If I Believe this Gospel by Francis Chan And David Platt

Hope for the Hurting This Christmas - John Piper

Dear Friends,

Have you ever wondered what became of the innkeeper in Bethlehem who let Mary and Joseph have their baby in his barn?

Did he have little children? When the soldiers came from Herod, did they hunt for the birth place of the dangerous baby and start the slaughter there? What did it cost the innkeeper to house the Messiah in his first hours?

In the poem called The Innkeeper, I tried to imagine what might have happened when the soldiers came. And what Jesus might have said if he showed up 30 years later to talk to the innkeeper about it. It's fiction. But its aim is truth and hope and joy.

Desiring God and Crossway Books have teamed up to make a new video recording of my reading of this poem. We hope it will touch some deep place in your heart, perhaps through a wound. Maybe it will find its way into your Christmas family celebrations, or your small group, or even the gathered church.

If you've ever lost a child, or ever faced a tragedy, just when you thought you were doing good, we hope The Innkeeper will bring you comfort and strength. In my experience poetry has a way of touching us sometimes when simple sentences don't. In one sense, I hope you enjoy it. But there may be deeper emotions too. May the risen Lord Jesus turn your Advent and your Christmas into something really extraordinary this year.

John Piper

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts...

The Theology of Christmas (Philippians 2:5-11) John MacArthur

http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/...

To put it mildly, Christmas is a little bit confusing to the watching world, I'm pretty sure. I never really get over that. Year after year I'm struck by the paradoxes of Christmas, the strange juxtaposition of Christianity and a kind of carnival mentality, the humility and poverty of the stable confused with the wealth and indulgence of selfishness and gift giving, the quietness of Bethlehem with the din of the shopping mall, the seriousness of the incarnation with the silliness of the party spirit and party attitude, the blinking colored lights juxtaposed with the star of heaven. Just a confusion designed certainly by the enemy of men's souls, cheap plastic toys mixed with the true gift of the wise men, angels confused with flying reindeer, an ox and an ass in a stable confused with a red nosed reindeer, of all things, the filth of the stable confused with the whiteness of fresh snow. And so it goes and you're familiar with all of that. Mary and Joseph and North Pole elves...kind of hard to look through this and see the reality.

But it reached epic proportions for me, this confusion, when I read an article written by a leader in the Episcopalian diocese of Los Angeles, a diocese, by the way, led by a lesbian woman who was recently appointed. And this representative of Episcopalianism wrote this. "There are few causes to which I am more passionately committed than that of Santa Claus. Santa Claus deserves not just any place in the church but the highest place of honor where he should be enthroned as the long bearded ancient of days, the divine and holy one whom we call God."

He's not done. "Santa Claus is God the Son...'You better watch out, you better not pout, Santa Claus is coming to town, he knows whether you've been bad or good, he slips into the secrets of the heart as easily as he slips down the chimney.' Santa Claus is God the Father, the creator of heaven and earth in whose hand is a pack bursting at its seams with the gifts of His creation. Santa Claus is God the Holy Spirit who comes with the sound of gentle laughter, with the shape like a bowl full of jelly. And he comes in the night to sow the seeds of good humor. Santa Claus indeed deserves the exalted and enthroned place in the church for he is God the Son, God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit. I've seen him in the toy store, I even saw him in his car on the freeway the other day. And when I saw him with his crazy beard and his baggy suit, I saw more than the seasonal merchant of cheap plastic toys, I saw no less than the triune God. I hope you can see him too."

Huh? I mean, have you ever heard anything more convoluted than that? Incredible. What chaos and what confusion, after all, what is Christmas about, what is the celebration of the birth of Christ really about? We could approach it from the standpoint of the Old Testament prophets, we could approach it from the standpoint of Mary or Joseph. We could approach it from the standpoint of the angels or the shepherds or even the wise men who came later. We could approach it from the standpoint of the inn keeper. We could approach it from the standpoint of Herod who had a lot at stake in his own mind. But I want you to look at it from the view past the event that is given to us by the beloved Apostle Paul. So open your Bible to Philippians chapter 2...Philippians chapter 2. Here is the theology of Christmas, okay? The Theology of Christmas....

