: author, blogger, and senior pastor at University Reformed Church, is an artisan at accessibility, and Taking God at His Word is his freshest, completed canvas.

This book may be described as a no-nonsense, scripturally based argument for a high view of Scripture. If you wish to challenge the gainfulness of this, listen carefully to DeYoung’s explanation, “You can’t establish the supreme authority of your supreme authority by going to some other lesser authority” (23). So, that’s just what DeYoung does. Starting with Psalm 119 in chapter one and ending with 2 Timothy 3:16 in chapter eight, DeYoung sticks to the Scripture with an aim of you sticking with the Scripture (113, 124).

Chapters two and seven discuss what critical witnesses to the Bible testify about the Bible. Chapter two looks at what the apostles had to say about it; “There is no firmer ground to stand on” (41). Chapter seven examines what Jesus said about it; “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). And over the course of chapters three through six, Taking God at His Word zeroes in on the sufficiency, clarity, authority, and necessity of the Word of God. Those four chapters offer arrant comprehension of doctrines that crystallize God’s inerrant Word.

Benefit for Pastoral Ministry

Look, you can mine the richest studies on bibliology, and you should – in fact, DeYoung offers a handy appendix on the thirty best books to study – but are those the texts you will first access to navigate your congregation through this tough area of study? Not likely. And will you turn to Geisler’s, Inerrancy , or Frame’s, the Doctrine of the Word of God , when you must clarify someone’s questions or doubts about the infallibility of the Bible? Maybe. Some people will eat that up, but others will want something they might better track with. This is precisely what Taking God at His Word provides.

I can see men’s groups and women’s groups relishing this study. I think youth group leadership teams would profit from this resource. And it would be a nice gesture to hand this book to congregants who have questions about the nature of Scripture. You pastor, will certainly want to read this text to refresh your mind, increase your affection, and anchor your trust in God’s sufficient Word.

Essential — Recommended — Helpful — Pass It By

Just as Psalm 119 teaches us to love God’s law, reading Taking God at His Word primes you to love God’s Word and tell others to trust God’s Word.

Joe Carter. Under Which God? (TGC)

Two recent suveys show that when it comes to religion in the public square, most Americans are more comfortable with civil religion than with Christianity.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp .99

Colin Marshall and Tony Payne. The Trellis and the Vine. Reviewed by Dave Dunham. (FaithVillage)

Mathew Sims. The Cascade of Trinitarian Love Fills Our Homes. (CBMW)

I have been reading Mike Reeves Delighting in the Trinity . If you have not read it yet you should immediately stop what you’re doing, purchase it, and invest some time digging into it. It is chock-full of truth about who God is. It stirs the affections and drives the heart toward Jesus Christ. All doctrine should be taught this way. These truths sink to the bottom of your heart. As I started reading through it, I started seeing this thread. This theme through out many chapters that made me ask the question, “How does the trinity transform my marriage?”

Alex Chediak. Liberating Our Teens from Sexual Lies. (GCD)

Our teens need to have a biblical understanding of sex in order to navigate the challenges that await them in college. For starters, let’s define the term, not on an anatomical level but at a foundational level.

Alastair Roberts. Rob Bell and Don Draper – The Ad Man’s Gospel.

While much modern preaching is about entertainment, I believe that advertising is a better category within which to understand Bell. When Bell brings a goat on stage, or shaves a person’s head while preaching on Numbers 6, he isn’t seeking primarily to entertain or even to inform, but to create a strong visual impression to bind to his message. The purpose of such a pastor is less one of reasoning with people to persuade them of a truth than one of creating an impression with them in order to get them to buy into an idea. Lest I be seen to dismiss the use of lessons learnt from advertising in our communication entirely, let me make clear that they can have a place. My point is that they should not be allowed into the driving seat.

1 Cor. 15:51 “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.”

“Our bodies shall be like Christ’s glorious body, not equal to it.” Richard Sibbes

7 Reflections from Band of Bloggers 2014 (Servants of Grace Guest Post)

Right now I am reaching far back into the recesses of my brain for moments of inspiration. These inspirational moments are drawn from one of my favorite parts of T4G, the Band of Bloggers pre-conference.

Registration cost for Band of Bloggers is very low, usually around $30 and includes a sack lunch from Chick-fil-a. Each attendee receives a haul of book. This year it was 30 titles total! And of course, this pre-conference is held at Southern Seminary, so attendees have the pleasure of walking this historic and beautiful seminary campus.

Band of Bloggers meets in tandem with T4G. It is a gathering of those who are interested in what happens in the Christian blogosphere. At each meeting a panel discussion takes place. This year Collin Hansen, an editor for the Gospel Coalition web blog, moderated the discussion with panelists Justin Taylor, Trevin Wax, Joe Thorn, Denny Burk, and Tim Brister.

Here are seven reflections from this year’s Band of Bloggers.

READ THE SEVEN REFLECTIONS AT SERVANTSOFGRACE.ORG.

James Hoskins. “God’s Not Dead” and the Angry Atheist Professor: That Was Not My Experience.

I n several ways, my life is similar to Josh Wheaton, the main character and hero of the recent movie God’s Not Dead . I grew up in a conservative evangelical home (the son of a preacher). I considered myself a devout Christian throughout high school and later when I enrolled at a very progressive state university and chose to major in philosophy. I quickly learned that all of my philosophy professors were either atheists or agnostics (to my knowledge), and that several of them are rock stars in their respective fields . One professor, Clancy Martin , is even considered an expert on Nietzsche, whose famous statement “God is dead” is where the film derived its title. So, from just about every angle, one could easily have expected that my college experience would equal or exceed the combative anti-Christian environment of Josh Wheaton’s philosophy class depicted in the film.

But it didn’t. It was the complete opposite.

The American Church in Crisis by David Olson $3.99

Mack Stiles. Evangelism. Reviewed by Aaron Armstrong.

Kevin DeYoung. But What About Gluttony!?!

Why do conservative Christians make such a fuss about homosexuality and give everyone a free pass—most notably themselves—when it comes to gluttony?

That’s a question you hear a lot of us these days and one you should expect to hear again and again, posed in a hundred different ways, in the years ahead.

Thom Rainer. Biblical Literacy in the Church: Three Benefits.

You have undoubtedly read some of the studies that bemoan the growing biblical illiteracy in America. But the problem is almost as pervasive among Christians as non-Christians.

According to LifeWay Research , just three out of five Christians read their Bible at least weekly. Yet in the midst of church activities and busyness, many church leaders fail to emphasize one of the greatest needs of the church. Simply stated, Christians need to be reading the Bible and studying it in community.

Sam Storms. 10 Pastors I’m Concerned About.

But I suggest there is another area of decline more significant and perhaps much less obvious—and one that certainly contributes to the church’s decline in numbers.

And I think it’s likely a careful analysis would implicate the church’s leadership for this more significant issue.

In other words, I’m concerned about pastors and the role they play in the church’s decline.

1 Cor. 6:14 “And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power.”

“Before Christ’s resurrection, it was twilight; it is sunrise now.” Augustus H Strong

Readers, Start Reading About Reading

This is going to sound ridiculous. And right now, you may just be wondering if you’ve walked into a devolving downward spiral of discussion. But bear with me as I lead you into a ploy of inception, get your token ready, and let me plant this idea in your mind.

Right now you are reading. And not only are you reading, but you are reading about reading. But how well are you reading this reading on reading? Have you ever thought about what you do as a reader? Do you consider the breadth of your reading? Do you consider the techniques you employ as a reader?

If you don’t do so, then you should start. Right now. You should start thinking about how you pore over texts and look for better ways to read. Don’t waste another word on negligent reading. Hang on each word and get ready to hone this salient skill. The best way to accomplish this is to read about reading.

Most of us don’t read well. Possibly this is because of the bum writing our brains are bogged by incessantly. However, it also could be that we have overcrowded, muddled, and diluted lives. Other forms of media contend for our attention. They contend and win out attention so that literature is neglected altogether. Tony Reinke in Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading says:

This trend is troubling because the immediate appeal of visual entertainment is at odds with the gradual unveiling of literary treasure. Entertainment is passive and easy; books require an active mind and diligence. Book typically get ignored. (40)

So it’s evident that we don’t employ our reading time judiciously, and we permit distractions to creep into our reading world, preventing us from reading at all. As Mortimer J Adler and Charles Van Doren in How to Read a Book says, “There is no other way of forming a habit of operation than by operating” (53). In other words, if you want to read well, well, you should start by reading. Something. Anything. Even if it’s a reading merely about reading.

Perhaps, we have no idea how to scrutinize certain writings. With many genres of writing, each deserves a certain kind of engagement or approach. Likewise, there are divers levels at which to engage writing.

Adler and Van Doren’s classic guide to reading, How to Read a Book, refers to four levels of reading: elementary (21), inspectional (31), analytical (59), and synoptical (309). Did you know that? Likely not, unless you are already acquainted with Adler’s composition on reading.

So, you see, there is a lot to consider when deciphering any text, more than you’ve probably perused. Now’s the time to commence upping the game on reading. Cornelius Plantiga in Reading for Preachers writes, “I am convinced that the preacher whose work is supported by wide exposure to great writing will be significantly improved by it” (6). Now I know that you may not be a preacher, so just substitute that word for person. Because that’s just how it is, you will be significantly improved upon if only you are exposed widely to great writing.

If this peaks your interest, then I encourage you to subject yourself to the works I’ve already mentioned. These are readings that you’ll fancy. You’ll surely want to give Tony Reinke’s book Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books a close study . You’ll also want to absorb Cornelius Plantiga’s Reading for Preachers . One is for every Christian and the other is specifically directed to preachers. Still, anyone will profit from the later. But before you read either of these books, you must read Mortimer J Adler and Charles Van Doren’s , How to Read a Book .

So get after it. Get to reading about reading; stop reading this dribble. Otherwise, I might just have to send you to Zoolander’s Center for Kids Who Can’t Read Good.

This article is inspired by “Writers, Stop Writing About Writing” written by Barnabas Piper who occasionally writes for Stephen Altrogge’s web blog, the Blazing Center .

Ed Stetzer. When Pastors Fall: Why Full and Public Repentance Matters. (CT)

Needless to say, I don’t say that with any enthusiasm. In fact, it is greatly discouraging to me, but it’s true nonetheless.

Furthermore, this is not just a recent phenomenon, though the evangelical world has been filled with reports over the last few months.

The Church: The Gospel Made Visible by Mark Dever $0.99

Jordan Ballor. Get Your Hands Dirty. Reviewed by Micah Watson. (TGC)

Justin Taylor. Why Book-Length Responses to Other Books Can Be Helpful.

Should Christians ever take the time to assemble an entire book in response to another book? It depends on the significance of the book, the impact it could have, and the value of the response.

Sally Quinn. A Conversation with Bill O’Reilly. (Washington Post)

As one of the most visible and boisterous voices on cable news as host of “The O’Reilly Factor,” Bill O’Reilly has a reputation that is defined by his personality and politics more than his faith convictions. But I’ve long known O’Reilly apart from his public persona, and I’ve known there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Tim Challies. A Cost of All This Preaching.

I travel a fair bit these days and often enjoy worshipping in other churches, and here is something I’ve noticed: We tend to be far more committed to the second part of that command than to the first. We love our preaching, but what about the public reading of Scripture?

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

“Hope is never ill when faith is well.” John Bunyan

Five Books on Justification by Faith

Finding the best books to read on a subject of theology can be a challenge. This is a new series that provides suggested resources for hot topics of Theology. Each title is linked to Kindle. If you have another title to suggest for this area of study, please comment. I’m always happy to add another work to my library.

Here are 5 books that will launch you into studies on the subject of justification by faith.

1. By Faith, Not by Sight: Paul and the Order of Salvation by Richard Gaffin

2. The Future of Justification: A Response to N. T. Wright by John Piper

3. Justification Reconsidered by Stephen Westerholm

4. Iustitia Dei: A History of the Christian Doctrine of Justification by Alister McGrath

5. Justification and Variegated Nomism (Vol 1) edited by Carson, O’Brien & Seifrid and Justification and Variegated Nomism (Vol 2) edited by Carson, O’Brien, Seifrid

The Art of Prophesying by William Perkins

William Perkins. The Art of Prophesying. Edinburgh, Scotland: Banner of Truth, printing 1996. 191 pp. $8.00.

The Art of Prophesying is perfect for young preachers to peruse when introduced to the subject of preaching. This book, first published in 1607, offers clarity to being God’s megaphone to God’s people. As the author, William Perkins, puts it, “Thus every prophet’s task is to speak partly as the voice of God (in preaching), and partly as the voice of the people (in praying).”

Therefore, this book does not just examine style. It looks first and foremost at what the preacher does with Scripture. This means that Perkins first tells us what Scripture is, how the preacher should study it, and then finally how we might take this study and preach it to the ears of our congregation. Quite honestly, this is not just an antiquarian homiletics book, it is also a bible study methods book as well.

Furthermore, the final chapter on prayer comes as an unexpected surprise. This chapter delineates the pastor’s role – not in any way that usurps Christ’s role — as mediator for the people. Just as the pastor functions as the voice of God to his people, the pastor functions as the voice of the people calling upon God.

