This is an annotated link page that is meant to provoke much concern and debate over the present state of the evangelical Christian church. It is also meant to help the shaping of a Christian perspective for every sphere of life.
May it bring glory to God as a tool that would help drive His people to their knees in repentance.
2/23/06
10 Articles to Read Through in One Sitting
Note: I do not necessarily agree with all of the assumptions or expressed views in the articles below. Nevertheless, I applaud and support their overall purpose.
1. Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. The Cambridge Declaration. An invaluable document. It is the result of many church leaders from a variety of evangelical Protestant denominations coming together to call for widespread repentance from the worldliness that has infected the church, as well as recovery of the five "Solas" of the Reformation.
2. Armstrong, John. The Contemporary Church. Here is a penetrating critique of the "seeker-sensitive" movement. While it has passed its peak of influence - it took the evangelical church by storm mostly in the 1980's and 1990's - its impact is still being felt today.
3. The Gospel of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Celebration. In our age, the good news of Jesus Christ has often been truncated, distorted or denied altogether. For a long time, we've needed a carefully worded, detailed statement of it. Here it is! Read it carefully and discover what might be missing in your understanding of Christ's life, death and resurrection. It was put together by several reputable Christian leaders, including D.A. Carson, J.I. Packer and R.C. Sproul.
4. Groothuis, Douglas. How the Bombarding Images of TV Culture Undermine the Power of Words. Groothuis, a professor at Denver Seminary and a noted expert on the New Age movement, goes beyond typical Christian critiques of television (which deal merely with the medium's content) to make a strong case for how inherently problematic the medium itself is. He also makes some helpful suggestions for how we can eliminate TV's power to control our lives.
5. Linden, David H. The Current Downgrade of the Doctrine of the Atonement. The problems addressed in this paper will show you why "An Evangelical Celebration" (#3 above) was necessary. I am privileged to know Mr. Linden personally; he is a local teacher/evangelist in Calgary who works with international students and is a member of Calgary's Bethel United Reformed Church.
6. Linden, David H. A Study of Justification. Mr. Linden has been greatly used by God to sharpen my own understanding of this doctrine, which is at the very heart of the gospel. Do you have doubts about its importance? Read this paper carefully and prayerfully.
7. McDowell, Josh. Evidence for the Resurrection. This essay demonstrates the historicity of Christianity's central event - the resurrection of Jesus - and bludgeons to death the idea held by many scholars/historians that it is just a "myth".
8. Rhodes, Ron. Manuscript for the Bible's Reliability. Those who take issue with the historicity and divine authority of the Bible will have many things to chew on after reading this brief, fine article.
9. Veith, Gene Edward. God's Double Sovereignty. Veith describes four different ways Christians have tried to relate to the world around them, and then he gives his view as to which one is the closest to biblical teaching.
10. Wells, David F. The Bleeding of the Evangelical Church. A sobering little article about how worldliness has manifested itself in the evangelical church today. This is a great distillation of Wells' thoughts, especially for those who find his books difficult to get through.
© 2002-07 Sean McCausland
1. Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. The Cambridge Declaration. An invaluable document. It is the result of many church leaders from a variety of evangelical Protestant denominations coming together to call for widespread repentance from the worldliness that has infected the church, as well as recovery of the five "Solas" of the Reformation.
2. Armstrong, John. The Contemporary Church. Here is a penetrating critique of the "seeker-sensitive" movement. While it has passed its peak of influence - it took the evangelical church by storm mostly in the 1980's and 1990's - its impact is still being felt today.
3. The Gospel of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Celebration. In our age, the good news of Jesus Christ has often been truncated, distorted or denied altogether. For a long time, we've needed a carefully worded, detailed statement of it. Here it is! Read it carefully and discover what might be missing in your understanding of Christ's life, death and resurrection. It was put together by several reputable Christian leaders, including D.A. Carson, J.I. Packer and R.C. Sproul.
