Monday, June 08, 2015

Is the Bible clear? If so, why so many denominations?

G. K. Beale, Carl Trueman, and Ryan Kelly
April 30, 2011
Clarus 2011 -- Scripture: God Speaks
The SW Regional Conference of The Gospel Coalition
http://www.clarusabq.com

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Authentic Devotion - Ben Stuart Sermon Jam

A sermon jam typography video made from excerpts from Ben Stuart's sermon, "Pure and Simple Devotion" on September 26, 2014. Watch the full sermon at: http://www.desiringgod.org/conference...

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

See His Beauty - John Piper Sermon Jam

A typography video made to a sermon done by John Piper. 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Book Review: Honest Evangelism by Rico Tice


If there is anything that gets most Christians nervous, it's the topic of evangelism. We get distracted, apathetic, preoccupied, fearful or overwhelmed. Rico Tice seems to come alongside and say I know what you are feeling, I feel it too. Rico Tice's approach to evangelism in "Honest Evangelism: How to Talk about Jesus even when it's tough", is the approach of a friend that knows how you feel. His work is the most honest approach to evangelism that I've read. It's not a technical, expositional, historical, or case study approach. It's one mans fears and hopes for evangelism, shared with the rest of us.

His first words of admitting evangelism is hard, puts us on the footing of work that is ahead. Yet almost immediately, he provides a biblical hope in the task.

In his first chapter Rico shows how believers are already equipped to share the gospel. He warns of the inevitable hostility that people will exhibit and it is that hostility that he sees as the main reason why people don't do evangelism. What seems to be a helpful element in each chapter is showing how within the problem lies the pathway to the solution: "The same rising tide of secularism and materialism that rejects truth claims and is offended by absolute moral standards is proving to be an empty and hollow way to live". The interesting dichotomy that he presents in our task is how it is "more and more likely to find people quietly hungering for  the content of the gospel, even as our culture teaches them to be hostile towards it"

Knowing what to expect, in the second chapter Rico presents a helpful mindset to present the gospel: "talk to people about Jesus because we want to, long to, and are excited to, even though it's tough". The reality of the consequences of hell provide the antithesis to delight.

Lest we get too far a this point, Rico provides a helpful idol inventory in chapter three, that might be getting in the way of our evangelism. Chapter four provides the most solid theological examination through sovereignty, grace, and power What would be a natural follow up to this theological foundation, chapter five provides some helpful content to our message. From being quick to listen, slow to speak (James 1:19), Rico suggests we present the truth of the gospel from an everyday, natural part of our conversations with people. From this everyday gospeling is a refreshing natural approach instead of all to "now-I-am-sharing-the-gospel-with-you" canned methodology. In a simple to remember summary, Rico suggest a "identity, mission, call" description of Christ (2 Cor. 4:5) as a good summary of the gospel. Much like Jesus approach His own explanations, Rico suggest checking understanding with questions. Ask who they think Jesus is (Mk. 8:27-29)  Secondly, explain His mission: show why He came (Mk. 8:30). As an answer to guilt, death (Mk. 8:31). Finally, present His call (Mk. 8:34). Rico obvious has the reader in mind at this point, for he invites the read to consider if they have repented of their sin.

Chapter 6 tries to eliminate common excuses for evangelism and invites the reader to just be themselves. Rico presents biblical examples of evangelism from Peter (confrontational), Paul (intellectual) the ex-blind man (testimonial), and the woman at the well (invitational). I would have appreciated more detail at this point. I was wondering if it is appropriate to use an approach related to the audience, although it may not be our usual way of thinking. In a brilliant follow up to individual approaches, Rico points to the "striving together" role that the church has. This section could have had a chapter each, especially a "church wide" approach to evangelism.

In "getting started (or re-started), in chapter seven, Rico surveys the changing methodology of evangelism, giving modern barriers. This is one section that I think many books on evangelism forget. Rico flat out presents the need for time and effort in the task. His approach is unusual in suggesting that we ask our audience particular questions. Finally, he presents the character qualities necessary to not cause unnecessary offence His conclusion in chapter 8, reiterates the need for prayer, proclamation and availability. Naturally, the appendix contains lists of helpful resources.

Honest evangelism is honest: honest about fears and the future reality of the task. It is hard to get much more personal. This work is an excellent addition for the everyday believer in Christ to fulfill their calling to evangelize.


Monday, March 30, 2015

Should Canada ban the niqab? Athar Khan vs John Downs

Marissa Semkiw of TheRebel.media moderates this lively panel discussion:

Athar Khan, a Muslim activist, says this head covering is not Islamic but was imposed on the religion. "Non-Muslim liberals don't get it," he says. "This is part of a broader campaign" to introduce sharia to Canada. He wants the niqab banned outright.

