We Are All “Dead Dogs”

The record of David’s welcoming Mephibosheth into his palace is full of profitable lessons. First, 2 Samuel 9 gives us a glimpse of David’s godly character:

By seeking Jonathan’s son (probably some 15-20 years after Jonathan’s death) David made good on his promise to Jonathan (cp. 1 Samuel 20:14-15).
By sparing Mephibosheth’s life rather than eliminating [...]

Questions Regarding “Fundamentalism’s Great Softness”

Pastor Tod Brainard’s article in the latest edition of The Projector, “Fundamentalism’s Great Softness,” was recently forwarded to me by a couple of my pastor-friends. I read it, and I was troubled by its content. Frankly, I’m not sure whether I agree or disagree with Pastor Brainard’s assessment. The reason for my uncertainty is this: [...]

Uncle Michael: A Testimony of Unconditional Praise

A framed decorative place mat from BJU’s Thanksgiving Dinner in 1993 hangs on my wall. The theme of that year’s dinner is announced across the top of the picture: “Unconditional Praise.” Beneath the words is a farm scene, including myriads of animals, a beautiful home, and a full barn. However, the idyllic scene is faded [...]

Wilberforce: See Him, Read Him, and Hear Him Twice

I admit to being historically challenged. I’m not proud of this, but it’s true. I’m working on it. Recently I’ve enjoyed getting to know a little more about William Wilberforce. There are a lot of resources available on Wilberforce.
First, you can download an audio copy of John Piper’s biography of Wilberforce for free right now [...]

Sound Words: Legalists and Libertines

We typically think of the Pharisees as legalists. They are criticized for requiring strict adherence to fine details of obscure laws. They are dismissed as the “prudes” of their day. In fact, the term “Pharisee” has become a favorite smear people use to criticize anyone with a standard stricter than their own. However, a look [...]

Thabiti Anyabwile on “One Race”

A few months ago Thabiti Anyabwile wrote an article challenging the idea that there are distinct human races. I recently read the article (available here), and I think it is fascinating. I’d encourage you to give it some thought. When you do, I would be very interested in your response to both his reasoning and [...]

Quick Hits

I’ve collected a few worthwhile links, so I thought I’d string them together into this casserole of a post.
Generations of Valor
This picture from a Veteran’s Day memorial in Dallas is impossible to adequately describe. You need to take a look and read the caption below it. Would that all Americans were as grateful.
_____
Noonan on [...]

What I’m Reading: The Gospel for Real Life

I’ve been picking at Jerry Bridges’ fine book The Gospel for Real Life for several months. I don’t know why it took me so long to get through it. It’s engaging enough, and it’s an easy read. I just read a chapter or two at a time.
Well, I’ve finished it, and I’m glad to recommend [...]

Muy Caliente. Muy Loco.

There is a lot of funny stuff available online, but this one still has me shaking my head and giggling a couple hours after I watched it.

Rob Stone may be crazy, but he maintained his composure pretty well. I’m impressed. His response to the 5-6 hour sentence is classic.
(HT: Tim Challies)

Call it a pet peeve…

…but the statement “There is no difference between the secular and the sacred” is driving me nuts. So is its second cousin, “Every bush is a burning bush.” (With, um, all due respect to the original speaker, of course. Absolutely.)
I understand that we can glorify God even by eating or drinking. I get it. But [...]