2Marks on 9Marks

I’ve been eager to hear Mark Dever’s interview of Mark Minnick ever since I heard that it was going to take place. It features two pastors for whom I have a great deal of admiration and who have influenced my own philosophy of local church ministry for good. I appreciate both men, particularly Pastor Minnick, [...]

Dumb and Dumber: Evangelicals and Fundamentalists

This article from CNN.com is an interesting read. It looks at our culture’s assumption that evangelicals (not to mention fundamentalists) are ignorant, considering factors that have contributed to that notion in recent history as well and pointing out current attempts to overcome it. As expected, the discussion focuses primarily on Bible-believers’ rejection of evolution. From [...]

“The Place of Women in the Church”

I occasionally get a useful insight regarding a text’s meaning or application from The Interpreter’s Bible commentary set which was printed in the 1950’s by the United Methodists. I know that it has liberal tendencies, but I’ve sometimes found some helpful meat amidst the bones—even if it’s just a clever turn of phrase. Today was [...]

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 [...]

Quick Hits (4/4/08)

Here are some miscellaneous items that may make you laugh, think, or go “Wha…?“:
_____
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 [...]

Covenant Life Performs Andrew Lloyd Webber? Why?!

Over the last few years, I have come to appreciate the spirit and focus of Sovereign Grace Ministries, and especially of Covenant Life Church in the DC area. I’ve appreciated several of the songs SG has produced and have enjoyed some helpful correspondence with CL’s music minister Bob Kauflin. Also, I’ve learned much from the [...]

The God Who Suffers: The Long Silence

The following anonymous short story is thought provoking, though I have serious reservations about it (which I will share after the story, lest I prejudice your read):
The Long Silence
At the end of time, billions of people were seated on a great plain before God’s throne. Most shrank back from the brilliant light before them. But [...]

Quick Hits (3/11/08)

Lots and lots of little bits to pass on, some of which is important. The first one? Not so much. But it’s funny.
_____
Timing Is Everything

I’ve driven for 20 years without getting a speeding ticket. Twenty years! Well, I picked a doozy of a time to get my first. The car? A borrowed Lexus. The passenger? [...]

Good Stuff from John Piper and Phil Johnson

Good Stuff from John Piper
I’ve always appreciated Piper’s biographical lectures, but I thought his discussion of John Newton was particularly good. I appreciate God’s working in Newton’s life more, but I also appreciated other ministerial lessons—not the least of which is a comical discussion on the perils of speaking in principles rather than drawing vivid [...]

Bob Kauflin on Songs and Associations

A couple weeks ago, I posted thoughts from Dave Doran and C. H. Spurgeon on the process of selecting music for corporate worship. Part of the discussion centered on the issue of association, and Spurgeon was especially clear that he chose hymns based on their content, not composer.
Since then, Bob Kauflin has fielded a question [...]