Broadcaster John Downs disagrees, saying it isn't up to Prime Minister Stephen Harper (or anyone else to impose) their opinions about the niqab on the rest of Canada. 

Is the niqab oppressive? Liberating? Voluntary? Imposed? It's a fascinating debate about freedom, rights and responsibilities that you'll want to keep going in the comments.

JOIN TheRebel.media for more news and commentary you won’t find anywhere else:
http://www.TheRebel.media

GET INVOLVED in our 100% grassroots crowdfunding campaign and help us bring you more fresh content every day!
http://www.TheRebel.media/crowdfund

Who are Canada's radical Muslim leaders? FIND OUT and fight back at CanadianJihad.ca
http://canadianjihad.ca/#/#petition

Friday, March 27, 2015

Debating Ontario's New Sex-Ed Curriculum: John Downs vs Christina Liu

The Liberals insist that the controversial new Ontario sex-ed curriculum will be implemented in the fall "regardless of opposition" from parents.

Parent Christina Liu hopes this won't be the case. She says the program isn't age appropriate. For example, in Grade 3, children will learn about same-sex relationships.

Broadcaster John Downs says parents who oppose the curriculum are "hyping" the content," and in many cases are motivated by homophobia. He says children aren't receiving specific instructions on how to perform certain sexual acts.

Marissa Semkiw raises the troubling prospect that former Deputy Education Minister Benjamin Levin, who was recently convicted on child pornography charges, had influenced the curriculum's content.

JOIN TheRebel.media for more news and commentary you won’t find anywhere else.
http://www.TheRebel.media

GET INVOLVED in our 100% grassroots crowdfunding campaign and help us bring you more fresh content every day!
http://www.TheRebel.media/crowdfund

Ontario's sex-ed curriculum sexualizes young children, undermines parental authority and imposes the government's morality on every Ontario family. VISIT ProtectOurKids.ca to sign the petition:
http://www.ProtectOurKids.ca

Thursday, March 26, 2015

J. R. Miller - People with Sore and Bruised Hearts (Christian devotional)

A large video collection of classic hymns, contemporary Praise and Worship songs, and the works (audio books, devotional readings, and sermons) of men greatly used of God, such as: Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, A.W. Tozer, A.W. Pink, John Owen, Oswald Chambers, Andrew Murray, E.M. Bounds, John Bunyan, George Whitefield, and many more, covering topics on many aspects of the Christian life. May your time spent here be blessed.

http://vid.io/x3F
J. R. Miller - People with Sore and Bruised Hearts (Christian devotional)

Luke 7:37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

J.R. Miller playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list...

Link to my "Christian Devotional Readings" Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christ...

A Treasury of Ageless,
Sovereign Grace,
Devotional Writings http://www.gracegems.org/

James Russell Miller was born on March 20, 1840 at Frankfort Springs, Pennsylvania and died on July 2, 1912. Besides authoring over 80 books, booklets, and pamphlets, he was the Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication and a very active pastor in a succession of churches.

The crucible of his education was his service with the United States Christian Commission, an agency set up to minister to the troops, during the civil war. When the war ended he completed his theological studies and was ordained and installed on September 11, 1867. On June 22, 1870, when he was thirty, he married Miss Louise E. King.

The end of life on earth came without warning on the afternoon of July 2, 1912. JR's wife, Louise Miller, and their only daughter, Mary Wanamaker Miller (Mrs. W.B. Mount), were present, but it was impossible to summon the sons — William King Miller and Russell King Miller. One moment he seemed to be resting quietly; the next he was at rest.

He was one of the best selling Christian authors of his era. His books had a total circulation of over two million copies during his lifetime and in 1911 the Presbyterian Board of Publication, under his direction, published over 66 million copies of its periodicals.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

John Piper: The Pursuit of Joy Is Not Optional

An excerpt from "When I Don't Desire God" by John Piper. Available now as a free Ligonier Connect course in partnership with desiringGod.org: https://connect.ligonier.org/school/c...

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Is Jesus the Only Way to God?

In 2001, John Ankerberg interviewed William Lane Craig on on the subject of, "Jesus of Nazareth." In the interview, Dr Craig was asked a number of questions about the historicity of Jesus, the evidence of the resurrection of Jesus, the reliability of the gospel accounts, and much more.

Read more: http://www.reasonablefaith.org/the-de...

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Becoming Worldly Saints, Michael Wittmer – Session 8 – What is Our Destiny?

Session 8 – What is Our Destiny? To receive the FREE study guide and learn more visit http://zondervanacademic.com/becoming...

