Dever Sounds Like Doran

During Dever’s lecture at T4G on the folly of trying to “improve the gospel,” I wrote in my notes that he “sounds like Doran.” The first point of Dever’s message has now been posted at the T4G blog. Give it a read (or give the whole message a listen), and tell me if you can [...]

Why Four Services?

We try to be intentional about what we do at TCBC. So why do we have four services? Ideally, to accomplish four different goals. Here’s the answer as we published it in yesterday’s bulletin:
1. EMM Fellowships* — Fellowship and Bible Interaction
2. Sunday AM — Worship and Bible Proclamation
3. Sunday PM — Testimony and Bible Instruction
4. [...]

Keep Yourselves from Christ-Shaped Idols

I just finished up my series through John’s epistles. Though I learned much about the books and about Christian assurance, the highlight of the study was having my eyes directed Christ-ward time and again. Of course, John describes what the Christian looks like (via the repeated tests of faith, obedience, and love), but he takes [...]

Things I Wish I’d Said, 2

Here are some insightful statements I’ve come across in recent weeks. Many are from T4G, which I enjoyed very much. (Links to all the T4G “talks” are available at Andy Naselli’s place.)
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This statement from Mark Dever’s T4G message is on-target:
“Pragmatism is more of a danger to evangelical Christians than Open Theism will ever be.”
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This is [...]

What I’m Reading: Not Even a Hint

I’m preparing for a short topical series during which I’ll be preaching on gender issues, including dating/courtship, marriage, lust, cultivating a “family” mindset toward brothers and sisters in Christ, and parenting in a sensual world. As part of my preparation, I took a couple hours today to reread Joshua Harris’ little book, Not Even a [...]

“Forsaken…Finished…Father”

I recently made a post on Christ’s final cries from the cross and the theological realities which they represent. I was (and continue to be) especially intrigued by the difference in tone between Christ’s fourth cry (”My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” ) and His seventh and last cry (”Father, into Your [...]

Quick Hits (4/4/08)

Here are some miscellaneous items that may make you laugh, think, or go “Wha…?“:
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If you’ve wondered what’s behind Peter Enns’ suspension from Westminster Theological Seminary, D. A. Carson’s review of Enns’ book (from back in 2006) will clear up the theological portion of the controversy for you. Carson’s article isn’t short or light, but it’s [...]

Sound Words: Exasperation or Instruction?

As a parent and a pastor, I’ve thought often of Ephesians 6:4. However, until recently, I haven’t understood the connection between its two imperatives: provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture (disciplined instruction) and admonition (compelling warning) of the Lord. Two points are particularly important, I think. First, what [...]

Things I Wish I’d Said, 1

There’s nothing like reading your own thoughts expressed more articulately by someone else. Every reader knows the “eureka!” moment when you say to yourself “That’s what I’ve been thinking, but I haven’t been able to say it so clearly. Yes!” Well, when I have those moments now, I’ll collect the statements here. When I’ve gathered [...]