The chapter on “Use and Application” is essential reading from this book. Here Perkins contrasts law and gospel, and how it is essential to preach both to congregations. “The law exposes the disease of sin…the gospel not only teaches us what is to be done, it also has the power of the Holy Spirit Joined to it…The law is, therefore, first in the order of teaching; then comes the gospel.

Do you do this in your preaching? If not, you must. Until people come to sorrow over sin, they will see no need for the gospel you preach to them. In order to arouse sorrow, according to Perkins, you must “use some choice section of the law.” If you haven’t picked up on it yet, you’re seeing glimpses of Bryan Chapell’s “fallen condition focus.” This chapter also provides a helpful rundown of the categories of hearers. This helps preachers consider their audience and preach with that audience in mind.

But the “Use and Application” chapter is not by far all that is helpful about The Art of Prophesying . The chapter on “Varieties of Application” stimulates thought on the manner in which preachers indoctrinate, correct, rebuke, and instruct his congregation, and “The Use of the Memory” chapter is inestimably practical.

Essential Recommended Helpful Pass It By

If you haven’t read the Puritans on proclaiming God’s Word, The Art of Prophesying is where to start. It enflames preachers with a burning passion to preach the Word.

Albert Mohler. God, the Gospel, and the Gay Challenge.

Evangelical Christians in the United States now face an inevitable moment of decision. While Christians in other movements and in other nations face similar questions, the question of homosexuality now presents evangelicals in the United States with a decision that cannot be avoided. Within a very short time, we will know where everyone stands on this question. There will be no place to hide, and there will be no way to remain silent. To be silent will answer the question.

A Treatise On Earthly-Mindedness by Jeremiah Burroughs $1.99

James N Anderson. What’s Your Worldview. Reviewed by David Steele.

Eric Geiger. Three Small Ways to Initiate Roving Leadership.

Instead of leading and executing everything, wise and biblically motivated leaders equip others to lead and execute. Here are three small ways to elevate current leaders on your team and let them run.

Dan Darling. A Subtle but Powerful Way to Love Your Spouse.

There are all sorts of big and small ways to show love to your spouse. One of the easiest, but powerful ways to demonstrate this is to talk about them positively in public.

Jodi Ware. What if I’m Frustrated with My Husband. (CBMW)

Recently I was asked how to encourage a wife who is frustrated with the way her husband leads her. This is a situation that occurs regularly and, when it does, I seek to encourage them in several ways.

Psalm 85:9 “Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.”

“If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot.” John Bunyan

Awake from Gospel Slumber

Isaiah 26:19 “Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead.”

There are pivotal points of the day when my soul wakes from gospel slumber. One of those moments happened just before I started this post. I bowed my head and prayed, “Lord, how will you use me for your gospel and your purpose today.”

Up to that moment, I went through the motions of a new day. I awoke from physical sleep, showered, and readied for the day. I got my sons dump truck off a high shelf for him. I fed my 10 month daughter a bottle while my wife showered and got a therapeutic start to her long day ahead. With each of those activities, I responded as an active listener to other’s needs.

I also read my Bible and my devotional. I got in my vehicle and drove to the coffee shop where I study, write, and meet people. As I traveled I listened to D A Carson, Jesus the Son of God. But all the while, I remained in gospel slumber. I listened but did not respond.

My soul had not sung to God yet. I had not communed with him. For whatever reason, I did not even whisper a word to him. I whispered goodbye to each member of my family and kissed them farewell as I started my day. Yet, though I listened to God this morning, I had not actively responded yet. I did not whisper back to him in gratitude or affection.

Prayer is a gift that God gives us to awaken our soul to him. It is a cry of helplessness. I can’t do this day without you. I walk by faith, not by sight. I lean upon you for help and hope. Awaken me to you, your ways, and your will. Through out the Psalms, psalmists pray to God, crying to him, and requesting his peace. They would not do so, unless he offers peace. Psalm 85:8 says, “Le me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints, but let them not turn back to folly.” He gives peace.

The beauty of waking from Gospel slumber is that when we whisper, “Hello” to God he kisses us with peace. “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other” (Psalm 85:10).

Prayer is a glimpse to what will be. A day will come when a trump will sound. Dead bodies will wake. And all those in slumber will sing for joy. When we pray, we practice that song of joy. We sing looking forward to that future song.

The Christian in Complete Armour: Reflection One

The Christian in Complete Armour is sectioned in two parts. And I’ve already read part one. Woohoo! Well, Puritans sectioned their books different than we do today. Part one took up forty-four pages. Part two is the greater body of the writing and takes up nearly 1200 more pages.

Each week following this one, we will reflect on one of the twelve directions given in part two of this tour de force on spiritual warfare. We will likely divide direction eleven into two weeks since it covers over 250 pages.

Obviously, these will be broadly sweeping reflections. I’m not trying to review this fine work, nor am I trying to elaborate on it. I am merely sharing how I am responding to this work. To do so, I will briefly summarize each section and share how it struck me.

Part one is an exposition of the following verse:

Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”

William Gurnall refers to this exposition as “a sweet and powerful encouragement to the war.” We must war both against our sin, our enemy, and the world in which he wreaks havoc. The world around us looks at us as ridiculous. We are seen as fools. It requires strength and courage to face it without quivering in fear or caving convictions. Furthermore, Christians face opposition from false teachers. In the midst of this, a Christian may not always experience God’s presence. He or she will experience withdrawings from God. Nonetheless, he or she must carry on to the end of life.

Strength and courage to face all these prospects is not derived within but without. It is derived from the Lord. Gurnall surmises, “[In] the army of saints, the strength of every saint, yea, of the whole hosts of saints, lies in the Lord of hosts” (18). God uses the Holy Spirit through prayer and his very Word as vehicles to strengthen his own. This presses us into full dependence upon God as weak creatures. He conquers our hearts and invigorates us towards war. He does this because he dearly loves us and seeks our greater happiness.

God is more than mighty enough to accomplish this, and we should expect to be confident in this. This confidence comes through faith. We must trust his almightiness. This frees us from being dependent upon our strength. As Gurnall says, “For that is the apostle’s drift, as to beat us off from leaning on our own strength” (25). This is our aim when we face temptation: trust the almightiness of God.

Gurnall expounds on God’s attribute of almightiness. His almightiness conveys how he is enough to defend and destroy our enemies. And it is also ours. It is there for our protection. “God himself enfolds him in the arm of his everlasting strength” (28). Because he loves us he empowers us with his strength. His Son was given to gain us, thus his power will keep us. Our union with Christ invokes God’s love and becomes a point of strengthening. We will not be forgotten.

Yet, God’s might as a defense against Satan and sin is dependent upon repentance. Christless people can’t have Christ’s power. But for those that know Christ, sin shall not have power over the might of God. “One almighty is more than many mighties” (35).

One objection is addressed. What if a sincere Christian is not being strengthened? To which Gurnall responds that perhaps the Christian is not eager in prayer, is weak in faith, is great in pride, or is not grateful for the little bit of strengthening God has graced that Christian. What most stands out is Gurnall’s comment that it is risky to reproach God foolishly. He is more than able, the question is whether he has for some unforeseen reason willingly withdrawn his grace, or perhaps the time of strength will yet come.

Part One left me longing to learn more of God’s purpose and way in strengthening and armoring his people against Satan’s wiles and sin’s beckon. I had not tied God’s attribute of almightiness to my union with Christ and my access to that power. Though I’ve seen the practical implications and have been encouraged much in the past that God’s “power [is] at work within us…” (Eph. 3:20), I had not made this connection to his attribute, which empowers.

I’m certain that I devote too much of my life to my own techniques or worldly methods to deflect the enemies varied arrows. Whether I have been told to “bounce my eyes” or “to use envelopes” for spending, I think too often I have not depended on God and accessed His strength through prayer and the Word. Then when I experience failure, I get bogged into philosophies such as “well that’s just the way it is for sinners like me.” But no! God is more than able to rescue me and gird me for war against temptation and spiritual forces.

I’m soundly certain that the pivotal section in part one for me was the exposition that connects God’s love and desire for us to his desire to empower us with his strength and might. Any normal human has at one point or another doubted their worthiness of God’s love or questioned, based on circumstances, whether God loves them at all. This exposes chinks in the Christian’s armor to Satan’s arrows. The assurance of God’s love presses upon the heart hope and assurance of being clothed in his might. And so we put on Christ, for he is our armor against the present darkness that attacks.

Ryan Brymer. Find ‘Rivers in the Wasteland’ Interview with NEEDTOBREATHE.

FaithVillage contributor Ryan Brymer recently had the chance to interview Bo Reinhart of the band NEEDTOBREATHE . The band’s new record, Rivers in the Wasteland , is already generating plenty of buzz and Ryan asked Bo about the band’s spirituality, music and much more.

Ten Who Changed the World by Daniel Akin $2.99

Jared Wilson. The Storytelling God. Reviewed by Chris Hennessey.

Gloria Furman. Why Motherhood is Only for the Faint of Heart.

Grace can turn burnout into a blessing.

Barnabas Piper. Writers, Stop Writing About Writing.

This might be hypocritical. It’s likely a bit odd and possibly (probably) pretentious. Some might refer to it as Meta. I prefer to think of it as Inception-like. As a writer, I have some things to write about writers writing about writing.

Erik Raymond. Are We Expecting Too Much or Too Little from the Church.

As a pastor I meet a lot of people who are looking for a church. One of the most helpful questions I can ask is, “What are you looking for in a church?” In one sense I hate this question because of the way it can reinforce our American consumer mindset. At the same time it gets right to the point. They are looking for something.

“[Every] exploit your faith does against sin and Satan causes a shout in heaven.” William Gurnall

D A Carson on the Cross and Christian Ministry

In the preface to D A Carson’s classic 5 chapter exposition of 1 Corinthians, The Cross and Christian Ministry , Professor Carson highlights these central points regarding the cross of Jesus Christ.

[The] cross stands as the test and the standard of all vital Christian ministry. The cross not only establishes what we are to preach, but how we are to preach. It prescribes what Christian leaders must be and how Christians must view Christian leaders. It tells us how to serve and draws us onward in discipleship until we understand what it means to be world Christians…

It is now commonplace to confess that evangelicalism is fragmenting. To the extent that this is true, it is utterly imperative that we self-consciously focus on what is central — on the gospel of Jesus christ. That means we must resolve “to know nothing … except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2), in exactly the same way that Paul made that resolution. This will shape our vision of ministry as much as it will shape our grasp of the centrality of the gospel.

Truth Matters by Kostenberger, Bock, and Chatraw

The Truth Matters Pastor’s Library post first appeared at Lifeway’s Pastors Today web blog .

Bibliography Andreas Kostenberger, Darrell Bock, and Josh Chatraw. Truth Matters . Nashville, Tennessee: B&H, 2014. 211 pp. $12.99.

Skeptics, like Bart Ehrman, callously throw objections at Christians on a day-to-day basis. But let’s be honest, our faith is not always under fire from without. Sometimes the questions and doubts come from within. And whether you are a pastor, barber, housewife, or teen each of us face objections, from within or without, at one time or another. Enter Truth Matters , a book that readies Christians to face today’s most commonly propagated objections to the Christian faith.

Kostenberger, Bock and Chatraw deftly field six common objections Christians face: Does God exist and care? How’d we get our Bible? Is the Bible filled with mistakes? Can I trust the copy of copies of the Bible? Who decided the stuff Christians believe? Is the resurrection true?

Each contributor offers his own touch to this resource. Kostenberger and Bock bring scholastic clout. Bock, with his knack for cultural engagement, is in tune to the spirit of the age. And Chatraw’s pastoral mindedness anchors this resource for accessibility.

When I came across Truth Matters , I immediately asked myself, “What does this resource offer that Lee Strobel, Hank Hannegraaff, Josh McDowell, Ravi Zacharias, or others have not?”

First, this resource is not an exhaustive apologetic. It focuses on key concerns of bibliology, canonicity, and the historicity of Jesus’s person and work. All of these are defenses for Christianity’s historiography. This counters a specialized area of skepticism, one that is popularized and advanced by Bart Ehrman, making this a current and timely read.

Second, Truth Matters introduces us to the skeptics, their works, arguments, and approach. Thus, readers will be prepared and cushioned for what’s coming and not just anchored with answers, though anchored they will be. It’s the difference between an airbag and a seatbelt.

Finally, this resource is manageable. It trims the fat, so you don’t have to read thousands of pages from skeptics, nor need you wade through a thousand pages of apologetic material.

Pastors will want to read Truth Matters and keep it close. It is a quick reference guide for that time just before a meeting with a teen or adult struggling with an objection addressed in this book.

More than that, pastors will want to pass Truth Matters on to others. It makes a great gift for seniors and the discussion questions make it useful for Sunday school or small group. The chapters are brief, which means a study group could read together and discuss in one sitting.

Truth Matters is what you need to shield the crud that skeptics fling. Get Truth Matters , stay clean, and remain confident in the One who keeps you.

Valerie Dunham. Zac Efron, Shirtless Men, and Sexism. (Christ & Pop Culture)

Picture this: You’re watching the MTV Movie Awards and it’s finally time for the “best shirtless performance” category. The nominees are read off, the envelope opened, and the winner announced. Imagine Jennifer Anniston (2014’s only female nominee) climbing the stage to awkwardly accept the award, not sure how to respond to the many cat-calls and shouts of “Take it off!” Just when you think it can’t get more awkward, one of the award presenters lends a helping hand by ripping off the winner’s shirt. Appalling, right? Entirely inexcusable.

