The Triumph of Truth

After Saul’s miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus, the church continued to experience explosive growth.

The Proclamation of the Truth (Acts 9:20-22)

Dr. Luke reports Saul’s passion for the truth: “And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God’” (Acts 9:20). This man was committed to preaching God’s Word, a practice that he would employ on his missionary journeys.

The Opposition to the Truth (Acts 9:23-30)

As soon as his ministry was launched, Saul experienced opposition to the truth. Luke indicates that unbelievers intend to take his life. The Greek term is translated as “murder.” It’s interesting to note that the same murderous intent was pumping in Saul’s veins before he was saved by grace. The persecutor has become the preacher! The murderer has become the man on mission.

Saul also experienced opposition from followers of Christ. “And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple (Acts 9:26). The Christians in the early church were scared to death of this man, the one who oversaw the stoning of Stephen. Simply put, they did not believe the testimony of the former “persecutor in chief.” Thankfully, Barnabas came to his aid and confirmed that he indeed had been miraculously converted; that he has seen the Lord and preached boldly in the name of Jesus (vv. 27-28).

The Triumph of the Truth

The newly convinced Christ-followers in Jerusalem brought Saul to Caesarea and then sent him off to Tarsus when his life was on the line. In the midst of all this chaos, the church does not decline. The church does not flounder. The church thrives! Luke reveals how the truth triumphed in the early church:

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. (Acts 9:31, ESV)

First, the church was a peaceful community of faith. Peace (εἰρήνη) means “harmonious relations and freedom from disputes; a state of peace that is a blessing or favor from God.” The early church experienced peace with God and peace with one another. Instead of provoking and envying one another, they were in step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25-26).

Second, the church was a built-up community of faith. Built up comes from the Greek word that means “to be strengthened, encouraged, and edified.” The apostle Paul highlighted the importance of this kind of community in his letter to the church at Ephesus:

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Eph. 4:11–14, ESV)

A built-up church is a unified church. A built-up church is one that is unified around the knowledge of the Son of God, which means she is grounded theologically. A built-up church is growing in maturity – relational maturity, biblical maturity, theological maturity, and ministry maturity. A built-up church is a discerning church, one that is not swept away by the winds and waves of false teaching.

Finally, the church was a thriving community of faith. Whenever a church walks in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, she can’t do anything but three. This is a church that is experiencing the blessing of God in their midst. Is this not what our Savior promised the disciples in Acts 1?

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8, ESV)

This is the church triumphant! What is preventing you from experiencing this kind of peace? Is there an unforgiving spirit that is preventing you from experiencing God’s peace? Are you resisting God in any way that creates roadblocks for you and prevents you from experiencing his peace?

What is preventing you from being built up like the early church in Acts 9? Are you downplaying theology? Are you minimizing the need for theological education? Are you neglecting time in God’s Word?

The truth triumphed in the first century church? Are you a person of the truth? Are you proclaiming the truth? Delighting in the truth? Defending the truth? May the truth triumph daily in your life!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Prioritizing Missions in the Church – Aaron Menikoff & Harshit Singh

Aaron Menikoff & Harshit Singh, Prioritizing Missions in the Church (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2025), 220 pp.

Prioritizing Missions in the Church is a part of the 9Marks Church-Centered Missions series. This important work challenges Christians to reorder their personal lives around the purposes of the Great Commission.

The authors, Aaron Menikoff and Harshit Singh are both seasoned pastors who share a mutual love for the church, church planting, and global missions. They write:

A mission-centered church takes the Great Commission seriously. Such a church doesn’t simply pay lip service to Jesus’s command to make disciples of all nations … This kind of disciple-making is at the very heart of being a Christian, which means it should be at the very heart of every church.

Prioritizing Missions in the Church alerts readers to the need for global missions, urges Christians to play a strategic role in the process, and provides practical guidelines for churches to initiate, lead, nurture, equip, and send qualified leaders to carry out the Great Commission to the nations. This book is the perfect blend of encouragement, inspiration, and challenge, sure to make a lasting difference in many lives.

Soli Deo gloria!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Scrolling Ourselves to Death – Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa Jr. Ed

Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa Jr. Ed., Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2025), 243 pp.

