What John Piper thinks about television is what believers needs to think and believe about television. The television itself (the plastic case and the electronics inside it) is amoral. Those who produce the products (both shows and commercials) that will be aired on that television are largely immoral. Which is why Piper says, There are […]
Read More What John Piper thinks about televisionWhile Scripture has a high view of Scripture, the goal of acquiring knowledge of Scripture, meditating on Scripture and listening to sermons is not the mere accumulation of more knowledge. The goal of Biblical instruction is not just more knowledge. Rather, true Biblical instruction and knowledge will culminate in people and in a church that […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers (3/18/07)There is a simple reason why Jesus says, “Do not judge according to appearance…” (Jn. 7:24). Because we are prone to being impressed with the superficial. For the same reason that foods that have much attraction and little substance and sustenance (read: candy bars, fast food burgers, chips and dip, and bubble gum), we are […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers (3/4/07)I have been carrying in my Bible for several years a statement by J. I. Packer [Quest for Godliness] that is excellent preparation for Sunday worship: We must never, therefore, let our Sundays become mere routine engagements; in that attitude of mind, we shall trifle them away by a humdrum formality. Every Sunday is meant […]
Read More Preparing for Hearing a SermonThe appearance of new and helpful resources regarding “The Lost Tomb of Jesus” is happening probably by the minute on the internet. So I will attempt to refrain from offering daily updates. However, two additional resources came to my attention today that I think are helpful: “Tales From the Crypt: Do we have the bones […]
Read More Two more resourcesI have a small .mp3 player (512 MB) that I keep loaded with sermons only (and one music album for when my daughters are in the car with me). And I listen to several of those sermons (usually 5-8) per week. Even with a short commute (12-15 minutes), with the commute and lunch and various […]
Read More .mp3 audioIf it is close to Easter, it must be time for an attack on Christ, the cross, or the resurrection. And so it is. This Sunday, Discovery Channel is airing “The Lost Tomb of Jesus” in which the claim is made that a tomb in Jerusalem has been discovered in which the bones of Jesus […]
Read More Thoughts on “The Lost Tomb of Jesus”I have been deeply encouraged as I have prepared for communion and the sermon this week. I have read and perused more books and articles than I normally do, and have found many Biblical encouragements. For instance, I found myself thumbing through J. I. Packer’s Knowing God (it’s been far too long since I picked […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers (2/25/07)My family and I rarely go to see movies in the theater; we may make an exception in the next week or two. Today “Amazing Grace,” the story of William Wilberforce is opening in theaters nationwide. If you are interested in knowing about the philosophy of the filmmaker, read the speech given by Michael Flaherty, […]
Read More Amazing Grace, Newton and WilberforceThese Inward Trials I asked the Lord, that I might grow In faith, and love, and every grace; Might more of His salvation know, And seek more earnestly His face. I hoped that in some favoured hour At once He’d answer my request, And by His love’s constraining power Subdue my sins, and give me […]
Read More These Inward TrialsWhen I purchased my first good camera in college (35mm film and everything), I determined that if I could get one or two, or perhaps three excellent pictures from each roll of film that it would be money well spent. I’ve taken a somewhat similar approach to books — if I can find two or […]
Read More Listening to the GiantsOver the past generation, many churches have left behind the singing of hymns. Some have asked whether hymns are still appropriate or relevant for today. Yet at the same time, there are new hymns being written that honor the tradition of the ancient, Biblical hymns of the faith. Among these hymn writers are Keith Getty […]
Read More Why sing hymns?Al Mohler’s analysis of Time magazine’s current cover story (“The Grassroots Abortion War”) on Crisis Pregnancy Centers is helpful and illuminating. Read it here.
Read More Abortion and Crisis Pregnancy CentersWhat does a man think and write as he faces imminent death? Read the words of grace penned by Al Groves prior to his death, as he anticipated that death. The letter was read at his memorial service.
Read More More dying and livingPeople are clueless about Christ (if they are unbelievers) and the power of Christ in their daily activities (if they are believers) because they do not want Him to intrude on their lives. They want trivial happinesses and self-indulgent pleasures (and lack of pain) without the transforming work of Christ in their hearts. Jesus said […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers (2/18/07)
