Death is ugly

I read this statement in a magazine article today, and it echoes some of what I often say at funerals. In fact, the last sentence is virtually identical to what I have said many times: Death is ugly, and we cannot — indeed, should not — try to make it palatable or explain it away […]

Reading Job

The book of Job has long been of interest to Biblical readers for the question of theodicy (how can God be righteous if evil exists), the relationship between Satan’s activity and God’s providence, and the historicity of Job. Yet as one writer has noted, the bigger concern of the book than any of those questions […]

God is faithful

It was my first real job. Every morning I would get up early, go down to the corner, and pick up a bundle of newspapers, fold them, bind them with a rubber band, put them in my canvas carrying bag and deliver them. On only the second or third Sunday, I showed up at the […]

How specific should confession be?

Using David’s sin with Bathsheba as an illustration, David Powlison answers the commonly asked question, “how specific should my confession be (particularly with sexual sin)?” Summary: There should be no doubt about the nature of the sin — it is crystal clear what happened and allow the reality of the sin to be faced. There […]

Reading 2 Timothy

When persecution and trouble become temptations to become apathetic, a recommitment to the standard of God found in Scripture is in order. Since Paul is soon to leave the world through death, this “valedictory” letter of 2 Timothy also serves as a commission to Timothy to remain faithful to teach and preach the truth of […]

False Messages: an e-book for women

Last year, Tim Challies wrote an e-book entitled Sexual Detox (.pdf download here). The book was designed to help men to understand the impact of pornography on their minds and hearts and to help them begin to walk with Christ in newness of life. This year, Tim’s wife Aileen has written a companion book for […]

Vacation is over

And it was good medicine for the soul (and there were more than two dates with Raye Jeanne):

Grab bag

Recently seen around the Internet that I found interesting: I might tweak some of his counsel at the end to be a little more Biblical, but I agree with his observation that “Busyness is the new spirituality.” Nine Marks produces an e-Journal every two months that is always helpful and thought-provoking. This month the theme […]

Al Mohler’s new podcasts

Al Mohler is no longer producing his syndicated radio show. However, this month he has begun podcasting two new programs addressing contemporary issues. “The Briefing” will provide “a daily worldview analysis about the leading news headlines and cultural conversations.” “Thinking in Public” is “an interview forum for intelligent conversation about frontline theological and cultural issues.” […]

Football player retires to prepare for ministry

Yesterday I read an article from the Dallas Morning News about recently retired Dallas Cowboy football player Duke Preston. He left the gridiron to prepare for the pulpit, becoming a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. Some might wonder why he turned down such a large amount of money to play football (about $1 million for […]

Shepherds’ Conference registration has begun

Registration for the 2011 Shepherds’ Conference has begun. Cost is still $300 and the general session speakers this year are the same as the past few years: John MacArthur, Al Mohler, Steve Lawson, Tom Pennington, Rick Holland, and Phil Johnson. It’s a great lineup of speakers and should be a great time of encouragement. You […]

The parable of the monkey grass

Today was a day to catch up on a few yard projects. We had a mature rose bush that had died that needed to be removed, and Raye Jeanne planned to transplant a crape myrtle sprout that had grown up elsewhere in the yard in its place. But to plant the fledgling tree in that […]

Reading Esther

The book of Esther is unique because of the fact that the name of God is not mentioned in the book. Yet the sovereignty of God and Mordecai and Esther’s trust in Him is on high display throughout the book. It is a book of intrigue, sinister plots, wise planning, justice, faithful trust, and God’s […]

Reading 1 Timothy

Ephesus was an important city in ancient Asia Minor. It was a port city and had several major highways emanating from it, making it important economically in its day. It was also the center of pagan worship with the temple of Diana. It also was a cultural center with a major theater, a library, and […]

Free Oswald Sanders audio book

Each month, Christian Audio makes available one book for a free download. This month the book is J. Oswald Sanders’ classic work, Spiritual Leadership. To download the book, follow the instructions found at Christian Audio. Add the download to your cart and use the coupon code SEP2010 when prompted to receive this month’s free download! […]