If God chooses for some to remain single, she argues, that doesn’t mean He intends for them to spend their lives in a state of gloom about it. There are good things that go with singleness as well as with marriage, and those blessings are meant to be used and enjoyed.   Lisa Anderson’s new... Continue Reading

The second critique I have of this book is that it is sort of a guilt trip.  In fact, it reminded me of David Platt’s book, Radical.  Greear does refer to Platt from time to time, so there are parallels.   I realize Greear said he was trying to avoid the guilt-trip aspect of evangelism, but... Continue Reading

“If Anderson were really the prejudiced, hateful crank his critics declare him to be, liberals would not be desperate to bury his book. They would be trotting it out at every opportunity. “Extra, Extra! Fresh installment of crazy from Mr. Marriage!”   Ryan T. Anderson is the most dangerous man in America. His new book,... Continue Reading

“Given this apparent cultural distance between New York and rural America, it may surprise you to hear me say Keller’s new book on preaching should be required reading for all preachers, precisely since it equips us to preach to our culture. But that’s my point.”   “Most Christian speaking and preaching still assumes that listeners have... Continue Reading

“The book presents a standard Reformed view of the church. This is seen in two primary ways: first, in its references to the Scriptures as the basis for all principles regarding the church; and second, in its frequent reference to Reformed doctrinal confessions and catechisms.” A Well-Ordered Church, by William Boekestein and Daniel R. Hyde... Continue Reading

“If you are a pastor, almost certainly you have at least a few individuals in your congregation who fit this description. So as you prepare to shepherd your tenderhearted souls through their struggles with assurance, let me recommend a few resources.”   Call it “melancholy”, call it spiritual depression, call it excessively introspective, Bible-believing Christians... Continue Reading

“Meaty Christian biographies can be a feast.  The two volume biography of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the 20th century pastor-preacher by Iain Murray  was a spiritual treat.  The two volume biography of 18th century evangelist George Whitefield, by Arnold Dallimore, sparked revival in my life.”   It is counter cultural, anti-twitteral, and to many people simply a... Continue Reading

“In order to present Luther’s vision of the Christian life within its proper context, Trueman arranges the progression of chapters so that the reader gains an understanding of broad themes in Luther’s theology before turning to the particular topics traditionally associated with sanctified living.”   It is not immediately obvious to many Christians that Martin... Continue Reading

“Cancer creates opportunities for more profound intimacy with those around you,” Powlison knowingly observes. “People pay attention when a sufferer is being honest”. That last sentence reminds me that cancer provides Christians experiencing it an opportunity to teach the rich God-centered doctrine and lessons of faith we’ve previously learned and that have prepared us for processing suffering biblically. We’ve... Continue Reading

“Hymnals are intended to be a collective statement of faith for the denomination or group that adopts it. The theological content of our singing is certainly stronger when we have a primary resource that’s been examined, vetted, and solidified on that basis.”   A year ago yesterday I wrote a post about hymnals. A lot of people read... Continue Reading