Two more things worth your time on the net, one relating to the gospel and preaching, the other to a black spot of our culture. Be sure to check out:
1. The Resurgence National Conference: Text and Context.
The whole thing is being streamed live for free (yesterday, today and tomorrow).
Resurgence and Acts 29 are excited [...]
C. John Miller’s Outgrowing the Ingrown Church is proving to be insightful, convicting and encouraging. Early on in the book he lays out 7 characteristics of an introverted church that limit the church’s movement on mission with God. If you have spent time as a part of an introverted church, you’ll recognize them immediately.
1. Tunnel [...]
Came across this in our local paper.
American spirituality has glorified ’searching’ for spiritual meaning but de-emphasized ‘finding.’ In other words, it is good to be looking for spirituality, but it is intolerant to actually believe you have found a right faith.
- Ed Stetzer, quoted in Kane County Chronicle
According to Miller one of the principles for Outgrowing the Ingrown Church is simply a more biblical faith; specifically it is believing in the promise of the presence of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit with us in our mission and ministry to the world. He says that it is “the Lord’s missionary [...]
‘been reading (and being challenged and encouraged) by C. John Miller’s Outgrowing the Ingrown Church. A number of people have recommend the book to me over the past two years, but I just started reading it late last week. I’m holding off on my personal interactions with the book until I really digest it. But [...]
It’s all in my sidebar, but I thought I would encourage you to take note of these links relating to pastoral theology. Check out:
Matt Chandler, pastor of the Village Church in Dallas, on preaching.
Mark Batterson on Altars to God vs Monuments to Self.
Sovereign Grace’s new podcast (via JT).
I am getting a ton of spam in the comments. While some of my readers may be in need of the drugs and enhancements advertised, that’s not my problem. Comments will have to be approved before appearing for the time being.
That theology is neglected is easy enough to establish. But that it is abused by those who claim to love it is perhaps a more necessary point to make in my circles. All who love theology, please take note:
[Theology] ought not to be laid on the shelf, as an object of speculation; but it should [...]
James P. Boyce wrote that all who engage in theological study should do so with the proper “spirit.”
1. With reverence for truth, and especially for the truth taught in the Word of God.
2. With earnest prayer for Divine help.
3. With careful searching of heart against prejudice.
4. With timidity, as to the reception and propagation of [...]
There are two principles that I believe should govern our thoughts of and engagement in politics: 1) love for God and neighbor, and 2) the glory of God and the gospel.
The first principle is what compels us to thoughtfully engage in politics. Jesus said,
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and [...]