Now imagine the same scenario, but take out Jennifer Anniston and sub in Zac Efron. That’s what happened at Sunday night’s award show. Is it still appalling?

A Call to Spiritual Reformation by D A Carson $2.99

Jonathan Dodson and Brad Watson. Raised? Reviewed by Aaron Armstrong.

Thom Rainer. Ten Reasons Some Pastors Don’t Desire to Go to an Established Church.

In an earlier article this week , I shared several trends in the employment of pastors. There was some discussion and interest in my comment about established churches having greater difficulty finding pastors who meet their criteria. In this post, I want to open that discussion a bit more.

Please hear me well. I have a heart for the established church. Indeed, I see one of God’s callings in my life to have some influence in the revitalization of established churches. But we can’t begin to address issues until we have honest and transparent discussions. In that light, I offer today some of the reasons pastors have shared with me, explicitly or implicitly, why they don’t see God calling them to established churches.

Bethany Jenkins. Seeking True Beauty as a Spokesmodel. (TGC)

The weekly TGCvocations column asks practitioners about their jobs and how they integrate their faith and work. Interviews are conducted and condensed by Bethany L. Jenkins, director of TGC’s Every Square Inch .

Trinity Laurel is a fashion model in Los Angeles. She has worked for Ralph Lauren, Koral Los Angeles, Kimberly Ovitz, and appeared in Beachbody Exercise DVDs and on QVC with supermodel personal trainer Leandro Carvalho. She also has represented brands like Bentley Motors, Nike, Bloomberg, Herbal Essences, AirBerlin, Google, and Time Warner Cable in North America and has traveled to England, Jamaica, Italy, and the Middle East for work and humanitarian projects.

Rob Schwarzwalder. Why Younger Evangelicals Are Leaving the Church.

Many young people are leaving Evangelical churches. Statistics vary, but there is general consensus that large numbers of post-high school age Evangelical youth shed the faith of their fathers and mothers upon beginning their college years.

Acts 10:43 “To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Martin Luther “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”

On Being Jesus Juked and the Double Juke

Last night I learned about the Jesus Juke. How it had escaped my attention for so long is beyond me. If you’re not familiar with the Jesus Juke, here is a brief description of how Jon Acuff defines the Jesus Juke:

I call it the “Jesus Juke.”

Like a football player juking you at the last second and going a different direction, the Jesus Juke is when someone takes what is clearly a joke filled conversation and completely reverses direction into something serious and holy (Jon Acuff. The Jesus Juke. Posted 11/16/2010 at www.StuffChristiansLike.net).

Jon goes on to describe what results from a Jesus Juke. The Jesus Juke generates shame, awkwardness, and is ultimately unproductive for gospel work.

How did I learn about the Jesus Juke? I became a Jesus Juke culprit, and I got rightly called out. I’m thankful for being called out. I learned something new, and I am better for it. God grew me through the experience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m still learning social cues. Sometimes I don’t pay close attention to the context. And in this case I got bit. If I had carefully read the Twitter conversation, I would have seen that everyone else took the initial Tweet and ran in a comical direction. I callously brought an air of pretentious hyper-spirituality to the conversation and killed it. What a fail!

Too Serious or Too Awkward

Here’s something else I learned. I am a bit of a Winston. Winston is a character from the New Girl. In season 2, episode 4 entitled “Neighbors” we discover that Winston is not any good at pranks. He does one of two things. He either under-pranks, going too small, or over pranks, going way too big. When Nick decides to prank Schmidt, their roommate Winston suggests putting shavings next to Schmidt’s car, which Nick just calls littering. Then Winston suggests putting acid on his face — way too big!

Well, that’s me, but socially. I am either too serious or too awkward. I struggle with finding that middle ground. That’s good to recognize, because now I know I need to go somewhere from here.

What About the Double Juke

As a Jesus Juke culprit, I also learned something else. I got called out and being called out made me think about the self-defeating nature of calling out jukers. When someone points out that you juked them, they in themselves are a Jesus Juke. The culprit is in turn shamed, feels awkward, and is discouraged.

When I got called out, I at first favorited it. Why? Because I had no idea what a Jesus Juke was, I just took it as a compliment. But then I did my research. I immediately felt contrition. Within the hour I deleted my Tweet and another that followed.

Here’s a suggestion. One that I’m taking for myself. If you get juked, and inevitably you will, I suggest privately letting the person know that they juked you. Give ’em a chance to right the Jesus Juke. In social media, one can delete something. In life, one can retract what is said. Help people out, especially those who just don’t know better or are unaware. Give them the benefit of the doubt. I know I will.

I really respect the guy who called me out. I think he’s brilliant, sharp, and godly. I’m super grateful that he called me out. If he hadn’t, I would continue on in my juking ways. So thanks to all those who instruct. Thanks for helping us along our way.

My friend Derek Rishmawy tweeted this the same day I became a Jesus Juke culprit, and I’m glad it is true.

Anybody else grateful that Good Friday covers our Twitter sins as well?

— Derek Rishmawy (@DZRishmawy) April 17, 2014

Yep. I am! Have a Good Friday. I am! I’m grateful for the goodness God extended through the stretched arms of Christ. I’m looking forward to having those arms embrace me one day.

This morning, as I readied to work out, my son watched me dress in my work out gear. He mysteriously disappeared and reappeared a few minutes later, holding his tennis shoes and dressed in athletic shorts and a tee.

“Daddy, I’m ready to go. Let’s go run.”

He’s short of three years old and wouldn’t last a minute on a treadmill, nor would watching me on one for 25 minutes entertain him. I responded with a gentle, “No buddy. Not today. Daddy’s going to go on his own run. The equipment is big and dangerous. Too big for you. And you’ll be bored watching me.”

Asher didn’t seem shaken. He was cool about the whole thing. Yeah, he was a little disappointed, but I could tell he accepted the circumstances. As I left, I thought to myself, “I really hate telling him ‘No.'” There are the normal reasons for saying “No”, reasons that protect, train, and instruct. The hard times to say “No” are the relational times that would be so much fun to enjoy together.

I tell myself often, “Don’t try to accomplish too much with him. Don’t expect to get a lot done. Just enjoy being with him. Spend quality time with this little man. He’s yours to steward. God gave him as a gift so that he might carry on your legacy.”

It’s hard to imagine life without Asher. He’s funny, smart, clever, curious, busy, and courageous. He’s everything I was as a child, and he’s the uninhibited version of everything I still want to be. If the Lord took him home, I’d be sad…very sad.

Why am I thinking about this right now? Partly it is because God keeps putting death’s inevitability in my path. It started a couple weeks ago when our community group studied Galatians 3:10-14 . We discussed the result of the curse: sin leading to death; we celebrated the freedom from this captivity that Christ offers.

Then I read this thoughtful post from Nancy Guthrie this week, “ Please Don’t Make My Funeral About Me .” Here’s an excerpt:

When I die, you won’t have to wonder what I would have wanted. You’ll know. You’ll know that nothing would make me happier than for my funeral to be all about Christ instead of all about me. Please make it all about his righteous life and not my feeble efforts at good works. Make it about his coming to defeat death and not my courage (or lack thereof) in the face of death. Make it about his emergence from the grave with the keys to death and the grave, which changes everything about putting my body into a grave.

That’s it! That’s absolutely the attitude in which we approach death. But, how aware are we? Are we weary of death’s loom? It appears only to be so in those deafening reminders wrought in loss. That’s when Ecclesiastes 7:2 becomes real, “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.”

Have you realized that it has been over a year since the tragic loss of Matthew Warren, the son of Rick Warren? Pastors are normally prepared to walk through the valley of death with others. But walking through it themselves must be excruciatingly painful, especially when it is with their own son. As Theodin King of Rohan in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers said, “No parent should have to bury their child.” Still, some do and will.

I had yet another reminder this morning. I stirred from my bed at 6:30am and glanced at my phone. There was a solitary text notification, “Scott’s dad passed away last night.” It was sent by my best friend, and it concerned the father of one of our other close friends from high school.

At a ten year high school reunion there is always that awkward discussion of who didn’t make it. I’m not talking about those who didn’t want to travel or those who think reunions are for schmucks. I’m talking about those who are held back by the curtain of death that stands between we, the living, and them, the deceased.

But it’s different when the first of our parents pass away. It’s sobering realizing that it’s only a matter of time before it could be my father or mother in a casket. And that saddens me.

I’m reminded of N D Willson from Death by Living :

My wife was laughing. She is laughing. She has not stopped. We ran from the darting sunlit rains and the lightning and the night.

We haven’t stopped running but we are getting slower. We have little people running with us now. We have passed others. Our own people will pass us. They will grow and meet others who are young and strong and they will feel as if they are part of the very beginning of life.

We may fall on our knees or into a final sleep, but we will see the inside of that storm. We will see the other side of that storm, where there is no death from living.

The young will mark the sand with a stone and gather round to scatter words on the wind and ponder the speed of time, of life, of grace.

If I’m honest, my running through life is a shallow attempt to evade death. I exercise as a therapeutic method to manage my fear of death’s loom.

Life is fleeting; time expires. But grace continues on. Grace wroughts grace — the grace God bestowed upon us we share with others — until we all enjoy grace together forever. In the meantime, we keep sharing; we keep caring for one another. Not just because grace wroughts grace but because glory emanates glory.

I want my son to experience grace and to see glory. Being a pastor’s kid is no easy way. For Asher, there will be other times I am compelled to say, “No.” This make me sensitive to the needs of my child. I want to be accessible to him. I want him to know how much I love him. I want him to see how significant he is to me.

As often as I may, he will be with me. He will especially be with me in those certain passages of life we need to run together. One of those is the passage of life that learns death. My son and I will learn this together. We will go to the hospitals; we will go to the funerals. We will look at death’s loom together and be sobered.

It will strike us closely as we let our loved ones go past death’s curtain.

I sense that now as my 93 year old grandma is into a senior living residence. In the coming weeks our family will visit that place we call home, Mansfield Texas. My three children will likely visit great-grandma for the last time. Little Asher will not fully understand what is coming, and I suppose neither do I. We will learn death together.

And meanwhile, we will learn to run together. We will enjoy the breeze on our backs and the hot sun on our faces.

Lynde Langdon. Can A Divided Publishing House Stand. (WORLD)

You can be gay and Christian: That’s the message of a book due out next week from a publishing group known until now for its evangelical worldview. But the book will emerge from a new imprint designed to allow the publishing house to avoid alienating its evangelical market.

The Cross in the Experience of Our Lord R A Finlayson $2.99

Michael Bird, Craig Evans, Simon Gathercole, Charles Hill, and Chris Tilling. How God Became Jesus. Reviewed by Andreas Kostenberger.

Mark Altrogge. People Want to Have Hope.

When Jesus saves us he puts a hope in our hearts that we never had before – the hope of glory. We have a hope of someday seeing the glorious face of Jesus. We have the hope of being “glorified” – completely conformed to Christ in new immortal heavenly bodies. When we grieve the death of a believer, we don’t grieve as those who have no hope, for we have a sure hope of seeing our loved one again in heaven. We have hope of eternal life. We have hope that we will dwell in a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Dan Darling. No, All Christian Content Shouldn’t Be Free.

A few years ago, when I was a pastor, I had a hard time explaining to a rather cranky member why we, as a church, had to pay for a license to use Christian music in our worship services. “They should give it away freely. Why do I have to pay for it? I thought this was ministry. Why they are out to make money?” What made this man’s beef all the more interesting is that I had just concluded, a day earlier, a long conversation with him about what he considered unfair pay at his work. The irony was lost on him, but not me.

Kelly Needham. The Best Marriage I Never Wanted. (CBMW)

I married a humble, godly, romantic man at twenty years old. Did I mention he just happens to have a phenomenal voice and is a gifted songwriter? He writes me songs, loves Jesus like crazy, and because of his music career, we’ve traveled the world together. Every girls’ dream, right? Yet, exactly two weeks into marriage, I wrote this in my journal:

“Why am I so unhappy? So scared and confused?”

Surprised? I was too. Let me explain.

Gal. 3:13 “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us — for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’ — ”

“Death by definition is something which is completely unfruitful.” D Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Gal. 3:10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

We’re all under a curse. This curse is founded in our sin nature and leads to death. We suffer daily under the affliction of sin. Many will be doomed to eternal suffering lest the gospel is preached, God gives them faith, and they respond to His message.

Throughout my life I have faced no greater fear than death. I recall during my childhood sitting up in bed past bedtime in the dark, fearing that I might not wake from slumber, fearing death. I recall attending my first funeral, peering into a cold, well made up, pristine face and empty gaze. We all look death in the face at different times. It might be when we face news of cancer or when we lose a beloved. We all stare it back in different ways: some with courage, others with anxiety, still others in panic.

Our greatest comfort for the curse is Christ. As our substitute, He became our curse (v. 13). This verse looks back to Deuteronomy 21:23 which says, “[For] a hanged man is cursed by God.” Jesus Christ hung from the cross because He was hung there by men. Really, he was hung there by you and me. Art Alexakis, lead man for Everclear, was not far off in his song “Jesus Was A Democrat” when he sung, “Jesus was a left-wing, radical, Jew murdered by people like you.”