The internet has changed life as we know it for the foreseeable future. Despite the benefits of recent technological tools, we are experiencing a phenomenon that should be of grave concern to pastors, parents, and Christian leaders. Some notable authors have highlighted how technological advances are hindering learning and even re-wiring the brain.

Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa continue the discussion in their recent book, Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age. The editors of this fine book lock arms with a formidable team of pastors and Christian thinkers who are committed to offering biblical solutions in a world that is being manipulated by technological pirates, through artificial intelligence and algorithms.

The book draws some of its most potent material from Neil Postman’s book, Amusing Ourselves to Death, first published in 1985. Postman’s warning was à propos at the end of the twentieth century. It is even more serious now. Scrolling Ourselves to Death begins by focusing on Postman’s insights. Patrick Miller writes insightfully, “Your phone is a digital syringe. It’s a gateway to lifelong, brain-altering, relationship-destroying addiction.” Such a warning should readers to pause and reflect, leading them to the next section.

The book continues by noting some practical challenges that face Christian communicators. Matters of apologetics, epistemology, and theology are explored, all subjects that make good use of Postman’s timely observations. Thaddeus Williams makes the keen observation that “Christianity scratches humanity’s deepest existential itches for relationship, freedom, mystery, beauty, awe, hope, and more.” This powerful reality is seen throughout the book and serves as a testament to the authority of God’s word.

The book concludes with a section that provides insight on how the church can minister to a “scrolling death” world. Technological advances are not cast aside here; rather, their use is encouraged with the caveat of caution. In an especially illuminating chapter, Read Mercer Schuchardt never repudiates the use of technology or media. But he admonishes readers to embrace their mission. He writes:

Go touch grass. Put down the phone, give up the screen, and initiate: no matter your age, stop scrolling and start your life. You need only ten thousand hours of deliberate practice to get good at something worth doing, and you’ve got that in spades if you give up the 10.85 hours per day currently devoted to media. That’s just 749 days to get really good at your skill, art, trade, or craft; that’s just two years, which is half the time it takes to acquire a college education.

Scrolling Ourselves to Death is a much-needed work. The authors pick up where Postman left off and offer readers a smorgasbord of practice tools for moving into the future with an eye on the gospel and a heart for the kingdom of God.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Anatomy of God-Centered Resolutions

It is difficult to be a young man in this world. The Word of God addresses young men in some very specific ways:

Indeed, it is difficult to be a young man in our world. I’m so grateful that the Word of God addresses our need. As such, it does not leave young men dangling. Rather, it addresses them directly.

This chapter focuses on the anatomy of God-centered resolutions. In ordered to understand this important topic, we must wrestle with the dilemma and the determination.

THE DILEMMA (Psalm 119:9)

… for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. (Gen. 8:21)

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted. (Isa. 40:30)

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Tim. 2:22)

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Cor. 6:18–20)

A Key Question

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. (Ps. 119:9).

There are at least seven reasons why the psalmist sets his sights on young men (a Hebrew term that points to “a man in his days of adolescence.”

First, young men are vulnerable. Research reveals that one in seven young men aged 16 – 24 experience depression or anxiety each year. The simple fact is that young men are at risk in our world – personally, emotionally, sexually, and spiritually.

Second, young men struggle with discipline. Is it any wonder that the apostle Paul addressed the matter of discipline with the young man, Timothy: “But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7, NASB95). Many challenges that young men face stem from a lack of proper discipline.

Third, young men struggle with direction. Ask a young man sometime, “Where you do see yourself in ten years? In most cases, you will be met with blank stares and groans. If you are a young man reading this and have an idea of your future path, good for you. Keep growing in grace. Keep trusting the Lord. Commit your way to him God and bank on his sovereign purposes for your life. But know this, many young men struggle with direction.

Fourth, young men struggle with authority. Whether it is presidents, principals, police officers, or pastors – young men tend to struggle with authority. Why? Because they along with the rest of us have inherited Adam’s sin nature:

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—” (Romans 5:12)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9)

There is no other way to state the obvious: Young men struggle with submitting to authority structures in their lives.

