I grew up reading lots of C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald, so I appreciated this five minute video with Tim Keller and John Piper discussing these matters. I think Keller nails it on MacDonald--lots of common grace. He was a beautifully gifted writer, but he got the core issues (sin, atonement, penal substitution) wrong. I don't know why. … [Read more...] about Keller and Piper on C.S. Lewis (and George MacDonald)
Archives for July 2013
Why are millennials leaving the church?
Rachel Held Evans sounded off (again) over the weekend on CNN's religion site. But I think Rod Dreher and Anthony Bradley are more on point. Evans' critiques don't really explain what's happening. For example, Dreher writes: Crucially, the data cited in American Grace show that the young began to fall away from the church in the early 1990s; around the time that homosexuality, including same-sex marriage, began to be a topic of mainstream discussion. Understand, it's not that Evangelicals are becoming more liberal, necessarily (though some are); it's that young people who were raised … [Read more...] about Why are millennials leaving the church?
Short Q&A to go with John 3:16
We find both Scripture memory and catechism work to have great value for our young children (7, 5, and 2). It puts vital knowledge into their minds, which we pray God will push into their hearts. May it be said of them that "from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). One of the most frequently memorized passages, with good reason, is John 3:16. Here are four simple question and answers that we've used to go along with their memorization of John 3:16. Whom does God love? … [Read more...] about Short Q&A to go with John 3:16
Four Ministry Books For $20
The Matthias Media Bundle from WTS Books looks like a great deal: Four books for $20. Sale ends 7/31. The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-Shift that Changes Everything ($7.50) The Archer and the Arrow: Preaching the Very Words of God ($7.50) One to One Bible Reading: A Simple Guide for Every Christian ($4.00) Growth Groups: A Training Course in How to Lead Small Groups ($5.50) … [Read more...] about Four Ministry Books For $20
Ligon Duncan and Tim Keller: A More Relevant PCA?
A great interaction between PCA denomination leaders Ligon Duncan and Tim Keller on the last day of the 41st General Assembly. An excerpt: “We both believe that we are in a new cultural moment,” said Duncan. “We need to know where we are, how we’ve gotten here, and how we can forge a biblical, faithful consensus on how we’re going to address that together.” Keller picked up the conversation by painting a bleak picture of where America is as a culture: “This is an unprecedented time in human history. There have always been relativists. There have always been doubters of God. There have … [Read more...] about Ligon Duncan and Tim Keller: A More Relevant PCA?
Parents Shell Out Less for Kids in College
Good WSJ article today on a concerning trend: The share of college costs paid by parents out of income and savings fell to 27% from 37% three years ago. What's picking up the slack? Looks like university scholarships, student loans, and relatives/friends: Two other highlights: In 2013, 57% of families reported a student living at home or with a relative, up from 43% three years ago. Students from low-income households have traditionally lived at home in larger numbers, but among families with incomes over $100,000, the share of students staying at home has doubled to 48% since … [Read more...] about Parents Shell Out Less for Kids in College