Can you serve Jesus and still enjoy your life?

You long to be radically committed to Jesus, but you're not sure what that means for your everyday life. Do you want to...
• Enjoy your life but also make a difference for Jesus?
• Live a biblically balanced life, full of vibrancy and joy?
• Make wise day-to-day decisions that testify to the goodness of God?
You can seize the abundant life God has planned for you. Michael Wittmer's book and small group study will show you how.

Monday, March 09, 2015

Becoming Worldly Saints, Michael Wittmer – Session 7 – What is the Gospel? Where is the Kingdom?



Session 7 – What is the Gospel? Where is the Kingdom? To receive the FREE study guide and learn more visithttp://zondervanacademic.com/becoming...

Can you serve Jesus and still enjoy your life?

You long to be radically committed to Jesus, but you're not sure what that means for your everyday life. Do you want to...
• Enjoy your life but also make a difference for Jesus?
• Live a biblically balanced life, full of vibrancy and joy?
• Make wise day-to-day decisions that testify to the goodness of God?
You can seize the abundant life God has planned for you. Michael Wittmer's book and small group study will show you how.

Friday, March 06, 2015

Becoming Worldly Saints, Michael Wittmer – Session 6 – What’s Wrong with Us?

Session 6 – What’s Wrong with Us? To receive the FREE study guide and learn more visit http://zondervanacademic.com/becoming...

Can you serve Jesus and still enjoy your life?

You long to be radically committed to Jesus, but you're not sure what that means for your everyday life. Do you want to...
• Enjoy your life but also make a difference for Jesus?
• Live a biblically balanced life, full of vibrancy and joy?
• Make wise day-to-day decisions that testify to the goodness of God?
You can seize the abundant life God has planned for you. Michael Wittmer's book and small group study will show you how.

Thursday, March 05, 2015

Becoming Worldly Saints, Michael Wittmer – Session 5 – Why are We Here? Work and Rest

Session 5 – Why are We Here? Work and Rest. To receive the FREE study guide and learn more visithttp://zondervanacademic.com/becoming...

Can you serve Jesus and still enjoy your life?

You long to be radically committed to Jesus, but you're not sure what that means for your everyday life. Do you want to...
• Enjoy your life but also make a difference for Jesus?
• Live a biblically balanced life, full of vibrancy and joy?
• Make wise day-to-day decisions that testify to the goodness of God?
You can seize the abundant life God has planned for you. Michael Wittmer's book and small group study will show you how.

Wednesday, March 04, 2015

Becoming Worldly Saints, Michael Wittmer – Session 4 – Why are We Here? God and Neighbor



Session 4 – Why are We Here? God and Neighbor. To receive the FREE study guide and learn more visithttp://zondervanacademic.com/becoming...

Can you serve Jesus and still enjoy your life?

You long to be radically committed to Jesus, but you're not sure what that means for your everyday life. Do you want to...
• Enjoy your life but also make a difference for Jesus?
• Live a biblically balanced life, full of vibrancy and joy?
• Make wise day-to-day decisions that testify to the goodness of God?
You can seize the abundant life God has planned for you. Michael Wittmer's book and small group study will show you how.

Tuesday, March 03, 2015

Becoming Worldly Saints, Michael Wittmer – Session 3 – Right Living in God’s Good World



Session 3 – Right Living in God’s Good World. To receive the FREE study guide and learn more visithttp://zondervanacademic.com/becoming...

Can you serve Jesus and still enjoy your life?

You long to be radically committed to Jesus, but you're not sure what that means for your everyday life. Do you want to...
• Enjoy your life but also make a difference for Jesus?
• Live a biblically balanced life, full of vibrancy and joy?
• Make wise day-to-day decisions that testify to the goodness of God?
You can seize the abundant life God has planned for you. Michael Wittmer's book and small group study will show you how.

Monday, March 02, 2015

Becoming Worldly Saints, Michael Wittmer – Session 2 – Where are We?

Session 2 – Where are We? To receive the FREE study guide and learn more visit http://zondervanacademic.com/becoming...

Can you serve Jesus and still enjoy your life?

You long to be radically committed to Jesus, but you're not sure what that means for your everyday life. Do you want to...
• Enjoy your life but also make a difference for Jesus?
• Live a biblically balanced life, full of vibrancy and joy?
• Make wise day-to-day decisions that testify to the goodness of God?
You can seize the abundant life God has planned for you. Michael Wittmer's book and small group study will show you how.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Becoming Worldly Saints, Michael Wittmer – Session 1 – The Tension of Life

Session 1 – The Tension of Life. To receive the FREE study guide and learn more visit http://zondervanacademic.com/becoming...

