February 28, 2010
Dr. James Dobson Says Goodbye (for Now)
Tobin Grant of Christianity Today shares some of the details regarding Dobson's transition from Focus on the Family. This past Friday the 26th was Dr. Dobson's last broadcast:
In addition to the many goodbyes, Friday's broadcast also discussed the details of Dobson's new ministry. Family Talk, like Focus on the Family, will be based in Colorado Springs and will feature a new radio show focusing on family issues and public policy. Dobson will share the hosting microphone with his son, Ryan, and Focus radio producer LuAnn Crane.Read the whole thing.Both Dobson and Focus leaders emphasized that the ministry will not be competition with Focus on the Family and noted that Focus on the Family gave Family Talk one million dollars to get it off the ground.
February 25, 2010
A Look Inside R.C. Sproul's Office
R.C. Sproul - Study Video from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.
February 24, 2010
Albert Mohler on the Challenges of Islam
A very informative, meaty lecture by Dr. Albert Mohler on the topic of "Developing A Christian Response To The Challenge Of Islam." Mohler spells out the history and distinctives of Islam, as well as the challenge that a growing Islamic movement represents to the Christian church today. Mohler explains that both Islam and Christianity are inherently "missionary movements" (i.e., they seek a greater number of adherents).
Interestingly, Dr. Mohler recently returned from a series of meetings with Islamic religious leaders in Istanbul, Turkey. He describes his efforts to explain the concept of sin to those leaders.
HT: JT
Do Hard Things -- A Follow-Up
Alex and Brett Harris have written a follow-up to their phenomenal book Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations
"In a culture of low expectations, non-stop entertainment and short attention spans, teenagers Alex and Brett Harris provide a voice of reason and a stirring exhortation to productive action in the name of Christ. As a university professor, I am not unaware of the Gen Y propensity to demand more recognition for less effort and to associate self-esteem with mere being rather than for actual accomplishment. Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low ExpectationsTheir new book, entitled Start Here: Doing Hard Things Right Where You Are
, is sure to be similarly helpful. Here's the publisher's description:You want to do hard things.
But you don’t know where to start.
You are changing the world around you.
But you are tired and burned out.
You feel called to do the extraordinary for God.
But you feel stuck in the ordinary.
Do Hard Things inspired thousands of young people around the world to make the most of the teen years. Now Alex and Brett Harris are back and ready to tackle the questions that Do Hard Things inspired: How do I get started? What do I do when I get discouraged? What’s the best way to inspire others? Filled with stories and insights from Alex, Brett, and other real-life rebelutionaries, Start Here is a powerful and practical guide to doing hard things, right where you are.
Are you ready to take the next step and blast past mediocrity for the glory of God?
The Growing Wave of Foreclosures
Marvin Olasky writes an informative cover story for World magazine on the growing national trend in foreclosures: "The number of homes lost through foreclosure and related means was 1.7 million in 2008 and 2 million last year, according to economy.com—with 2.4 million expected this year."
[As Thomas Sowell wrote in The Housing Boom and Bust
February 23, 2010
Phil Ryken Explains Transition to Wheaton
This is a video taken of a congregational meeting held at Tenth Presbyterian Church this past Sunday. Dr. Ryken explained the process whereby Wheaton College called him to be their next President.
Congregational Meeting - 2-21-2010 from Tenth Presbyterian Church on Vimeo.
HT: JT
February 20, 2010
Pachelbel's Canon in D - On the (Electric) Guitar
Our 2 and a half year old son is fascinated with guitars. My wife found and showed him this interesting rendition of the famous Pachabel's Canon in D. It is pretty amazing. The kid can't be that old, either.
NEXT 2010 Conference Promo
Next 2010 Promotional Video from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.
Philip Ryken: New President of Wheaton College
Sarah Pulliam Bailey is reporting that Dr. Philip Ryken will suceed Dr. Duane Litfin as President of Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. Litfin is slated to retire this summer. Here is the official announcement.
Congratulations to Dr. Ryken. What a great pick for an important position.
HT: Justin Taylor.
February 18, 2010
Justin Taylor Interviews Adrian Warnock
Justin Taylor interviews Adrian Warnock about his new book, Raised with Christ: How the Resurrection Changes Everything:
Justin Taylor Interview: Adrian Warnock from Crossway on Vimeo.