We did this to Him because He wanted to do this for us. He kindly stared death in the face so that we would not. Our experience will be but a momentary translation from one plane of existence to another. Today’s world is but a shadow and beauty of the world will we see in that day. Of course this promise is only for those who believe. For others who do not believe, today world is a shadow of the hell they will experience one day.

For C S Lewis, the celebrated medieval scholar, poet, and author, wrote in the Great Divorce “the Blessed will say ‘We have never lived anywhere except in Heaven,’ and the Lost, ‘We were always in Hell.’ And both will speak truly.”

Maybe your destiny is certain and you know that the Lord is keeping you for heaven. But what about the others, what about those in your sphere of influence that do not know the Lord. How can you comfort them with these truths? How will you communicate that Christ became a curse for you so that you will not experience the curse of death?

If you’re relying on works of the law to earn God’s favor, you are in an impossible situation. Christ offers to rescue you from that dismal condition. Rely on Christ. Walk by faith.

Nancy Guthrie. Please Don’t Make My Funeral All About Me. (TGC)

I just got home from another funeral. Seems we’ve gone to more than our share lately. And once again, as I left the church, I pled with those closest to me, “Please don’t make my funeral all about me.”

Christ Formed in You by Brian Hedges $1.99

Andreas Kostenberger and Justin Taylor. The Final Days of Jesus. Reviewed by Nate Clairborne.

Trevin Wax. The 4 Stages of Writing and the 3 Mistakes We Make.

I recently came across the HBR Guide to Better Business Writing , a book that has a chapter on the four stages of the writing process. Reflecting on my experience writing blogs and non-fiction books, I recognized these stages even if I’d never consciously labeled them this way.

Douglas Wilson. So Go Nomo to the Pomo.

So I have written about the problems of postmodernism, what I have called the problem of European brain snakes. This might seem a little dismissive, but it all works out, because it actually is dismissive. Allow me to collect my thoughts on this in one place.

Marvin Olasky. Let’s Play “What’s Inappropriate?” (WORLD)

Anyone for a new game called “What’s Inappropriate?” It could be like “Where’s Waldo?” Find the reason a Christian isn’t allowed to post a particular statement on a website that usually cries out for more content in the hope of gaining more eyeballs.

Ecc. 7:2 “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.”

“Death is fundamentally God’s imposed limitation on human arrogance.” D A Carson

Jesus Expiate That (Servants of Grace Guest Post)

In our home in Tulsa we had an oubliette in the garage. Oubliette is French for “a place of forgetting”. Whenever something broke, I would stick it in that corner and leave it. Sometimes this would be for weeks, months, or even a year.

I loved that place. I could just shove something into that corner and forget about it. That is until the occasion when I miraculously had margin, and courage, to deal with the broken object. However, more often than not, someone, perhaps my beautiful bride, would express urgency about the item.

I would then venture into that corner of the garage and deal with the brokenness. More often than not, there was only one solution. I would look at that broken object. Knock it around a few times with a hammer. Crack it open. Tinker with it beyond repair. Then I would gather all the parts and bear them away to the trashcan to be removed permanently from the premises.

This, friends, is a picture of expiation. It’s a broken picture, held together by duct-tape, wire hangers, and whatever other contraptions I typically fabricate to poorly fix stuff. But that’s just the point.

I’m a feeble human. My illustrations hold up about as well as my repairs. I am in need of a master wordsmith to demonstrate the complex task that God accomplished in removing sin. I need a master craftsman to go about the repair necessary. Not just to fix my broken illustration or broken objects in the garage, but to fix everything: me, my family, society, and all God’s creation. Through Christ’s suffering on the cross, not just my brokenness is handled, but all the world’s brokenness is handled.

One component of this repair process is often grossly overlooked, but it is critical. It is called expiation. John Frame, in his excellent systematic theology, describes expiation. He says, “This means that Jesus bore our sins, took them on himself, and therefore did away with them” (Systematic Theology, 902).

READ THE REST OF THIS POST AT SERVANTSOFGRACE.ORG.

Everyday Theology edited by Kevin Vanhoozer

Kevin Vanhoozer, Charles Anderson and Michael Sleasman: editors. Everyday Theology : How to Read Cultural Texts and Interpret Trends . Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2007. 288 pp. $24.99.

Everyday Theology teaches pastors, theologians, and church members to study and engage culture through the lens of biblical, theological, and gospel rich means. Edited by Kevin Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, puts forward a helpful primer on cultural engagement. Part one introduces students to the process, purpose, and product of cultural exegesis.

Vanhoozer argues that we should not just be biblical exegetes, we should be cultural exegetes as well. A cultural exegete is one who is able to read and write culture. As readers a cultural exegete engages in cultural hermeneutics. As writers a cultural exegete fulfills the role of a cultural agent. He or she is able to read cultural memes, scripts, texts, trends, practices, and root metaphors.

Vanhoozer defines culture as, “[The] distinctly human world that persons create by doing things not by reflex but freely as expressions of desire, duty, and determination” (23). Collective society determines culture. It does so through works in the world. For culture to exist there must be a work resulting from hegemony of ideas that form the framework of a worldview. This work is put within a context of the world in which culture is expressed, experienced, and explored.

Part two, three, and four helps readers see the outworking of the cultural exegesis process. In these 10 articles we see the how Vanhoozers’ students have applied the principles in part one, reading culture and in turning writing proposals of how to biblically respond to culture.

Part one is the frame and mortar of this book. Without reading part one, nothing will stand and stick. As a pastor, Everyday Theology has transformed the approach in which I engage social media, counseling, and preaching. I quickly wish to apply the biblical model for living, meanwhile forgetting that those I interact with are not necessarily sold on this model. The cultural fog in which they live may cloud their judgment. This book helps us think through how to navigate people out of the fog with the map of Scripture. Then once the fog is clear we can use the sextant of theology to read the stars of culture that point to the fundamental questions of purpose, meaning, and value.

Though this is by far a macro study on cultural engagement, it is very easy to take these concepts and think about them on a micro level. Chapter by chapter the reader encounters various cues of culture such as cash registers, hip-hop, busyness, and blogs.

Pastors who wish to be men of Issachar, who understood the times, will want to put Everyday Theology on their night stand. I recommend reading part one in one sitting, and then reading a chapter each night for ten days. The nature of the articles make for fast reading.

Kevin DeYoung. Are Christians in America Persecuted?

The short answer is “Yes, all the time.”

The not as short answer is: “Yes, Christians in America are persecuted, but not as frequently, consistently, or with nearly the intensity that Christians are persecuted in many other parts of the world.”

For a longer answer, keep reading.

Raised? by Jonathan Dodson and Brad Watson $2.99

Gloria Furman. Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full. Reviewed by Kimberly Campbell.

David Murray. Top 10 Books on Christ in the Old Testament. Murray has curated a great list of resources for you to study Jesus in the Old Testament. You’ll want to add these to your library or read one or two of them as time allows.

David Schrock. Six Keys to Detecting the Prosperity Gospel. Schrock has curated excellent material on the prosperity gospel. Get got up on this conversation at his site.

Thomas Kidd. Churches “Pandering” to Millennials?

Over at the Juicy Ecumenism blog, my friend Mark Tooley gives some historical perspective on why changing theology to suit the perceived preferences of the younger generation is always a bad idea. While the church should never “pander” to anyone, the church does have a responsibility to “cater” to those who might be making decisions about faith and the church.

Job 8:13 “Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish.”

“A man full of hope will be full of action.” Thomas Brooks

10 Non-Spiritual But Shameless, Satirical and Memorable T4G Moments

Today, I sipped on Starbucks Oprah Chai — which is what they are called now, if you didn’t know — while I browsed through other’s Together for the Gospel reflections. Together for the Gospel, widely known as T4G, is a conference held every other year in Louisville Kentucky. I have gone to the last two, and they have been extremely edifying experiences. But edifying, does not mean a little fun was not had. And so without further ado, I give you 10 geeky, young, restless, reformed and stereotypical moments experienced at T4G.

10. That moment in Einstein Brothers where one guy leaned over to another and said, “I just got a text that Kevin DeYoung and the rest of the panel are walking down 4th Street.” And the two of them took off after them. I can only imagine what they did when they found them. It was probably something like stopping 100 feet away, staring, and then looking at each other and saying, “Alright, what’s next? Let’s go to the zero dollar bookstore and head home.” They should have built tabernacles.

9. That moment where Mark Dever made everyone do squats at the beginning of the conference for fifteen minutes. You know what I mean. He asks a bunch of questions over and over again. People stand. People sit. Then we do it all over again. Most of us are confused, whether we are standing or sitting. I bet he muses to himself each T4G, “Now let’s see how many miles they walk over the next three days. This schtick never gets old.”

8. That moment where I finally told the guy I’d been talking to for thirty minutes that we should sit down. My legs were aching and my shoulder was tight from wearing my satchel. It was around that time where I started seeing everyone else at the conference randomly doing calf stretches. I think I saw Mark Dever pointing and laughing as he read William Gurnall’s The Christian in Complete Armour .

7. That moment Derek Rishmawy turned around and said with a big cheesy grin “Can you believe we’re riding with the Band of Blogger panel.” And I cooly responded, eyebrows raised, “Yeah.” But I felt on the inside how he looked on the outside. I saw Justin Taylor quietly grin and then Denny Burk said, “I don’t know you guys. Who are you?” I think only Dave Furman had a reasonable explanation. Later Derek confessed he was being somewhat sarcastic, but I don’t believe it.

6. That moment that Anyabwile and MacArthur walked down the middle of Fourth St. after a plenary session and everyone was like, “Dude, they’re walking in our midst.” It reminded me of when Rocky cut the Russian in Rocky IV. They are human.

5. That moment I met Jason Helopoulos and I led with a panicked, “My family does family worship.”

4. That moment that Kevin DeYoung walked up next to me, picked up a brochure at the Westminster booth, and shook one of the reps hands on Thursday. I nearly wet my pants, burned my ThM, and started over at Westminster. Nearly.

3. That moment when everyone started spreading information and misinformation about when Piper would speak, just to keep us all interested in attending ALL the sessions.

2. Every moment of Bob Kauflin’s humility and the beautiful sound of 7000 men singing Crown Him with Many Crowns (Okay, forgive me for one special spiritual moment).

1. That moment I excitedly walked up to Mez McConnell, shook his hand, and said, “Mez, I just wanted you to know that I appreciate your ministry and your writing.” To which he responded, “Dude, in my country, people just give each other a head nod.” Yep, that’s what they do in America too, unless their socially awkward like me.

Those are a few the memorable, satirical, and somewhat embarrassing moments that happened. There is more to share. I shamelessly went to an informal gathering called “Tweet It Up.” Yep. Bloggers and editors are nerds. And I saw way too much logo apparel that has a strange onomatopoeia of that sound you make when you vomit a little in your mouth, “ERLC.”

There are also a few things that I wish had not happened. I wish that Rachel Held Evans had not made her way into as many conversations. I wish that there was less celebrity-ism celebrated. I wish I would have passed on more french fry opportunities. I wish I wasn’t so underdressed every time I was around John MacArthur. I wish I had known about the lounge with outlets on the third deck of the Yum Center before Thursday afternoon. I wish that less people — after hearing I was a Dallas grad — did not begin their next question with, “Do you think that Dallas Seminary has…?” No, Dallas has not jumped the shark yet. Same gospel. Same team guys. Same team.

Let’s end on this note. I fellowshipped with a lot of people I had not seen in some time, and I met a bunch of people who were only pixels previously. I encouraged a number of pastors and bloggers, likewise they encouraged me. I witnessed many gathered to pray for one another. A lot of young men left eager to preach the gospel. I hung out with the fellows that I drove down with on a number of occasions. I even got free shaving cream from the hotel. You always forget to pack something. I returned home with a lot of books, an encouraged soul, and an exhausted body.

I bet there are about 6,999 others who have done likewise. If you know one of those people, please pray for them. Pray for a flourishing, faithful, and fruitful ministry.

What were some of your memorable T4G 2014 moments?

Here’s another one of mine:

Gospel-Centered Library / The Christian in Complete Armour

New Series on The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall

My friend at Banner of Truth shipped a copy of The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall to me today. Beginning next week we will start a 3 month series of reflections from this seminal work from a faithful Puritan. These posts will run on Tuesdays.

Today let’s look at a brief portrait of William Gurnall, along with an introduction to The Christian in Complete Armour , both adapted from Randall Peterson’s and Joel Beeke’s excellent primer on the Puritans, Meet the Puritans .

William Gurnall lived form 1616-1679. He came from a prominent family in Lynn. His father served as an alderman and later mayor in the city of Lynn. Gurnall studied a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Emmannuel College, Cambridge. Gurnall’s ministry lasted for 35 years at Lavenham, the most influential church in West Suffolk. He married Sarah Mott in 1646, and they had 14 children.

Gurnall embraced Church of England’s ecclesiology his entire ministry, and is one who signed the Act of Uniformity in 1662. Doctrinally he accepted Puritan values and convictions. Because he was not one of those ejected from the church, Gurnall’s standing amongst his ministerial peers declined.