4. Groothuis, Douglas. How the Bombarding Images of TV Culture Undermine the Power of Words. Groothuis, a professor at Denver Seminary and a noted expert on the New Age movement, goes beyond typical Christian critiques of television (which deal merely with the medium's content) to make a strong case for how inherently problematic the medium itself is. He also makes some helpful suggestions for how we can eliminate TV's power to control our lives.
5. Linden, David H. The Current Downgrade of the Doctrine of the Atonement. The problems addressed in this paper will show you why "An Evangelical Celebration" (#3 above) was necessary. I am privileged to know Mr. Linden personally; he is a local teacher/evangelist in Calgary who works with international students and is a member of Calgary's Bethel United Reformed Church.
6. Linden, David H. A Study of Justification. Mr. Linden has been greatly used by God to sharpen my own understanding of this doctrine, which is at the very heart of the gospel. Do you have doubts about its importance? Read this paper carefully and prayerfully.
7. McDowell, Josh. Evidence for the Resurrection. This essay demonstrates the historicity of Christianity's central event - the resurrection of Jesus - and bludgeons to death the idea held by many scholars/historians that it is just a "myth".
8. Rhodes, Ron. Manuscript for the Bible's Reliability. Those who take issue with the historicity and divine authority of the Bible will have many things to chew on after reading this brief, fine article.
9. Veith, Gene Edward. God's Double Sovereignty. Veith describes four different ways Christians have tried to relate to the world around them, and then he gives his view as to which one is the closest to biblical teaching.
10. Wells, David F. The Bleeding of the Evangelical Church. A sobering little article about how worldliness has manifested itself in the evangelical church today. This is a great distillation of Wells' thoughts, especially for those who find his books difficult to get through.
© 2002-07 Sean McCausland
10 Books to Read and Ponder Over
Note: I do not necessarily agree with every assumption, insight or view presented by the authors of the following volumes. Nevertheless, I applaud and support the overall intent of each book.
1. Armstrong, John H. True Revival: What Happens When God's Spirit Moves. (Harvest House, 2001) Erwin Lutzer, pastor of Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, says of this book, "No one who reads these pages will ever think of revival in the same way again." (304 pp., beginner)
2. Carson, D.A., ed. Worship By The Book. (Zondervan, 2002) In the midst of various conflicting opinions about what constitutes sound Christian worship, this book's contributors (Mark Ashton, Kent Hughes, Tim Keller and Don Carson) dig deeper than many "worship experts" tend to, by going back to the Scriptures. (208 pp., intermediate)
3. Horton, Michael H. Beyond Culture Wars. (Moody, 1994) Horton, professor at California's Westminster Seminary, prefaces this provocative volume with these words: "This book is not going to take sides in the "culture war" (i.e. between "liberals" and "conservatives"), not because I do not have an interest in such things, but because the church is no longer pursuing its authentic mission, generally speaking, and ministers are supposed to ring the bell when that happens. As we shall see...the greatest issues of the day do not have to do with whether one is politically left or right of center. The real division is between those, on the one hand, who believe that revelation, salvation, and the kingdom of God come down from heaven as the sovereign intervention of God breaking into human history and, on the other hand, those who assume that we can save ourselves (either as individuals or as a nation) and bring in the kingdom of God by our own works of righteousness." (287 pp., intermediate)
4. Murray, Iain H. Evangelicalism Divided: A Record of Crucial Change in the Years 1950-2000. (Banner of Truth, 2000) A fascinating and disturbing account of how several well-meaning evangelical leaders in Britain and America have attempted to gain "respectability" for the church in the world - either by forming ecumenical coalitions with mainline denominations, or adapting the mindset of the academic arena. In the process, Murray argues, the authority of Scripture and the gospel message have been greatly compromised. Some will be greatly perturbed by many of Murray's conclusions, but they mustn't dismiss them without coming to terms with his forceful, well-researched arguments. (342 pp., intermediate)
5. Packer, J.I. Knowing God. (Revised, IVP, 1993). A great, readable study of God's attributes as they are presented in Scripture. Millions of Christians have been greatly strengthened in their understanding of God and Christ since it was first published in 1973. (286 pp., intermediate)