Fifth, young men struggle with worldliness. C.J. Mahaney’s words ring true for all people, but hit closest to home with young men:

Worldliness, then, is a love for this fallen world. It’s loving the values and pursuits of the world that stand opposed to God … It is to gratify and exalt oneself to the exclusion of God. It rejects God’s rule and replaces it with our own. It exalts our opinions above God’s truth. It elevates our sinful desires for the things of this fallen world above God’s commands and promises.1

So the psalmist’s question is of utmost importance:

How can a young man keep his way pure? (Ps. 119:9a)

Way refers to our “course of conduct” or the general pattern of our lives. The psalmist highlights the importance of this term in the first chapter of Psalms:

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Ps. 1:1–6)

Pure means “to keep free from immorality or sin.” The Bible is clear about steering clear from worldliness. The apostle John writes, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

The world (kósmos) is that system which is diametrically opposed to God, his Word, and his kingdom:

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (Jas. 4:4)

The kósmos is that system that is perverted to the core:

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, (Phil. 2:14–15)

The kósmos is that system that is evil and opposed to Christ:

The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. (John 7:7)

The kósmos is that system that aggressively promotes godlessness:

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. (Col. 2:8)

The kósmos is that system that is fleeting and fatal:

but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (Mark 4:19)

Mark the word sumpnigō, translated as “choke” in Mark 4:19. It means “to obstruct one’s throat and to deprive a person of air.” That’s exactly what the worldly system does to unsuspecting young men.

Sixth, young men struggle with developing robust theological convictions. Why is it so difficult to develop theological conviction in a postmodern world? Because the zeitgeist (the spirit of the age) is either whispering in young men’s ears or shouting in their faces. The zeitgeist whispers, “No one believes the Bible anymore. Rational people don’t believe in talking snakes or a suffering Messiah.” But the zeitgeist also shouts, “Only fools believe the Bible.” I have interacted personally with young pastors who only give lip-service to the Bible. When it comes to submitting to the authority of God’s Word, these progressive-minded pastors fall short.

Seventh, young men struggle with pride. In his classic work, Thoughts for Young Men, a book that every man needs to read with their sons, J.C. Ryle remarks, “Pride sits sin all our hearts by nature. We are born proud. Pride makes us rest content with ourselves – think we are good enough as we are – keep us from taking advice – refuse the gospel of Christ – turn everyone to his own way. But pride never reigns anywhere so powerfully as in the heart of a young man.”2

Why does the psalmist focus his attention on young men? Because they are vulnerable. They struggle with discipline and direction. They struggle submitting to authority. They battle with worldliness. They have difficulty formulating robust theological convictions. And they struggle mightily with pride.

Now if you’re reading this as a young woman, an older man, or an older woman, you’re feeling pretty good right now! But here is the hard reality. These are all struggles that people experience in a fallen world. I believe the psalmist sets his sights on young men because their struggle is so pronounced. For example, what comes into your mind when you think about a hungry newborn baby? A normal baby will cry when he or she goes for a period of time without food. Have you ever gone for an extended period of time without food? Have you discovered that excessive hunger leads to grumpiness or irritability? Here’s the point:

We all struggle with hunger. In a similar way, each of us wrestle with things unique to young men.

Ever since Adam plunged the human race on the path of sin, it has been difficult to be a young man in this world. If it is difficult to be a young man in a sin-stained world, it follows that it is a battle to be a follower of Christ in any generation.

A Pointed Answer

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9, ESV)

Guarding is an important term that means “to keep in a certain state or activity.” The word, of course, refers to Scripture. Therefore, the psalmist is arguing that we need to guard our way according to the Word of God.

The Bible is our highest authority. “When God communicates information,” writes John Frame, “we are obligated to believe it. When he tells us to do something, we are obligated to obey.”3 Tragically, many professing Christians maintain their “so-called” right to pick and choose what they believe and obey. But the Bible establishes the guidelines and ground rules for living: “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?” (Deut. 10:12–13).

The Bible provides the side boards for our lives:

  • The Bible tells us how to respond to temptation.
  • The Bible gives us a framework for marriage.
  • The Bible establishes a pattern for authority and submission.
  • The Bible reveals God’s will for our lives.
  • The Bible tells us about life, death, and everything in between.
  • The Bible instructs us how to battle sin.
  • The Bible tells us how to live a holy life.
  • The Bible shows us there is only one way to be in right relationship with God – through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Since God’s Word is our highest authority, we are obligated to obey the Bible. John Frame reminds us, “When God speaks, our role is to believe, obey, delight, repent, mourn – whatever he wants us to do. Our response should be without reservation, from the heart.”4 Can you hear the rebellious responses from progressive pastors and Christians? Can you hear the excuses that add up among the compromised?

