Thursday, September 26, 2013

Parenting Does Not Create the Child

Interesting observations: Parenting Does Not Create the Child – Kevin DeYoung:
"Parenting has become more complicated than it needs to be. It used to be, as far as I can tell, that Christian parents basically tried to feed their kids, clothe them, teach them about Jesus, and keep them away from explosives.... 
As nanny parents living in a nanny state, we think of our children as amazingly fragile and entirely moldable. Both assumptions are mistaken. It’s harder to ruin our kids than we think and harder to stamp them for success than we’d like."


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Theological Primer: Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism

Some big words for today: Theological Primer: Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism – Kevin DeYoung:
"In the end, I affirm the infralapsarian position taught in the Canons of Dort (First Head of Doctrine, Articles 6, 7). But I also agree with those who caution against being overly dogmatic on a matter that involves some speculation. The debate is not insignificant, but neither is it a hill to die on."


Thursday, September 19, 2013

5 Questions to Ask When Reading the Bible

Not bad, I also ask questions about how it ties into other passages and where it fits in the overall story: 5 Questions to Ask When Reading the Bible by Steven Lawson | Ligonier Ministries Blog:
"How exactly does the Bible—an ancient book written thousands of years ago—reveal God’s way to people today? There are several key questions we must ask, the answers to which reveal to us the way. Here they are:"

The trouble with atheists: a defence of faith

A long article about Christian emotions: The trouble with atheists: a defence of faith | Books | The Guardian:
"But suppose, as the atheist bus goes by, you are poverty stricken, or desperate for a job, or a drug addict, or social services have just taken away your child. The bus tells you that there's probably no God so you should stop worrying and enjoy your life, and now the slogan is not just bitterly inappropriate in mood. What it means, if it's true, is that anyone who isn't enjoying themselves is entirely on their own. What the bus says is: there's no help coming. Now don't get me wrong. I don't think there's any help coming, in one large and important sense of the term. I don't believe anything is going to happen that will materially alter the position these people find themselves in. But let's be clear about the emotional logic of the bus's message. It amounts to a denial of hope or consolation on any but the most chirpy, squeaky, bubble-gummy reading of the human situation. St Augustine called this kind of thing "cruel optimism" 1,500 years ago, and it's still cruel."

Religion #1 cause of war

It is worth while following footnote 2 and reading pages 102-106 in that Google book: Religion #1 cause of war | crusades | Stalin | Hitler | Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry:
"An interesting source of truth on the matter is Philip and Axelrod’s three-volume Encyclopedia of Wars, which chronicles some 1,763 wars that have been waged over the course of human history. Of those wars, the authors categorize 123 as being religious in nature,2 which is an astonishingly low 6.98% of all wars. However, when one subtracts out those waged in the name of Islam (66), the percentage is cut by more than half to 3.23%"


“You Can’t Use the Bible to Prove the Bible” . . . And Other Stupid Statements

Interesting line of reasoning: “You Can’t Use the Bible to Prove the Bible” . . . And Other Stupid Statements | Parchment and Pen:
"For the non-Christian especially, the Bible should be seen as sixty-six ancient documents, all of which stand or fall on their own. In order to make them stand or fall together, one must assume a single authorship of some sort. At that point, the argument becomes self-defeating, as the very statement (“You can’t use the Bible to prove the Bible”) proves the Bible!"


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

What Are the Essentials of the Christian Faith?

I like how both behavior and belief are considered, rather than just belief: What Are the Essentials of the Christian Faith? – Kevin DeYoung:
I don’t pretend that this is anywhere close to a comprehensive list from the Bible. But a list like this may be helpful in guarding against false teaching and examining our own lives.


5 Types of Sermon Illustrations and How to Use Them

Some practical advice: 5 Types of Sermon Illustrations and How to Use Them – The Gospel Coalition Blog:
"Categorizing illustrations is helpful because it gives you certain tools for certain purposes. It would be frustrating to use a hammer on a screw instead of a screwdriver, although if you pound hard enough it could do the job. Similarly, it can be frustrating to write an extended story to illustrate a Bible verse that only needs a word picture or an analogy. When you match the right illustration tool to right job, it gets easier and more enjoyable."

