Lots-o-Links 1.24.14

in , , , ,
http.jpg

Outstanding. It's a score, so it's not a collection of songs. But I think you will love it and love working to it. Beautiful.

Getting Big Projects Done: Best Practices from Successful Writers from Unclutterer

Break things into bite-sized pieces and create daily habits

"How to Discourage Artists in the Church" by Phil Ryken - This is from 2013, but I read it again and it's so helpful. Here's one point (remember, this is the wrong thing to do)...

"Demand artists to give answers in their work, not raise questions. Mark Lewis says, "Makecertain that your piece (or artifact or performance) makes incisive theological or moral points, and doesn't stray into territory about which you are unresolved or in any way unclear. (Clear answers are of course more valuable than questions)." Do not allow for ambiguity, or for varied responses to art. Demand art to communicate in the same way to everyone."

Why I Am A Continuationist by Sam Storms & Why I Am A Cessationist by Tom Schreiner

These two pieces at The Gospel Coalition give helpful, scholarly, theological and experiential reasons for their views. 

How to Handle Discouragement in Ministry

"Watch the full six-minute video to see [Darrin Patrick, Paul Tripp, & Voddie Baucham] discuss isolation, broken trust, pastors as body parts, and more."

Cheap Kindle Books 1.23.14

in ,
Kindle.jpg

My Blog & Resisting Gossip

in ,

Back in December I got this email from Matt Mitchell. His name wasn't familiar to me and I didn't remember the details of his story very well. But this is pretty cool...

I've been an on-again-off-again reader of your blog for a long time (and I follow you now on Twitter).

Today, via Google, I (re)discovered this (long forgotten) post of yours.

And I found myself commenting on it about half way down the page:

Anyone know a good book about gossip? It would be great to read a biblical, systematic, yet practical treatment of this very common sin. I sometimes find myself in similar situations to Steve in this post or have to give counsel to those who are, and I often feel at a loss to know how to evaluate the complexities of this area.

If no book exists, it seems like this would fill a big need in the church.

And then you reply to me, and I say:

What? Do my own Bible study on gossip? How "Old School!"

Okay, I'll do it. And then maybe I'll write the book and go on the Christian-lecture-circuit. =D

What's funny, is that even though I didn't remember this back-and-forth, eventually I actually did the study and write the book! :-)  (My earliest memory of the idea of studying this topic was August of 2008, more than two years after this exchange.)

The reason I decided to write you was not only to relay the funny story, but also to thank you for the blog, for your graciousness, and for inciting me in the first place to take up this study!

Blessings,

-Matt Mitchell

How cool is that? Matt is more than kind in saying that I incited him toward writing a book, but it's a neat story nonetheless.

Not only is that cool, Resisting Gossip is available this week only for 50% off. A great deal. Need more incentive? Forward is by Ed Welch... 

"Isn't it amazing that most of us have never read a clear, pastoral and practical book on what Scripture says about gossip? Well, here it is. Matt will guide you through this topic in such a way that you will be convicted–I certainly was. But he will do more than that. He will give you ideas about how you can spread good news about others in such a way that the church will be more united and God will be honored.”

Thankful that Matt recalled this great backstory and shared it with us. Now go grab Resisting Gossip!

Theology Books Worth Reading & Rereading

in ,

I sent out to this tweet a few weeks ago...

I got great responses. A number of folks asked me to compile a list of all the responses. Here they are as one long list in the order they were received. I added a "*" for every extra mention. If you don't like something on the list, don't blame me. It's not my list. :) I will start, though, with my list which I didn't give on Twitter. Thanks to all who responded.

ALSO, I tried to offer links to WTS, Amazon, & Kindle. Buying by clicking the links though Amazon and WTS cost you nothing extra, but it helps me a lot as I need to buy my books as a pastor through these two companies. Appreciate it, if you are buying anyway, if you would consider using my links. Always a blessing. 

5 Theology Books Post.JPG

My list...

Twitter responses...

Related articles

Cheap Kindle Books 12.17.13

Gregory Thornbury: Top 10 Albums of 2013

Books Worth Checking Out This Christmas

N.D. Wilson on Dark Stories

in ,

ND-Wilson-266x300

N.D. Wilson, author of non-fiction like Death By Living ($3.99 for Kindle) and young adult fiction like the 100 Cupboards series (Kindle) and Ashtown Burials series (Kindle), has a great piece up at Christianity Today. In "The Dark-Tinted, Truth-Filled Reading List We Owe Our Kids" Wilson explains why kids need dark stories. This article is geared for parents making fiction decisions for kids, but it's just as helpful for anyone thinking about how to tell the truth through stories. Here are a couple of lines from an article rich with quotes...

"God's artistic choices should govern our own."

"Shelter your children. Yes. Absolutely. But use a picnic shelter, not a lightless bomb bunker, and not virtual reality goggles looping bubblegum clouds."

"Faithful artists should provide sabbaths, not escapes."

"To tell the truth about what it means to be heroic, we must spin a fiction full of danger."

I've left most of the best stuff for you to discover. Please go read the whole piece at CT.