6. Piper, John. The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God. (2nd Ed., Multnomah, 2000) I can't improve upon The Christian Courier's comments regarding this stirring volume: "This rich and profound work is for anyone who has grown weary of the shallow, cotton candy ideas of God that blight our contemporary landscape." (328 pp., beginner)
7. Schreiner, Thomas R. and Caneday, Ardel B. The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance & Assurance. (IVP, 2001) Simply put, if you read only one book on Christian living and growth this year, make this the one! It is with few reservations that I recommend this profound work; not many other books have impacted my thinking about the Christian life to the same degree since I first read J.I. Packer's "Knowing God" in 1991. The main thrust of the book is to answer the question, "If Christians have assurance from God that they are secure in their salvation, how are they to understand the numerous warnings from Scripture which seem to indicate otherwise?" In dealing with this question, the authors describe - and refute - four typical positions (some of which, incidentally, are held by "Calvinists" as well as "Arminians"!) and then present their own, which in my mind is more faithful to the whole counsel of Scripture. Be warned: this is pretty heavy stuff, but if serious Christians read and reflect upon it sincerely and prayerfully, I'm confident that their discernment, and appreciation of God's sovereign wisdom, will grow considerably. (344 pp., intermediate/advanced)
8. Veith, Gene Edward. Postmodern Times: A Christian Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture. (Crossway, 1994) A dean of Concordia University in Wisconsin examines the worldview known as postmodernism (which denies the very notion of truth), shows how it is fast becoming the prominent philosophy of our culture, and explains the dangers and opportunities it presents for Christians. (256 pp., intermediate)
9. Ware, Bruce. Their God is Too Small. (Crossway, 2003) "Open theism" is the formal name for a troubling new teaching that's making its mark upon many seminaries and evangelical churches - undoubtedly in part because its proponents are so well-meaning and subtle in their arguments. In short, "OT" ultimately denies God's omniscience on the basis of interesting (but faulty) interpretations of various isolated biblical texts. Ware, a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky, provides a much-needed critical analysis. Not only does he show the doctrine to be unscriptural, but he even explains how damaging it is to Christian life and practice. (142 pp., beginner)
10. Wells, David F. God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams. (Eerdmans, 1994) In this sequel to the groundbreaking 1993 book entitled "No Place for Truth" (which is also strongly recommended), a professor from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary shows how evangelical churches have slowly but surely fallen for the values of postmodern society. Christian ministers in particular should pay close attention to Wells' thoughts, as he calls for a return to preaching God's holiness as an antidote to the church's compromised state. (278 pp., intermediate-advanced)
© 2002-07 Sean McCausland
1. Armstrong, John H. True Revival: What Happens When God's Spirit Moves. (Harvest House, 2001) Erwin Lutzer, pastor of Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, says of this book, "No one who reads these pages will ever think of revival in the same way again." (304 pp., beginner)
2. Carson, D.A., ed. Worship By The Book. (Zondervan, 2002) In the midst of various conflicting opinions about what constitutes sound Christian worship, this book's contributors (Mark Ashton, Kent Hughes, Tim Keller and Don Carson) dig deeper than many "worship experts" tend to, by going back to the Scriptures. (208 pp., intermediate)
3. Horton, Michael H. Beyond Culture Wars. (Moody, 1994) Horton, professor at California's Westminster Seminary, prefaces this provocative volume with these words: "This book is not going to take sides in the "culture war" (i.e. between "liberals" and "conservatives"), not because I do not have an interest in such things, but because the church is no longer pursuing its authentic mission, generally speaking, and ministers are supposed to ring the bell when that happens. As we shall see...the greatest issues of the day do not have to do with whether one is politically left or right of center. The real division is between those, on the one hand, who believe that revelation, salvation, and the kingdom of God come down from heaven as the sovereign intervention of God breaking into human history and, on the other hand, those who assume that we can save ourselves (either as individuals or as a nation) and bring in the kingdom of God by our own works of righteousness." (287 pp., intermediate)
