More on Multisite

I do like the 9Marks guys: More on Multisite – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

Due to tremendous interest in the multisite conversation between Mark Dever, Mark Driscoll, and James MacDonald, I thought it would be helpful to feature several other resources on the topic. These articles should fill in several gaps left behind by the 10-minute video.

Never Be Ashamed Of Christ!

Never Be Ashamed Of Christ! | J.C. Ryle Quotes:

Whatever others around you think, don’t you ever be ashamed of being a Christian. Let them laugh, mock, jest, and scoff, if they will. They will not scoff in the hour of death and in the day of judgment. Hoist your flag; show your colors; nail them to the mast. You may certainly be ashamed of drinking, gambling, lying, swearing, idleness, pride, and failing to go to church on the Lord’s Day. But of reading the Bible, praying, and belonging to Christ, you have no cause to be ashamed at all. Let those laugh that will. A good soldier is never ashamed of the colors of his nation’s flag, and his uniform. Be careful that you are never ashamed of your Master.

9Marks at Southeastern: Biblical Theology

A free conference talks from Dever, Thabiti, David Platt, Danny Akin and Chandler: 9Marks at Southeastern: Biblical Theology – Justin Taylor:

Here are five sessions recently given by 9Marks at Southeastern Seminary

Multiple Sites: Yea or Nay?

A great discussion between Dever, MacDonald and Driscoll on multi site churches. I am glad this took place. I like Driscoll, but I do side with Dever on the issue. Why build an empire? Let other people preach in "your" off site church (more than 4 times a year). Interestingly Driscoll and MacDonald also don't see value in video after they die as they would be dated, yet are old books still ok?: Multiple Sites: Yea or Nay? – The Gospel Coalition Blog

Forgiveness Part 1: Do I Have to Forgive?

Back in my old church in Sydney I remembered an argument saying that you don't have forgive unless someone asks for forgiveness. A fair few people assumed this, but it never sat right with me: Forgiveness Part 1: Do I Have to Forgive?:

Forgiveness is pretty black and white, fundamental Christianity 101; if you don’t understand forgiveness you don’t understand Christianity.

I think people are delusional. You can clap, sing, praise God and think you are a Christian all you want, but the truth is you will have to answer to God for your lack of forgiveness. Sadly, you don’t hear this taught by pastors.

People often say “I am growing in forgiveness”, or “I’m learning to forgive”—I don’t buy it. Either you have forgiven or you haven’t, there’s no growing!

I believe that people struggle with not forgiving others because pastors have failed to teach the perilousness of it.

Reasons for Reason

Reasons for Reason – Kevin DeYoung:

How do you give a reason for the hope that you have when the people asking you aren’t interested in reason? It seems to me one of the first tasks of evangelism today is to reintroduce the law of non-contradiction.

Tom Wright Reads Humpty Dumpty

An amusing look at how Wright reads Israel's meta-narrative into everything: SAET � Tom Wright Reads Humpty Dumpty � The Society for the Advancement of Ecclesial Theology:

Clearly the writer is telling an Israel story, and here alludes to the Temple.

An Open Letter to My Pastors on Glenn Beck

A Lady thanks her pastors who do not support Glenn Beck and want the bible, not America to be preached. I don't think Australian's has such a love for their country or religion that this would arise:An Open Letter to My Pastors on Glenn Beck – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

I’m moved to write today and say “thank you” for not being one of them. Thank you for your faithfulness in preaching Christ from the pulpit, not “the principles of America.”

Make This a Day of Turning

Piper on organising a prayer life: Make This a Day of Turning - Desiring God:

Therefore, my simple exhortation is this: Let us take time this very day to rethink our priorities and how prayer fits in. Make some new resolve. Try some new venture with God. Set a time. Set a place. Choose a portion of Scripture to guide you. Don’t be tyrannized by the press of busy days. We all need midcourse corrections. Make this a day of turning to prayer—for the glory of God and for the fullness of your joy. (Desiring God, 2003 edition, pages 182–183)

Who’s Afraid of Inerrancy?

Kevin DeYoung points out a discussion with Tim Keller, Alister McGrath, Brian McLaren, and Dempsey Rosales-Acosta on biblical authority: Who’s Afraid of Inerrancy? – Kevin DeYoung

“The Best Sermon on Christianity and Politics”

“The Best Sermon on Christianity and Politics” – Justin Taylor:

I have not had the chance to listen to this sermon, but I certainly trust Collin and Thabiti’s judgment.

A Free Preview of John Piper’s New Book, Think

A trailer and pdf with the forwards, into and chapter one of Piper's next book to be published: A Free Preview of John Piper’s New Book, Think – Justin Taylor

The Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Spiritual Dehydration

Encouraging post by Mahaney, with a link to his sermon on Jude: The Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Spiritual Dehydration:

So have your affections for the Savior diminished? If so, ask yourself these questions from Jude:

- Am I preaching the gospel to my own soul each day?
- Am I praying with any level of consistency?
- Am I eagerly awaiting Christ’s return and am I longing for heaven?

