We live in a culture where a majority of Americans make some kind of a faith commitment. Indeed, many Americans call themselves Christians. It is in this context that Stephen Smallman answers the question, What is True Conversion? Smallman’s work is somewhat autobiographical as he recounts his conversion experience. He notes the impulse to “reformContinue reading “WHAT IS TRUE CONVERSION?”
Author Archives: davidsteele1966
What Can a 508-Year Old Man Teach Us?
July 10, 2017 marks the 508th birthday of John Calvin. But the streamers and balloons are nowhere to be found. Simply put, we live in a day that is so wrapped up in technology and new inventions that we tend to forget the lessons of the past, especially the lessons of dead guy. Calvin’s lifeContinue reading “What Can a 508-Year Old Man Teach Us?”
SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD
Today is the anniversary of Jonathan Edwards famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. America’s greatest intellectual preached the magnificent message at Enfield on July 8, 1741 – just 269 years ago! Edwards warns: “There are the black clouds of God’s wrath now hanging directly over your heads, full of the dreadfulContinue reading “SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD”
WHAT IS PROVIDENCE?
Derek W.H. Thomas answers the question, “What is Providence?” with a deep biblical knowledge and an ability to connect with a wide range of people. He begins by citing the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions.” ThomasContinue reading “WHAT IS PROVIDENCE?”
HOW DO WE GLORIFY GOD?
John Hannah answers one of life’s most penetrating questions in How Do We Glorify God? He surveys the erosion of godlessness in the current post-modern climate and contrasts this condition with the solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), sola Christus (Christ alone), sola gratia (grace alone), sola fide (faith alone), and soli deoContinue reading “HOW DO WE GLORIFY GOD?”
WHAT ARE ELECTION AND PREDESTINATION?
What Are Election and Predestination? Richard Phillips tackles this thorny question with a biblical mind and precision. Phillips begins with the doctrine of election which he describes as “the foundation on which the salvation of every believer rests: God’s own free and gracious choice of us.” Phillips rightly notes that election takes place before theContinue reading “WHAT ARE ELECTION AND PREDESTINATION?”
WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW?
I am thankful for the Basics of the Reformed Faith Series, a collection of booklets released by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing. These short treatments (with the exception of the booklet on infant baptism) are extremely helpful and should be a part of every Christian library. Philip Graham Ryken tackles a crucial topic in, What isContinue reading “WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW?”
A QUEST FOR GODLINESS: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life – J.I. Packer (1990)
A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life by J.I. Packer is a superb introduction to the English Puritans. For too long, the Puritans have been marginalized, unfairly caricatured, and relegated dusty boxes of books in the garage. Packer intends to bring the Puritans to the forefront of Christian thought, precisely whereContinue reading “A QUEST FOR GODLINESS: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life – J.I. Packer (1990)”
THE DISCIPLE MAKING CHURCH – Bill Hull
The Disciple Making Church maintains the discipling church is the normal church and that disciple making is for everyone and every church for three important reasons. First, Christ instructed the church to take part in it. Second, Christ modeled it and third, the New Testament disciples applied it. The author advances the thesis that “unlessContinue reading “THE DISCIPLE MAKING CHURCH – Bill Hull”
The Influence of Spurgeon: A Boon for the Soul
Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born on this date, June 19, 1834 – one hundred and seventy-six years ago. I got to thinking about the influence that Spurgeon has had on my thinking, theology, and Christian life. This thought led to another interesting tidbit. I have been influenced by many Christian men over the yearsContinue reading “The Influence of Spurgeon: A Boon for the Soul”
Veritas et Lux 