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! […]

On vacation

A couple more thoughts about Christ’s atonement

The truth about Christ’s penal substitutionary atonement is the key component to understanding the gospel. And the Scriptures abound with images, references, and teaching about that atonement. The Old Testament sacrificial system anticipated the atoning work of Christ — it anticipated the punishment being administered by the wrath of God, it looked forward to Christ […]

Sunday Leftovers (8/29/10)

Count these among famous first words: “What hath God wrought?” Samuel F. B. Morse sent this message over the world’s first commercial telegraph line on May 24, 1844. “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.” This message of Aug. 16, 1858, was the first official communication sent over a […]

The anniversary of Augustine’s death

Today marks the 1680th anniversary of Augustine’s death. He died on this day on 430 A.D. Augustine was influential in articulating the gospel of justification by faith and was the godly inspiration of many who would follow more than a millennium later in the reformation. Thinking of Augustine’s death reminded me of one of my […]