• 
  

Declaring and Defending the Deity of Christ (Selected Scripture)

http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/...

We come now to the gospel of John. Tonight we're going to look at James, the brother of our Lord, and have a wonderful time looking at that unlikely hero. But for this morning, we're going to begin the gospel of John, and we're going to do that for a while to come. And just to kind of get a running start and sort of set-up the importance of this study that we're about to embark upon, I remind you of something that you well know, that the Lord Jesus Christ is the theme of all Scripture, not just the New Testament, but the Old Testament as well. We all understand that the New Testament is about Him, the four gospels that give us the focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. The first three gospels tell the narrative of His life and death and resurrection. Then the book of Acts tells us about His ascension into glory, and His sending the Holy Spirit and the work of the Holy Spirit in the church. Then the epistles are written to explain the meaning of His death and resurrection. And then the culminating book, the book of Revelation, about His Second Coming, return in glory. So that the New Testament focuses on Jesus Christ widely and deeply....

• 
  

More proof that Jesus is God.

How Can Jesus Be Both God And Man?

What is your legacy? — Pastor Mark Driscoll

Watch the full sermon: http://jesus.to/IiwmC3
Find out more about our Malachi sermon series:http://marshill.com/malachi

All of us will leave some sort of legacy. The question is, what kind of legacy are you going to leave?

This clip is excerpted from the sermon "How Have You Loved Us?" the first part of our sermon series, Malachi: Living for a Legacy, preached by Pastor Mark Driscoll out of Malachi 1:1--5 at Mars Hill Downtown Bellevue and released on November 24, 2013.

Raising godly offspring -- Pastor Mark Driscoll

Watch the full sermon: http://jesus.to/1fzL4zR
Find out more about our Malachi sermon series:http://marshill.com/malachi

It's not about what you want from your marriage. God is seeking godly offspring. You can make a child in a night, but it takes a lifetime to raise that child to be godly. It's a lot of work.

This clip is excerpted from the sermon "How Have We Wearied Him?" the fourth part of our sermon series, Malachi: Living for a Legacy, preached by Pastor Mark Driscoll out of Malachi 2:10-17 at Mars Hill Downtown Bellevue and released on December 15, 2013.

Unashamed: John Piper Sermon Jam

How He Loves Us - David Crowder (Matt Chandler & John Piper)

A video describing and highlighting just how great the love of God is. When we truly see that He loves us right where we are it sparks a desire in us to worship. God lavishes his love and grace on us amidst our failure and brokenness. He isnt surprised when we fall, stumble, or mess up. He saw it the whole time and loved us the same. http://DesiringGOD.org ... http://HeartChanger.com

The Initiating Love of God - Matt Chandler Sermon Jam

Should Christians Judge Others?

Francis Chan - The Purpose of Your Life

Strange Fire Conference - Panel QA 2 - Friel, MacArthur, Busenitz

Panel Q&A

For the second day in a row, Todd Friel sat down for a Q&A with several of the conference speakers. He led John MacArthur, Nathan Busenitz, Phil Johnson, and Conrad Mbewe through a discussion on the practical aspects of dealing with the charismatic church. The speakers took turns answering how best to assist people caught up in the movement, and how attendees can be effective spiritual stimulants in their congregations. As Friel played more video clips and probed deeper into the issues with thought-provoking questions, the speakers emphasized the importance of having a biblical basis for everything in the believer's life. Each man was compassionate but direct in the need to biblically confront false teaching, and offered encouragement on how to effectively engage people on these important issues.

Strange Fire Video: Panel Question and Answer - Todd Friel John MacArthur Steve Lawson Tom Pennington Justin Peters 10-17-2013

Strange Fire Video: Panel Question and Answer - Todd Friel John MacArthur Steve Lawson Tom Pennington Justin Peters 10-17-2013

Strange Fire: Phil Johnson Miracles and Providence Breakout Session 2

Strange Fire: Phil Johnson Miracles and Providence Breakout Session 2 10-18-2013

Strange Fire: Phil Johnson "Baby Bathwater" - Breakout Session 1

Strange Fire: Phil Johnson "Baby Bathwater" - Breakout Session 1 10-17-2013

Strange Fire Conference - Session 9 - John MacArthur

ohn MacArthur -- "An Appeal to My Continuationist Friends"

To close the conference Friday night, John MacArthur took the pulpit and began by answering many of the criticisms regarding Strange Fire. He directly addressed the claims that the teaching at the conference has been unloving and divisive, saying that "the most loving thing someone can do is to tell the truth" and that "it's better to be divided by the truth than united by error." He said he does care about offending people, but he cares more about offending God.