Are you guarding your way by the Word of God as the psalmist counsels? Or have you fallen victim to the spirit of the age? Is your life governed by the Word of God or are you following the marching orders of the worldly system?

We have wrestled with the dilemma in verse 9. Look next at the determination in verses 10-16.

THE DETERMINATION (Psalm 119:10-16)

When Jonathan Edwards was a newly converted Christian in his late teens, he penned seventy resolutions, that helped establish a God-centered focus in his Christian pilgrimage. In verses 10-16, the psalmist proceeds to show how the Word of God will govern his life.

The Formation of God-Centered Resolutions

Godly Pursuits

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! (Psalm 119:10)

The Hebrew term translated seek means “to pursue something a person desires.” Notice that the psalmist is all in. “With my whole heart I seek you.” Every fiber of his being (thoughts, will, mind, and knowledge) is consumed with God. His urgent desire is that he would never wander from God’s commands. His heart’s desire is to be governed by the Word of God.

Godly Discipline

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:11)

The apostle Paul echoed the sentiment of the psalmist in his letter to the young pastor, Timothy: “But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7, NASB95). A critical lesson to learn for every follower of Christ is this: There is no godliness apart from discipline.

There are two motivations for a disciplined Christ-follower in Psalm 119:11. First, treasure. The word store could be translated as “treasured.” It means to be regraded as “highly valued.”

  • I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11, CSB)

The second word is triumph. The psalmist writes, “I have treasured your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” I would consider THAT a triumph; a mighty victory as the psalmist makes discipline a regular part of his Christian journey. Brian Borgman adds, “To keep our life pure according to God’s Word, we must seek God in his Word and store his Word up in our hearts. The Word is ammunition; providing threats and promises to keep us from sinning. The Word shapes our minds and our life. It is the great antidote to sinning against God.”5

How can we be disciplined?

  • We discipline ourselves to read the Word of God.
  • We discipline ourselves to meditate on the Word of God.
  • We discipline ourselves to memorize the Word of God.

Godly discipline, then, is a critical resolution in the life of a God-follower.

Godly Learning

Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! (Ps. 119:12)

The cry of the psalmist’s heart is for God to teach him his statutes. Teach means “to impart skills or knowledge.” Please understand that downplaying or demeaning knowledge in the Christian life is not only foolish; it is antithetical to Scripture. A disciple of Jesus Christ is a learner by definition.

  • Do you consider yourself a lifelong learner?
  • Do you have a passion to learn everything you can about God and his Word?
  • Do you delight in opening the Bible and learn about God’s law?

Godly Declaration

With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. (Psalm 119:13)

The psalmist makes this resolution:

  • I will tell the truth, no matter the cost.
  • I will tell the nations about Jesus.
  • I will declare the truth of God’s Word!

Godly Affections

In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. (Ps. 119:14)

The Hebrew word translated as delight means “to take a high degree of pleasure in something,” in this case, pleasure in the Word of God. Is the Word of God your highest treasure?

Godly Contemplation

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. (Ps. 119:15)

The psalmist’s contemplation is fixed squarely on the Word of God. Nothing can deter him. Nothing can move his gaze from the beauty of God’s Word. Jonathan Edwards understood the necessity and the power of godly contemplation:

Resolution 28: Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of them.6

Godly Trajectory

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Ps. 119:16)

Once again, the psalmist rehearses his love for the Word of God as he delights in God’s statutes. But notice the godly trajectory that he hammers into the foundation of his life. He purposes to never forget God’s Word. Scripture is etched into his memory and embedded into his heart.

Adrian Rogers led the Southern Baptist Convention to reaffirm without apology the infallibility, inerrancy, and sufficiency of God’s Word. An attorney who represented a liberal group in the SBC told Rogers, “If you don’t compromise, we’ll never get together.” Pastor Roger’s reply is inspiring: “I’m willing to compromise about many things, but not the Word of God. So far as getting together is concerned, we don’t have to get together. The Southern Baptist Convention, as it is, does not have to survive. I don’t have to be the pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church. I don’t have to be loved; I don’t even have to live. But I will not compromise the Word of God.”7

Soul-Food For Weary Saints

We have uncovered the dilemma: How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. We have also discovered the psalmists determination in a world that is hostile to historic Christianity. His determination involves the formation of God-centered resolutions that will hold strong in times of trouble. What is your determination? What are your God-centered resolutions?

