Archive for Resources
Asking The Right Questions
Posted by: | CommentsI found this post on Justin Taylor’s Blog to be informative and practical in our pursuit of growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ through His word.
Desiring God 2009 National Conference Media
Posted by: | CommentsAudio, video and notes are now available for the Desiring God 2009 National Conference.
Sex and the Glory of God
Posted by: | CommentsThis Sunday morning we will return to our exposition of 1 Corinthians. As we return, we are looking at sex and the glory of God. I have posted some resources for your personal study here.
Praying for Your Wife
Posted by: | CommentsA book recommendation from Justin Taylor. (You would think the author of a book like this might be a husband who’s been married for many years…nope!)
Biblical Productivity
Posted by: | CommentsI just started reading through this but I have a feeling it will prove to be very beneficial.
A series on Biblical Productivity by C.J. Mahaney
The Problem of Evil and Suffering
Posted by: | CommentsHow could a good and loving God allow the evil and suffering we see in the world? Has anyone ever asked you this question? Have YOU ever asked this question?
Here are two resources that have been helpful to me recently.
The Bible on the Problem of Evil – John Frame
Suffering: If God is good, why is there so much evil in the world? (MP3) – Tim Keller
Study Guide (PDF)
Online Books
Posted by: | CommentsFrom Desiring God:
Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die
History’s Most Spectacular Sin (outreach booklet)
Many more titles are available also.
That’s Easter
Posted by: | CommentsJustin Taylor points the way to a couple of nicely done videos from St. Helen’s Bishopgate in London, centered on Easter and the resurrection.
(I’m WAY behind on this post…..we’re reviewing the six practical ways Thabiti Anyabwile suggests for developing “expositional listening” in his book What is a Healthy Church Member? This is the 7th post in the series. Bring up all the posts in the series here.)
From the Book:
Jonathan Edwards resolved (see #11 of his Resolutions) that he would never let a day end before he had answered any questions that he had from reading Scripture that day. How healthy would our churches be if members dedicated themselves to such work?
Anyabwile suggests that one way to start along the path is to follow up with pastors, elders and other teachers in the church, asking them questions that are triggered by what we read in Scripture. We should not be passive when we read Scripture, but actively seek to answer questions that arise as we read, meditate and study the Word. After trying to answer questions yourself talk to accountability partners, your small group, etc.
After a sermon follow up with a question or comment that may be an encouragement to your pastor and a blessing to you in the process.
Thoughts:
Getting our questions answered as they come up during our time in the Word is half the fun! As Anyabwile suggests, I would encourage trying to answer questions yourself by investing the time in meditating on the text, reading and re-reading it (in context), using the cross references in your Bible, the study notes if you have a study Bible, commentaries…all the while praying that the Lord would give understanding. We are blessed to have SO many resources to help us understand!
Small groups are indeed a great place to ask questions! Men, if you’re not part of a small group you’re really missing out. Each week in my small group we spend some time discussing the previous Sunday’s sermons, sharing what we took away from it and any questions we may have or things we want to talk about.
Resources
Reference and Biblical Studies sections at Monergism Books
A few highlights below. Pastor Juan has recommended these in the past.
Monergism Interview with Tim Keller
Posted by: Site Admin | Comments (0)There are several more recent interviews of Tim Keller available but I thought I would pass along this one that Monergism did with him last year. At the time, his book The Reason for God was out and the interview was conducted in light of that book which is a winsome, reasoned defense of the Christian faith. I actually have only read a small portion of the book (need to bump it up to the top of my reading list!) but am nearly done listening to the sermons he preached that gave form to the book. I highly recommend the audio and a ton of people recommend the book. I’ve benefited from his ministry and would encourage others to check him out.
Go to the interview
Several things stood out to me in the interview.
1) Keller’s answer to question #4:
When you field questions from skeptics what is the first thing you are looking for in their question?
I want to be able to understand it well enough that, when I articulate it back to them, they feel I have said it better and more persuasively than they could have.
I think we show much respect and care for the other person (1 Peter 3:15, see my previous post) when we are able to understand and effectively restate the question (insert “statement”, “argument” or “conviction” as well). Most people want to know that they are being heard and understood, especially when it comes to religi0us convictions. He actually sets the bar pretty high in desiring to say it “better and more persuasively than they could have”.
2) The tone and overall nature of his answers. The way he answers objections here (and in the book and audio) is one based on addressing the other person’s presuppositions. This is an approach that is not often enough employed in my estimation when defending and sharing the gospel.
3) His answer to question #10. Reminded me that I’ve been wanting to renew my subscription to Time and Newsweek!
4) He recommends John Frame’s books. I haven’t read any of Frame’s books yet but his free seminary courses on audio and papers have been very helpful. I’m very much an audio freak in case anyone was wondering.