With that in mind, he made a clear call for his continuationist friends to abandon a position that gives license and credibility to the excesses of the charismatic movement. He strongly exhorted them to consider the cost of their continuationist stance, and how it can be a gateway to unbiblical charismatic theology and practice. He closed his time, and the week, by restating his motive to hold the Strange Fire conference. He demonstrated from 1 and 2 Timothy a pastor's responsibilities—illustrated in the life of Paul—to declare and guard the treasured truth of God's Word.

We trust Strange Fire was an encouragement to you. In the coming weeks, the audio and video from the conference will be available both here and at tmstrangefire.org. We look forward to how the Lord will use those resources to strengthen His church and grow His people.

Strange Fire Conference - Session 7 - Steve Lawson

Steve Lawson -- "Calvin's Critique of Charismatic Calvinists"

Steve Lawson opened the third session by asking the question, "What would John Calvin say about the wave of new Calvinists who are 'open but cautious' to the charismatic movement?" To answer that question, he looked back at how Calvin dealt with similar controversial movements in his own time. Working through Calvin's Institutes and his commentaries, Dr. Lawson showed how Calvin understood the apostolic gifts as validation of the apostolic message. He made it clear that Calvin saw no need for the gospel to be revalidated--just faithfully preached. He summed up the session by saying, "If we want to see a new reformation this day, and the revival of Reformed theology continually expand the borders of its influence, we must be exclusively committed to the written word of God."

Strange Fire Conference - Session 6 - Tom Pennington

Tom Pennington -- "A Case for Cessationism"

Tom Pennington provided us with a biblical case for the doctrine of cessationism. He began by defining cessationism as the belief that God ended His use of the miraculous gifts that existed during the first century. He went on to explain that miracles were unique in Scripture, showing that they only appeared during profound moves of God, particularly during the ministries of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus Christ. Miracles validated those specific ministries, as well as the ministries of the apostles who laid the foundation of the church. When God finished that crucial work, the miracles ceased because they were no longer needed. That teaching has been the church's standard position on signs and miracles throughout its history.

Strange Fire: Conrad Mbewe General Session 4 10-16-2013

Strange Fire: Conrad Mbewe General Session 4 10-16-2013

Strange Fire Conference - Session 5 - John MacArthur

John MacArthur -- "Testing the Spirits"

John MacArthur kicked off the second day of Strange Fire with an exhortation to "test the spirits" of the charismatic movement. He explained that true spiritual warfare is a fight for the mind, and that "for the charismatic movement to succeed," it has to "turn discernment into iniquity." Preaching out of 1 John 4, he highlighted several biblical principles for testing the spirits, focusing primarily on the Holy Spirit's role in exalting Christ. By contrasting the biblical truth about the Person and work of Jesus with the spurious version proclaimed by many charismatic leaders, John made the clear point that a true movement of the Holy Spirit wouldn't preach an inaccurate Christ.

Strange Fire: Conrad Mbewe General Session 8 10-18-2013

Strange Fire Video: Conrad Mbewe General Session 8 10-18-2013

Strange Fire: - Steve Lawson General Session 3 10-16-2013

Strange Fire: General Session 3 - Steve Lawson 10-16-2013

Strange Fire: Joni Eareckson Tada R.C. Sproul - General Session 2 - 1

Strange Fire: General Session 2 - Joni Eareckson Tada R.C. Sproul 10-16-2013

Strange Fire John MacArthur General Session 1 10-16-2013

Strange Fire General Session 1. Speaker John MacArthur 10-16-2013

Don't let this happen to you on Sunday

John MacArthur (strange fire) #4

John MacArthur: Would you invite a charismatic to the Strange Fire conference?
http://www.gty.org/Blog/B130424

Registration for the Strange Fire conference is filling up fast, and we wanted to remind you that the early-bird pricing window closes at the end of the month. There are only a few hundred seats remaining and we don't want you or your friends and family to miss this great opportunity.

