This is why God gave you a couch

We just got our new couches last week: This is why God gave you a couch: Luke #43 Sermon Notes | The Mars Hill Blog:

We’re gonna open our home. We’re gonna see the harvest of the Kingdom of God on our couch. On our couch, we’re gonna see the Kingdom of God. We’re gonna see people go from death to life. We’re gonna see generations and legacies altered on our couch.” Just so you know, that’s why God gave you a couch.

Driscoll, Chan and Harris in a conversation

A 15 minute discussion with the colour turned down: What's Next for Francis Chan? A Conversation with Mark Driscoll and Joshua Harris on Vimeo

Theological Acumen from the IRS

The US Government hasn't done too bad in their definition of a Church...Theological Acumen from the IRS – Kevin DeYoung:

The U.S. Court of Appeals recently ruled that religious groups who primarily offer radio and internet worship services do not meet the IRS definition of church. .... In addition, the IRS has outlined 14 criteria for determining what is and and is not a church

And here are the 14 points of a Church, according to the IRS

Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Family Worship

Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Family Worship | TheResurgence:

I beseech, I entreat, I charge you to begin and continue the worship of God in your families from this day to the close of your lives... Consider family religion not merely as a duty imposed by authority, but as your greatest privilege granted by divine grace

EPIC FAIL Pastors’ Conference

I think this sounds like a good idea. There are probably conferences like this, but you just never hear about them, unless they are in your area...: J.R. Briggs � EPIC FAIL Pastors’ Conference � Attempting to behold the miracle long enough without falling asleep:

Invite healthy, faithful, honest and deep pastors/leaders from around the country (most who pastor congregations under 250 people) to speak.

The Archer and the Arrow

Maybe I am a cynic, but when I see any sequel that was not meant to be one, I think its a cash in...: The Archer and the Arrow | Challies Dot Com:

The follow-up to The Trellis and the Vine is called The Archer and the Arrow. While it comes from Matthias Media, the same publisher, it is written by different authors: Phillip Jensen and Paul Grimmond.

A Lost Letter to Wormwood

Kevin DeYoung writes another Screwtape letter, mostly aimed at student attending a church:

A Lost Letter to Wormwood – Kevin DeYoung

A Lost Letter to Wormwood (conclusion) – Kevin DeYoung

students today love the idea of community. Do everything in your power to keep them loving the idea of community rather than loving their community. As long as they love their vision of community instead of loving the actual fleshly people around them, they will never have real community and they will stay far away from church.

The world is filled with boys who can shave - Mark Driscoll

Driscoll in the Washington Post: On Faith Panelists Blog: The world is filled with boys who can shave - Mark Driscoll

Today, adolescence starts somewhere in the teen years and continues indefinitely. There is no foreseeable end. The problem with adolescence is guys don't know when they're ever going to grow up and be men, and no pressure is exerted on them to do so.

What Is the Bible Basically About?

Some old school paintings have been put over some audio from Tim Keller, explaining what the Bible is pretty much about: What Is the Bible Basically About? – The Gospel Coalition Blog

Why Aren’t ‘Emerging Adults’ Emerging as Adults?

Do you think 20-somethings in Oz are also putting off adulthood? AlbertMohler.com – Why Aren’t ‘Emerging Adults’ Emerging as Adults?:

Consider this: In 1960, the vast majority of young adults had, by the time they reached 30, accomplished the five standard milestones used to measure adult status. These milestones include completing school, leaving home, getting married, having a child, and establishing financial independence. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, less than one-half of all young women reached these milestones by age 30 in 2000. Even more concerning — less than one third of all young men did.

The Castle on King

Do Moore College students have too much time on their hands? :) This is an amusing parody of "the Castle" set in some student accommodation on King Street: YouTube - The Castle on King.mov

The man who 'sees' Virgin Mary every day

I'm a bit sceptical if I'm honest. Is their focus on Jesus or Mary? I thought the bible was clear on worshiping Mary, or if an angel preaches anything but the good news of Jesus... BBC News - Newsnight - The man who 'sees' Virgin Mary every day

John Piper's Concern in the Justification Debate

Piper on imputation: John Piper's Concern in the Justification Debate :: Desiring God:

So I'm giving this little video clip just to say that I really believe that Christians have to be loving, they have to be just, they have to be caring. In other words, the fruits of the Spirit really matter. We are not born again if we are not living differently than we would if we weren't born again. I just want to say that the doctrine of justification by faith alone, or imputation through union with Christ along the instrument of faith alone, is the best way forward in that.