The Gospel in Every Sermon: Dever, Driscoll, and MacDonald

Should you mention the Gospel (eg. Jesus' death and resurrection) in every sermon? Driscoll, Dever and MacDonald think so: The Gospel in Every Sermon: Dever, Driscoll, and MacDonald – The Gospel Coalition Blog

Honour, Head-coverings and Headship: 1 Corinthians 11.2-16 in its Social Context

A new paper on the head coverings bit in 1 Corinthians. In bible study this year we looked at 1 Corinthians and this passage still had a bit of question marks over it. Hopefully this is helpful (I haven't read it yet): Honour, Head-coverings and Headship: 1 Corinthians 11.2-16 in its Social Context — Journal for the Study of the New Testament:

The argument offered here is that notions of honour come to the fore and higher-status male Corinthians are employing modes of head attire to maintain distinctions of status. At the same time, Paul insists upon female head-coverings to safeguard the honour of the community within a context of the potential presence of non-believers in a communal service of worship.

Anglicans oppose euthanasia move

Anglicans oppose euthanasia move:

Bishop Huggins said: ''This was not a matter of pre-election debate. Would people have voted the same way if they knew a Labor government with the Greens would, as a near-first action, promote a conscience vote on euthanasia?

''There would be more integrity in foreshadowing this proposal before an election rather than immediately after. It should have been made plain during the election campaign. There should be a broad-based public debate.'

Raised with Christ to Do Good Works

A good article on Jesus' Resurrection: Raised with Christ to Do Good Works – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

How important is the resurrection? It means everything. God’s wrath has been completely spent. He looks at his children now, all who have been given faith to believe, and he says, “These are my beloved children who please me.” My imperfect works please God? Yes, because they are clothed in the work of the perfect Son. So now I can work and serve and love without having to examine every little nuance of what I do to see if it passes the test (which it never does).

Why I called Terry Jones [and why I blame Shane Claiborne for doing it] � Attempting to behold the miracle long enough without falling asleep

After the church called off burning the Q'uran this guy called the church to say thankyou: J.R. Briggs - Why I called Terry Jones [and why I blame Shane Claiborne for doing it]:

I was a bit nervous when the phone began to ring. A woman greeted me kindly. My mind and heart were full of so many things in those first few seconds.

Free PDF of With Calvin, and Pastoral Endorsements

This is why I like Desiring God. They put their new books online for free: Free PDF of With Calvin, and Pastoral Endorsements - Desiring God:

Last week we announced that With Calvin in the Theater of God is now in stock. From the heart of wanting to spread our resources beyond the limits of affordability and geographic location, the PDF version is available for free on our website.

Exclusive: The Reason For God Trailer

Looks interesting. I liked the book: Exclusive: The Reason For God Trailer:

Earlier this year I ran Tim Keller’s Prodigal God DVD with some friends in downtown Chicago. It had the habit of unsettling even inveterate Christians with the truth about God’s grace.

Advice for Seminarians, Theology Students, and Young Pastors

I was going to point to DeYoung's posts here, but Justin Taylor has come through with more links on advice for young ministers, worth a look: Advice for Seminarians, Theology Students, and Young Pastors – Justin Taylor

Why Porno Shops Don’t Have Windows

Interesting idea about looking at the sky: Why Porno Shops Don’t Have Windows – Justin Taylor:

There’s something about bigness, there’s something about beauty, that helps battle against the puny, small, cruddy use of the mind to fantasize about sexual things.

A List of Important Sermons and Articles That Are Worth Reading

A good list of resources, some of which are free: A List of Important Sermons and Articles That Are Worth Reading – Justin Taylor:

I thought it might be helpful to ask some pastors and theologians what they would recommend as sermons or essays that have had a special impact on them, or that they would seriously urge students and pastors to consider reading.

JESUS IS ___.

An interesting site where you can fill in the blank: JESUS IS ___. Is it bad that I find some of them so amusing?

Keith Olbermann Special Comment: There Is No 'Ground Zero Mosque' - 08/16/10

I know he is a little left and all, but I do like Keith Olbermann. He makes some good points: YouTube - Keith Olbermann Special Comment: There Is No 'Ground Zero Mosque' - 08/16/10

The Commission of The Risen Jesus

The Sydney Anglican Church League linked to a sermon Big Trev (my old minister) gave at an ordination service in Goulburn: The Commission of The Risen Jesus : Anglican Church League, Sydney, Australia:

Two weeks ago, Bishop Trevor Edwards preached on John 20:21 at an ordination in the Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn. Read his sermon here.

Red Flags in Discipleship

6 helpful tips about Discipleship: Red Flags in Discipleship Acts 29 Network

John Piper visit to Australia in August 2011

The page has a little video as well: John Piper visit to Australia in August 2011:

John Piper has confirmed he will visit Australia in August 2011 and speak at a number of events organised by Katoomba Christian Convention.