Recently we asked John MacArthur about who should attend the Strange Fire. Specifically, we asked him if we ought to invite our charismatic friends to the conference.

You can view this or any of our other Strange Fire media at the conference website. We look forward to seeing you in October and sharing in rich fellowship around the teaching of God's Word.

http://www.tmstrangefire.org

john macarthur (strange fire) #3

In preparation for the Strange Fire conference in October, we will post a new Strange Fire media blog every week. You can always catch up with the latest audio and video clips at the conference media site here, or sign up for the RSS feed and have them delivered to you.

Today we're going to hear from John MacArthur as he answers questions about what it means to be "led by the Spirit," and if that is a temporary spiritual state for believers.

http://www.tmstrangefire.org/

John MacArthur (strange fire) #2

John MacArthur: Why Confront the Charismatic Movement?
http://www.gty.org/Blog/B130416

To bring God's Word to bear on these vital issues, Grace to You is hosting the Strange Fire conference this October. Starting today, we will post a new Strange Fire media blog every Tuesday leading up to the conference. The purpose of these video and audio clips is to provide biblical answers to important questions about the worship and work of the Holy Spirit, the doctrinal dangers of the charismatic movement, and how these matters influence and impact your spiritual growth....

http://www.tmstrangefire.org/

John MacArthur (strange fire) #1

http://www.tmstrangefire.org.

Michael Coren Wishes You A Happy Thanksgiving

The Gospel of Matthew: Questions and Answers

View the complete program at: https://dod.org/dod2361.html

In this clip from the complete video, Michael Card talks about the questions the disciples ask regarding signs of the endtimes. Michael Card teaches on Matthew chapters 22-26. This program not only uncovers the identity of Jesus, but also helps us find greater meaning as followers of Christ. Travel to Capernaum and the northern region of Israel, along the shorelines of the Sea of Galilee, and finally to Jerusalem.

©2013 RBC Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

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

The Gospel of Matthew: A Gentle Servant

View the complete program at: https://dod.org/dod2360.html

In this clip from the complete program, join Michael Card as he talks about Jesus as a gentle servant as predicted by the prophet Isaiah. In the complete program, host Michael Card explores Matthew chapters 12-21. Join us as we uncover the identity of Jesus, see how His disciples found a new identity for themselves, and find out what that means about our own identity in the One who promised to always be with us.

©2013 RBC Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

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

The Gospel of Matthew: Disciples Learn to Worship

View the complete program at: https://dod.org/dod2360.html

In this clip from the complete program, join Michael Card as he talks about the disciples finally understanding what worshiping Jesus means. In the complete program, host Michael Card explores Matthew chapters 12-21. Join us as we uncover the identity of Jesus, see how His disciples found a new identity for themselves, and find out what that means about our own identity in the One who promised to always be with us.

©2013 RBC Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

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

The Gospel of Matthew: Who Will Be The Greatest?

In this clip from the complete program, join Michael Card as he talks about who is the greatest in the Kingdom. In order to be the greatest, you must become like a child. In the complete program, host Michael Card explores Matthew chapters 12-21. Join us as we uncover the identity of Jesus, see how His disciples found a new identity for themselves, and find out what that means about our own identity in the One who promised to always be with us.

©2013 RBC Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

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

The Gospel of Matthew: Who is Jesus?

View the complete program at: http://tinyurl.com/Matthew2-DOD

In this clip from the complete program, join Michael Card as he talks about who Jesus is. John the Baptist asks Jesus if He is the Messiah. In the complete program, host Michael Card brings Matthew chapters 8-11 to life. Offering a clear and thoughtful presentation, Card takes us on an insightful journey through Scripture that reveals Jesus as the promised Messiah to the Jewish people and the Savior of the world to the Gentiles.