“And Then They Are All Mine” — The Real Agenda of Some College Professors

Is this just an american thing?: AlbertMohler.com – “And Then They Are All Mine” — The Real Agenda of Some College Professors:

That’s right, a significant number of professors are happy to have parents spend 18 years raising children, only to drop them off on the campus and head back home. These professors are confident that the four or so years of the college experience will be ample time to separate students from the beliefs, convictions, moral commitments, and faith of their parents.

Religious Pray for Atheists to Die?

Atheist Penn talks about the possible story of people praying for Hitchens to get sick and Die: YouTube - Religious Pray for Atheists to Die? - Christopher Hitchens Fights Cancer - "Why Not Me?" - Penn ... (there is a small language warning to this link)

TGC Asks: What one thing would you change about seminary?

A few teachers from bible colleges respond, including Al Mohler and Don Carson. It is worth a read: TGC Asks: What one thing would you change about seminary? – The Gospel Coalition Blog

What is the Difference Between Election and Predestination?

What is the Difference Between Election and Predestination? – Kevin DeYoung:

My short answer is: in popular usage, not a lot.

...predestination is the broader category of which election is the smaller subset.

Young, Restless & Reformed Cake

This cake is taking it to another level. Should I be concerned that Piper on top of the bible?: Young, Restless & Reformed Cake :: Desiring God

How a Godly Man Dates a Woman

Christians date differently: How a Godly Man Dates a Woman | The Mars Hill Blog:

...there are selfish reasons to date and God-honoring reasons to date. This [unmarried, cohabitating couple I know at work] is in a self-serving relationship: all the benefits, but none of the commitments and responsibilities of being in a marriage.

Teens Want More Than Pizza

A good article on youth ministry: Teens Want More Than Pizza – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

Youth pastors need to embrace a ministry of gospel proclamation and gospel equipping. We preach the gospel, we make disciples, and then we train those disciples to do the same. We get the students to the point where they say of our gospel work: “Hey, I can do that!” That is more exciting than Wii. The growth that comes through this is called “gospel growth.” And that’s better than kids coming just for the pizza.

Who’s building the kingdom? (a few quotes) � Expository Thoughts

Are Christians to build the Kingdom of God or is it all up to God to do it himself? Or is it a cooperation? Three interesting quotes on this: Who’s building the kingdom? (a few quotes) � Expository Thoughts

Justification by Theology

Do we think we are saved by our theology or by Jesus? Justification by Theology | TheResurgence:

- If there is a disagreement, we defend Calvinism before we seek unity in the Gospel.
- When asked to describe our theology, we define ourselves as a Calvinist more quickly than as a Christian.
- And perhaps the worst of all...when our hearts are more captivated by the points of TULIP than with the person and work of Jesus.

Is it OK to kill people proselytizing?

Ed Stetzer asks a good question: Twitter / Ed Stetzer: Media keeps saying medical ...

Media keeps saying medical workers weren't proselytizing. OK, but is OK to murder if they were?

Here is more info on what he is talking about.

Australian Christian Book of the Year 2010

Losing my Religion by Tom Frame came first, "The Trellis and the Vine" came second: Australian Christian Book of the Year 2010 : Anglican Church League, Sydney, Australia

I wrote a review of Losing my Religion here and a review of a Trellis and the Vine workshop here.

The Bible, seen from outer space

Satellite photos of Moses crossing the red sea, the garden of Eden, Noah's ark and the crucifixion: The Bible, seen from outer space

The Making of an Atheist

Possibly interesting book: The Making of an Atheist - TGC Reviews:

Spiegel clearly states his thesis: The real causes of unbelief and skepticism have more to do with the will than with reason. These causes are moral and psychological in nature. He says, no doubt to the ire of atheists everywhere, “For the atheist, the missing ingredient is not evidence, but obedience” (11).

Ministry Training Paper: Use Of Music In Church

Phil Jensen on music in Church: Articles | Ministry Training Paper: Use Of Music In Church | Phillip Jensen

Policy Comparison - 2010 Federal Election

The ABC have a summary of the 3 main party polices Policy Comparison - 2010 Federal Election - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

The ACL also have their own list which you can customise using the "Compare Parties" button: http://www.australiavotes.org.au/policies/

Library of Historical Apologetics

A new website is up, that looks interesting... there is not much there yet: Library of Historical Apologetics

The 2010 Social Networking Map

Interesting map of the Internet: The 2010 Social Networking Map / Flowtown (@flowtown)

Australian Christian Lobby's Videos

You can watch the whole Rudd and Abbot "Make it Count" addresses online, as well as an interview with Gillard: Australian Christian Lobby's videos on Vimeo

Selected classic essays on using Greek in ministry

Do you look at the Greek when preparing for a sermon? Here are some essays on the topic: Selected classic essays on using Greek in ministry

Federal Election resources

These two links on this page might help make a more informed decision in the election: Federal Election resources : Anglican Church League, Sydney, Australia

Pastor Mark’s Date Night Tips

Useful. So far there at 16 tips: Pastor Mark’s Date Night Tips | The Mars Hill Blog

Faith in the OT

Faith in the OT � Expository Thoughts:

"The only thing that is going to cause an Israelite to take an expensive, flawless animal and sacrifice it is faith in what Moses has said"

What I Didn’t Learn About Manhood from Esquire

What the mag Esquire thinks about manhood: What I Didn’t Learn About Manhood from Esquire | The Mars Hill Blog:

...the magazine is left with manhood being defined by what you individually consume, from clothes to technology to women.