4. Murray, Iain H. Evangelicalism Divided: A Record of Crucial Change in the Years 1950-2000. (Banner of Truth, 2000) A fascinating and disturbing account of how several well-meaning evangelical leaders in Britain and America have attempted to gain "respectability" for the church in the world - either by forming ecumenical coalitions with mainline denominations, or adapting the mindset of the academic arena. In the process, Murray argues, the authority of Scripture and the gospel message have been greatly compromised. Some will be greatly perturbed by many of Murray's conclusions, but they mustn't dismiss them without coming to terms with his forceful, well-researched arguments. (342 pp., intermediate)
5. Packer, J.I. Knowing God. (Revised, IVP, 1993). A great, readable study of God's attributes as they are presented in Scripture. Millions of Christians have been greatly strengthened in their understanding of God and Christ since it was first published in 1973. (286 pp., intermediate)
6. Piper, John. The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God. (2nd Ed., Multnomah, 2000) I can't improve upon The Christian Courier's comments regarding this stirring volume: "This rich and profound work is for anyone who has grown weary of the shallow, cotton candy ideas of God that blight our contemporary landscape." (328 pp., beginner)
7. Schreiner, Thomas R. and Caneday, Ardel B. The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance & Assurance. (IVP, 2001) Simply put, if you read only one book on Christian living and growth this year, make this the one! It is with few reservations that I recommend this profound work; not many other books have impacted my thinking about the Christian life to the same degree since I first read J.I. Packer's "Knowing God" in 1991. The main thrust of the book is to answer the question, "If Christians have assurance from God that they are secure in their salvation, how are they to understand the numerous warnings from Scripture which seem to indicate otherwise?" In dealing with this question, the authors describe - and refute - four typical positions (some of which, incidentally, are held by "Calvinists" as well as "Arminians"!) and then present their own, which in my mind is more faithful to the whole counsel of Scripture. Be warned: this is pretty heavy stuff, but if serious Christians read and reflect upon it sincerely and prayerfully, I'm confident that their discernment, and appreciation of God's sovereign wisdom, will grow considerably. (344 pp., intermediate/advanced)
8. Veith, Gene Edward. Postmodern Times: A Christian Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture. (Crossway, 1994) A dean of Concordia University in Wisconsin examines the worldview known as postmodernism (which denies the very notion of truth), shows how it is fast becoming the prominent philosophy of our culture, and explains the dangers and opportunities it presents for Christians. (256 pp., intermediate)
9. Ware, Bruce. Their God is Too Small. (Crossway, 2003) "Open theism" is the formal name for a troubling new teaching that's making its mark upon many seminaries and evangelical churches - undoubtedly in part because its proponents are so well-meaning and subtle in their arguments. In short, "OT" ultimately denies God's omniscience on the basis of interesting (but faulty) interpretations of various isolated biblical texts. Ware, a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky, provides a much-needed critical analysis. Not only does he show the doctrine to be unscriptural, but he even explains how damaging it is to Christian life and practice. (142 pp., beginner)
10. Wells, David F. God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams. (Eerdmans, 1994) In this sequel to the groundbreaking 1993 book entitled "No Place for Truth" (which is also strongly recommended), a professor from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary shows how evangelical churches have slowly but surely fallen for the values of postmodern society. Christian ministers in particular should pay close attention to Wells' thoughts, as he calls for a return to preaching God's holiness as an antidote to the church's compromised state. (278 pp., intermediate-advanced)
© 2002-07 Sean McCausland
10 Voices from Church History
It is sad to note that while many of the names below are still very familiar to the modern evangelical church, their words have fallen largely on deaf ears. It is time for these men to be heard again.