Our hearts are never neutral. We are always worshiping. We are either worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ or we are worshipping lesser things. Jonathan Edwards says, “But the saints (and angels) do behold the glory of God consisting in the beauty of his holiness; and ’tis this sight only, that will melt and humble the hearts of men, and wean them from the world, and draw them to God, and effectually change them.”8

  1. C. J. Mahaney, ed.Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008), 27. ↩
  2. J. C. Ryle, Thoughts for Young Men (Cedar Lake: Waymark Books, 2018), 22. ↩
  3. John M. Frame, The Doctrine of the Word of God (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2010), 5. ↩
  4. Frame, The Doctrine of the Word of God, 4. ↩
  5. Borgman, An Exile’s Guide to Walking with God, 46. ↩
  6. Stephen J. Nichols, ed. Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions and Advice to Young Converts (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2001), 20. ↩
  7. Cited in Daniel L. Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Psalm 119 (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2021), 10-11. ↩
  8. The Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. 2, Religious Affections, ed. John E. Smith (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1959), 264. ↩

Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood – John Piper and Wayne Grudem, Ed.

John Piper and Wayne Grudem, ed. Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism

One of the most hotly debated matters in the church concerns the roles of men and women. The battle lines have been drawn and neither side appears willing to concede ground. In 1991, John Piper and Wayne Grudem edited a large volume entitled, Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism. The book received the 1993 Christiantiy Today book of the year. That award carries a degree of irony with it since the heralded magazine founded by Billy Graham in 1956. Graham’s vision was to establish a magazine that would be “a flag to follow for believers who did not feel at home in progressive mainline congregations or in reactionary fundamentalist settings.” Fast-forward almost 70 years. The conservative“flag” is waving no longer at CT.

In 2021, Crossway Books published a revised edition of Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood that includes some minor changes. None of the changes detract from the book’s original purpose, which is to respond graciously and forcefully to evangelical feminism, a movement that is growing at a breakneck pace. It is no small understatement to suggest that this book is needed more than ever.

The book is comprised of six sections:

Section 1: Vision and Overview

Section one of the most general in nature but includes some of the post powerful material in the book. Drs. John Piper and Wayne Grudem joins forces to present a vision of biblical complementarity and offer a helpful list of questions and answers. The authors clearly lay out the case for complementarianism. Piper in particular establishes the necessary trajectory at the outset:

At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for and protect women in ways appropriate to man’s differing relationships.

At the heart of mature femininity is a freeing disposition to affirm, receive and nurture strength and leadership from worthy men in ways appropriate to a woman’s differing relationships.

Section 2: Exegetical and Theological Studies

Section two explores the essence of the controversy as seasoned theologians tackle thorny questions that pertain to the role of men and women. No stone is left unturned in this section. Each chapter is well-written and helps build the case for complementarianism.

Section 3: Studies From Related Disciplines

Section three focuses on matters that pertain to church history, biology, sociology, and legal matters. While pertinent to the subject matter, this section was the least helpful for me, personally.

Section 4: Applications and Implications

Section four addresses matters of practical importance, such as:

  • The family and the church
  • Principles to use in establishing women in ministry
  • Fathers
  • Femininity

Section 5: Conclusion

John Piper and Wayne Grudem pen the closing chapter that ends on a high and hopeful note but at the same time responds to egalitarian arguments.

In a subsequent book, Wayne Grudem argues that evangelical feminism “has become the new path by which evangelicals are being drawn into theological liberalism.” (Evangelical Feminism, 15). Grudem’s contention, while unpopular among feminists and liberals alike, is on target and reaffirms the importance of Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood.

The church owes a debt of gratitude to John Piper and Wayne Grudem for assembling such a stellar team of scholars to tackle one of the most important topics of our times.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Be Killing Sin

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Endorsements

“Be Killing Sin is a heart-penetrating read and profitable for both new and seasoned believers who sincerely desire to be exhorted regarding the danger of personal sin and educated in the biblical means of defeating sin in their lives. I highly recommend Dr. Steele’s uncompromising and practical book on this much-needed topic!”