Sermons from the 2013 Presbyterian General Assembly of Australia

I like David Cook and David Jones: Sermons from the 2013 Presbyterian General Assembly of Australia : Anglican Church League, Sydney, Australia:
The Sermons from the Presbyterian General Assembly of Australia 2013 (just concluded) are now available to hear and download.

Need More? Check Out These Resources

I am two weeks out from finishing multiply with someone else. Here are some good resources to help move them along the discipleship journey: Need More? Check Out These Resources | multiply:
"We’ve divided these recommended resources up according to the various needs that groups may have. Whether you’re meeting with an unbeliever, going through some essential biblical truths, or wanting to dig deeper, we recommend the following resources. As with any resource, read the following with discernment:"


Thursday, September 12, 2013

The Question That Never Goes Away eBook: Philip Yancey

Free Yancey book on kindle: Amazon.com: The Question That Never Goes Away eBook: Philip Yancey: Kindle Store:
"Some days, the news seems too much to bear. Yet another tsunami or earthquake or flood or fire or war atrocity. One more gun-toting madman stalking young people in idyllic Norway or moviegoers in Colorado or schoolchildren in Newtown, Connecticut. We turn off the news only to get a phone call about expectant parents with a stillborn baby, or a loved one whose cancer has returned. "

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Explore God

This site looks quite good: Explore God

Blood Work eBook: Carter, Anthony: Kindle Store

Free kindle book: Amazon.com: Blood Work eBook: Carter, Anthony: Kindle Store:
Evangelical Christians often sing and preach about the blessed blood of Christ and the wonderful things it accomplishes for believers. To the uninformed ear, such language can convey the idea that Jesus’ blood had semi-magical qualities. Actually, Jesus’ blood was normal human blood, but the Bible refers to it in metaphorical terms to portray the many benefits that come to Christians because of Jesus’ death. In Blood Work: How the Blood of Christ Accomplishes Our Salvation, Anthony J. Carter traces this theme through the New Testament, showing how the biblical writers used the powerful metaphor of the blood of Jesus to help Christians grasp the treasures Jesus secured for them in His death on the cross. In doing so, he provides a fresh perspective on the atonement Jesus made.


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

PM misrepresents the Bible

It annoys me, when some who says they are informed are actually ill-informed. A good response to KRudd: PM misrepresents the Bible | The Briefing:
I am appalled at how this national leader, publicly claiming “an informed conscience and a Christian conscience”, misrepresented the Holy Book of the faith he confesses, on its teaching on one matter (slavery) to avoid its teaching on another matter (of marriage), in order to justify his abandonment of that biblical teaching.

The Atonement of Jesus Teaching Series by Dr. R.C. Sproul from Ligonier Ministries

10 free talks by Sproul on the Atonement. Its a shame they only steam and are not downloadable: The Atonement of Jesus Teaching Series by Dr. R.C. Sproul from Ligonier Ministries:
"A growing number of professing Christian theologians in our day are questioning the doctrine of the substitutionary atonement of Jesus. One has gone so far as to describe such a concept as “a form of cosmic child abuse.” In this series, R.C. Sproul explains the biblical doctrine of atonement, dispelling caricatures of it, and clearing up misunderstandings that have arisen over time."


J. C. Ryle’s Evangelistic Strategy

This idea made be old, but it is a good one: J. C. Ryle’s Evangelistic Strategy:
Bishop Ryle’s evangelistic strategy was not rocket science, just good biblical common sense. Faced by a vast population unreached with the Christian message, he sought to multiply the number of Christian workers engaged in front-line evangelism. These workers were to be deployed aggressively, in defiance of the parish system if necessary, so that no community was deprived of the opportunity to hear the gospel. The workers must do the right work, which is proclamation, and not be distracted by less urgent concerns. And they must proclaim the right message, which is the glorious news of Jesus Christ crucified. It was not a complex or innovative strategy, but the tried and tested approach of apostles,reformers and evangelical preachers throughout previous generations.The bishop was convinced from Scripture and history that this was still the only God-ordained means by which the people of Liverpool diocese would be rescued eternally