Undoubtedly there are a few figures below that will provoke hostility. But if the proper measure of a sound Christian leader were absolute purity in teaching and character, there would simply be no one to listen to.
1. AURELIUS AUGUSTINE (354-430) "Give what thou commandest, and command what thou wilt".
2. MARTIN LUTHER (1483-1546) "My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."
3. JOHN CALVIN (1509-1564) "Grant, Almighty God, that since under the guidance of Thy Son we have been united together in the body of Thy church, which has been so often scattered and torn asunder, O grant that we may continue in the unity of the faith, and perseveringly fight against all the temptations of this world, and may never deviate from the right course, whatever new troubles may daily arise."
4. JOHN OWEN (1616-1683) ""To suppose that whatever God requireth of us that we have power of ourselves to do, is to make the cross and grace of Jesus Christ of none effect."
5. JONATHAN EDWARDS (1703-1758) "Let us, therefore, labour to submit to the sovereignty of God. God insists that His sovereignty be acknowledged by us...This is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go on contending with God about his sovereignty, it will be our eternal ruin."
6. J.C. RYLE (1816-1900) "It is vain to shut our eyes to the fact that there is a vast amount of so-called Christianity nowadays...in which there is undeniably 'something about Christ and something about grace, and something about faith, and something about repentance, and something about holiness'; but it is not the real thing as it is in the Bible. Things are out of place, out of proportion."
7. CHARLES SPURGEON (1834-1892) "Controversy is never a very happy element for the child of God; he would far rather be in communion with his Lord than be engaged in defending the faith, or in attacking error. But the soldier of Christ knows no choice in his Master's commands."
8. J. GRESHAM MACHEN (1881-1937) "Weary with the conflicts of the world, one goes into the Church to seek refreshment for the soul. But what does one find? Alas, too often, one finds the turmoil of the world. The preacher comes forward, not out of a secret place of power, not with the authority of the Word permeating his message, not with human wisdom pushed far into the background by the glory of the cross, but with human opinions about the social problems of the hour or easy solutions about the vast problem of sin. Such is the sermon...and sad indeed is the heart of the man who has come seeking peace."
9. D. MARTYN LLOYD-JONES (1899-1981) "There is a real danger of forgetting the gospel itself because you are so interested in the political and social and cultural implications of the gospel."
10. FRANCIS A. SCHAEFFER (1912-1984) "Evangelicalism has developed the automatic mentality of accomodation at every successive point. Evangelicalism has done many things for which we should be thankful. But the mentality of accomodation is indeed a disaster."
© 2002-07 Sean McCausland
Undoubtedly there are a few figures below that will provoke hostility. But if the proper measure of a sound Christian leader were absolute purity in teaching and character, there would simply be no one to listen to.
1. AURELIUS AUGUSTINE (354-430) "Give what thou commandest, and command what thou wilt".
2. MARTIN LUTHER (1483-1546) "My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."
3. JOHN CALVIN (1509-1564) "Grant, Almighty God, that since under the guidance of Thy Son we have been united together in the body of Thy church, which has been so often scattered and torn asunder, O grant that we may continue in the unity of the faith, and perseveringly fight against all the temptations of this world, and may never deviate from the right course, whatever new troubles may daily arise."
4. JOHN OWEN (1616-1683) ""To suppose that whatever God requireth of us that we have power of ourselves to do, is to make the cross and grace of Jesus Christ of none effect."
5. JONATHAN EDWARDS (1703-1758) "Let us, therefore, labour to submit to the sovereignty of God. God insists that His sovereignty be acknowledged by us...This is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go on contending with God about his sovereignty, it will be our eternal ruin."