Gurnall is most known for this work, The Christian in Complete Armour that we will be feeding from over the next quarter. After 35 years of faithful and humble service to the Lord, Gurnall was called home to eternal bliss on October 12, 1679.

I think this book is an essential work that should be in everyone’s library, pastor or lay person alike. This book is an extensive commentary on Ephesians 6:10-20. It has undergone numerous printings over the centuries. Peterson and Beeke say, “It is the most well-known of the Puritan manuals on spiritual warfare, and has provided much spiritual comfort for beleaguered saints over the centuries.”

This book is sectioned in two parts. The first part encourages readers to war against our enemy and sin. The second part helps them manage war successfully. Satan wants to tempt, depress, and discourage the spiritually regenerate. This work helps us resist his snares. The Christian in Complete Armour is practical and doctrinally balanced.

For the sake of this study, I will be using Banner of Truth’s unabridged one volume work. If you wish to join me in this study, I suggest ordering it today, here . While you’re at it, browse Banner of Truth’s collection of other fine Puritan works that withstand the test of time.

Trevin Wax. The Uselessness of Twitter Battles. (Christianity.com)

In recent months, we’ve seen the rise of “the Twitter Battles” around hot-button issues like Hobby Lobby, gay marriage, religious freedom, evangelical orthodoxy, etc. They tend to develop this way…

The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever $0.99

Kevin DeYoung. Taking God at His Word. Reviewed by Aaron Armstrong.

R C Sproul. Did God Die on the Cross? (Ligonier)

The famous hymn of the church “And Can it Be?” contains a line that asks a very poignant question: “How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?” Is it accurate to say that God died on the cross?

William. Vandoodewaard. Christ the King in His Suffering. (Reformation21)

What does it mean for you that Jesus Christ is King?

Psalm 86:6 “Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.”

“Grace grows by exercise and decays by disuse.” Thomas Brooks

Navigating a Lo-Literate Culture

American culture and the evangelical subculture within it is not illiterate, but it is lo-literate. In other words, being literate carries low significance. Because of the rise of STEM industries (science, technology, engineering, math), people are more concerned about mastery over sciences and math. Young people drill and memorize for hours to master the unit circle, ionization, and computer code. But if I recall from high school, Spark Notes was the shortcut of the day in order to skim through literature courses.

I recall when The Prayer of Jabez released. I was still new to evangelical culture. A parent in my church handed me a copy of the book and said, “Finally, a book short enough, people will read it.” This parent, somewhat unaware, made a couple of major important cultural observations. First, people aren’t as interested in reading as they once were. Second, a shorter book might make them stomach the exercise. Thus, books being published over time appear to be shorter and shorter in length.

Yet, there are cultural anomalies. Thousands of readers have read a couple thousand pages of Harry Potter. Distopian fiction and vampire romances are consumed like candy. If you tell the right story, people will read it. They will suppress their lo-literacy for a time to embrace a hi-literacy, but it lasts for only so long.

How do pastoral leaders navigate the lo-literate culture in which they live? How do they encourage a higher level of literacy? Here are 4 ways:

Pastoral leaders must be voracious readers. They should try to read an hour a day. This is an easier task to tackle then one might think. Try reading in 20 minute chunks. In a matter of months you’ll be able to put away great tomes you once only imagined reading. Don’t just read print books. Have digital books accessible at all times. I love Kindle books because I can read them on my phone, tablet, or notebook computer. If I have my phone with me, I always have a book with me. Also, don’t look past audio books. If you’re on the road, an audio book is a great way to pass time.

Try to diversify your reading. Cycle through different kinds of books: an old book, a recently published book, a fiction book, a non-fiction book. Those are some ideas. Leaders will not affect change until they become agents of change.

Pastoral leaders should promote literacy. The best way to promote it is to share good literature with people. Point people to books they should read. Encourage them to buy a specific book and read it. I’m not just talking about new books. I’m talking about old book too. In fact, old book are of more value than new in my opinion. Why? These books have withstood the test of time. Talk about the best books you have ever read. Share about the notable books that are being read. Be conversant about what literature is being discussed.

3. Be Seen with Literature

Be an example of literacy. Always go places with a book in hand. Share with people what you are reading. Tell them how it has changed you. Make the affect known to them. Leaders make literature attractive by being seen as they actively practice the discipline of reading.

Everyone likes free, including free books. If you’re a pastor, look for opportunities to give the best books away. If you want to, do a contest, but for the most part just ask for volunteers. Tell them, “I have this new book and I want to give it to someone. Any takers? The only caveat is you have to promise to read it.” I have seen great success with this method.

Eric McKiddie. 4 Reasons to Start a Mid-Week Sermon Feedback Meeting. (Pastors Today)

Pastors need feedback in order to improve their sermons. But helpful feedback on your sermon is hard to come by…To fill this need for brutally honest, educated, and constructive feedback, I suggest you start a mid-week sermon feedback meeting.

Exalting Jesus in Matthew by David Platt

Michael Cheshire. Why We Eat Our Own. (TGC) Reviewed by Barnabas Piper.

Jonathan Parnell. The Problem of Palm Sunday. (DG)

It was the palm branches that made this day unique, and then again, it wasn’t.

For centuries, the church has memorialized today, the first day of Holy Week, as Palm Sunday because of the palm branches and cloaks that the people spread out before Jesus as he entered Jerusalem.

Aaron Armstrong. The Last Days of Jesus: the Triumphant King.

There is profound irony in Jesus’ triumphal entry.

In a scene straight out of Zechariah’s prophecy, the people’s King had come, righteous and bringing salvation with Him, to the rejoicing of the people ( Zechariah 9:9 ). They waved palm branches while crying out, “Hosanna”—“Oh save!”

Of course, the people spoke better than they realized.

Derek Rishmawy. The Ridiculous Entry into Jerusalem.

This is the way the King came announcing his kingdom: in humility, poverty, absurdity, and weakness. And yet, because of this, we see all the more clearly that it “does not consist in the fading riches of this world.” The gold and the pomp we might have expected would have only obscured the true glory of our King.

So then, as we sing our hosannas today, and lift our palms to the King of glory, let us recall his humble, and, indeed, ridiculous entry into Jerusalem.

“Away, then, with the dream of those who invent a righteousness compounded of faith and works.” John Calvin

Gal. 2:16 “[Yet] we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ…”

Calvin on Justification by Faith

This is an outstanding description of how God justifies sinners like you and me. It is from John Calvin’s Institutes of Christian Religion 3.11.16:

Scripture, when it treats of justification by faith, leads us in a very different direction. Turning away our view from our own works, it bids us look only to the mercy of God and the perfection of Christ. The order of justification which it sets before us is this: first, God of his mere gratuitous goodness is pleased to embrace the sinner, in whom he sees nothing that can move him to mercy but wretchedness, because he sees him altogether naked and destitute of good works. He, therefore, seeks the cause of kindness in himself, that thus he may affect the sinner by a sense of his goodness, and induce him, in distrust of his own works, to cast himself entirely upon his mercy for salvation. This is the meaning of faith by which the sinner comes into the possession of salvation, when, according to the doctrine of the Gospel, he perceives that he is reconciled by God; when, by the intercession of Christ, he obtains the pardon of his sins, and is justified; and, though renewed by the Spirit of God, considers that, instead of leaning on his own works, he must look solely to the righteousness which is treasured up for him in Christ. When these things are weighed separately, they will clearly explain our view, though they may be arranged in a better order than that in which they are here presented. But it is of little consequence, provided they are so connected with each other as to give us a full exposition and solid confirmation of the whole subject.

This post is sponsored by Accordance Bible Software. Learn more about accordance here .

4 Reasons I might Not Follow You

People follow me on Twitter often. They promptly unfollow me after a couple of days. I never understand why this is but it could be because I didn’t follow back. Some probably wonder why I didn’t follow them. If you’re a legitimate person and not a bot, please don’t be offended. It’s for reasons that protect my family, time, and express my finitude.

So here’s some reasons why you may not have been followed back:

1. Creepy Headshot. Some of you just have a creepy headshot. You’re either giving me a “Blue Steel”, some sidelong glance, or borderline seductive look. I don’t want to see that in my feed. I prefer poorly done selfies to your odd glamour shot.

2. Your tag line says something like, “get more followers.” Which is ironic because the majority of those accounts have less than 10 followers. Ed Stetzer is just about the only one who has the right to put that in his tag line.

3. I haven’t met you. It’s rare these days for me to follow people I have not interacted with. I want to trust the people I follow and assume they will edify my feed (or at least be a little snarky like Brandon Smith). Geographical proximity is a factor. I went to a major conference this week and had many great conversations. Not all of the fellowship is sustainable. I only followed a few people and those I did stood a chance because they live in the Chicagoland.

4. I’m not connected to your organization. I may know your organization, but I do not partner with you in some tangible way. Even if I believe in your message, I can only take in and spread so much information.

I know this seems like a minimalist approach and it is. I want to go deeper and not wider in my personal ministry to others. I can’t fellowship with everyone because I am a human with limitations. But I can fellowship with a few.

Maybe you just learned something and are rethinking how you use social media. I hope so. I think you might find that you are able to turn more of your time away from pixels and back to people.

What are some reasons that you don’t follow others?

RetroView-Worthy (An Unsuspected Surprise)

[I don’t normally post on the weekend. But I also don’t normally skip View-Worthy posts on Thursday and Friday. Here’s what you missed.]

Kyle Worley. 6 Ways You Can Get Involved with CBMW.

This week CBMW hosted the CBMW National Conference: “A Brave New Movement || CBMW and the Gospel.” We hope you were able to attend, because it was a wonderful event that showcased some of the most important minds currently assisting the church in considering issues of gender, sexuality, marriage, and the church.

If you were not able to attend the conference there are still many ways that you can be involved with CBMW…

The Lion and the Lamb edited by Kellum, Kostenberger, Quarles $0.99

Michael Cheshire. Why We Eat Our Own. Reviewed by Barnabas Piper.

David Murray. The Quickest Way to Become a Better Teacher.

That’s right, the quickest way to become a better teacher is to slow down.

Christina Fox. Momma’s Hands Are Full. (TGC)

It was 8:00 a.m., and I already longed for bedtime. I’d refereed two conflicts over toys. I attempted to tackle the mountain of laundry that seemed to quadruple overnight. I repeated instructions multiple times to easily distracted minds. “It’s time to brush your teeth.” “Keep your finger out of your nose.” “Only use kind words.” My head and throat hurt, and I could feel a fever brewing.

Motherhood is a life that stretches you both inside and out.

C Michael Patton. Why I’m A Christian.

I see myself as an evangelical (lower case) Christian (uppercase) apologist. I think every Christian is an apologist to some degree. No, not a “professional apologist” like Rob Bowman, William Lane Craig, or Mike Licona, but we all have formulated some degree of warrant or justification for our faith. Just like everyone is a theologian, every one is also an apologist. However, this does not mean that we are good apologists!

Psalm 18:27 “For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.”

“How easy it is to reason out man’s humility, but how hard to reason man into it.” Stephen Charnock

Spanking to Correct the Heart, Not Just Behavior (Christianity.com Guest Post)

I was a very busy boy. My mom tells me I required two mothers. She also tells me she used to pray I have a son just like me.

God answered her prayer. My wife and I are blessed with one of the busiest 2-year-old boys we’ve seen. He is also a very sweet boy, too.

As with any child, there are moments of utter dismay. We ask ourselves, “Why does he just not listen?” We give simple instructions; often they go unheeded. He does what he wants to do. These are times when we see folly bound within his heart.

We work diligently and patiently with our son. In fact, we are slow to resort to spanking. But when we are certain that he is behaving defiantly and foolishly, we apply the biblical means of correction that God has given us. This may alarm some readers, but please pay attention and try not to jump to conclusions.

Folly is bound in the heart.

What do I mean by folly is bound in my son’s heart? Well, Proverb 22:15 declares, “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child…” In reading this authoritative Word, we discover that a child’s heart is by nature arrested by foolishness; it is under folly’s imprisonment.

The Scriptures indicate that the heart is the control center of the person. It governs all activity. And as early as Genesis 6:5, God probes the evil and wickedness of mankind and finds it settled in the heart. Let’s also not forget Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”

This applies to our children. Though they are small and seemingly innocent, God’s Word reminds us that our children are bent inward by sin. They are little fools, minions to sin. I know this is a tough pill to swallow, because, like you, I love my kids.

PLEASE READ THE REST OF THIS POST AT CHRISTIANITY.com

Top 10 Blog Posts in 2 Years

jtcochran.com has existed for two years. To celebrate, here is a round up of the top ten posts on this site in countdown fashion.

