10 Serious Problems with ‘Jesus Calling’
“Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling is a phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down. According to publisher Thomas Nelson, it “continues to grow in units sold each year since it was released [and] has surpassed 15 million copies sold.” Nelson is involved in an expansive new marketing campaign that involves a new web site and daily radio devotionals.
ECPA reports that ‘Thomas Nelson began its partnership with the Salem Media group to provide 60-second daily messages on Eric Metaxas’ show, which is carried on more than 100 stations nationwide and worldwide on SiriusXM Radio. The Jesus Calling radio devotional reaches more than 500,000 people each day through these segments.’ With 15 million copies sold, it has marched its way into rare company.
Yet it is a deeply troubling book. I am going to point out 10 serious problems with Jesus Calling in the hope that you will consider and heed these warnings…”
– Read the serious issues Tim Challies identifies. Is Jesus Calling big in Australia? This Australian bookshop lists it among their ‘Best-Selling Books’.
Article 32 and the CofE Same Sex Marriage case
“The case of a gay clergyman whose Permission to Officiate was revoked and who was refused a licence to minister after marrying his same-sex partner, has hit the headlines again. Peter Sanlon reflects on Jeremy Pemberton’s defensive use of Article 32.”
At the Church Society blog, Peter Sanlon, Vicar of St. Mark’s Tunbridge Wells, looks at the use and misuse of The Articles in the case of a gay clergyman who married his same-sex partner.
Limited prayer limits evangelism
“Many people own Nelson Mandela’s book Long Walk to Freedom but have not actually read it. Many Christians love the idea of prayer, but struggle to actually implement it.…”
– At GoThereFor, Stephen Liggins encourages you to pray – for evangelism!
Happy 97th Birthday, Billy Graham
“This is the best documentary I have seen on Billy Graham, the most famous and significant evangelist since George Whitefield…”
– Justin Taylor provides links to a 120 minute documentary on Billy Graham.
Resources for Remembrance Day
While many churches (such as St. Andrew’s Cathedral) observed Remembrance Day yesterday, Sunday November 8th, if you are looking for material for this week, Defence Anglicans has some resources which may be of help.
Feed the Woman Meat
“When I became a Christian at the ripe age of 16, I was immediately introduced to the extraordinary treasure trove of riches to be found amongst the pages of some of the greatest Christian writers, theologians, apologists, philosophers and thinkers of our time. …
But as I moved on into adulthood and the circles of influence shifted, so did the books offered before me to read.”
– At Effective Ministry, Sarie King has some great advice for Christian women (and men, for that matter), when deciding what to read.
Tears and Hope 2015
The annual ‘Tears And Hope’ service of healing for survivors of abuse is to be held at St John’s Darlinghurst, on Monday, November 23rd at 7:00pm.
Download a PDF flier to share with others, and pray that the service may help to bring comfort and healing.
Abortion ‘buffer zones’, free speech and religious freedom
“Governments around Australia are showing a sudden enthusiasm for introducing restricted ‘zones’ around clinics offering abortions, in order to prevent protestors from operating in those areas. Tasmania has introduced such legislation…”
– Neil Foster looks at some of the ethical and legal implications of ‘buffer zone’ legislation. Where does freedom of religion fit in?
Where is your journey taking you?
Moore College is encouraging you ask where your life fits into the Lord’s Plan. How can you be equipped to serve Christ?
Watch their latest video.
Why every seminary student should read J. C. Ryle
“I began my study of J. C. Ryle (1816-1900) more than six years ago, and my interest in him was primarily historical. However, as I prepare to defend my dissertation and end this leg of my journey with him, I am absolutely convinced that he has a lot to offer you as a minister-in-training…”
– At the Southern Seminary blog, Ben Rogers explains why it’s advantageous to follow J. C. Ryle down old paths.
(In this Crossway video, J. I. Packer recommends Ryle’s Holiness.)
Churches, know your young people by name
“It is a wonderful thing to be known by name. Most of us will know that experience of surprise and gratitude that comes when our name is recalled…”
– Good advice from Youthworks College Principal, Dr. Bill Salier.
J I Packer — In his own words
Crossway have released their 18 minute “short video documentary about [J.I.] Packer’s early life, theological influences, and enduring legacy”.
Give thanks for the good things the Lord has given us though this man, and pray for Packer’s continued work in helping Christians to value and love God’s word.
You can view it here, along with eight brief video clips in which Dr. Packer addresses the questions:
What is Repentance?
What is Faith?
What is the Church?
What is Doctrine?
What is Christian Unity?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What is the Lord’s Supper?
What is Baptism?
See also: Justin Taylor has some background and links.
Preaching the Book of Judges
In the latest Preaching Matters from St. Helen’s Bishopsgate in London, Charlie Skrine speaks about preaching from Judges.
The first decision, he says, is to discern if the main characters are heroes, or are they villains? How do you apply the book?
Watch the 11 minute video here. Very helpful – particularly if you are planning a sermon series on the book.
Is the Reformation Over?
“There have been several observations rendered on this subject by those I would call ‘erstwhile evangelicals.’ One of them wrote, ‘Luther was right in the sixteenth century, but the question of justification is not an issue now.’ A second self-confessed evangelical made a comment in a press conference I attended that ‘the sixteenth-century Reformation debate over justification by faith alone was a tempest in a teapot.’…”
– Dr R.C. Sproul writes of the danger of forgetting the reason for the Reformation.
See also: Dr Carl Trueman, “Why the Reformation Isn’t Over”.
Getting on the front foot
“Christians need never to be on the back foot in answering the attacks of atheists and secularists.
The bankruptcy of their position is readily revealed when one examines their empty explanations given to life’s four biggest questions.
What I appreciate most about being a Christian is the Faith’s realistic assessment of the human condition, and its sure diagnosis and assured prescription for humankind’s ills.
Here are life’s four biggest questions:
Where did I come from?
Where am I going?
Why am I here?
How do I live?…”
– Another helpful post by David Cook, Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia website. (Photo: St. Helen’s London.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…