6. J.C. RYLE (1816-1900) "It is vain to shut our eyes to the fact that there is a vast amount of so-called Christianity nowadays...in which there is undeniably 'something about Christ and something about grace, and something about faith, and something about repentance, and something about holiness'; but it is not the real thing as it is in the Bible. Things are out of place, out of proportion."
7. CHARLES SPURGEON (1834-1892) "Controversy is never a very happy element for the child of God; he would far rather be in communion with his Lord than be engaged in defending the faith, or in attacking error. But the soldier of Christ knows no choice in his Master's commands."
8. J. GRESHAM MACHEN (1881-1937) "Weary with the conflicts of the world, one goes into the Church to seek refreshment for the soul. But what does one find? Alas, too often, one finds the turmoil of the world. The preacher comes forward, not out of a secret place of power, not with the authority of the Word permeating his message, not with human wisdom pushed far into the background by the glory of the cross, but with human opinions about the social problems of the hour or easy solutions about the vast problem of sin. Such is the sermon...and sad indeed is the heart of the man who has come seeking peace."
9. D. MARTYN LLOYD-JONES (1899-1981) "There is a real danger of forgetting the gospel itself because you are so interested in the political and social and cultural implications of the gospel."
10. FRANCIS A. SCHAEFFER (1912-1984) "Evangelicalism has developed the automatic mentality of accomodation at every successive point. Evangelicalism has done many things for which we should be thankful. But the mentality of accomodation is indeed a disaster."
© 2002-07 Sean McCausland
10 Websites to Peruse
Please note: I do not necessarily endorse every view and practice of these sites' founders and contributors, nevertheless, I applaud and support their overall goals.
1. 9 Marks Ministries Started by Mark Dever, a Baptist pastor in Washington, D.C., this site is a boon for any preacher or church leader who needs solid, biblical, and practical advice in the realm of church issues. Free books, in PDF format, are included, as well as numerous helpful audio messages.
2. AlbertMohler.com Dr. Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, examines the latest news headlines, as well as our culture's general decay, through the lens of a Christian worldview.
3. Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals ACE is a coalition of Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian and Reformed leaders who have come together with the united purpose of calling the church to repent of its worldliness and recover the five "solas" of the Reformation: Sola Scripture (scripture alone); Sola Christus (Christ alone); Sola Gratia (grace alone); Sola Fide (faith alone) and Sola Deo Gloria (God's glory alone). One doesn't have to agree with everything the contributing authors assert, but their work is worthy of careful reflection and consideration.
4. ArtsReformation This website promotes Christian thinking about the arts and involvement in them.
5. Banner of Truth This is an extension of a British magazine and publishing house that is little-known in North America (to our loss). Some of the articles recognize the important place of the Puritans in church history.
6. CARM (Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry) A very useful and practical site for assisting believers in the defense of their faith.
7. Desiring God Ministries The motto of this site is: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." Started by John Piper (pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis), there are many sermons and articles in this site to read and ponder. There are also audio sermons available in mp3 format.
8. The Church On The Threshold (a.k.a. Monergism) A great collection of articles and sermons - from authors of past and present - that combine theological reflection with a thoroughly devotional style. Even those who don't share this site's undeniably Calvinistic stance will find much to benefit from here.
9. Ravi Zacharias Ministries Dr. Zacharias is a compelling philosopher and evangelist who has spoken at countless university campuses about the reasonableness of the Christian faith. A great apologetics site.
10. Ligonier Ministries The web-home of the ministry of Dr. R.C. Sproul, noted theologian and author of "The Holiness of God".
© 2002-07 Sean McCausland
1. 9 Marks Ministries Started by Mark Dever, a Baptist pastor in Washington, D.C., this site is a boon for any preacher or church leader who needs solid, biblical, and practical advice in the realm of church issues. Free books, in PDF format, are included, as well as numerous helpful audio messages.
2. AlbertMohler.com Dr. Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, examines the latest news headlines, as well as our culture's general decay, through the lens of a Christian worldview.
3. Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals ACE is a coalition of Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian and Reformed leaders who have come together with the united purpose of calling the church to repent of its worldliness and recover the five "solas" of the Reformation: Sola Scripture (scripture alone); Sola Christus (Christ alone); Sola Gratia (grace alone); Sola Fide (faith alone) and Sola Deo Gloria (God's glory alone). One doesn't have to agree with everything the contributing authors assert, but their work is worthy of careful reflection and consideration.
4. ArtsReformation This website promotes Christian thinking about the arts and involvement in them.
5. Banner of Truth This is an extension of a British magazine and publishing house that is little-known in North America (to our loss). Some of the articles recognize the important place of the Puritans in church history.
6. CARM (Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry) A very useful and practical site for assisting believers in the defense of their faith.
7. Desiring God Ministries The motto of this site is: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." Started by John Piper (pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis), there are many sermons and articles in this site to read and ponder. There are also audio sermons available in mp3 format.
8. The Church On The Threshold (a.k.a. Monergism) A great collection of articles and sermons - from authors of past and present - that combine theological reflection with a thoroughly devotional style. Even those who don't share this site's undeniably Calvinistic stance will find much to benefit from here.
9. Ravi Zacharias Ministries Dr. Zacharias is a compelling philosopher and evangelist who has spoken at countless university campuses about the reasonableness of the Christian faith. A great apologetics site.
10. Ligonier Ministries The web-home of the ministry of Dr. R.C. Sproul, noted theologian and author of "The Holiness of God".
© 2002-07 Sean McCausland
Insights for Bible Reading
For too long a period, laziness, presumption, and self-satisfaction had set in to my soul to the point where my times of Bible study and prayer were disappearing quickly. It wasn’t too long before my understanding of life became foggy, my assurance of God’s favour in Christ weakened, and my joy of knowing Him started to deteriorate.
But just as surely as God, in His grace, has promised to continue the work He started in His children unto the end (Php. 1:6), He has given much wisdom to me for the purpose of maintaining my times of Scriptural study and prayer. The following paragraphs feature a few bits of what I’ve learned, and what I will need to 're-learn' many times!
First, I’ve found it essential to think of the Word of God not as a helpful stimulant but as necessary food. “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:4) George Mueller, a great man of faith from the 19th century, spoke of how “it was not for the sake of the public ministry of the Word that I gave myself to meditation, but for the profit of my own inner man.”
Second, if I ever use devotional guides, I only use those which require me to read the whole Bible. The Bible studies from “Tabletalk”, and D.A. Carson’s “For the Love of God” series, encourage the practice of reading from various portions of the Bible simultaneously. They do this in order that I can grasp the “big picture” of the Bible’s storyline concerning God’s plan of salvation, and that I may be prevented from thinking that God exists just to meet my needs and sort out my problems.
Third, as I read Scripture, I look for, and make note of, three things: testimony, commands, and promises. “Testimony” simply refers to the facts of faith – what God says about Himself, humanity, sin, and salvation. “Commands” are God’s directives to us which function in a twofold manner. 1) They act as a “mirror” which shows us the magnitude of our sin and our constant need for a Saviour, who has thankfully come to obey God’s commands in our place and pay the penalty for our disobedience (Gal. 3:24; 2 Cor 5:21). 2) They are means used by the Holy Spirit to produce holiness in us, since they express the perfect will of God (Ps.19:7-11; Jn 17:17). “Promises” indicate God’s favour of us, so that we may be strengthened in the hope of eternal life and escape the world’s corruption (2 Pe 1:3-4). One way I’ve taken note of these three elements is to underline, or “highlight”, each one with a different colour.
Fourth, I meditate upon the Bible and pray at the same time; in this way the Scriptures direct my thinking as I pray to God. Here are some examples of how this activity can be done. When I read testimony, I ask the Lord to help me believe it. As I read commands, I give thanks to God that Christ has fulfilled them, while asking Him to work in me so that I may obey them for His good purpose (Php. 2:12, Ps.119:35). When I read promises, I’ll ask God for the ability to put my trust and hope in them.
