Author Archives: davidsteele1966

GOD’S USE OF AFFLICTION – Jonathan Edwards (1753)

Jonathan Edwards sets out in this sermon to exposit a passage in the book of Job: ““Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves;  therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17, ESV) Doctrine Three doctrinal propositions mark this very short sermon which was contextualized to reach the Stockbridge Indians with power andContinue reading “GOD’S USE OF AFFLICTION – Jonathan Edwards (1753)”

Center Church – Tim Keller (2012)

I have been reading books about the church for almost thirty years now.  Most of the best material is being churned out by Mark Dever and the boys at 9Marks.  Tim Keller’s, Center Church is a welcome guest in the growing list of books on ecclesiology. Keller sets out to communicate one central message whichContinue reading “Center Church – Tim Keller (2012)”

TURNING ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY – James Kouzes and Barry Posner (2014)

James Kouzes and Barry Posner have been offering help to leaders for years now.  Their seminal works, The Leadership Challenge, Credibility, and the Truth About Leadership have helped me immensely as I grow personally and pastorally as a leader.  Indeed, thousands of leaders have gained great insight from the works of Kouzes and Posner. TheContinue reading “TURNING ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY – James Kouzes and Barry Posner (2014)”

GRACE WORKS – Douglas Bond (2014)

Several months ago, I titled a sermon  Grace Works, based on Titus 2:11-14.   Verse 11  reminds us that grace has appeared in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.  This grace has saved us.  This grace has transported every believer from death to life.    This grace saves us, sanctifies us, and secures our future with Christ.  Indeed, grace works!  SoContinue reading “GRACE WORKS – Douglas Bond (2014)”

THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE: The Unlikely Rise of Vladamir Putin (2012)

Masha Gessen has a story to tell.  This Russian journalist draws the lines clearly and writes in terms that are understandable and inspiring.  Gessen tells the story of the ascension of President Putin in The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladamir Putin. Gessen writes, “And with this, the transformation of Russia back intoContinue reading “THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE: The Unlikely Rise of Vladamir Putin (2012)”

DUEL WITH THE DEVIL – Paul Collins (2013)

Jonathan Edwards is the greatest theologian to plant his feet on American soil.   It should come as no surprise, then, when one learns about the able individuals that sprouted forth from Edwards family tree – physicians, lawyers, university presidents, and even a vice-president.  Aaron Burr was Thomas Jefferson’s vice-president, of course.  Burr was alsoContinue reading “DUEL WITH THE DEVIL – Paul Collins (2013)”

THE GOSPEL – Ray Ortlund (2014)

The “gospel” has become somewhat of a buzzword in evangelical circles.  It’s a funny thing because the gospel is at the very center of the Bible and God’s redemptive purposes.  So it’s counterintuitive to claim the very idea that the gospel has become a buzzword.  Christ-followers knowingly or unknowingly validate a ministry, band, or organizationContinue reading “THE GOSPEL – Ray Ortlund (2014)”

PARDON FOR THE GREATEST SINNERS – Jonathan Edwards

It is unclear when the sermon under consideration was preached by Jonathan Edwards.  The best records seem to indicate that the Puritan divine preached this magnificent sermon before 1733, when Edwards was still in his 20’s.  The full title is Great Guilt No Obstacle to the Pardon of the Returning Sinner.  The subject was as relevantContinue reading “PARDON FOR THE GREATEST SINNERS – Jonathan Edwards”

STRANGE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC – Joe Satriani and Jake Brown (2014)

Joe Satriani first came on my radar screen in the mid 80’s.  I’ll never forget the first time I heard Surfin’ With the Alien.  Of course, I knew then that Satch was the real deal.  Since then, I’ve seen him several times in concert and have always been impressed with his showmanship, professionalism, and genuine humility.Continue reading “STRANGE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC – Joe Satriani and Jake Brown (2014)”