10. Entering Seminary Students Admonishments: Part One

9. 7 Writing Lessons from Excellent Christian Bloggers

8. 3 Essential Relationships for Navigating a Ministry Relocation

7. A Prayer for Christian Writers and Bloggers

6. 4 Reasons I Use Accordance Bible Software

5. Having a Personal Doctrinal Statement

4. Twitter Celebrities, Voyeurism, Purging, and 8 Criteria to Follow

3. Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Concerning Docent Research Group

2. 4 Tactics for Improved Writing

1. Lanier Theological Library and Million Dollar Rooms

4 Gospel Coalition Book Review in 2 years

During the last two years God has blessed me with the opportunity to learn from and contribute to the Gospel Coalition. The Gospel Coalition’s team of editors are some of the finest men with which I have had the pleasure to correspond. Collin Hansen and Matt Smethurst have sharpened me spiritually and technically as a writer through their wisdom and instruction. Here are the four book reviews that I have had the pleasure to contribute to the Gospel Coalition. I’m very thankful for this partnership for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

1. Called to Stay by Caleb Breakey at the Gospel Coalition

2. The Gospel Call and True Conversion by Paul Washer at the Gospel Coalition

3. I Am A Church Member by Thom Rainer at the Gospel Coalition

4. Sex and Money by Paul David Tripp at the Gospel Coalition

Justin Taylor. Livestream for T4G: April 8-10, 2014.

You can register to watch the T4G livestream online for free .

All times below are Eastern. When each plenary speaker is speaking has not been publicly announced. At the end of the post you can find the list of panels, but again it has not been announced when each will be.

I am not sure if they are able to stream the music, so if it’s not live you may want to check back 20 minutes into the session.

Young, Restless, Reformed by Collin Hansen $3.99

Kevin DeYoung. Taking God at His Word. Reviewed by Bobby Jamieson.

Scot McKnight. My Anglican Journey.

Beginning at 10am on April 26 in a service at the Church of the Redeemer (Highland Park) I will be ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons.

I grew up among America’s Baptists (CBofA), attended Cornerstone University (GARB sponsored at the time), went to TEDS (EvFree) and then did my doctorate at Nottingham, began my teaching career at TEDS and then moved to North Park (EvCovenant) and am now teaching at Northern, which is an American Baptist Church sponsored seminary. For almost a decade Kris and I attended Willow Creek but it became increasingly too far for us to travel and, when one Wednesday night it took me nearly two hours to get to Willow, it became clear we’d have to think of a church closer to home.

Barnabas Piper. 10 Awesome Things I Miss About Chicago.

Seven months ago my family and I moved from the suburbs of Chicago to Nashville. It has been, all in all, a great move for us. We love it here. That being said, there are things about Chicago that simply cannot be replaced or for which apt substitutes cannot be found. Absence, it is said, makes the heart grow fonder. That’s mostly because absence makes you stop taking things for granted. Here are 10 things I miss about Chicago.

Gloria Furman. Encouragement for “Missional Motherhood”.

“I want to ‘go,’ but I’m afraid the farthest I can ‘go’ these days is to the baby’s crib and back,” one brand new mom told me with a sigh.

Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

“God’s mercies are above all his works, and above all ours too.” Thomas Brooks

10 Guest Contributions in 2 Years

During these last two years of writing, God has blessed me with opportunities to share my writing with others at amazing websites. Here is a selection of guest contributions that I have written. These posts are listed from most recent to least recent.

Thank you to all these organizations for sharing these messages. These messages fundamentally are meant to proclaim Christ, the gospel and my affection for the Church and discipleship. And thank you to all those who have read and shared about this transformative truth.

1. Four Steps to Ensure You’ll Have No Local Church at ServantsofGrace.org

2. 3 Ways to Drive Millennials Out of Your Church at Christianity.com

3. Developing a “Date Your Wife” Mindset at the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

4. 5 Threats to Your Holiness at Christianity.com

5. Leading the Church through Grief of Sin at 9 Marks

6. Bringing Young and Old Together at Gospel Centered Discipleship

7. God-Glorifying Social Media at Christianity.com

8. When Adam Named Eve at the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

9. How to Turn a Conversation at Gospel Centered Discipleship

10. Leading Your Family Through Change at the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

The Letter to James (PNTC) by Douglas Moo

Douglas Moo. The Letter of James (PNTC). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 2000. 287 pp. $36.00.

The Pillar New Testament Commentary series is geared to assist serious students of the Word to engage with solid exegesis performed through the objective lens of first-rate biblical scholars. D A Carson, the series editor says, “The scholars writing these volumes interact with the most important, informed contemporary debate, but avoid getting mired in undue technical detail.”

When many think about James, they immediately think about faith versus works. However, Moo demonstrates that James is about spiritual wholeness. There are a lot of parallels here with wisdom, and James leverages proverbial language better than any other New Testament writer. He has a way of crafting short punchy statements that have affect. His prose on the use of the tongue is riddled with vivid rhetorical language. His confrontation against those that elevate themselves while demeaning other is convicting. This is a stirring book to read and study. It tackles the issues we have the hardest time keeping under control.

Any time a pastor picks up a commentary he must swiftly perform a cursory analysis of the commentary’s strengths and weaknesses. The best way to accomplish this is to study what the commentator says about critical passages of Scripture.

Particularly regarding James, you will discover that Douglas Moo delivers reliable exegesis of the text. We may measure this by seeing what Moo says about James 2:14-26. Moo reconciles what some perceive to be divergent views of justification. Some present that Paul and James depart from one another in this area of theology.

But Moo makes it clear that James conveys how “saving faith reveals itself in works” (118). That is an important distinction and, in my opinion, Moo argues that point well. He says, “Genuine faith will inevitably be characterized by works” (120). He then pursues this line of reasoning for twenty-four more pages. You will not be disappointed with Moo’s exposition of this text, it will help you process a tough passage to digest.

There are many more mentionable qualities of this commentary. I like how Moo continually adds new layers to the conversation, rather than regurgitating others research. He intentionally pursues study on points that others have overlooked, which is helpful because it adds to the discussion.

This is the first commentary I pick up on James whenever I turn back to this valuable book of the Bible.

As I recommend this commentary, I admit there is emotional attachment and nostalgia here. It is the first commentary I purchased for seminary in 2004, so this copy has seen much love during the last 10 years. I hope you have a commentary like this one in your library. Perhaps this one will be that commentary.

David Mathis. 6 Lessons in Good Listening. (DG)

Listening is one of the easiest things you’ll ever do, and one of the hardest.

In a sense, listening is easy — or hearing is easy. It doesn’t demand the initiative and energy required in speaking. That’s why “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” ( Romans 10:17 ). The point is that hearing is easy, and faith is not an expression of our activity, but our receiving the activity of another. It is “hearing with faith” ( Galatians 3:2 , 5 ) that accents the achievements of Christ and thus is the channel of grace that starts and sustains the Christian life.

But despite this ease — or perhaps precisely because of it — we often fight against it. In our sin, we’d rather trust in ourselves than another, amass our own righteousness than receive another’s, speak our thoughts rather than listen to someone else. True, sustained, active listening is a great act of faith, and a great means of grace , both for ourselves and for others in the fellowship .

Biblical Foundations for Manhood and Womanhood by John Piper .99

Matt Perman. What’s Best Next. Reviewed by Hugh Welchel. (TGC)

David Burnette. Some Questions to Ask Before You Leave Your Church. (Radical)

Leon Brown. What I Wish I Had Learned in Seminary.

As I look back on my experience, there are many things that I would change. Fortunately, those things that I would change have more to do with me than the faculty and curriculum. While I cannot mention that enough, there are a few things I would change regarding my learning experience (i.e., the curriculum). I share this one thing not to indict my seminary — I love them a great deal — but more as a reflection of my time in seminary now that I have been separated from that environment for a couple of years. You can think of this as the final evaluation that students had to complete upon graduation now two years removed.

Daniel 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him.”

Warren Cole Smith. Mars Hill Church Moves to Destroy Documents. (WORLD)

Mars Hill Church, the Seattle megachurch pastored by Mark Driscoll, has moved to destroy all staff emails more than three months old.

Gray Matters by Brett McCracken $1.99

C. Michael Patton. Now That I’m A Christian. Reviewed by Cole Huffman. (TGC)

PBS Looks at New Calvinism. HT Justin Taylor.

Ben Connelly. Converging Marriage and Mission. (GCD)

Many married people reading this are well versed in two streams of Christian thought: the first stream is that we are God’s people sent into God’s world to carry out God’s mission. From Abraham on, God sends his people into the world–not to be enveloped by the world, but to live–as St. Augustine put it–as the “city of God,” living among the “city of Man” and seeking its good. The other stream is that marriage is the best reflection of the Trinity, and of God’s love for and pursuit of his Bride. Orthodox theology for the past 2000 years has affirmed Paul’s words in Ephesians 5, that the blessed relationship between a husband and wife is the clearest picture of “the mystery” of “Christ and his church.” We’ve heard both those streams; we know both principles; we even believe and strive to live out those truths.

The problem is we often hear, know, believe, and live those streams separately from each other, while God designed them to be one strong, flowing, unified river. We try to live as missionaries and as couples as two distinct compartments of life.

C. Michael Patton. A Guide to Christians at the Movies. (Parchment&Pen)

I love movies. Probably too much. Definitely too much. I always think about whether something is beneficial or not. I am continually asking if such and such movie is promoting good or evil in myself. I often don’t know. However, I have come up with three rules of thumb that I use in evaluation. This is especially helpful when it comes to what I will let my kids watch. With the movie season on the horizon, I pray that this will guide your discernment, producing grace and truth, freedom and a protection.

Kevin DeYoung. How to Handle Your Sin.

What do you do with your sin? You can explain it with science. You can minimize it with sophistication. You can swallow it up with self-talk. Or you can confess it to your Savior.

There are the two radically different schools of thought when it comes to dealing with our imperfections.

2 Cor. 4:1 “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.”

“Remembrance of past mercies is a great stimulus to present faith.” Jerry Bridges

Mark Noll on Revival and Evangelicalism

Mark Noll provides a synopsis of the atmosphere surrounding colonial revivalism in America in his book, The Rise of Evangelicalism . These are notable points for every pastor’s consideration. We cannot manipulate sincere revival. But we may still learn from our forerunners aim. It is fitting to aim not merely at intellect but at the heart and affections as pastors faithfully preach Christ.

Although much in the later history of evangelicalism was still obscure when the Fetter Lane Society gathered to pray on the evening of January 1, 1739, the main emphases and practices of evangelical faith were already coming into view. First in importance was the fact that individuals were being converted to God and to lifetimes of faithful service, and that these individuals regarded their own conversions as anticipations of renewal for entire communities. The preaching that occasioned these conversions represented something new because its practitioners were intending to work directly on the affections and were aiming directly at life-transforming results. This preaching was sometimes provided by itinerants (Whitefield, Howell Harris and soon many imitators), sometimes by settled ministers (Daniel Rowland, Jonathan Edwards) but in all forms it sought not simply intellectual communication but also the responsive engagement of the whole person. The power of evangelical preaching lay in its depiction of a severe divine law and a capacious divine gospel. Even the noteworthy intellectuals of the early movement, Jonathan Edwards and John Wesley, used their formidable mental abilities to move the heart rather than simply convince the mind. The search for true religion was ending with palpable experiences of grace. ( The Rise of Evangelicalism , 100)

Systematic Theology by John Frame

John Frame. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief . Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2013. 1276 pp. $49.99.

Systematic Theology by John Frame is a tour de force distillation of all Frame’s previous theological work into one accessible volume. This theology exists in twelve parts: Introduction, the Biblical Story, God, the Word of God, the Knowledge of God, Angels and Demons, Man, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, the Last Things, and the Christian life.

Bear in mind that any theology, though it is ideal to read through, will most commonly be used as a reference work. This especially may be said for one that is over 1250 pages in length. So, a good theology will be accessible as a reference work. This theology has a number of helpful features that accomplish this.

Frame’s Systematic Theology includes an Analytical Outline. This helps readers know more about the content of each chapter and part. I only wish that this analytical outline also had page references. This theology also includes a helpful index for Scripture References and a carefully annotated Subject and Name index, both found in the back of the theology. I have found these indices to be an aid in my study.

I’ve had my copy of Frame’s Systematic Theology for about four months. During that time I have referred to it often for various matters. I’ve found this volume of theology to be very helpful. A few topics immediately caught my eye as they seemed to be unique offerings.

Chapter 6, the Family of God, discusses God as father and mother, particularly addressing could God be a female. You will want to read this section for sure. I also expect Frame’s section on process theology and futurism to be a standout section for this theology (chapter 17). I am sincerely impressed with the extent that Frame treats trinitarianism (chapters 20-22). His work on human responsibility and freedom has me increasingly curious (chapter 35). Finally, I really appreciate the addition of a chapter on ethics and the Christian life (chapter 52).

Frame is one of the most well known systematicians. You will want this theology in your library. I know that this volume will be one that I turn to often. I can trust what Frame says, even though I will not at all times agree with his conclusions. His study and presentation will be judicious.

Since this is a fifty-two chapter theology, I recommend reading one chapter a week. By the end of a year, you will have completed your study in this mammoth text.

Tough Topics by Sam Storms

Sam Storms. Tough Topics: Biblical Answers to 25 Challenging Questions . Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2013. 368 pp. $19.99

Have you ever received one of those left field questions after preaching a sermon, or meeting a new family, or when you introduce yourself as a pastor? Have you ever faced or walked a family through a tragedy that does not have a cut and dry answer in Scripture?

Pastors are often left helpless in these situations. There are a lot of scenarios that are not covered in a seminary classroom. Likewise, these scenarios may not be experienced during an internship. What is a pastor to do?

