Taking Sovereignty Seriously

Mark Thompson recommends John Woodhouse’s article in the issue of Southern Cross to be distributed in churches from this Sunday … He quotes John as writing –

“I am astonished at how glibly we sometimes speak of gospel work — as though leadership skills, ministry strategies or entrepreneurial flair is what is needed to make the gospel effective. Leadership is not what makes the blind see. Strategies do not make the deaf hear. Entrepreneurs do not make the dead walk!

It is God who calls out his elect, chosen by him before the foundation of the world. They could not have saved themselves and nor could we have saved them no matter how clever we are. And he hardens the heart of others in their chosen state of lostness.”

Find the article on pages 18 and 19 (‘Serving a Sovereign God’) of the February 2010 Southern Cross.

Pray for Moore College

Vicki King in the Development Office at Moore College writes –

“Please pray for our new 1st Year students beginning at College on Monday. We have approximately 100 full time students who would value your prayers:

For help in settling in and feeling comfortable
For help with adjusting to a complete change – especially those who have moved from the country, interstate and overseas
For families who are also adjusting to these changes
That they will really enjoy the challenge of learning about God
For help with their Greek studies.

In addition, we have almost 50 part-time students who have registered. This is the first time part-time study has been available at Moore and so it’s very encouraging that so many have taken advantage of this excellent opportunity to grow in knowledge of the Bible while being able to continue on with work and other responsibilities.

It’s not too late for people to register for the part-time courses so if you know of people who would benefit from this type of study, please direct them to the website or have them call Alex Cowling on 9577 9928.”

Preaching without notes

“I’m a convert to preaching without any notes.

I know it’s not for everyone, but I reckon more preachers could do it if they wanted to.

I’ve preached evangelistically without notes for years, by memorising certain talks that I knew I would get to repeat many times. But I’ve not thought it ‘worth it’ to preach all the time without notes. Until now. …”

– At Read Better, Preach Better, Moore College’s Con Campbell shares his experience in preaching without notes.

9Marks eJournal on the dangers of Liberalism

The latest 9Marks eJournal has been published online and is essential reading. Editor Jonathan Leeman writes –

“Michael Lawrence, Carl Trueman, Al Mohler, and Phil Johnson examine how liberalism happens and offer wise counsel for the academic and the pastor’s heart.

Greg Gilbert, Michael Ovey, Russell Moore, and I point to several specific areas where evangelicals appear to be walking on thin ice…

Greg Wills, Michael Horton, and Darryl Hart present notable lessons from history…”

– and there’s much more for your edification. It’s available from 9Marks. (We’ll highlight some key articles over the next few days.)

What you can do in three pages a day

Stephen Altrogge asks, “What would happen if you resolved that, in addition to your Bible, you would read three pages of a spiritual book every day?”

He lists some practical suggestions on what you could read at The Blazing Center.

(Most of the books mentioned would be available at Moore Books or Reformers’ Bookshop in Sydney.)

Outline of redemptive history

Gospel and Kingdom At Between Two Worlds, Justin Taylor has posted a useful summary of Graeme Goldsworthy’s outline of redemptive history–

See it here – and download a copy of the famous ‘coathanger’ chart here.

If you are not familiar with Graeme Goldsworthy’s books, in Sydney, you can get copies at Moorebooks or from Reformers Bookshop.

Don Carson on Spiritual gifts

Dr D A Carson The Gospel Coalition has posted online the audio files of Don Carson’s exceedingly helpful talks given at the 1985 Moore Theological College Annual Lectures.

This series formed the basis of his book, Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12–14. They are –

The Unity of the Body and the Diversity of Gifts (1 Cor. 12)
The Most Excellent Way: When Does Perfection Come? (1 Cor. 13)
Prophecy and Tongues: Pursuing What Is Best (1 Cor. 14:1-15)
Order and Authority: Restraining Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor. 14:26-40)
Unleashed Power and the Constraints of Discipline: Toward a Theology of Spiritual Gifts.

Well worth downloading and hearing – again. The second file – on 1 Corinthians 13 – is incomplete (but you can always get the book!). h/t Justin Taylor.