(1) God willing, this evening I will once again be hosting the Andrew Tallman show, continuing the theme of Divine election.

To repeat the details about how to listen in – the one hour show can be heard live across the Phoenix area on KXEG radio at 1360AM at 6:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. EST) and also live on the internet (same time of course) at www.kpxq1360.com – (when you get there, click on the “Listen Live” button at the top of the page)…. I would very much value your prayers. – John

Dr. John Piper was asked, “I believe the doctrine of election but I don’t like it much. Is it sin for me not to like the doctrine of election?” I like his answer:

(2) One quote from C. H. Spuregon: “Faith which refuses to obey the commands of the Saviour is a mere pretense and will never save the soul.”

One quote from Augustine: “In some places God requires newness of heart [Ezek 18:31]. But elsewhere he testifies that it is given by him [Ezek. 11:19; 36:26]. But what God promises we ourselves do not do through choice or nature; but he himself does through grace.”

Two quotes from John Hendryx: “There is no blessing that ever comes to man from God without coming through the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Martyn Lloyd Jones) “Therefore if irresistible/effectual grace is granted only to the elect, then where did this grace come from? From Christ. Therefore, Christ died in a redemptive way for the elect (to purchase effectual grace) that he did not for the non-elect (whom he did not purchase effectual grace). Gospel grace is Christocentric.” – John Hendryx

“Where did you get the sound judgment or good sense to believe the gospel? (John 6:63-65, 37) Why do some NOT have the good sense to believe the gospel? (John 8:47; 10:26). Grace frees you from boasting in what isn’t your own, including ascribing your repenting and believing to your own sound judgment or good sense. Grace makes us glory in Christ alone, even for these blessings.” – John Hendryx

(3) This short video uses the words of Pastor Tim Keller to unveil the theme of the Bible, revealing the fact that it is not about you (or me) but about Him:

True & Better from Peter Artemenko on Vimeo.

(4) “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” – Jeremiah 15:16

There is nothing more precious than a true knowledge of God and His Word. Someone wrote to me asking what recommendations I had regarding materials for Bible study. Here’s four (including one for children):

1. Dust to Glory – I absolutely love this series and am using it with my teenage children. This series takes you through the Bible book-by-book, drawing out the major themes of each. It’s available in the NEW TESTAMENT and OLD TESTAMENT (or as a complete package). It’s a comprehensive series with 57 lectures.

Dr. Ligon Duncan, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Miss. has said, ““Never before has there been a greater need for Christians to know their Bibles than now. And yet, we know them less well than we have at any time since the Reformation. That’s one reason that I am so delighted to commend R.C. Sproul’s Dust to Glory. It gives you the big picture — the major themes, events, and people of the Bible — the very thing we need to help us know our Bibles better. And it does so in a gripping, memorable way. Know your Bible better. Start here.”

(This is such a great series that it might also be something worthwhile to donate to your local church library).

2. Chosen by God – The doctrine of predestination remains a controversial subject and yet God has revealed this truth to us in His Word, not to divide us, but to show us the immensity of His grace and kindness to us.

In both the book and DVD series, Dr. Sproul “shows how election is entirely compatible with human freedom, dignity, and responsibility. One of Ligonier’s most significant and popular books, Chosen by God shows why all serious Christians cannot afford to ignore this important biblical doctrine, but instead should embrace God’s initiative in Salvation.” Buy R.C. Sproul’s “Chosen By God” for $10.40. Shop Today!

3. The Prince’s Poison Cup – (for children) Buy “The Prince’s Poison Cup” children novel by R.C. Sproul. Shop now!

4. In an earlier post I outlined why I particularly recommend The Reformation Study Bible: Simply superb!

(Remember, if you do decide to purchase any material from Ligonier, you can claim an exclusive 10% discount as a reader of this blog by using the coupon code: EGRACE10)

(1) BIBLE TRANSLATION: Our generation is so blessed. In contrast to former periods in history where access to the word of God was very rare, there are many good Bible translations available to us in the English language today. How we thank God for this. It is simply a fact of history to say that many have paid the ultimate price (forfeiting their very lives) so that we would have access to the word of God in our native tongue.

I like the English Standard Version both for its diligent effort to be true to the original text (Hebrew in the Old Testament and koine Greek in the New) and for its great readability. Usually one of these things suffers in Bible translation, but this is not the case with the ESV. It is both highly accurate and easy to read, and these features make it a remarkable translation.

EXPLANATORY STUDY NOTES: Of course, it is the text of the Bible that is inspired not the notes we might find in the margins. This is an extremely important distinction that should always be remembered. However, it can be so helpful to have something of the historical background available to us at our fingertips, as well as useful and practical explanatory notes. Yet not every study Bible out there can be recommended. Some show very poor scholarship or else they have an agenda to articulate extreme views.

It is a high and holy calling to lead people in the things of God and great care is needed to help guide God’s people in the way of truth. This is certainly the case when it comes to providing study notes in a Bible. Because of this, for many years, I would never recommend a Bible with study notes. It is better to have no notes at all, than to be steered in the wrong direction. However, in recent years, the publishing of the Reformation Study Bible has excited me greatly and I would like to see it in the hands of every English speaking Christian. In terms of the two things that I believe to be most important features of a Study Bible – accurate translation and helpful and reliable (sure guide) study notes – in my opinion, this is the best. Its also the Bible I use in my preaching.

Here’s a short 8 minute video by Dr. R.C. Sproul, outlining the historical background, scholarship and features of the Reformation Study Bible.

Right now Ligonier Ministries has a 40% off sale on this Bible here!.

(2) There’s also some EXCELLENT material available at the $5 Friday Ligonier sale today starting at 8 a.m. EST. See here.

(3) CONQUERING SIN: Changing topics, I found these two quotes very probing. How easy it is to deceive ourselves concerning sin:
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