Pastor cancels 9/11 Koran-burning plan

The Christian life is one of repentance, of cause it helps not to have stupid ideas in the first place: Pastor cancels 9/11 Koran-burning plan | smh.com.au

A US pastor has cancelled a Koran-burning ceremony marking the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York.
"We have agreed to cancel our event on Saturday," Terry Jones said.

‘No One Else Knows God,’ Says Jesus Christ: Luke #44 Sermon Notes

A 5 minute clip from Driscoll's sermon, how Jesus is the only person who knows God. If you think you know God and not Jesus, you are wrong: ‘No One Else Knows God,’ Says Jesus Christ: Luke #44 Sermon Notes | The Mars Hill Blog

Burn Couches, Not the Quran

It is true, the small crazies get the most attention: Burn Couches, Not the Quran – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

I am saddened that a church of 50 people will not only destroy the Quran, but also damage the credibility of all the churches out there that go unheard for all the good they do in the name of Christ. Though I should not be, I am astonished that a 50-person church has gained more attention than any 5,000-person church could by living out the gospel everyday.

No Need for God? Stephen Hawking Defies Divine Creation

Al Mohler chips in on Hawkings new book: AlbertMohler.com – No Need for God? Stephen Hawking Defies Divine Creation:

Professor Stephen Hawking is a remarkable human being. His courage and tenacity are an inspiration to all. His work on the theory of gravity has changed the way the field of physics is taught. But, when he crosses that border from science to theology, his worldview leads him into abject disaster. The Grand Design is yet another attempt to celebrate the universe’s breathtaking design, while denying the existence of a Designer. It will not be the last.

The Importance of Using Your Body in Worship

Jonathan Edwards was a caro: The Importance of Using Your Body in Worship :: Desiring God:

Tis necessary that there should be something bodily and visible in the worship of a congregation; otherwise, there can be no communion at all. (From Miscellanies #101)

How Can I Glorify God on the Job?

Piper on how to live in the workforce: How Can I Glorify God on the Job? :: Desiring God:

So the counsel I would give is to seek to do your work in such a way that Christ looks more important than your work. Seek to make and use money in such a way that Christ looks more important than money. Seek to have relationships with people in the work place such that Christ is more important than those relationships.

Stephen Hawking is wrong. You can't explain the universe without God

John Lennox has responded to Hawkings new book: Stephen Hawking is wrong. You can't explain the universe without God | Mail Online

Unfortunately, while Hawking's argument is being hailed as controversial and ground-breaking, it is hardly new.

But, as both a scientist and a Christian, I would say that Hawking's claim is misguided. He asks us to choose between God and the laws of physics, as if they were necessarily in mutual conflict.

Gospel Integrity and Pastoral Succession

I like Kellers model of Church. Instead of building his empire of a multi-site church he is going to form 4 churches with their own leader: Gospel Integrity and Pastoral Succession – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

Redeemer revealed in June that it plans to eventually divide into four distinct but networked congregations, each of which will try to plant another church. Redeemer leaders selected four pastors—David Bisgrove, John Lin, Scott Sauls, and Leo Schuster—to lead these neighborhood-based congregations. But for now these men will share preaching and leadership responsibilities with Keller, who will mentor them closely.

God did not create the universe, says Hawking

Perhaps the misquoting of the end Hawking's other book might stop now: God did not create the universe, says Hawking | Reuters

"Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist," Hawking writes.

"It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the universe going.

The Cross and Resurrection (Series Recap)

The Cross and Resurrection (Series Recap):

Over the past two weeks Jeff Purswell has been answering some key questions about the relationship between the cross and the resurrection. Here's an index to the questions and Jeff's answers

World champ stickers up for Christ

My cousin, Jason English: World champ stickers up for Christ | News stories | Sydneyanglicans.net

Carson on Psalms 1, 2, 40, 48, and 110

Carson's talks from Ridley in Melbourne: Carson on Psalms 1, 2, 40, 48, and 110 – The Gospel Coalition Blog

Muslim Group Releases PSA, Promises Not to "Take Over This Country"

A response to intolerance in America: Muslim Group Releases PSA, Promises Not to "Take Over This Country"

Your Students Can Handle Expository Preaching

Your Students Can Handle Expository Preaching – The Gospel Coalition Blog:

...a biblical goal for a sermon to youth might be to teach a passage carefully and faithfully, so that students listening say to themselves: I see what he did! I could get that from this passage! This model shapes the way the students do devotions, listen to sermons, and one day teach Sunday school and lead Bible studies on their own.

Church Planter Intro

A video plugging a church planting book, but its not really selling it, it is more trying to motivate guys to living missionally and to not live in their parents place playing games, but to grow up into men: YouTube - Darrin Patrick | Re:Lit Book | Church Planter Intro