Introduce people to Jesus. You can't catch sin. But He can. He takes people's sins all the time and puts them on Himself.
What are some threats we evangelical need to be careful of?
[embed]http://vimeo.com/96195972[/embed]
Saturday, 31 May 2014
You Can't Catch Sin, He can & Future Threats to Evangelicals (30/5)
This is a good one off devotion from Matt Chandler. "You can't catch sin"
What are some threats we evangelical need to be careful of?
[embed]http://vimeo.com/96195972[/embed]
What are some threats we evangelical need to be careful of?
[embed]http://vimeo.com/96195972[/embed]
Friday, 30 May 2014
Book Review - Know Your Heretics (29/5)
Why would anyone want to write on the guys who go it all wrong? It would be like trying to make a movie on Lex Luthor's Injustice League, but Holcomb gets this book just right. 
Why? Because these guys would be able to show you how you can go wrong. And so, an alternative title could be “Don’t repeat these mistakes again guys”. Living in an era where innovation and novelty is highly sought after, this book reminds us that sometimes new isn’t always better.
At the forefront, Holcomb defines what he means by heretics and orthodoxy, dealing especially with the “orthodoxy” as defined by Walter Bauer (orthodoxy is that which is defined by the winner), over and against that, Holcomb defines heretics as that which “best follows the Bible and best summaries what it teaches - best accounts for the paradoxes and apparent contradictions, best preserves the mystery of God in places where reason can’t go, and best communicates the story of the forgiveness of the gospel”.
Holcomb also defines what heresy is, and is not. It is not “every potential wrong belief, rather only those beliefs that contradict(s) the essential elements of faith”.
Alongside with clear definitions, the format for each wrong heretic includes the four sub-sections, historical background, the heretic teaching, the orthodox response, and contemporary relevance.
A total of 12 heretics were covered in this book chronologically, starting from the Judaizers all the way to Socinus. The major heretics such as Macion, Sabelius, Arius, Nestorius, such to name a few are covered. Socinus was a surprised, one that was new and I’ve never really heard of him thus far.
One minor complaint that I have with this book was the chapter on Nestorius. It was rather repetitive, parts of the content was already mentioned in Knowing the Creeds and Councils (see my review it) and it felt as if I was re-reading the same arguments as before. For the others however, Holcomb was able to present the false teachers and teaching in greater detail as compared to Know the Creeds. This is no small feat and Holcomb should deserve due credit for his work on this.
Holcomb ends off the book reminding us the importances of getting our doctrines right. And reminds us that not every disagreement is to be deemed as heretical, as long as imperfect humans are studying the Bible, there will bound to be disagreement among us.
If I had to choose between this or Know the Creeds, I would recommend Know the Creeds. As they direct believers to firmer grounds to build their faith. However, I would still recommend the same christians to then read this book, just to let them see the relevance and importances of right doctrine in the christian life, and how they can they might have so easily got their theology wrong.
Ratings: 3.75/5
If you're interested you can get it here and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Why? Because these guys would be able to show you how you can go wrong. And so, an alternative title could be “Don’t repeat these mistakes again guys”. Living in an era where innovation and novelty is highly sought after, this book reminds us that sometimes new isn’t always better.At the forefront, Holcomb defines what he means by heretics and orthodoxy, dealing especially with the “orthodoxy” as defined by Walter Bauer (orthodoxy is that which is defined by the winner), over and against that, Holcomb defines heretics as that which “best follows the Bible and best summaries what it teaches - best accounts for the paradoxes and apparent contradictions, best preserves the mystery of God in places where reason can’t go, and best communicates the story of the forgiveness of the gospel”.
Holcomb also defines what heresy is, and is not. It is not “every potential wrong belief, rather only those beliefs that contradict(s) the essential elements of faith”.
Alongside with clear definitions, the format for each wrong heretic includes the four sub-sections, historical background, the heretic teaching, the orthodox response, and contemporary relevance.
A total of 12 heretics were covered in this book chronologically, starting from the Judaizers all the way to Socinus. The major heretics such as Macion, Sabelius, Arius, Nestorius, such to name a few are covered. Socinus was a surprised, one that was new and I’ve never really heard of him thus far.
One minor complaint that I have with this book was the chapter on Nestorius. It was rather repetitive, parts of the content was already mentioned in Knowing the Creeds and Councils (see my review it) and it felt as if I was re-reading the same arguments as before. For the others however, Holcomb was able to present the false teachers and teaching in greater detail as compared to Know the Creeds. This is no small feat and Holcomb should deserve due credit for his work on this.
Holcomb ends off the book reminding us the importances of getting our doctrines right. And reminds us that not every disagreement is to be deemed as heretical, as long as imperfect humans are studying the Bible, there will bound to be disagreement among us.
