Musings of a Former Fundamentalist (IFB) Renewed by Reformed Theology
Check out the promotional video for what looks to be an incredibly helpful little book designed for anyone who wants to read the Bible more effectively. The booklet, Christ-Centered Bible Study, is written by Dave Moser of Armchair-Theology.net and freely available as a .pdf download.
Learn more about the book, and download your free copy here.
I’m happy to report that the audio is up for the Together For the Gospel conference main sessions. The panel sessions and break out sessions are not yet available. I was unable to attend, so I appreciate all the more that T4G makes the audio available for free via the world wide web. Looks like this great preaching will keep my mp3 player busy over the next couple weeks!
I’ve compiled some links here for the sessions, with the live blogging being done by Justin Taylor. If you were there, let me know how the conference went. I’ve already heard some good reports.
The Sustaining Power of the Gospel
Session 1 ~ C.J. Mahaney
Download Audio ~ Watch Video ~ Read a Live-blog summary
The Power of the Articulated Gospel
Session 2 ~ Al Mohler
Download Audio ~ Watch Video ~ Read a Live-blog summary
False Conversions: The Suicide of the Church
Session 3 ~ Mark Dever
Download Audio ~ Watch Video ~ Read a Live-blog summary
Will Your Gospel Transform a Terrorist?
Session 4 ~ Thabiti Anyabwile
Download Audio ~ Watch Video ~ Read a Live-blog summary
Spirit-Powered, Gospel-Driven, Faith-Fueled Effort
Session 5 ~ Kevin DeYoung
Download Audio ~ Watch Video ~ Read a Live-blog summary
Divine Sovereignty: The Fuel of Death-Defying Missions
Session 6 ~ David Platt
Download Audio ~ Watch Video ~ Read a Live-blog summary
The Underestimated God
Session 7 ~ Ligon Duncan
Download Audio ~ Watch Video ~ Read a Live-blog summary
The Fulfillment of the Gospel
Session 8 ~ Matt Chandler
Download Audio ~ Watch Video ~ Read a Live-blog summary
Glory, Majesty, Dominion, and Authority Keep Us Safe for Everlasting Joy
Session 9 ~ John Piper
Download Audio ~ Watch Video ~ Read a Live-blog summary
Dr. David P. Murray, professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, narrated an illustrated video clip (11 minutes long) that walks through each of the four major views on the millennium. I’ve previously recommended his ebook explaining the four views of the millennium because he makes the discussion very clear with graphics and illustrations, and he does an excellent job presenting the views in a way that stays true to each position. In this video clip, you can not really tell which position he takes.
The big takeaway I had from this video clip was how similar all four views are when it comes to the big things: Jesus’ death, the importance of the church age, Jesus’ return, resurrection from the dead, judgement of all men, Jesus’ glorious reign on the new earth in the eternal kingdom. If you have a few minutes, take the time and watch this video. Then download the ebook for future reading.
ChristianAudio.com has Jerry Bridges’ book Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts as a free download this month. Here is an excerpt from my review of this excellent book:
Most of the book explores God’s sovereignty since so many Christians today are unfamiliar with the term and the concept. Bridges carefully shows the extent of God’s control over this planet and each of our lives. If you are unfamiliar with the Bible’s witness to God’s sovereignty you will be amazed at the number of Bible verses and passages that are examined.
God’s rule over all things gives His children hope. God knows what He is doing, and this circumstance is not out of His control. Jerry Bridges explains, “There is no agonizing by God, no hoping He has made the right decision, no wondering what is really best for us. God makes no mistakes.” (pg. 126)
After exploring the three themes of God’s sovereignty, wisdom and love, Bridges deals with how we can apply these Bible truths to our lives. The author’s great confidence in God, by the end of the book, becomes infectious….
Bridges shares his heart in this book. It doesn’t appear to have been an easy one for him to write. You can tell he’s been through a lot personally and has shared the grief of many who have suffered even more. His personal accounts and illustrations add life to the book. His openness about his sin and failures to trust God is inspiring. He writes with an earnestness and confidence that can only be accompanied by prayers for those of us who would read this important book.
I encourage you to take advantage of this great deal and pick up the free audio download of Trusting God.
I was privileged to ring in the new year by filling the pulpit for our pastor, this past Sunday. As we look forward to what this new year holds for us, there’s only one thing we can be certain of. Life will present its challenges for us in the months ahead. This may be sobering but it doesn’t have to be alarming. In fact, James teaches that trials are actually God’s good gifts to us, intended to mature us and prove our faith to be genuine.
I won’t continue with the rest of the sermon, you’ll have to either peek at my notes or download the sermon. Blessings to you all this New Year.
Place: Beacon of Hope Church, St. Paul
Date: January 1, 2012
Title: Preparing for the Trials of 2012
Text: James 1:1-18
Notes: Download PDF
Audio Link: Listen online or download (right click the link and save it to your computer)