Sam Storms, Christian Hedonism, and 2 Corinthians
Sam Storms recently gave a series of excellent messages at the Bethlehem Pastors Conference on the subject of Christian hedonism. You can find the audio for them here. John Piper says of Sam Storms:
"There are few people on the planet who embody in life and in teaching the radically biblical and Edwardsian message of Christian Hedonism better than Sam Storms."
Storms has just published a two-volume devotional commentary on the book of 2 Corinthians. Each of the volumes has 50 meditations. Each meditation is a 4-5 page reflection on 4-5 verses from the book of 2 Corinthians. They look like great companions to reading through Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth. I have always found Sam to be amazingly readable. His book Chosen For Life was a big influence for me 13 years ago as I came to embrace the doctrines of grace. I've been grateful for his ministry ever since.
Deep Church at Deep Discount
Until March 1, Christian Audio is offering Jim Belcher's Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional as an audio book for $2.98. Enter the code "DEEPJUBILEE" (in honor of the Jubilee Conference this weekend in Pittsburgh, PA).
Tim Keller says of this book: "Jim Belcher shows that we don't have to choose between orthodox evangelical doctrine on the one hand, and cultural engagement, creativity and commitment to social justice on the other. This is an important book."
HT: Living Jubilee
February 15, 2010
New Baylor President: Kenneth Starr
Ted Olsen of Christianity Today is reporting that Ken Starr (yes, you remember him) is to become the new President of Baylor University. Starr has been one of the most prominent lawyers defending California's Proposition 8 (which defines marriage as between one man and one woman).
Read the whole thing.
Thomas Sowell: Intellectuals and Society
Thomas Sowell's most recent book is called Intellectuals and Society
February 13, 2010
Joni and Friends: Autism and The Church
Studies report that 1 out of every 150 children today is diagnosed with autism. I've read that the divorce rate among parents with autistic children is higher than the national norm (some say 70% or more), but firm sources are hard to find. Regardless, it is indisputable that parents of autistic children regularly live in the midst of high stress. In addition, many Christian parents of such children feel isolated, even in the church. That's why I'm thankful for this two-part series from Joni and Friends on Autism and the Church. Episode 1 debunks some of the myths of autism (for example, that it is due to bad parenting, or that it is synonymous with mental retardation). Episode 2 talks about how churches can minister to families who have autistic children.
If you don't know much about Autism, I suggest watching the first episode. It is a general description of the disorder given by doctors, specialists and the families themselves. The two full-legnth episodes can be viewed at no cost online: click the link "Episodes and Offers" at the bottom of this webpage. Note that you can also purchase the episodes on DVD and view additional special features, one of which is a segment with Laura Hendrickson.
HT: Brian Borgman
Michael Horton: Christ and The Workplace
I'm enjoying this message by Dr. Michael Horton on the significance of Christ in our every day work in the world:
Christ and the Workplace from Westminster Seminary California on Vimeo.
HT: JT
February 06, 2010
Ronald Reagan's 99th Birthday Today
In memorial, here's a 13-minute speech he gave at Normandy on June 6, 1984. President Reagan was commemorating the 40th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy Invasion.
Jesus Christ and Mixed-Martial Arts
I agree with Michael Mckinley: "The New York Times seems to be on a mission to make Christians look stupid, and we keep giving them the stick with which to beat us about the head and neck." McKinley is referring to a NY Times article on the emergence of mixed martial arts (MMA) ministries in evangelical churches. Often formed to attract young (18-34 year old) men, these groups seek to interject some testosterone into the Christian experience (sponsoring events like fight nights, where attendees and visitors can watch MMA events on large screen TVs).
For the sake of full disclosure: I agree that passivity in men today is a problem. But passivity and hyper-testosterone are (unfortunately) not incompatible. A man can be physically tough and athletically-oriented and yet be utterly passive in his faith or with his woman. Likewise, gentleness and tenderness are not emasculation. The mature man is tough and tender, strong but not violent, a leader who channels his strength for the service of others. Secondly, I enjoy Jack Bauer. But I don't confuse him for a representation of Jesus. Jesus conquered through humiliation and surrender to torture. Yes, He's coming back in part to carry out vengeance on His enemies, but that's not our fight (Rom. 12:17-21), though there is a role for Christian police officers, soldiers, and CIA or FBI agents (as ministers of the state, Romans 13). Lastly, I don't think it is necessarily sinful to watch (or participate) in an MMA fight.