STEVE BALVANZ, Senior Pastor, Spring Creek Bible Church

“I was discipled as a young Christian under the ministry of David Steele. For years, I witnessed his life and sat under his faithful preaching and teaching. I know no man who is more well-read, self-disciplined, or biblically and theologically astute. For decades, one of Pastor Dave’s specialties has been apologetics and engagement with cultural issues, teaching followers of Jesus to be discerning, “think Christianly,” and live for the glory of God in all that they do. So, what you’ll receive in Be Killing Sin is guidance that is as biblically grounded as it gets, and which speaks practically to the issues of sin in our culture and in our hearts. If you need help in the fight against sin (and we all do), take up and read!”

– BROCK EWING, Senior Pastor, Homestead Country Gathering, La Grande, OR

“Dr. David Steele’s book, Be Killing Sin, is an excellent reminder of how every believer ought to live the Christian life on a daily basis. Pastor David provides a strategic blueprint for “fighting the good fight of faith,” while standing against the world, the flesh, and the devil with God’s armor in place. In addition to the clear biblical teaching that permeates this book, David also provides a treasure chest of valuable quotes, references, and biblical truths that you will want to access time and again. I highly recommend that you add this book to your library and read it repeatedly to fortify your soul against the temptations and struggles we all have with sin.”

– BRUCE PARKER, Pastor Emeritus, Faith Bible Church, Hood River, OR

“If you talk about sin in our day, you might get some interesting stares from people, even in the Church. Even in the Church today, a large segment thinks sin is a dirty word, and they believe that perhaps we should do away with it. The only problem is if you do away with sin or even talk about it, you do away with the reason Christ came, bled, died, and rose again. If you minimize sin, you minimize the glory of the grace of God. If you live however you want, you minimize the glory of Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who resides in every Christian. If you think you can live however you want or that there are no differences between a man and a woman, you undermine the clear teaching of Scripture. Understanding sin in our day is vital to rightly understand the prescribed medicine in the finished and sufficient work of the Lord Jesus. A surgeon doesn’t deal only with some of the symptoms; he aims to get to the heart of the problem and deal with the issue so the patient is helped and can recover appropriately. With the skill of a surgeon, from the hand of a seasoned pastor- teacher of God’s Word, and the mind of a scholar, David Steele has gifted the Church with a magnificent and needed book in Be Killing Sin: The Art of War on the Battlefield of Faith. Whether you think sin is a “little matter” or a grave matter, this book is needed in a day that devalues sin and focuses on psychological aspects of our humanity, which causes us to look first to ourselves, or worse, to find a cure that isn’t possible outside of Christ. Wherever you are on that spectrum, I encourage you to read this book, to be taught from Scripture about sin, the glory of Christ, and how putting on Christ in all of life is not some part of the Christian life; it is the whole of the Christian life because of our union with Christ.

– DAVE JENKINS, Executive Director, Servants of Grace Ministries, Executive Director, Theology for Life Magazine, Host, Equipping You in Grace, Author, The Word Explored and the Word Matters

DEATH AND JUDGMENT – Jonathan Edwards (1752)

Jonathan_Edwards_engraving“All men of all nations all over the world must die,” writes Jonathan Edwards.  He strikes an immediate chord as he preaches the Word of God to the Stockbridge Indians in March 1752.  Edwards not only appeals to commonsense experience; he appeals to his text, Hebrews 9:27.

Doctrine

After death comes the judgment: when men die, they go to appear before God to be judged.

Edwards makes it clear that God will call all men to account as the text indicates: “God is a just and righteous and holy God; and therefore, there certainly is another world where God will do right and will make good men happy, and will destroy the wicked … He will [hold] them to an account that have heard the gospel preached; [he will ask] whether or no they have repented of their sins and have in their hearts accepted of Jesus Christ as their Savior.”

The postmodern notion of annihilation is the farthest thing for Edwards mind: “And when men are thrown into that fire, there they must be forever and ever. They must never come out any more; they shall never die. The fire will torment ’em and [they] will always be all over full of pain, and they will wish for death, but shall never die.”

Those who turn to Christ, on the other hand, will go to heaven: “There they shall live in a world of light and happiness with God and Jesus Christ.”