Sam Storms, a veteran pastor shepherding at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City and a sharp, able theologian, has assembled a field guide for pastors to tackle tough topics. This field guide covers issues such as open theism, infant salvation, demonization, sex in heaven, tithing, and 20 other challenging questions. Every study has a conclusion that provides a snapshot of Storms’s perspective. And each study includes a “recommended reading” section, equipping pastors to dig deeper on the matter at hand.

There are few practical resources that aid pastors in those unplanned, unprepared, and undesirable moments where they are caught unknowing how to respond. Storms delivers with Tough Topics . These sweeping 10-20 page studies are succinct. The topics are a well assembled selection. I cannot anticipate topics that stump more than these.

The greatest benefit of Tough Topics is that research is cut out for a pastor. I’m not saying pastors should become lazy — hardly so! But haven’t you had that question from someone that you knew you needed to find an answer for — even if it were just for your own good – but you didn’t have half a day to research and prepare a response? Wouldn’t it be helpful to have a handy sourcebook like Tough Topics to aid you? I think so. And, if nothing else, the “recommended reading” section will push pastors into deeper study. A final fringe benefit is that this resource has a built in index found on the cover. I’ve never seen such a terrifically clever cover design meant to help in a pinch. It’s genius!

I keep my copy of Tough Topics on my desk within arm’s reach. Only a dozen or so books earn that place of honor. I’ve turned to Tough Topics often in counseling and processing tough situations with tender people.

Dan Darling. Millennials and the False ‘Gospel of Nice’. (CNN)

Younger Christians are weary of pitched cultural battles and are longing for the “real Jesus” – a Jesus who talks more about washing feet and feeding the poor than flashpoint issues like same-sex marriage and the sanctity of life.

If key evangelical influencers don’t listen, we are told, they are about to lose the entire millennial generation. Or, maybe that generation is already gone.

This story has been told with testimonials, chronicled in best-selling books and posted on popular blogs.

Here’s the short version: If only orthodox evangelical leaders would give up their antiquated beliefs, get more in step with the real Jesus, the church and the world would be better off.

Embedded in this narrative are two presuppositions:

• Young evangelicals are fleeing the church at a rapid pace. • The real message of Jesus looks nothing like orthodox Christianity.

There’s only one thing wrong with these two ideas: They aren’t true.

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones $3.99

Harold Best. Unceasing Worship. Reviewed by John Power. (9 Marks)

Trevin Wax. The Fault Lines Before the Evangelical Earthquake.

The recent controversy surrounding World Vision USA’s decision to open employment to same-sex couples and the organization’s subsequent reversal reveals the fault lines in evangelicalism today.

Patrick Schreiner. David Instone-Brewer Reviews ‘Noah’.

I’ve read a lot of reviews of Noah. But when I saw that David Instone-Brewer, a leading Ancient Near Eastern scholar, decided to weigh in, I couldn’t help but check this out. Enjoy!

Leigh Jones. Army Searches for Motive in Fort Hood Attack. (WORLD)

U.S Army investigators are once again trying to piece together the motives of a soldier who opened fire Wednesday at Fort Hood, the massive military base in Killeen, Texas, where another deadly shooting left 13 people dead in 2009.

Brian Croft. What Are 3 Ways for a Pastor to Prepare His Heart for a Funeral?

Because there are so many elements to plan and logistics to prepare for, it is not uncommon for the pastor to have all his words prepared, service planned out, everyone in place, processional details checked off, and realize an essential element had been neglected—the pastor’s heart. Do not become enslaved to the tyranny of funeral preparation, only to stand and conduct with an empty, drained, and calloused heart. Do not underestimate the emotional and mental drain in comforting the grieving while preparing and performing a funeral. Thus, there are three areas for the pastor to take time and prepare his heart, mind, and soul.

Ecclesiastes 7:2 “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.”

“We can as soon run from ourselves as run from death.” William Gurnall

7 Writing Lessons from Excellent Christian Bloggers

Last week we wrapped up our second series of Christian blogger interviews. In this round we interviewed Jason Brueckner , Christina Fox , Dave Jenkins , David Murray , Barnabas Piper , Mathew Sims , Joe Thorn , and Jared Wilson . In our previous series we interviewed Stephen Altrogge , Aaron Armstrong , Nate Claiborne , Gloria Furman , Mike Leake , and Trevin Wax . From each of these interviews I gleaned profitable lessons about writing.

Here are 7 lessons I have learned from excellent writers during these two series.

1. Good writing flows from the furnace of affliction and the product of exploration.

2. Writing energizes and serves as God’s creative outlet for people to express His image.

3. Writing is a source of therapy and an expression of increasing joy in God.

4. Writing is used by many to sharpen one self, internalize God’s truth, and think aloud.

5. Many writers write under compulsion. They cannot not write.

6. Many bloggers started blogging out of pragmatic purposes: sharing with family, updating friends. But then God launched their ministry into great purposes for His end.

7. Writers who simply write with no interest in tracking statistical blog traffic, write with least encumbrance.

Thank you to each blogger who accepted my interview invitation. I benefit from your ministry and so do so many others. Keep writing!

This series will return again this Summer. If you are a Christian blogger and you would like to be a part of this series, please contact me: jtcochran82 AT gmail DOT com.

Daniel (NIVAC) by Tremper Longman III

Tremper Longman III. Daniel: The NIV Application Commentary . Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1999.

Tremper Longman III is professor of Old Testament at Westmont College and the author of many books and articles, including The NIV Application Commentary on Daniel . Emphasizing heavily the sovereignty of God and the Christ-centeredness of biblical revelation, Longman methodically walks readers through the text of Daniel. Longman treats each chapter of Daniel in its own section, with the exception of chapter 11 and 12 being grouped in one unit.

Though God plays the central role in the book of Daniel, there is much to learn from the book’s namesake. His character outlasts all of the rulers he serves. He represents God to God’s people as the exilic prophet. He is a humble visionary who spends much time on his knees. If you are looking for a bible study to equip you to be faithful in the face of hostile culture and desire a big vision of God, Daniel is an outstanding study to undertake.

Overall, the NIVAC set is my go to set for commentaries. Of course with any commentary, you should make your purchasing decision based on an author and not a set. Still, I repeatedly find that Zondervan pursued quality scholars for this set.

Regarding this commentary of Daniel in particular, Longman consults and dialogues with the most acclaimed commentaries. He navigates critical discussions like the date of the book and the handling of the apocalyptic nature of this book with precision. I found myself convinced by his telescopic understanding of many of these texts, where fulfillment took place at the time of Daniel and again in future events. I especially appreciate the historical details that come to the forefront of his discussion as he looks at the history of various empires identified in the dream or vision narratives. Finally, Longman’s concrete connections between exilic Daniel and his companions with Christ followers in our present hostile culture is both astute and instructive.

Daniel presents special challenges for preachers and teachers. If you are preaching or teaching this book of the Bible, you will need a balanced, well reasoned, commentary that introduces you to various viewpoints meanwhile presenting a strong case for its own. Even if you do not agree with Longman’s conclusions, you will want this commentary in your arsenal. His work in the backgrounds and his careful study of the text is praiseworthy.

Jonathan Parnell. When Scripture is the Controversy. (DG)

If we learned anything from last week, maybe it’s that the real controversy among evangelicals in the coming days will be about the Bible, not homosexuality.

Beneath the surface of the recent scuffle is the more vital issue of how disciples of Jesus posture themselves toward God’s word. It’s not simply about our grasp of what Scripture is, or our conviction of Scripture’s inerrancy, or even where we land with different interpretations. It’s fundamentally about how we approach the words of God, even before we get to the interpretation part. It’s about how we look when we’re looking at Scripture.

The question is: What is the church doing when it’s doing what it does with the Bible?

The Scriptures Testify about Me D A Carson $2.99

Andreas Kostenberger and Justin Taylor. The Final Days of Jesus. Reviewed by Denny Burk.

Thom Rainer. What Worship Style Attracts the Millennials?

As in most of our speaking settings, we allow a portion of our presentation to be a time of questions and answers. And inevitably someone will ask us about the worship style preferences of the Millennials.

Tom Schmidt. 3 Aims of a Preacher.

Why do we preach? What does a preacher hope to accomplish? Augustine, one of the greatest theologians the Christian church has ever known, informs us that the three aims of a preacher are to “ instruct, delight, and move .” [1] These aims work together to persuade a person of the truth. [2]

Mike Leake. How Should We Respond When a Fellow Believer Is Excited About Untruth?

So what should he do? What is a person to do whenever fellow believers get really excited about something but the thing they are excited about is filled with untruth? Do you whack them upside the head with your Bible? Do you just laugh like a nervous school boy and pretend you loved the movie too?

John 10:35 ” — and Scripture cannot be broken.”

“The Bible is the scepter by which the heavenly King rules his church.” John Calvin

Gal. 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?

Gal. 3:7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

What if I were to tell you that I came home one day to see my children furiously cleaning the house to earn their right to stay my children? You would think that they were bewitched. It is a disturbing and sad image. Yet, this is the condition to which Paul confronts the Galatians. They have drifted from the gospel and are convinced that they must do certain things to earn God’s approval.

But real faith relies on Christ. What does real faith look like? We can make four conclusions about real faith based on this passage.

Real faith relies on Christ.

Real faith comes from hearing the gospel and responding to the gospel. A response to the gospel comes through faith. Faith will not be demonstrated unless the gospel is heard. Romans 10:14-17 says:

Rom. 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Thus, if we wish for people to rely on Christ in faith, we must put the gospel before them. We must preach it to them. We must, as Paul says, publicly portray Jesus Christ as crucified. In other words, the cross of Christ must be such a vivid image in peoples minds that it is as if they were there when they were not. This requires earnestness.

Real faith is supplied by the Spirit.

Yet, we may preach Christ crucified as much as we may, but this is no guarantee of conversion. The only guarantor of conversion is the Holy Spirit. When people hear the gospel, the Holy Spirit must come to them, fill them, regenerate them, and give them faith to believe. The Holy Spirit is supplied; the Holy Spirit is received. The Holy Spirit is a gift that keeps giving. He equips, counsels, and advocates on our behalf. We never graduate from needing him. We never move on from living by him. The Holy Spirit who began the work of salvation keeps us for Christ. Our works add nothing to his work. His work is sufficient.

Real faith is like Abraham’s.

Looking at the portrait of Abraham puts us before the Law; it puts us before circumcision; it puts us before Israel. The portrait of Abraham is the portrait of faith and inclusion in the gospel.

God justified Abraham according to his faith in Genesis 15. God declared Abraham acceptable in his sight. God unilaterally covenanted promise, seed, and blessing, not just for Abraham and his family, but for all nations. In Genesis 18, God continued to fulfill his promise of seed by sharing that Abraham would have a son. This son would lead to the seed, the Son of God, Jesus Christ. In Genesis 21, Abraham’s faith was put to the test. He was asked to sacrifice his son. But Abraham continued in his belief. He told his servants, “The boy and I will go up the mountain and worship, and we will return again to you.” Though Abraham was tasked to sacrifice his only son, he was convinced that God would raise him up again and return him to Abraham. God provided a sacrifice, a substitute for Isaac, to both the relief of father and son, just as Abraham told Isaac. God delivered!

Real faith is imputed to us. God declared Abraham righteous. Abraham did nothing here to deserve this declaration. It was God’s grace to Abraham. The promises that come with faith are fulfilled by God, though the faithful will be tested. Yet, God will keep he or she.

Real faith unites us to Christ as blessed sons.

Those who demonstrate real faith are united to Christ. Sonship has nothing to do with gender but relationship. Sons are of the same stuff and have the same rights and privileges of their father. So when I refer to sons, I am inclusive of daughters. Sons receive rights; they are given authority to represent the father. Sons receive privileges; they have an eternal inheritance. Sons receive reconciliation with God and each other; through Christ all humanity is reconciled, Gentile and Jew alike. Thus, Sons have unity with one another and nothing divides them. Nothing. Sons are of one tribe. They all share their father’s stuff, all his blessings. Sons are united and reconciled to one another as a glorious testimony of God.

Has God given you real faith?

To be sure, ask simple questions. Am I sorrowful over sin? Am I walking in repentance? Are my affections for Christ increasing? Are my affections for the law increasing?

You see, the law does not justify, but it is still certainly good and beneficial. We should desire to keep the law, not for acceptance but towards the end of glory. By keeping the law, we bring honor and glory to God. We reflect godness to others by loving the law of God.

Do you rely on Christ rather than works?

Years ago a young man trudged up a hill with wood on his back. He trudged toward his own sacrifice. His father accompanied him. That father was faithful to the task and did not withhold his son, his only son, from being struck. Is that father Abraham or God? Yes! And is that son Isaac, Christ, or us? Again, I say yes!

Real faith relies on Christ!

Catching Foxes by John Henderson

John Henderson. Catching Foxes: A Gospel Guided Journey to Marriage . Ft. Worth, TX: ABC RES, 2011. 289 pp. $16.99.

Catching Foxes is a premarital guide for young couples preparing for marriage. John Henderson indicates the most critical component for a healthy marriage. “The most vital preparation for marriage is internal. Our hearts must be awakened, matured, and strengthened in Jesus Christ” (12). This is precisely what Henderson sets out to do, strengthen a relationship in Christ, before and after the wedding.