But Mark Dever once said it well, "What you win them with is what you win them to.” (@Tim Bertolet) In sum, McKinley's concerns are spot-on:
1. It's derivative and unoriginal. It was lame when Billy Sunday was doing it 100 years ago.And pastor Eugene Cho (quoted in the NY Times piece) also says it well:
2. It makes the gospel man-centered. Coming to Jesus isn't a way for you to deal with your daddy issues. I get it, your dad didn't hug you when you were little and you want to be a different kind of man. How about you go hug your kid then? Jesus didn't come to help you get in touch with your inner MMA fighter.
3. Like it or not, the gospel is at least in part about weakness. It's about the almighty becoming weak to save us. It's about us being helpless and unable in our sins. There's no way to Christ that doesn't start with brokenness and an admission of impotence. Yes, Jesus is the strong man who binds the adversary, but he bound him by suffering, humiliation, and weakness.
4. It discourages and mocks godly men who aren't macho. There is an undercurrent of disdain in all of this. Proponents of this testosterone Christianity can't help but take shots at guys who wear pastels and drink cappuccino. You might not like guys with manicures, but there's absolutely nothing morally wrong with it. A reserved, quiet, well-groomed man can be a good Christian. Believe it or not.
While there are clearly stories about Jesus’ “toughness” [Jesus topples tables and whips moneychangers in Mark 11, Matthew 21, and Luke 19/20], I also seem to remember that:Amen and amen.* Jesus washes the feet of his disciples
* shows compassion to the poor, lepers, and paralytics
* feeds the hungry and heals the blind and sick
* pursues justice and loves mercy
* embraces the women and children, marginalized, and scandalized
* demonstrates amazing grace to the prostitute woman in John 8
* enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey to the shouts of Hosanna…and eventually goes to the Cross to die for humanity.
Who do I live for? I live for this Jesus!
HT: JT
February 04, 2010
Tabletalk Issue on Justification
The February issue of Tabletalk is on the topic of justification and the "new perspective on Paul." Contributors include R.C. Sproul, Michael Horton, Derek Thomas, Cornelis Venema, John Piper, D.A. Carson, J.V. Fesko, Guy Waters, Roger Nicole, Paul Helm, Sinclair Ferguson, Thomas Schreiner and Albert Mohler. Ligonier Ministries was kind enough to make several of these articles freely available on the Internet: "Justification for Everyone" by Burk Parsons, "Tilting at Scarecrows" by R.C. Sproul, "An Unpopular Vision" by George Grant, "The Missing Motive" by Eric Alexander, "On Controversy" by Keith Mathison, "Two Birds, One Stone" by R.C. Sproul Jr.
February 03, 2010
Josh and John Duggar Help Save Little Girl
A touching story. "I don't believe in coincidences. I believe in divine intervention. I believe God had us here at this time to help Maddye."
Wired For Intimacy - How Pornography Hijacks The Male Brain
Dr. William M. Struthers, an associate professor of psychology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, has written what sounds like a fascinating book: Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain
Pornography is powerful. Our contemporary culture as been pornified, and it shapes our assumptions about identity, sexuality, the value of women and the nature of relationships. Countless Christian men struggle with the addictive power of porn. But common spiritual approaches of more prayer and accountability groups are often of limited help.Reviewing this book, Dr. Albert Mohler explains:In this book neuroscientist and researcher William Struthers explains how pornography affects the male brain and what we can do about it. Because we are embodied beings, viewing pornography changes how the brain works, how we form memories and make attachments. By better understanding the biological realities of our sexual development, we can cultivate healthier sexual perspectives and interpersonal relationships. Struthers exposes false assumptions and casts a vision for a redeemed masculinity, showing how our sexual longings can actually propel us toward sanctification and holiness in our bodies.
With insights for both married and single men alike, this book offers hope for freedom from pornography.