If I had to choose between this or Know the Creeds, I would recommend Know the Creeds. As they direct believers to firmer grounds to build their faith. However, I would still recommend the same christians to then read this book, just to let them see the relevance and importances of right doctrine in the christian life, and how they can they might have so easily got their theology wrong.
Ratings: 3.75/5
If you're interested you can get it here and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Men, Read Your Prophets (28/5)
According to Biblegateway.com, these are the ten most unpopular books of the bible.
As you can see, 6 of the 10 actually belongs to the Old Testament Prophets. I fear that this is what also a clear picture of our own bible reading intake.
Currently, I'm reading The Word of the Lord by Nancy Guthrie, It's a 10 week study on the 9 different prophets, and I hope this book does go out to an larger audience, we need to know more from the Prophets, because they belong to the whole counsel of God too.
Will post a review on it soon, when I'm through with the book!
Lastly, what about you? What books of the bible do you not always read or find most difficult to read and study?
As you can see, 6 of the 10 actually belongs to the Old Testament Prophets. I fear that this is what also a clear picture of our own bible reading intake.
Currently, I'm reading The Word of the Lord by Nancy Guthrie, It's a 10 week study on the 9 different prophets, and I hope this book does go out to an larger audience, we need to know more from the Prophets, because they belong to the whole counsel of God too.
Will post a review on it soon, when I'm through with the book!
Lastly, what about you? What books of the bible do you not always read or find most difficult to read and study?
Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Credo Magazine (27/5)
Yesterday, I blogged about a need for the churches today to go back to faithful exposition of God's Word.
Came across this the current issue of Credo Mag that talks about the essentials of a Church.
You can get yours free here.
In it, it talks about entertainment vs preaching, the idol of success in our churches, preaching, church discipline, baptism and also the Lord's Supper.
Here's a sneak peek of the definition of preaching by Dennis Johnson.
Came across this the current issue of Credo Mag that talks about the essentials of a Church.
You can get yours free here.
In it, it talks about entertainment vs preaching, the idol of success in our churches, preaching, church discipline, baptism and also the Lord's Supper.
Here's a sneak peek of the definition of preaching by Dennis Johnson.
Preaching is (1) proclamation, explanation, and application (2) of the Word of God written, in relation to its integrating center—Christ, the only Mediator between God and man—(3) by a man called by God, gifted by the Holy Spirit, and growing in Christlikeness, (4) to people made in God’s image but alienated and marred by sin and its toxic byproducts (5) in the presence of God (6) to serve as the Spirit’s means of grace by which he replaces unbelieving hearts of stone with believing hearts of flesh, and then brings immature children of God into conformity to Christ, (7) to the glory of God in his church.
Monday, 26 May 2014
What the Church Needs - Preaching the Whole Counsel of God (26/5)
Read this parable from Charles Spurgeon. HT: Trevin Wax
I don't know about your church, but I know mine. And I think each and every church needs good preaching. Good in the sense that the preacher really does preaches God's Word, I've heard far too many sermons that likes to tell stories rather than expounding the text, or preachers who like to show how "innovative" they can be at interpreting a text, often trying to come out with novel interpretations that were never present in text originally.
Our churches are dying, we need faithful preachers, good preachers who will work hard at understanding the text, delivering good application found inside the text and depending heavily on God in prayer for His help through it all. God help us, and raise a generation of faithful preachers.
One good book that taught me what good preaching constitutes is "Why Johnny can't preach" You should get a copy and read this if you're a preacher. One other book I hope to read and do a review soon would be Expository Preaching by David Helm.
What about you? What do you think the Church needs? What books would you recommend on expository preaching?
[polldaddy poll="8075631"]
Does the reason why going to the house of God has become so distasteful to a great many of the population lie in this direction? I believe it does. Have our Lord’s servants been chopping up their own odds and ends and tainted bits to make therewith a potted meat for the millions; and do the millions therefore turn away? Listen to the rest of my parable.
I don't know about your church, but I know mine. And I think each and every church needs good preaching. Good in the sense that the preacher really does preaches God's Word, I've heard far too many sermons that likes to tell stories rather than expounding the text, or preachers who like to show how "innovative" they can be at interpreting a text, often trying to come out with novel interpretations that were never present in text originally.
Our churches are dying, we need faithful preachers, good preachers who will work hard at understanding the text, delivering good application found inside the text and depending heavily on God in prayer for His help through it all. God help us, and raise a generation of faithful preachers.
One good book that taught me what good preaching constitutes is "Why Johnny can't preach" You should get a copy and read this if you're a preacher. One other book I hope to read and do a review soon would be Expository Preaching by David Helm.
What about you? What do you think the Church needs? What books would you recommend on expository preaching?
[polldaddy poll="8075631"]
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Covenant Theology Course (23/5)
Reformed Theological Seminary has made available for free a new online course on Covenant Theology on iTunes.
Ligon Duncan, Chancellor/CEO of the Reformed Theological Seminary will be the one who will be teaching you on this topic!
