Seven truths about justification

In yesterday’s worship service, we considered the truth of justification by faith alone (sola fide). Here are seven gracious truths about God’s justification of man: God is the source of justification (Rom. 8:30) Blood is the ground of justification (Rom. 3:24-26) Faith is the means of justification (Rom. 1:16-17; 3:28; 4:5) Grace is the essence […]

Two more thoughts about Reformation Day

At the beginning of the Reformation and at the end of his life (“We are beggars, this is true,” the statement Gary alluded to this morning), Luther affirms the same truths. David Mathis explains. And Justin Taylor provides a couple of videos related to Luther, including the famous “Here I stand” scene from the recent […]

Sunday Leftovers (10/31/10)

After thinking this morning about the Reformation and the theology of the Reformation, here are a few links that will expand your understanding how God used that movement to preserve the truth of the Gospel: The 95 theses of Martin Luther Basic books about the Reformation Many different posts and resources about the Reformation Sola […]

Basics of the Reformation

Tomorrow we recognize Reformation Day — the anniversary of the posting of Martin Luther’s 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. That event is largely recognized as precipitating the Reformation. Now you might wonder what the Reformation really was all about. The Reformation is typically identified with five concise terms — […]

Finding free Christian Kindle books

I’ve had a Kindle for a few months now, and have discovered a few ways to purchase books at reduced prices or find books for free — and not just older works. Even brand new e-books are regularly “sold” on Amazon for free. Here is how you can find some of those free books. [This […]

Why some Reformers were martyred

Queen Mary was known as “Bloody Mary” for a reason — some 288 Reformers were burned at the stake under her reign. That is fairly well-remembered. What is forgotten is why many of them were put to death. J. C. Ryle offers the astonishing explanation: The principle reason why they were burned was because they […]

Grab bag

Russell Moore answers the question, “Is My Music Warping My Child?” Two points he makes, and one reaction of my own — Lyrics are influential — they shape the way we think about the issues of life, so liberty cannot be applied indiscriminately to music choices. Music becomes a parent’s opportunity to be intentional about […]

Here I Stand

Here is something to help you prepare for Reformation Sunday this week — one of the great affirmations of commitment to the gospel, Martin Luther’s “Here I Stand” statement, read by Max McLean. (and it’s free until Monday, 11/1).

Tantalized by the pursuit of pleasure

Tantalus was a mythological Greek king who stole ambrosia from the gods. For this crime, King Tantalus was sentenced to a life of eternal hunger and thirst. Whenever he would stoop to drink, the water would recede away from him. And when he reached to pluck fruit from a tree, it would lift its branches […]

Martin Luther: In His Own Words

For a short time, Christian Audio is offering the work, Martin Luther: In His Own Words for free. Just go to the page and add it to your shopping cart. This would be a good reference to consider this week as we remember the work of God in Luther’s life on the 493rd anniversary of […]

Where I was last night

Encouraged by self-examination and confession

“If you are truly trusting in Christ, you can’t confess a sin for which God has not provided forgiveness in Jesus.Indeed, if you work at the discipline of confessing your sin, it should not lead to despair at all, but rather to rejoicing over the extent of God’s love to you in Christ.” — Mark […]

Voyage of the Dawn Treader

You will rarely find me talking about movies. But the latest adaptation of one of C. S. Lewis’ books from The Chronicles of Narnia series is coming in December. [This post is primarily for my daughters who have been anticipating this movie for about 18 months!] (HT: Justin Taylor)

When confession may not be confession

There is a reason that not all confessions result in real reconciliation: (HT: Challies)

Deceptive desires

It was when she was at the peak of her fame and fortune with 146 tournament victories behind her, married to tennis player John Lloyd that Chris Evert-Lloyd commented: “We get into a rut. We play tennis, we go to a movie we watch TV, but I keep saying, ‘John, there has to be more.’” […]