Nonetheless, they proceed (boldly or foolishly, I don’t know) to fill the pages of the guide-that-isn’t-a-guide on manhood

One hundred and seventy pages later, I don’t know how to be a man. I learned some general life lessons and heard some nice stories about Tom Cruise and A.J. Jacobs’ kids, but I haven’t left the How to be a Man issue with any tangible instruction as to how to be a better man, let alone a better husband or father.

New Media and the Local Church – The Gospel Coalition Blog

Dirty bloggers: New Media and the Local Church – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

the average American pastor delivers his sermon to 60 people each week. Yet during that same week, even mildly successful bloggers will reach a more sizable audience. Who has the greater influence, then?

Evangelical bloggers are not only able to gain significant influence, but are able to do so without scrutiny by a seminary, local church, or other ecclesiastical or institutional body. Indeed, some bloggers have found that their leadership on the web dwarfs the leverage they have within their local church (especially if they attend a megachurch).

When Is It Adultery?

The Church and marriage and divorce: When Is It Adultery?| Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage:

I think churches have virtually no standard anymore and we need to start taking this very seriously. When you say “I do”, it means you did—till death do you part. We must realize that there is a biblical standard that has been ignored and it’s time for the Church to quit treating it so casually and answer the looming question: When is what Jesus said ever true? If we can’t even answer the question, we are in a really bad place.

Should Men Listen to Female Speakers?

Piper on women speakers: Should Men Listen to Female Speakers? :: Desiring God

A “New Agnosticism” - Coming Soon?

Is there a new movement coming out in response to the theists and the new Atheist: AlbertMohler.com – A “New Agnosticism” — Coming Soon?:

Rosenbaum has no tolerance for theism, either. In fact, he basically accepts the atheistic rejection of any belief in a personal God. “Let me make clear that I accept most of the New Atheist’s criticism of religious bad behavior over the centuries, and of theology itself,” he asserts. “I just don’t accept turning science into a new religion until it can show it has all the answers, which it hasn’t, and probably never will.”

“Agnosticism is not for the simple-minded and is not as congenial as atheism and theism are.” Ah, so by implication, theism and atheism might be for the simple-minded, but it takes a higher intellect to be agnostic. How humble.

Stuff Christians Like: Being Jerks Online – The Gospel Coalition Blog

Agree? Disagree? Stuff Christians Like: Being Jerks Online – The Gospel Coalition Blog

Ministries of Mercy by Keller free audio

You have to sign up the the website, but then every month you can get a free audio book. This month's is a book by Tim Keller from: christianaudio.com

Christian Experience

Jensen quotes John (not Joel) Osteen on an religious experience and talks about religious experiences in general: Articles | Ministry Training Paper: Christian Experience | Phillip Jensen:

...when we try to attach our Holy Spirit crisis experience to the Scriptures, giving it a Biblical name and prescribing it for all Christians we cause needless strife, jealousy, division and harm to the church, which is God’s temple.

Matt Chandler at the 2010 SBC Pastor’s Conference

Matt Chandler at the 2010 SBC Pastor’s Conference | The Village Church : From Our Pastors

Anne Rice: Love Christ, Not His Bride

Anne Rice, who once converted to Christianity after looking into the historical facts around Jesus has now quit the Church and so this article says is now not a Christians... Anne Rice: Love Christ, Not His Bride – The Gospel Coalition Blog

Nobody who belongs to a local church will say that it’s always easy to love fellow Christians who have been justified and yet continue to sin. At the same time, no Christian who knows himself believes it’s always easy for others to love him, either. And yet we’ve been called to love one another according to the example of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. A maturing disciple of Christ learns to love when it’s hard and submit to the Word’s authority when we’re tempted to disagree.

Do Christians need a Christian prime minister?

Greg Clarke writes on the Drum: ABC The Drum Unleashed - Do Christians need a Christian prime minister?:

Australia isn't the most godless nation on earth, but nor are we God's nation on earth. In Christian understanding, that title doesn't belong to any nation, but only to the rag-tag collection of God-botherers, who gather together from many nations, many backgrounds and many political persuasions as what we call 'church'.