24 May 2011

Triple-Fresh Picked Daily (26 May 2011)

This is "triple-fresh" picked... I was unable to post the past three days, so I've combined them all into one large edition:

Foundations: The new edition of this international journal of Evangelical theology published by Affinity (formerly The British Evangelical Council) is here... with articles by Carl Trueman and G.K. Beale (of Westminster Theological Seminary), Hywel R. Jones (of Westminster Seminary California) and more!

Graça Para Vocé: I am so thankful for the work of translators in converting articles and books from English to other languages. Grace to You lists several translations at their site... and I've just been made aware of two books that have been translated into Portuguese have been made available by Editoria Fiel (Faithful Publishing House) for free download. "Charismatic Chaos" and "The Gospel According to the Apostles" by John MacArthur are available in PDF format. Be sure to share these with your Portuguese-speaking friends and family.

Who is Harold John Ockenga?: I didn't know the answer to that question until today, but thankful that I do now. He was the minister of Park Street Church (Boston, MA) from 1936-1969, the founding president of The National Association of Evangelicals, and the founding president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Owen Strachan, (who is writing his doctoral dissertation on Ockenga) was interviewed by Nathan Finn (of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) about this founding "neo-evangelical", pastor-theologians, and The Gospel Coalition. Read the interview here: [Part 1] [Part 2]

Imputed A: I am so grateful for the active obedience of Christ and the imputation of His righteousness to those who believe in Him. The heart of the gospel is that we can do nothing to earn God's favor and cannot satisfy the just wrath that is necessary payment for sins. Jesus has fulfilled the law perfectly (active obedience) and gave Himself as a propitiatory (wrath-satisfying) sacrifice by dying for us (passive obedience)... now THAT is good news. Tullian Tchividjian (of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, FL) shares a story that is analogous of redemptive imputation over at The Gospel Coalition. Now, all analogies break down eventually... so by pressing this one too far, one might think that we are merely "virtually" saved that we might work harder to atone for our sins... but our salvation is definite and rests on the objective person and work of Jesus Christ: "Because we are, right now, under the completely sufficient imputed righteousness of Christ... threat of failure, judgment, and condemnation has been removed."

A Great Week for Battle: We live in a culture that is constantly challenging the biblical worldview. In order to prepare ourselves for spiritual warfare and defend the truth we hold dear, we must be biblically literate and equipped with weaponry that destroys strongholds and arguments and lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God. "The Battle Belongs to the Lord: The Power of Scripture for Defending Our Faith" by K. Scott Oliphint (Professor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary) is a great resource for such preparation and equipping... and it is only $5 this week (only 3 days left) at Westminster Bookstore! Pick up a copy for yourself (or several... to give to others) in order to better contend for the faith with gentleness and respect.

Ligonier Q&A
: On May 19th, a few days before Harold Camping's (newest) rapture predictions fell short (again), R.C. Sproul hosted a panel discussion dealing with various controversial topics with guests Sinclair Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Steven Lawson and R.C. Sproul, Jr. These pastor-theologians discussed dispensationalism, Harold Camping, regeneration, election, predestination, the sovereignty of God, postmodernism, and inerrancy.

Red Like Blood Giveaway: Win an ESV Compact Bible, three copies of "Red Like Blood: Confrontations with Grace" by Joe Coffey & Bob Bevington. Entries close at 6pm EST on Memorial Day.

That does it for this triple-shot edition of "Fresh Picked Daily"... make sure to follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook for updates. I am also on The City. Soli Deo Gloria!

20 May 2011

Fresh Picked Daily (23 May 2011)

The Monday edition of "Fresh Picked Daily" is about pastoral education, evangelism, church membership and church history. Enjoy!

