Volume 1 | Issue 19 – September 3, 2015
Pastor Steve shares these links to stimulate some Thursday Thoughts…
Purpose Driven? … In 2002 Rick Warren published ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ which went on to become the best-selling non-fiction hardback of all time. With now over 30 million copies sold, this book has become one of the definitive texts of the modern church. But to what end? Over at the Grace to You blog, Jeremiah Johnson is writing a series of “Being a Berean” articles comparing Warren’s book to John MacArthur’s, ‘Slave’. It makes for very interesting and challenging reading. You can start HERE – choose the first post, ‘Tragedy and Transforming Truth’ (from Monday), then catch up with the series that has posted each day this week. Johnson writes: Most of Warren’s book is “focused primarily on the reader’s sense of identity, purpose, and fulfilment. His emphasis leaves little room for many essential elements of the gospel, and imbues readers with naïve, man-centered theology. In that regard, The Purpose-Driven Life serves as a manifesto for the modern Christian—one that demands closer scrutiny.” You should read the rest HERE.
When I Don’t Feel Forgiven … Ian Hamilton at Ligonier has posted a very helpful and very practical look at the Christian’s forgiveness and how to respond when it seems lost. He writes: “The Christian life is a constant battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. If these forces had their way, it would destroy every single one of God’s blood-bought and dearly loved children. But our Lord Jesus assures us that not one of those for whom He shed His precious blood will be lost. Nothing and no one can snatch a Christian, even the weakest Christian, from the strong hands of our omnipotent heavenly Father (John 10:29–30). But this glorious truth does not mean that our Christian lives cannot be disturbed, even deeply disturbed by the world, the flesh, and the devil.” You can read the rest HERE.
Judgment and Grace … I have often sent links to R.C. Sproul, Jr. and his posts at Ligonier. I feel obliged to send this over as well … with tears and prayers for grace. R. C. writes: “With the revelation of the hack (Ashley Madison) has come the revelation of my sin. I recently informed the board of Ligonier Ministries, which has handled the matter internally, having suspended me until July 1, 2016. I also informed my presbytery which is also handling the matter internally. And now the world is informed.” You can read the rest HERE.
