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)