Category Archives: Recommendations

Friday Round Up

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(1) For those who disdain the use of any theological labels but who say “I follow no man but Christ” you might find or 3) causing division. Rather, there is a flurry of naked assertions that assume the moral, theological, and biblical high ground without a shred of evidence. What’s worse, their position is actually an untenable one. Shunning labels like Calvinist and Arminian under the guise of “refusing to follow a man” is at best naive, and at worst flat out dishonest.”

(2) Do you know anyone who needs to grow in Christian maturity? Do you see this person in the mirror every day? Yes, the fact is that all of us need to grow in becoming more like Christ.

The Word of God makes it clear that consistent and progressive spiritual growth is to be the goal of every Christian. As we practice the spiritual disciplines described in the Word of God, the Holy Spirit moves us to submit to God’s will. However, growth is not automatic. It comes as we participate in the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life. There are things we can do that will aid our growth. That is why we are told, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18.

In light of this, I wish to make a strong recommendation. Its a series of messages designed to help each of us grow in the things of God and there happens to be a VERY special offer on this today. In these lectures from Ligonier Ministries’ 2005 National Conference, Drs. Mark Dever, J. Ligon Duncan III, John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, and Derek Thomas discuss the five key disciplines of Bible study, prayer, stewardship, service, and worship.

Normally $65 this CD series is only $5 right now in the Friday Ligonier online sale. With practical sensitivity and concern for biblical fidelity, these messages explain how each of these disciplines contributes to our spiritual growth. Check out the “5 Keys to Spiritual Growth” series and other items in the $5 Ligonier sale here.

(3) Another recommendation: Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr., serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world. His weekday “briefings” allow us to catch major news headlines that are often missed or overlooked by the mainstream media and to interpret them through a biblical filter. As his website states, “The Briefing enables Christians to think biblically by providing daily worldview analysis about the leading news headlines and cultural conversations.”

Each weekday podcast is both fast paced and informative and typically lasts around 10 minutes. I highly recommend it for any Christian who wishes to be informed about what is going on in America and our world. I am now in the habit of listening in each weekday morning and find it to be an outstanding resource.

You can listen to (and subscribe to) his “briefings” podcast here.

(4) APOSTASY ALERT: Carlton Pearson (Carman’s former pastor) left the Christian faith some years ago becoming a Universalist. Here he is marrying a gay couple, one of whom happens to be Oral Roberts’ grandson.

Justin Edwards’ Review

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Justin Edwards is one of the most passionate Christians I know. His love for the Lord is contagious, as is his passion to honor the truth of God’s word.

Justin is also a Calvinist with fiery evangelistic zeal. Having spent many days in open air preaching the Gospel of Christ at the Superbowl in early February, he is now hoping to head out to the summer Olympic Games in London to do the exact same thing. (Perhaps the Lord would lead you to get behind his vision to get there, both in prayer and finances).

Justin has just written a very encouraging review of my new book at this blog here.

Two Book Recommendations

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(1) Actually, this first book is two books in one. Horatius Bonar, a well-known nineteenth-century minister called ‘the prince of Scottish hymn-writers,’ was also a prolific writer of scriptural, practical, and experiential Christian literature. Two of his books that bore considerable fruit and have often been reprinted were The Night of Weeping and The Morning of Joy, here reprinted under one cover.

“The Night of Weeping expounds compassionately and beautifully a biblical view of suffering, showing how it is an integral part of belonging to God’s family, how to cope with it, and how it benefits the believer. The chapters on the purifying and solemnizing fruits of suffering are themselves worth the price of the book. The Morning of Joy shows how God leads believers to rejoice in the present and future joys of the living church, particularly through fellowshipping with the resurrected Christ. The chapters on the majestic kingdom of Christ and the superlative joys of glory are most uplifting. By the Spirit’s grace, both books can be life-changing; they present us with a clear, powerful, profound, and balanced view of the Christian life and of God’s dealings with His people.” — Joel R. Beeke, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

(2) In Sammy and His Shepherd, veteran children’s writer Susan Hunt takes youngsters on a delightful trip through Psalm 23 from the point of view of a sheep named Sammy.

Sammy lives happily under the care of his faithful shepherd. But one day he meets a sheep from another flock, one who lives in misery because her shepherd is not so caring. Eventually, to the delight of both of them, Sammy’s shepherd buys the needy little sheep for his flock and gives her a name—Precious. Thereafter, Sammy tells Precious all the wonderful things about their shepherd. At first, Precious has a hard time believing that the shepherd can be so good. But eventually, as she sees the shepherd pouring out his energies for the good of his flock, she comes to trust him, for she sees that he loves his sheep unconditionally and sacrificially.

Each chapter of Sammy and His Shepherd is an exploration of a passage from Psalm 23. As they work through the book, children will grow in their understanding of the metaphors the psalmist used in composing this beloved poem. But more important, they will gain a deeper appreciation for the one who is the subject of the psalm: the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Captivating illustrations by Corey Godbey help Sammy and Precious come to life for children. A special section in the back of the book provides Bible passages, discussion questions, and activities to reinforce the lessons of each chapter.

Both of these books are on special offer TODAY (Friday, March 2) for $5. The online sale starts at 8 a.m. EST and goes on for 24 hours or until items are sold out. Check out the $5 Ligonier sale here.