This book is divided into two parts. The first part covers the wedding preparation. Here a future bridal couple is challenged to share his or her story with one another, understand themselves, and understand marriage (including individual roles). Then Catching Foxes continues by equipping couples to handle marital conflict biblically, enjoy sexual union, practice financial stewardship, and develop realistic expectations for marriage.

Part two helps couples prepare for the wake of marriage reality and their life ahead in biblical community.

First up, this is a combined book and workbook. In other words, participants do not need to make a second purchase, which is customary for pre-marital counseling resources. Second, this is a truly biblically based resource. I wish this is what my wife and I went through. We may still do so. This resource presses you into the text, which presses the text into your heart. Third, because this text is biblical, it is, therefore, theologically grounded. Read this and rejoice:

A growing understanding of how God keeps covenant with us will help us keep covenant with others. Since our marriages will be full of sinfulness, then our marriages must be full of genuine repentance and genuine forgiveness. Only grace can accomplish such a feat. (83)

Finally, solid bible and theology leads to sage advice. This resource helps newlyweds ask the right questions of them self, the kinds of questions that put death to sin in self and pursue selflessness and grace in marriage.

Catching Foxes is the premarital guide that you are looking to use with young couples preparing for marriage. You have tried other resources, but you know that they just haven’t fit perfectly. They don’t cover all the needs. Catching Foxes does this. Get it! Catching Foxes is only available at the Association for Biblical Counselors website .

Tim Challies. 7 Things a Good Dad Says.

I think I may be leaving one phase of fatherhood behind even while I enter into another. My youngest child is just about to turn eight, which means that we are not only past the baby and toddler stages, but even nearing the end of the little kid phase. Meanwhile my oldest child has turned fourteen and is just months away from high school. All this change has caused me to think about fatherhood and the new challenges coming my way. I have found myself thinking back to the many models of fatherhood I have seen and admired through the years. What made these fathers admirable? What set them apart? What was it that they said to their children? From these models I have drawn seven things a good father says.

United by Trillia Newbell $2.99

Andy Naselli. What is Biblical Theology? A Guide to the Bible’s Story, Symbolism and Patterns.

Gloria Furman. A Celebration of Biblical Masculinity. (CBMW)

I live in a culture that admires a man’s earning power, and his fertility, and his ability to rule his domain with an iron fist.

While Scripture certainly calls for a Christ-like masculinity that provides for and protects his family, the Bible takes a wrecking ball to the culture-based ideals of masculinity that are celebrated around the world.

By God’s grace, I enjoy the fruits of living with a man who demonstrates biblical masculinity. This is the kind of masculinity that emerges from the gospel, points back to the gospel, and celebrates the gospel in my home.

Barnabas Piper. Pastors and Their Kids: An Interview with Darrin Patrick.

Most pastors love their kids deeply. They have dreams for them and hopes. They want the best for them and work to provide it. Like all of us, they are fallible. And when you add the (enormous) pressure of ministry to that fallibility, being a parent gets really difficult. I’ve reached out to several pastors to hear from them about their relationships with their kids. I’ve written a fair amount about being a PK from a PK’s perspective, but I think hearing from pastors is also helpful. It’s too easy to get jaded or lose perspective. Both sides of the story need to be told. For the next several weeks I will be sharing the responses from these pastors.

Joe Carter. The Most Deadly Environmental Problem in the World Today (Is Not Climate Change). (Acton)

A United Nations panel recently released a report on the single most important environmental problem in the world today — and yet you’ve probably read nothing about it in the news.

Isaiah 2:4 “He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and the shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”

“Peace is such a precious jewel that I would give anything for it but truth.” Matthew Henry

The World’s Vision of Evangelicalism

Have you ever walked through MOMA (The Museum of Modern Art in New York City)? At some point in your walk, you will see a piece of artwork that will be provocative, chilling, offensive, and scandalous.

You will not keep your eyes off this piece. It will haunt your gaze. And just like an awful smell you cannot help but sniff again, when you look away from this artwork, you helplessly return for another peak.

I’m not entirely sure how national the news regarding World Vision’s personnel decision is. No doubt it will continue to saturate news media outlets in coming days and weeks. I sense that the world’s reaction will be similar to one might have in MOMA, both of dismay and peculiar fascination.

Let’s consider the world’s vision of evangelicalism based on this recent event. Here are four things that the world will see about evangelicals.

1. Christian organizations can be inconsiderate but repentant.

World Vision’s personnel decision was at minimum inconsiderate. World Vision should have anticipated the resultant fallout of this decision. This decision placed sponsors in an impossible moral dilemma. How could they distinguish the lesser of two evils? This was not a fair situation for sponsors.

World Vision should have sent news to sponsors about potential change. They should have researched and explored options. They felt like they did due diligence, but we learned otherwise.

World Vision President Richard Stearns admits, “We did inadequate consultation with our supporters. If I could have a do-over on one thing, I would have done much more consultation with Christian leaders.”

Now, of course, World Vision has since reversed this decision. World Vision’s President submitted a humble apology and expressed repentance over the decision. Unfortunately, some will perceive the reversal as double-minded. They will wonder, “Did World Vision cave to constituency or were they compelled by conviction?” Nonetheless, President Stearns and World Vision’s sincere repentance is applaudable. I appreciate his transparency and repentant heart. May the world see this example and learn from it.

2. Christian media capitalizes and mediates controversy.

Christianity Today earned a huge newsbreak from World Vision. But why were they not more sensitive about this news? What discernment did this media outlet practice? Did Christianity Today pander to the intoxication of links, hits, and shares? Did this news media outlet capitalize on controversy? It appears so.

But Christianity Today is not the only one. Almost every christian web blog capitalized on this controversy. And at the same time, each of these media sources mediated the situation.

The world saw that people really care about starving children and homosexuality. I bet that is the first time you’ve read it that way. Almost every other source points the finger at one group or the other. In an us vs. them approach, it has been worded, “You don’t care about this.” We need to flip this around. Both groups care sincerely about vital issues.

3. The downward spiral of evangelicalism’s perception is driving away people.

The outsider’s perception of evangelicalism is in a downward spiral. When people look at evangelicalism they cease to see the central point as Jesus Christ. They simply think the perceived distinctive about evangelicalism is its stand against homosexuality.

Because evangelicals are perceived as bigots with a vendetta against one sin issue at the neglect of all the sin issues that are swept under the rug, many are walking away from the movement.

Listen to this quote from Rachel Held Evans on the CNN Belief Blog:

As I grieved with my (mostly 20- and 30-something) readers over this ugly and embarrassing situation, I heard a similar refrain over and over again: “I don’t think I’m an evangelical anymore. I want to follow Jesus, but I can’t be a part of this.”

Because homosexuality has become the issue of the day, it is becoming the central point of the evangelical movement. Truly, this should not be the case, but that is not what the world’s vision of evangelicalism will be. We should all mourn this.

4. There are many wounded, worn out, emotionally exhausted evangelicals tired of controversy.

When a person is curious about how an evangelical feels about this matter, the likely response he or she will receive is numbness. Christians are worn out by controversy. That is the response I received from many. Many shared with me that they breaked from Facebook that week. They didn’t want to know the news because it was too discouraging.

This event took the wind out of the sails of many; the world will see this.

A Way Forward: The Cross Looms Over All Sin

Evangelicals lose when Christ and the cross is not the center. We fail when the world’s gaze sees an issue of the day and not the issue of all time. We should mourn when the cross of Christ is not the most provocative news. The cross of Christ should loom to the forefront and this controversy should sit in its shadow.

When this news broke, most responded against a sin issue, not the gospel issue. Some balance headed spokespersons did address this point, but most did not. Rather, bigotry or compromise were addressed, not gospel.

When Paul confronted the Galatians for embracing works, he did not first address a sin issue. He addressed the gospel issue. He began with “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel” (Gal. 1:6). This is our first and foremost priority. We respond to the gospel issue and then the sin issue.

At the end of the day, we all loss here: World Vision, christian news media, the Church, and each evangelical.

Yet, the cross looms over this all. Christ’s death is sufficient to cover this all.

Christ died for everyone involved in this controversy. He died for decision makers at World Vision. He died for members of the Christian news media. He died for every shortsighted commentator and narrow-minded name caller on social media. He died for the wounded, worn out, and emotionally exhausted evangelicals.

If the world is carefully watching, they will see glimpses of Jesus here: fully at work, rescuing, and restoring.

Before the press release, all of these people were sinners. And at the end of this post all of us are sinners.

Yet, Christ died for all. He knew he would die for all, all this controversy, including that which falls short of the glory of God in this post. May the world’s vision of these events fall first and foremost upon the beauty of Christ and the redemption that comes from Him. May the world’s vision of evangelicalism see that God works all for the good — even controversy (Rom. 8:28).

Evangelical Theology by Michael Bird

Michael Bird. Evangelical Theology: A Biblical and Systematic Introduction . Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2013. 800 pp. $49.99.

Evangelical Theology is a systematized approach that looks at all theology through the lens of the gospel. Essentially, this work is a creative blend between systematic and biblical theology. Michael Bird, lecturer in theology at Ridley Melbourne College of Mission and Ministry, summarizes his work in this way, “It is a gospel-centered theology for Christians who seek to define themselves principally by the gospel” (21).

This theology is smartly sectioned in eight parts. I will not go into detail on these parts, but I will say that I am impressed with Bird’s creative choice. He does not take a historical, creedal, or traditional approach. Yet, in some way it appears that his approach remains respectful to these other approaches and is constructed in the same spirit as well. He thought carefully about a novel approach to resection and reorder systematics. And quite honestly, I like what he’s done.

As far as a summary of the kind of content you will see, understand that Bird intentionally focuses toward being biblical rather than demonstrating mastery over the historical body of theology. In other words, don’t expect Evangelical Theology to be as heavy an engagement with other theologies or a commentary on other theologies as it is a textbook on exegeting from Scripture the premise that the gospel is the canon within the canon. Nonetheless, Bird displays prowess with his grasp of systematics, which is an impressive display for a New Testament scholar. But bear in mind this is one New Testament guy praising another, so I’m a little biased to my own.

With each part Bird considers the gospel implications of that area of theology. Being that gospel-centeredness is of critical importance today and that an important ongoing dialogue within the evangelical community is having a clear definition of the gospel, this systematic theology is a timely addition for the Church.

Furthermore, I really liked the production of Evangelical Theology . Michael Bird is a clear and practical theologian and this is evident in his writing. And the construction of this theology is meant to be accessible, portable, and usable. The wide margins are helpful to jot notes. The footnotes do not take over an entire page like might happen in other theologies. A final fringe benefit is that occasionally Bird clues us in on further readings for particular topics. This feature ends up being a great shortcut in knowing what theological resources to add to your library on a singular biblical-theological topic.

This is a recommended resource. Every pastor needs a number of solid systematic theologies on his shelf. They should be a blend of old and new theologies. In my opinion, this current theology dialogues well with all the others and earns a valuable spot on your bookshelf.

Joe Thorn. Antinomianism? An Interview with Mark Jones.

I am thankful for the renewed focus on “the gospel” in so many of our churches and ministries today. We are once again seeking to plumb the depths of the gospel to see all the ways the work of Christ is our hope and salvation. Yet in the midst of all things “gospel centered” there has been some online debate between popular preachers concerning the gospel and the Christian life. Many of us have continued to have this discussion on and offline ourselves. At stake in these conversations are the relationship between the law and the gospel, the use of the law in the life of the Christian, the relationship between justification and sanctification, and the nature of assurance, to name a few.

To date my favorite book on this is Mark Jones’ new work, Antinomianism: Reformed Theology’s Unwelcome Guest?

Jones’ Antinomianism addresses these central issues by walking the reader through the seventeenth century antinomian debates and providing careful biblical and theological teaching that cuts through much of the fog that has developed in the online discussions. Mark was kind enough to answer a few questions about his book.

Mark Dever. 12 Challenges Churches Face. Crossway Impact Member Price ($1.99).

If you are not a Crossway Impact Member, you should definitely consider joining. This is a great program to be a part!

Bart Ehrman. How Jesus Became God. Reviewed by Andreas Kostenberger. (TGC)

David Burnette. Suggested Resources on Family Worship. (Radical)

In our recent interview with Matt Mason on family worship, we asked him for some resource recommendations. He gave us a boatload of good suggestions, so we decided to include those separately in the post below.

Here are some books Matt recommends for you and your family along with some brief descriptions…

Joe Carter. The Repristinator: A Review of Noah. (TGC)

The world’s oldest genre of fiction is the deluge apocalypse, a narrative in which a great flood is sent by a deity, or deities, to destroy civilization in an act of divine retribution. Throughout history there are reportedly more than 2,000 varieties of the genre, from the ancient Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh to the modern American farce of Evan Almighty , each loosely based on true account, the historical story of Noah recorded in the book of Genesis.

The latest addition to the genre is Darren Aronofsky’s art house blockbuster Noah .

Russ Pulliam. Seniors Addicted to Slots. (World)

A recent study by the Institute for American Values (IAV) outlines the tragedy: Casinos have become depressing senior citizen centers.

Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

“Stretch your purse to the utmost, and do all the good you can.” Richard Baxter