Related articles
Cheap Kindle Books 12.17.13
Cheap Kindle Books 1.15.14
Books Worth Checking Out This Christmas

Cheap Kindle Books 1.15.14

in ,

Kindle-Paperwhite-In-Cover

I encourage you to pick up a Kindle for yourself. Since I got mine I've gotten to the place where I'm using it most days. My recommendation is the Kindle Paperwhite or the Paperwhite 3G (which I have), but they are all great. You can even get one for $69 now.

Related articles
Cheap Kindle Books 12.17.13
Books Worth Checking Out This Christmas
Lots-o-Links 12.14.13

Aim for Specific Obedience in Specific Instances

in , ,

Bridges holiness

In Jerry Bridges' beloved little book, The Pursuit of Holiness (Kindle), he describes in his chapter on the place of personal discipline three questions to ask as you read, study, or meditate on the Scriptures and then explains why being specific is so important.

  1. What does this passage teach concerning God's will for a holy life?
  2. How does my life measure up to that Scripture; specifically where and how do I fall short? (Be specific; don't generalize.)
  3. What definite steps of action do I need to take to obey?

The most important part of this process is the specific application of the Scripture to specific life situations. We are prone to vagueness at this point because commitment to specific actions makes us uncomfortable. But we must avoid general commitments to obedience and instead aim for specific obedience in specific instances. We deceive our souls when we grown in knowledge of the truth without specifically responding to it (James 1:22). 

The Pursuit of Holiness (1978) by Jerry Bridges, pg 104. Bold is mine.

Related articles
Lots-o-Links 1.3.14
Books Worth Checking Out This Christmas
Spiritual Disciplines: Abstinence & Engagement

Music Monday 1.13.14

in

Streaming free small 470

The Gloaming: The Gloaming | These guys were not on my radar until today. It's a supergroup of sorts with three Irishmen and two Americans. It has a singer, two fiddles, a piano and a guitar. PLEASE try this one and give it a few songs.

Damien Jurado: Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son | Really digging this one. Still another week before release. Too long.

Warpaint: Warpaint | Listened to a few songs this morning and really liked what I heard. Will be listening more.

Find other new albums streaming free at First Listen, Pitchfork Advance.

Burning ipod header small 470 copy

Inside Llewyn Davis Soundtrack ($5.99) -- Playing this one a lot right now. After seeing the movie on Saturday, it will get more play. Would love your take on the movie if you've seen it. You will enjoy this album whether you've seen the movie or not.

Check out last week's list of cheap albums as many are still on sale.

Out of the Spiritual Ghetto

in ,

All gods people

As we meet today with our local churches, may we remember the redemptive mission God has called us to, and may we refuse to settle for the "spiritual ghetto" when the everyday places of this world need the Christian faith lived out everywhere. 

Steve

-----------

"Being the body of Christ calls up another image, namely, that believers are called to be a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9). They are called to redemptive mission in the world. They are called to be channels of God's blessing to a fallen and needy society. Findley Edge explains how this comes about.

There is...a basic difference in the priesthood of the Old Testament and the priesthood of the New Testament. In the Old Testament the priest offered the sacrifice. In the New Testament the priest is the sacrifice! He offers his life to God in behalf of the world which God is seeking to redeem.

This call to redemptive mission is to every believer and is a ministry which extends beyond the church building and into the marketplace. Churches must move their members out of the "spiritual ghetto" into stores, factories, offices, and homes. They must be trained and exhorted to practice their Christian faith wherever they happen to find themselves."

All God's People by David L. Smith, pg 413. Bold is mine. (Interested in the book, click the link and look at used prices. Get this one dirt cheap.)

Related articles
Lots-o-Links 1.3.14
Keller on Church: Four Fronts & Three Goals

Keller on Church: Four Fronts & Three Goals

in , ,

Keller City Street

In Tim Keller's book, Center Church, he discusses four ministry fronts...

  1. Connecting People to God (through evangelism and worship)
  2. Connecting People to One Another (through community and discipleship)
  3. Connecting People to the City (through mercy and justice)
  4. Connecting People to the Culture (through the integration of faith and work)

Center Church, pg 293

In the same section Keller explains three goals of ministry and their comprehensive scope as taught by Edmund Clowney...

In his biblical-theological work on the church, Clowney speaks of the biblical "goals of ministry" as threefold: (1) we are called to minister and serve God through worship (Rom 15:8-16; 1 Pet 2:9); (2) we are to minister and serve one another through Christian nurture (Eph 4:12-26); and (3) we are to minister and serve the world through witness (Matt 28:18-20; Luke 24:28; Acts 5:32).

Center Church, pg 294

I reproduce these here simply because they are ringing in my ears as I rework some of the groundwork of my church. Keller does such an excellent job keeping things simple, and yet puts them in one of the great new books on the complexities of church and ministry in our day. This is Keller's great service to the church. If you don't have Center Church, get it (WTS | Amazon | Kindle).

If you have a nice, short list like some Keller gives to explain the church, I'd love to see some in the comments. Or feel free to blog about it and share a link here. 

Also, please check out my Tim Keller Resources page.

Related articles
Books Worth Checking Out This Christmas
Cheap Kindle Books 12.17.13
Lots-o-Links 12.14.13