J.O. Fraser on prayer

Bunch of quotes and book recommendation from Terry Virgo.

Christians and art

Thoughts based on James S. Spiegel's essay Aesthetics and worship.

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

Jim Cymbala's book on how prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit was the foundation for the amazing story of the Brooklyn Tabernacle.

In notes. Blog comments here.

The cross

Mick Taylor's series on the cross on Steve Tibbert's blog.

1. Intro: what is penal substitution?
2. Biblical foundations, part 1: Old Testament
3. Biblical foundations, part 2: New Testament
4. Criticisms, new and old
5. Balance and harmony
6. Penal substitution is the linchpin
7. Conclusion and further reading

Newfrontiers and apostles

Terry's series on the future of Newfrontiers and apostolic 'spheres':

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6

Is it right to make children behave?

John Piper answers the question, 'Why require unregenerate children to act like they’re good?' with three main points:

1. For children, external, unspiritual conformity to God’s commanded patterns of behavior is better than external, unspiritual non-conformity to those patterns of behavior.
2. Requiring obedience from children in conformity with God’s will confronts them with the meaning of sin in relation to God, the nature of their own depravity, and their need for inner transformation by the power of grace through the gospel of Christ.
3. The marks of devotion, civility, and manners (“please,” “thank you,” and good eye contact) are habits that, God willing, are filled later with grace and become more helpful ways of blessing others and expressing a humble heart.

Wright on marriage

From Mark for everyone by Tom Wright:

"It's quite clear: the bond of husband and wife creates not merely a partnership or a working agreement but a new entity, a new human being." (p131)

Theological vision for ministry

"A statement of how we intend to discharge Christian ministry and interact with our culture in biblical and theological faithfulness" from the Gospel Coalition. Asks five questions:

1. How should we respond to the cultural crisis of truth? (The epistemological issue)
2. How should we read the Bible? (The hermeneutical issue)
3. How should we relate to the culture around us? (The contextualization issue)
4. In what ways is the gospel unique?
5. What is gospel–centered ministry?

Carson apologetics videos

Three videos here of D.A. Carson on:

1. How do I know God exists?
2. How can God allow suffering and evil in the world?
3. How can God be loving and yet send people to hell?

A young man's suffering

Testimony about suffering and the sovereignty of God.