On Choosing a Seminary: Over at Reformation 21, William B. Evans of Erskine College provides some wisdom for those called to ministry considering pastoral education... "Prospective students choosing a seminary need to recognize that schools differ, that there is no such thing as 'generic seminary education.' Just as students need to be concerned about 'fit' when they choose a college or university, so also they need to pay close attention to the distinctives of the seminaries they are considering." It is the task of institutes devoted to pastoral education and training to balance theology and practice, catechesis and critical thinking, and ecumenical breadth and confessional depth.

Its a Matter of Time: At The Gospel Coalition, Petar Nenadov of Lakeside Christian Church in Akron, Ohio recently interviewed Rico Tice of All Souls Church in London, England on the subject of evangelism. Tice, who is known for his book entitled "Christianity Explored" (a Christological study of Mark's Gospel) explains the importance of evangelism and prayer in the life and preaching of the pastor, collective relational evangelism, and balancing church work (administration) with the work of the church (making disciples).

Church Membership: In the latest issue of 9Marks' E-Journal, Matt Chandler of The Village Church in Highland Village, Texas examines what the Bible says about church membership. Starting with Hebrews 13:17, he poses a number of questions regarding pastoral responsibility (care & discipline) and the obedience/submission of believers under elders. Next, Chandler provides biblical evidence for the need of fellowship and service for the sake of building up the body of Christ and postulates a divine mandate for membership in a local church.

Historical Theology: I have created a resource page for the study of church history. My plan is to have pages dedicated to Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology, Exegetical Theology, Pastoral Theology and Apologetics. I hope to update the pages regularly with links, books, PDFs, articles, etc. If you have any books, articles or online resources to share... I would love to hear from you!

That does it for "Fresh Picked Daily"... make sure to follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook for updates. I am also on The City. Soli Deo Gloria!

Fresh Picked Daily (20 May 2011)

The "fresh picked" for today are a few items that peaked my interest recently. Practical advice, antiquarian promotion, a birthday and breaking news in the SBC...

A Called Man: For those (like me) who believe they are called to Pastoral Ministry. Darrin Patrick, author of "Church Planter: The man, The Message, The Mission" and vice President of the Acts 29 Network shares the two ditches that church leaders can fall into as they help confirm a man’s calling.

Old School: An interesting thought... "In the age of digitized books, some might be hesitant to invest in an original copy of a judicious old divine or celebrated scholar from a previous age when you can download a digital copy from almost anywhere. However, it’s the book itself that takes you on the journey, not just the bare text. The book is the place where people congregate to find shared experience and fresh ideas." If you enjoy books (like me), if you really enjoy theological works (like me), if you appreciate the history and production of actual bounding and pages (like me), and if you have enough money to buy rare, antique books (not like me)... this site is for you. Thanks to Nicholas Batzig from Feeding on Christ for letting me know about this site.

Happy Birthday, Robert Murray M'Cheyne: He was born one hundred ninety-eight years ago (tomorrow), and lived to be only thirty years old, but M'Cheyne is fondly remembered partly due to his good friend and biographer Andrew Bonar (youngest brother of Horatius Bonar... check out "The Everlasting Righteousness" free e-book). Robert Murray M'Cheyne, though called home to be with the Lord at a relatively young age, lived his life pointing others to Christ and had a fruitful Spirit-empowered pulpit ministry. Let us look to him as an example; that we might "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12c) and "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14), for life is short and our days are numbered.

"Exciting Days Ahead!": Tom Elliff (President of the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board) announced today in a tweet that Chuck Lawless has been named as the IMB's VP for Global Theological Advance. Lawless is the Dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Please pray for Dr. Lawless in this time of transition as well as the SBC, SBTS, IMB and any other acronyms I have forgotten.

That does it for "Fresh Picked Daily"... make sure to follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook for updates. I am also on The City. Soli Deo Gloria!

19 May 2011

Fresh Picked Daily: A Cluster of Camping

I have decided to pick some fresh Harold Camping (Family Radio) links for today's "Fresh Picked". By now, most people know who Camping is and probably even more people know his claims that the rapture will occur on May 21st (this Saturday).

Here are the latest and greatest responses to Camping's wild predictions...