The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus Heals

View the complete program at: http://tinyurl.com/Matthew2-DOD

In this clip from the complete program, join Michael Card as he talks about Jesus forgiving sins and healing. In the complete program, host Michael Card brings Matthew chapters 8-11 to life. Offering a clear and thoughtful presentation, Card takes us on an insightful journey through Scripture that reveals Jesus as the promised Messiah to the Jewish people and the Savior of the world to the Gentiles

The Gospel of Matthew: The Roman Soldier

View the complete program at: http://tinyurl.com/Matthew2-DOD

In this clip from the complete program, join Michael Card as he talks about the faith of the Roman soldier, the Centurion. In the complete program, host Michael Card brings Matthew chapters 8-11 to life. Offering a clear and thoughtful presentation, Card takes us on an insightful journey through Scripture that reveals Jesus as the promised Messiah to the Jewish people and the Savior of the world to the Gentiles

The Gospel of Matthew: The Beatitudes

View the complete program at: http://tinyurl.com/Matthew1-DOD

In this clip from the complete program, join Michael Card as he talks about the beatitudes, or benedictions. In the complete program, "Listening to the voice of Matthew" (Chapters 1-7), Michael brings to life the pages of the gospel of Matthew, and guides us through the city of Capernaum and the northern region of Israel, along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, and finally to Jerusalem.

The Gospel of Matthew: Herod and the Magi

View the complete program at: http://tinyurl.com/Matthew1-DOD

In this clip from the complete program, join Michael Card as he talks about King Herod, and the visit from the Magi.program, "Listening to the voice of Matthew" (Chapters 1-7), Michael brings to life the pages of the gospel of Matthew, and guides us through the city of Capernaum and the northern region of Israel, along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, and finally to Jerusalem.

©2013 RBC Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

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

The Gospel of Matthew: Listening to Matthew

View the complete program at: http://tinyurl.com/Matthew1-DOD

In this clip from the complete program, join Michael Card as he talks about the voice of Matthew, who he was. In the complete program, "Listening to the voice of Matthew" (Chapters 1-7), Michael brings to life the pages of the gospel of Matthew, and guides us through the city of Capernaum and the northern region of Israel, along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, and finally to Jerusalem.

The Gospel of Matthew: Introduction

View the complete program at: http://tinyurl.com/Matthew1-DOD

"Listening to the voice of Matthew" (Chapters 1-7). Bringing to life the pages of the gospel of Matthew, host Michael Card guides us through the city of Capernaum and northern region of Israel, along the shorelines of the Sea of Galilee, and finally to Jerusalem
.

A New Identity: The Gospel of Matthew (Trailer)

Explore Your Identity in Christ!

Bringing to life the pages of the gospel of Matthew

William Lane Craig Q&A: How can I believe in a God who allows evil in the world?

Wretched: The Bible is a better resource for psychological needs.

Can God And Evil Coexist?

Andrew Murtagh tackles the monster of a question, "Can God and evil coexist?"

Syria in Crisis: Ravi Zacharias on Turmoil in the Middle East

Ravi Zacharias was recently in studio to record a radio interview for "Let My People Think". 

Rules for Sexuality

This clip is taken from the sermon My Beloved, My Friend. Find the whole sermon at http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/t...

Questions to Ask an Atheist

Dr. William Lane Craig demonstrates what are some important questions to ask an atheist during discussion on views about the existence of God. Questions like "what do you mean by that?" and "what reasons do you have for thinking that?" prove to be highly significant, as revealed here in Dr. Craig's exchange with the late Christopher Hitchens.

More details on which are good questions to ask an atheist can be found here: http://www.reasonablefaith.org/questi...

We welcome your comments in the Reasonable Faith forums:
http://www.reasonablefaith.org/forums/

Who Are You, Really - Ravi Zacharias

Is God Still Revealing Truth? (Selected Scriptures) John MacArthur

Does God still give revelation?  This is less, as I said last week, like a sermon and more like a lecture, but the information is very, very important. Does God still give revelation?  Is God still revealing truth from heaven?  Is God still speaking?  Or on the other hand, has God ceased speaking when the Scripture was complete?