Why men rather than women? As Struthers explains, the male and female brains are wired differently. "A man's brain is a sexual mosaic influenced by hormone levels in the womb and in puberty and molded by his psychological experience." Over time, exposure to pornography takes a man or boy deeper along "a one-way neurological superhighway where a man's mental life is over-sexualized and narrowed. This superhighway has countless on-ramps but very few off-ramps.He also gives this content-rich quote from Struthers:Pornography is "visually magnetic" to the male brain. Struthers presents a fascinating review of the neurobiology involved, with pleasure hormones becoming linked to and released by the experience of a male viewing pornographic images. These experiences with pornography and pleasure hormones create new patterns in the brain's wiring, and repeated experiences formalize the rewiring.
Viewing pornography is not an emotionally or physiologically neutral experience. It is fundamentally different from looking at black and white photos of the Lincoln Memorial or taking in a color map of the provinces of Canada. Men are reflexively drawn to the content of pornographic material. As such, pornography has wide-reaching effects to energize a man toward intimacy. It is not a neutral stimulus. It draws us in. Porn is vicarious and voyeuristic at its core, but it is also something more. Porn is a whispered promise. It promises more sex, better sex, endless sex, sex on demand, more intense orgasms, experiences of transcendence.Thankfully, as Dr. Mohler points out, Struthers doesn't let porn-viewing men off the hook: The addict retains full responsibility for his addiction, neurological explanations notwithstanding.
IVP has made available the Introduction and Chapter 1.
February 02, 2010
Sally Jenkins on Tim Tebow Superbowl Ad
An insightful article by Washington Post sportswriter Sally Jenkins on the upcoming Tim Tebow Superbowl ad. Jenkins is pro-choice, which makes her withering critique of the National Organization of Women (NOW) that much more newsworthy. She begins with the observation, "Tim Tebow is one of the better things to happen to young women in some time." She goes on to write:
I'm pro-choice, and Tebow clearly is not. But based on what I've heard in the past week, I'll take his side against the group-think, elitism and condescension of the "National Organization of Fewer and Fewer Women All The Time." For one thing, Tebow seems smarter than they do.She later makes the explicit connection between Tebow's example of abstinence before marriage and the problem of unwanted pregnancies:Tebow's 30-second ad hasn't even run yet, but it already has provoked "The National Organization for Women Who Only Think Like Us" to reveal something important about themselves: They aren't actually "pro-choice" so much as they are pro-abortion. Pam Tebow has a genuine pro-choice story to tell. She got pregnant in 1987, post-Roe v. Wade, and while on a Christian mission in the Philippines, she contracted a tropical ailment. Doctors advised her the pregnancy could be dangerous, but she exercised her freedom of choice and now, 20-some years later, the outcome of that choice is her beauteous Heisman Trophy winner son, a chaste, proselytizing evangelical.
Pam Tebow and her son feel good enough about that choice to want to tell people about it. Only, NOW says they shouldn't be allowed to. Apparently NOW feels this commercial is an inappropriate message for America to see for 30 seconds, but women in bikinis selling beer is the right one.
Here's what we do need a lot more of: Tebows. Collegians who are selfless enough to choose not to spend summers poolside, but travel to impoverished countries to dispense medical care to children, as Tebow has every summer of his career. Athletes who believe in something other than themselves, and are willing to put their backbone where their mouth is. Celebrities who are self-possessed and self-controlled enough to use their wattage to advertise commitment over decadence.Read the whole thing. Or see my previous post where I offered a similar critique of the antagonistic response to Tebow's commercial from some pro-choice circles.You know what we really need more of? Famous guys who aren't embarrassed to practice sexual restraint, and to say it out loud. If we had more of those, women might have fewer abortions. See, the best way to deal with unwanted pregnancy is to not get the sperm in the egg and the egg implanted to begin with, and that is an issue for men, too -- and they should step up to that.
HT: Josh Harris
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Recent Posts
- Dr. James Dobson Says Goodbye (for Now)
- A Look Inside R.C. Sproul's Office
- Albert Mohler on the Challenges of Islam
- Do Hard Things -- A Follow-Up
- The Growing Wave of Foreclosures
- Phil Ryken Explains Transition to Wheaton
- Pachelbel's Canon in D - On the (Electric) Guitar
- NEXT 2010 Conference Promo
- Philip Ryken: New President of Wheaton College
- Justin Taylor Interviews Adrian Warnock