Author Archives: davidsteele1966

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”

THE PURITAN VIEW OF PREACHING

“The Puritan view was that preaching ‘gospel sermons’ means teaching the whole Christian system – the character of God, the Trinity, the plan of salvation, the entire work of grace.  To preach Christ, they held, involved preaching all this.  Preach less, they would tell us, and what you do preach will not be properly grasped.”Continue reading “THE PURITAN VIEW OF PREACHING”

SHOULD CHRISTIANS STUDY PHILOSOPHY?

“Who am I and what is my purpose?”  “How should I live and how can I determine right from wrong?”  “On what basis can I answer these questions?”  “What is the truth?”  And, “Who is my final authority?”  Questions like these do not have simple answers.  Rather, they demand deep thinking and philosophical spade work.Continue reading “SHOULD CHRISTIANS STUDY PHILOSOPHY?”

IT IS WELL: Expositions on Substitutionary Atonement – Mark Dever and Michael Lawrence (2010)

One of my most vivid memories of my Grandfather has to do with the cross of Christ.  “I do not hear enough about the cross in sermons and in songs,” he would lament.  His complaint was valid twenty-five years ago.  And it is valid today.  In fact, his warning is even more significant today asContinue reading “IT IS WELL: Expositions on Substitutionary Atonement – Mark Dever and Michael Lawrence (2010)”