Am I sharing these ideas as if they constituted a sure 'formula' that will end a believer's struggle to stay in the Word? Not at all. In fact, the initial process of putting them into practice will be a struggle in itself! Still, if the effort is accompanied by earnest, humble prayer which asks for insight and understanding, I'm confident that the experience will be a rich spiritual feast for many.
There are many ways to study the Scriptures. Let us make sure, however, to choose those methods which require us to hear "the whole purpose of God" (Acts 20:27), rather than those which go no further than "meeting our felt needs".
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Carson, D.A. For the Love of God (Crossway, 1998)
Packer, J.I. Knowing God (IVP, 1993).
Piper, John. Desiring God (Multnomah, 2003).
© 2002-07 Sean McCausland
But just as surely as God, in His grace, has promised to continue the work He started in His children unto the end (Php. 1:6), He has given much wisdom to me for the purpose of maintaining my times of Scriptural study and prayer. The following paragraphs feature a few bits of what I’ve learned, and what I will need to 're-learn' many times!
First, I’ve found it essential to think of the Word of God not as a helpful stimulant but as necessary food. “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:4) George Mueller, a great man of faith from the 19th century, spoke of how “it was not for the sake of the public ministry of the Word that I gave myself to meditation, but for the profit of my own inner man.”
Second, if I ever use devotional guides, I only use those which require me to read the whole Bible. The Bible studies from “Tabletalk”, and D.A. Carson’s “For the Love of God” series, encourage the practice of reading from various portions of the Bible simultaneously. They do this in order that I can grasp the “big picture” of the Bible’s storyline concerning God’s plan of salvation, and that I may be prevented from thinking that God exists just to meet my needs and sort out my problems.
Third, as I read Scripture, I look for, and make note of, three things: testimony, commands, and promises. “Testimony” simply refers to the facts of faith – what God says about Himself, humanity, sin, and salvation. “Commands” are God’s directives to us which function in a twofold manner. 1) They act as a “mirror” which shows us the magnitude of our sin and our constant need for a Saviour, who has thankfully come to obey God’s commands in our place and pay the penalty for our disobedience (Gal. 3:24; 2 Cor 5:21). 2) They are means used by the Holy Spirit to produce holiness in us, since they express the perfect will of God (Ps.19:7-11; Jn 17:17). “Promises” indicate God’s favour of us, so that we may be strengthened in the hope of eternal life and escape the world’s corruption (2 Pe 1:3-4). One way I’ve taken note of these three elements is to underline, or “highlight”, each one with a different colour.
Fourth, I meditate upon the Bible and pray at the same time; in this way the Scriptures direct my thinking as I pray to God. Here are some examples of how this activity can be done. When I read testimony, I ask the Lord to help me believe it. As I read commands, I give thanks to God that Christ has fulfilled them, while asking Him to work in me so that I may obey them for His good purpose (Php. 2:12, Ps.119:35). When I read promises, I’ll ask God for the ability to put my trust and hope in them.
Am I sharing these ideas as if they constituted a sure 'formula' that will end a believer's struggle to stay in the Word? Not at all. In fact, the initial process of putting them into practice will be a struggle in itself! Still, if the effort is accompanied by earnest, humble prayer which asks for insight and understanding, I'm confident that the experience will be a rich spiritual feast for many.
There are many ways to study the Scriptures. Let us make sure, however, to choose those methods which require us to hear "the whole purpose of God" (Acts 20:27), rather than those which go no further than "meeting our felt needs".
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Carson, D.A. For the Love of God (Crossway, 1998)
Packer, J.I. Knowing God (IVP, 1993).
Piper, John. Desiring God (Multnomah, 2003).
© 2002-07 Sean McCausland
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