Can you serve Jesus and still enjoy your life?

You long to be radically committed to Jesus, but you're not sure what that means for your everyday life. Do you want to...
• Enjoy your life but also make a difference for Jesus?
• Live a biblically balanced life, full of vibrancy and joy?
• Make wise day-to-day decisions that testify to the goodness of God?
You can seize the abundant life God has planned for you. Michael Wittmer's book and small group study will show you how.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Becoming Worldly Saints: Can You Serve Jesus and Still Enjoy Your Life? - Michael Wittmer

Becoming Worldly Saints: Can You Serve Jesus and Still Enjoy Your Life? To learn more and to receive a FREE study guide visithttp://zondervanacademic.com/becoming...

Can you serve Jesus and still enjoy your life?

You long to be radically committed to Jesus, but you're not sure what that means for your everyday life. Do you want to...
• Enjoy your life but also make a difference for Jesus?
• Live a biblically balanced life, full of vibrancy and joy?
• Make wise day-to-day decisions that testify to the goodness of God?
You can seize the abundant life God has planned for you. Michael Wittmer's book and small group study will show you how.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Jennifer Rothschild: Beauty of the Heart

The documentary, The Perfection Deception, details the pressures women face in a society that judges outward appearance. In contrast, learn God’s definition of true beauty. In this DVD Bonus Feature, Jennifer addresses the issue of the beauty of the heart. It's what inside you that matters the most.

View the complete program at: http://dod.org/programs/the-perfectio...

©2015 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

Follow Day of Discovery on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dayofdiscovery

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Where Does Real Beauty Come From?

View the complete program, The Perfection Deception, at: http://dod.org/programs/the-perfectio...

Every day, thousands of voices tell women and girls how they should look. Images and commercials scream for attention, promising that if you just wear this designer label or lose that weight, you’ll be acceptable. 

The Perfection Deception gets to the heart of true beauty as defined by God. Join several women—Jennifer Strickland, a former model; Sabrina Black, a counselor; authors Regina Franklin and Jennifer Rothschild, along with several young women—as they discuss the pressure women face to be perfect . . . and the one true place they can find their heart’s desire.

©2015 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

Follow Day of Discovery on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dayofdiscovery

Monday, February 23, 2015

Searching for Identity



View the complete program, The Perfection Deception, at: http://www.dod.org/

Every day, thousands of voices tell women and girls how they should look. Images and commercials scream for attention, promising that if you just wear this designer label or lose that weight, you’ll be acceptable. 

The Perfection Deception gets to the heart of true beauty as defined by God. Join several women—Jennifer Strickland, a former model; Sabrina Black, a counselor; authors Regina Franklin and Jennifer Rothschild, along with several young women—as they discuss the pressure women face to be perfect . . . and the one true place they can find their heart’s desire.

©2015 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

Follow Day of Discovery on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dayofdiscovery

Friday, February 20, 2015

Who Is Jesus?

Bobby describes who Jesus Christ is.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge - Paul Washer

The person who is unbalanced and lacks Biblical knowledge can become a “Christian fanatic” and harm both the church and the unbelieving world. To the church they lay rules on the Christian that Jesus Christ never made and they burden God’s people like the Pharisees did. To the unbeliever the fanatic makes him stumble at Christianity before he ever gets to stumble at the Gospel. Yet the only thing the unbeliever should stumble at is the Gospel we proclaim. So we must know our Bible’s so that it won’t be said of us “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;” – Hosea 4:6.

MP3: http://illbehonest.com/destroyed-for-...

Paul Washer | http://heartcrymissionary.com

Excerpt from the full sermon: http://player.subsplash.com/c94fc25

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Joni Eareckson Tada: Beauty in Christ

he documentary, The Perfection Deception, details the pressures women face in a society that judges outward appearance. In contrast, learn God’s definition of true beauty. In this DVD Bonus Feature, Joni addresses the issue of finding your beauty in Christ.

View the complete program at: http://dod.org/programs/the-perfectio...

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

What Is The Standard For Beauty?



View the complete program, The Perfection Deception, at: http://dod.org/programs/the-perfectio...

Every day, thousands of voices tell women and girls how they should look. Images and commercials scream for attention, promising that if you just wear this designer label or lose that weight, you’ll be acceptable. 

The Perfection Deception gets to the heart of true beauty as defined by God. Join several women—Jennifer Strickland, a former model; Sabrina Black, a counselor; authors Regina Franklin and Jennifer Rothschild, along with several young women—as they discuss the pressure women face to be perfect . . . and the one true place they can find their heart’s desire.

©2015 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

Follow Day of Discovery on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dayofdiscovery