Application

Having established the doctrine, Edwards immediately turns to its application.  There is no transition to speak of. He urges the indians to trust in Christ for their eternal salvation: “Now, therefore, this is the counsel I give you: receive instruction, forsake all your sins, and turn from sin to God.”

There is a strong emphasis on repentance here that is missing from the modern pulpit: “And you must repent and be sorry for your sins … God is willing to save sinners no other way than by Christ. You must pray to God to take away your wicked hearts and give you new hearts that you may have clean hearts … Make haste; don’t put off religion, but now  – without delay – forsake your sins and turn to God.”

The Steadfast Love of the Lord – Sam Storms

Sam Storms, The Steadfast Love of the Lord (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 226 pp.

Every person needs to love and be loved. Yet, most people struggle with both. The Steadfast Love of the Lord: Experiencing the Life-Changing Power of God’s Unchanging Affection by Sam Storms is a powerful book that explores God’s commitment to his people.

Storms carefully unpacks the meaning of God’s love in a way that draws the attention of readers and awakens them to the reality of this important attribute. The book is personal and practical. But even more, the book is biblical. Storms relentlessly pursues the biblical text and invites readers to embrace God’s revelation and receive his love.

“God’s love for you,” writes Storms, “is so infinitely intense and steadfast that he quite literally sings for joy. His affection is so deep that mere words prove paltry and inadequate. His devotion is so profoundly intimate that he bursts forth in sacred song.”

It is impossible to read The Steadfast Love of God without being gripped by this great reality and captivated by the God who rejoices over his people!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Daily Liturgy Devotional – Douglas Sean O’Donnell

Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Daily Liturgy Devotional: 40 Days of Worship and Prayer (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 255 pp.

The Daily Liturgy Devotional: 40 Days of Worship and Prayer by Sean O’Donnell is a tool for our times. The book contains 40 days of material to meditate upon and lead worshippers into the throne room of the living God.

The book organizes itself around eight themes: The Gospel, Faith, Love, Hope, Wisdom, Holiness, Perseverance, and Witness. Each theme contains five readings that follow a similar pattern, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, prayer of illumination, Scripture reading, concise commentary, prayer prompt, memory verse, and hymn.

The author draws from resources in Scripture and church history, all of which point the reader to the Lord Jesus Christ. The predictable pattern, which may annoy some, is actually instructive and helps promote continuity in prayer.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan – Peggy Noonan (2001)

A number of years ago, I began devouring books about my favorite president.  When Character Was King by Peggy Noonan emerges as one of the most thoughtful and inspiring books about the former president.

Noonan paints a compelling portrait of President Reagan; a portrait that is an exceedingly human portrayal of a man who feared God, loved his country, and cherished freedom. The author writes, “As president, Ronald Reagan believed without question that tyranny is temporary, and the hope of freedom is universal and permanent; that our nation has unique goodness, and must remain uniquely strong; that God takes the side of justice, because all our rights are His own gifts.”

Reagan opposed the godless ideology that held millions of Russians hostage from 1917 to 1991. Lenin said in 1920, “We repudiate all morality that proceeds from supernatural ideas that are outside class conceptions. Morality is entirely subordinate to the interests of class war. Everything is moral that is necessary for the annihilation of the old exploiting social order and for uniting the proletariat.”  In contrast, Reagan knew that virtue and morality are directly related to one’s relationship with God.

A few quotes reveal the man we know as President Reagan:

“We had strayed a great distance from our Founding Fathers’ vision of America.  They regarded the central government’s responsibility as that of providing national security, protecting our democratic freedoms, and limiting the government’s intrusion in our lives – in sum, the protection of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  They never envisioned vast agencies in Washington telling our farmers what to plant, our teachers what to teach, our industries what to build.”

“Don’t give up your ideals. Don’t compromise. Don’t turn to expediency. And don’t for heaven’s sake, having seen the inner workings of the watch, don’t get cynical.”

“All of these things – learning to control the government, limiting the amount of money it can take from us, protecting our country through a strong defense – all of these things revolve around one word, and that word is ‘freedom.'”

President Reagan was and continues to be a breath of fresh air in an increasingly pessimistic political climate. He was unafraid to stare evil in the face.  He courageously stood for the cause of freedom. Indeed, he was jealous to see the flag of freedom fly in every land. He opposed despotism, communism, and socialism.  He promoted free enterprise. President Reagan refused to capitulate in the face of adversity.