Great for anyone who wants to learn on more this important topic.
Ligon Duncan, Chancellor/CEO of the Reformed Theological Seminary will be the one who will be teaching you on this topic!
Great for anyone who wants to learn on more this important topic.
Thursday, 22 May 2014
Resources on Christian Ethics (22/5)
Chance upon 2 really helpful resources for those who would like to dive into the topic of Christian Ethics.
First, the lectures of John Feinberg.
Here's a preview on the first lecture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCVOyb79lWE&list=PLB4F425D56947B151
And if you're interested, this is the textbook he wrote for this topic
Second, a huge excerpts of the doctrine of the Christian Life by John Frame (essentially a textbook on Christian ethics)
First, the lectures of John Feinberg.
Here's a preview on the first lecture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCVOyb79lWE&list=PLB4F425D56947B151
And if you're interested, this is the textbook he wrote for this topic
Second, a huge excerpts of the doctrine of the Christian Life by John Frame (essentially a textbook on Christian ethics)
Book Review - Know the Creeds and Councils (21/5)
Other than the Apostle’s Creed, are you familiar with other creeds? How about confessions? What are they? What’s the difference between them? What about catechism? Why were they created? These and many other related questions would be answered by Holcomb in this book. Holcom
b first defines the various terms used in this book, creeds, confessions and catechism.
Following which these are then presented in a chronological order, allowing the readers to see how the creeds have developed, deepen and also modified in their wording to be more specific to the various challenges that arose at the different eras.
In Creeds, whenever a creed/confession/catechism is presented, 3 sections would always be explored: the historical background, content and relevance.
Holcomb is especially strong in giving the historical context of the creeds/confession/catechism, often highlighting the historical framework/situations where the creeds are contextualised, allowing you to see the importance of developing such creeds/confessions/catechism.
What is interesting is that Holcomb not only includes Protestant creeds and confession, in this book you can also read about the Romans Catholic Creeds and Councils, and Holcomb does not skimp on the explanation about them.
Lastly, under relevance, Holcomb is perceptive about the importance of creeds and confessions and the need for christians to be familiar with the them. Even when discussing about the Vatican II, Holcomb is still able to draw relevant application for christians and thus gives excellence support for the christian to be well versed in them.
This would be a great book for any christian who would like to be interested to learn not just about the creeds/confessions/catechism itself, but along side with it a thorough understanding of the historical context behind it. Although this might be a little too overbearing, but I would have wished that Holcomb could have added a chapter on the Second London Baptist Confession. Still this trivial lack has not in any way made the book any less valuable. This remains to be an excellent and informative guide for any christian who wants to be informed in this area.
Rating: 4.25/5
If you're interested get it here and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
b first defines the various terms used in this book, creeds, confessions and catechism.Following which these are then presented in a chronological order, allowing the readers to see how the creeds have developed, deepen and also modified in their wording to be more specific to the various challenges that arose at the different eras.
In Creeds, whenever a creed/confession/catechism is presented, 3 sections would always be explored: the historical background, content and relevance.
Holcomb is especially strong in giving the historical context of the creeds/confession/catechism, often highlighting the historical framework/situations where the creeds are contextualised, allowing you to see the importance of developing such creeds/confessions/catechism.
What is interesting is that Holcomb not only includes Protestant creeds and confession, in this book you can also read about the Romans Catholic Creeds and Councils, and Holcomb does not skimp on the explanation about them.
Lastly, under relevance, Holcomb is perceptive about the importance of creeds and confessions and the need for christians to be familiar with the them. Even when discussing about the Vatican II, Holcomb is still able to draw relevant application for christians and thus gives excellence support for the christian to be well versed in them.
This would be a great book for any christian who would like to be interested to learn not just about the creeds/confessions/catechism itself, but along side with it a thorough understanding of the historical context behind it. Although this might be a little too overbearing, but I would have wished that Holcomb could have added a chapter on the Second London Baptist Confession. Still this trivial lack has not in any way made the book any less valuable. This remains to be an excellent and informative guide for any christian who wants to be informed in this area.
Rating: 4.25/5
If you're interested get it here and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Missionaries and Bribes - To pay or not to pay? (21/5)
Came across this perceptive article on Christianity Today.
Tell me what you think in your comments, I'll post my views on it tomorrow. And enjoy the book review I'll post later :)
When Should an Overseas Missionary Pay a Bribe?
Tell me what you think in your comments, I'll post my views on it tomorrow. And enjoy the book review I'll post later :)
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
YembiYembi: Unto the Nations
http://vimeo.com/jesselow/yembi
This is not directly linked to the book review I've written yesterday, but it's another missions video.
Go to the main side to watch this 30mins video. The 30mins spent watching this video will be well-spent.
This is not directly linked to the book review I've written yesterday, but it's another missions video.
Go to the main side to watch this 30mins video. The 30mins spent watching this video will be well-spent.
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