Here I Stand — free audio download
To mark Reformation Day (October 31), Martin Luther’s Here I Stand, a 24 minute recording by Max McLean, is available as a free download from The Listener’s Bible.
“In the late afternoon of April 18, 1521, in the city of Worms, Germany, Martin Luther, a 37 year-old Catholic monk was called to defend himself before Charles the Fifth, the Holy Roman Emperor. The speech he delivered that day, Here I Stand, marked the beginning of the Reformation…”
The offer exprires on November 1st. To receive the download, simply create an account and follow the links. (h/t Andy Naselli.)
Columbo-style connecting
On two recent episodes of the White Horse Inn broadcast, Greg Koukl from Stand to Reason ministries shares some tips on connecting helpfully in an apologetic situation. He thinks we can learn from Lt. Columbo.
Hear the discussion (“Tactics” parts 1 & 2, October 4 & 11 2009) in the White Horse Inn archives. (Part 2 repeats about 10 minutes of the first episode.)
Connect09 Halloween idea
Next Saturday, October 31st, is Halloween (and, November 1st is Reformation Sunday!).
If you live in an area where young people are likely to knock on your door for Trick or Treat, consider having some copies of the Colin Buchanan DVD on hand to give away with your confectionary. (Ideally, hand the DVD to their parents if they are present.)
Better Gatherings — new look
The recently-launched Better Gatherings website, produced by the Archbishop of Sydney’s Liturgical Panel, has had a makeover.
“This site is designed to equip service leaders to craft meetings that by their shape, their contents and their tone proclaim the gospel of Christ, build his body in the unity of the spirit and bring honour and glory to God.
On this website we would like to help you reflect biblically and historically on just how good church can be, and give you the resources you need to put this vision into practice.”
“A Star. A Stable. A Saviour.” – from Nathan Tasker
Nathan Tasker is releasing a CD in time for Christmas, A Star. A Stable. A Saviour.
As a pre-release promotion, 5 copies can be ordered for $50, including shipping. A Christ-honouring Christmas gift? An evangelistic talking point? Worth checking out. (h/t Justin Moffatt.)
Counterfeit Gods reviewed
Tim Challies reviews Tim Keller’s new book Counterfeit Gods.
And Christianity Today has an interview with Tim Keller:
“Look at your daydreams. When you don’t have to think about something, like when you are waiting for the bus, where does your mind love to rest? Or, look at where you spend your money most effortlessly.”
The book doesn’t appear to be available in Australia just yet, but you can read the first chapter here (PDF file via Westminster Bookstore).
Large print Essential Jesus
The Essential Jesus (the Gospel of Luke) being distributed across Sydney as a part of Connect09 is a wonderful resource. Many who have received copies have commented on its clear layout and attractive presentation.
It’s not ideal to give to everyone though. Some people would like larger print! See this from Matthias Media.
“I Have No Greater Joy”
Two weeks ago, Don Carson preached at CrossWay Community Church in Bristol, Wisconsin. His text was on 3 John, focussing on verse 4.
As always, Christ-centred and edifying. Hear the sermon here (60min / 14MB mp3 file).
The danger of ending every sermon with application
“The standard sermon ends with several points of application. I have nothing wrong with this. Many of my sermons end with some ‘now what’ points that relate the text to everyday life. But congregations should not expect every sermon to end with three ‘take home’ points…”
– Kevin DeYoung with some helpful thoughts on preaching at DeYoung, Restless, and Reformed.
Why learn Biblical languages
Elizabeth Groves, who lectures at Westminster Seminary, speaks on why learning the biblical languages is so important. Worth watching on YouTube (h/t Ian Clary.)
Inspiring People: John Anderson
Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson speaks with Karl Faase at one of last week’s ‘Inspiring People’ events – about what’s wrong with Australian society. See the 1 min 45 sec clip on Vimeo.
(Thanks to SydneyAnglicans.net)
Bioethics and Future Hope lectures online
Audio files of the talks from last week’s New College Lecture Series on Bioethics And Future Hope by Professor John Wyatt are now available, courtesy of New College.
See the New College website to download the files.
At his Just in CASE blog, Trevor Cairney also provides helpful thoughts on the lectures:
Two worldviews: Two views of life and death
Bioethics and Redemption: Understanding pain, suffering and death
Bioethics and Future Hope: An Eschatological View of the Future
(Related: Tom Hargreaves recommends a Firefox plugin called DownThemAll for downloading links from web pages – useful for getting all the audio files linked from a page.)
Confess or Die audio
The audio files of the Confess or Die conference held at the Presbyterian Theological College in Sydney last month are now available for download, with thanks to the PTC.
“The contemporary church seems to have amnesia about what it really believes. This two day conference is here to jolt the church’s memory, and give it new life for mission. …”
Carl Trueman – Talk 1, Talk 2, Talk 3
John McClean – Bible and Confessions
Mark Thompson – The 39 Articles and Global Anglicanism
Geoff Tacon – The AFES Doctrinal Basis
Chris Balzer – WCF and Presbyterian Church of Australia (Text only)
Source: Confess or Die website.
Book Review — Words from the Fire
“We’ve seen a steady stream of books come from Mohler’s pen in the past couple of years. I have read them all and am quite comfortable saying that this one is the best of the bunch.”
– Tim Challies reviews Albert Mohler’s new book, “Words from the Fire: Hearing the Voice of God in the 10 Commandments”.
Edinburgh Expositors’ Conference audio
Audio files from the 2009 Expositors’ Conference held at the Faith Mission Bible College in Edinburgh the week before last have now been made available.
Iain Murray’s talk on The Expository Ministry of Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones is well worth hearing.
The files are on the College website. (h/t Colin Adams.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…