R. Albert Mohler, Jr: AlbertMohler.com...
"The End is Near? The False Teaching of Harold Camping"

W. Robert Godfrey: Valiant for Truth (Westminster Seminary California)...
"The End of the World According to Harold Camping" Part I|Part II|Part III|Part IV|Part V

James R. White: Alpha and Omega Ministries...
Harold Camping/Family Radio Resource List

Russell D. Moore: Moore to the Point...
"A Pre-Tribulational Rapture?"

TurretinFan: Thoughts of Francis Turretin & Reformed Apologetics...
The latest posts on Harold Camping

James Swan: Beggars All Reformation & Apologetics...
"I Remember Harold: Memories of Family Radio"

Dan Phillips: Pyromaniacs/Biblical Christianity...
"Harold Camping Glorifies God: Seventeen Ways"
"Harold Camping, the True Gospel, and Hedged Bets"

Ken Silva: Apprising Ministries...
"Harold Camping Prepares 4 Judgment Day"

R.C. Sproul, Jr: Ligonier Ministries...
"Harold Camping: False Prophet?"

Gene Clyatt: A Squirrel in Babylon...
"Family Radio's Camping Trip"

Robert Brady: Reformation21...
"The Folly of Setting Dates"

John Samson: Effectual Grace...
"Only the Father Knows..."

Charlie Campbell: Truthbomb Apologetics...
"Is Judgment Day May 21, 2011? A Response to Harold Camping"

Michael Acidri: Twisted Crown of Thorns...
"Harold Goes Camping"

Defending. Contending.
Harold Camping Resources

That does it for "Fresh Picked Daily"... make sure to follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook for updates. I am also on The City. Soli Deo Gloria!

GC(squared) Monthly Meeting (May 2011)

I attended the monthly meeting of The Greater Columbus Gospel Coalition this morning. What a blessing it is to spend time in fellowship with several gospel-oriented church leaders. I cherish these times of fellowship, study, discipleship and worship and I'm grateful to be a part of God's work in the greater Columbus area.

Today we read, meditated upon and discussed 1 Thessalonians 2 & Proverbs 29...

Some of the themes that stood out to me in this passage of Paul's epistle to the church at Thessalonica are: suffering & conflict, boldness & purity of heart in gospel proclamation, love for the flock (vv. 1-8); the balance of administration, proclamation and application in ministry leadership (vv. 9-12); the origin, efficacy & authority of the word of God, perseverance in persecution, the manifestation of God's wrath in the present evil age (vv. 13-16); and the proper posture of a minister's heart & reason for joy in servant-leadership (vv. 17-19).

In Proverbs 29, the main theme appears to be wise leadership/discipleship. Besides the traditional use of "parallelisms" in wisdom literature, the theme is also highlighted by interweaving various relational themes such as king/subject (vv. 2; 4-14; 18; ), father/son (vv. 3; 15-17 & vassal/servant (vv. 19-21) roles. There also seems to be general observations and exhortations that transcend these relationships (vv. 1; 22-25; 27).

After our time in the Scriptures, Greg Blosser of Grace Central Presbyterian Church in the Short North shared with us their long-term ministry vision for a six location multi-site assembly in the heart of Columbus. Currently, Grace Central is expanding their ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ to Grandview Heights; a church plant lead by elder Joe Haack. Please pray for the Blosser and Haack families as well as the power of the gospel being manifest in the city of Columbus in and through the efforts of Grace Central.

Steve Resch of Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church in Gahanna, OH provided positive book reviews/endorsements of three books authored by women. I appreciate his reasoning in selecting these books... most of his books are written by dead guys; but most of the books the women in his assembly read are not systematic theologies or exegetical commentaries, but rather books written from a feminine perspective. These are the books he commended to us:

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones: Even adults love to read this Christological children's bible. Lloyd-Jones, using a redemptive-historical presentation of the truths of the grand narrative of the Bible, helps you to share Christ to children in a clear and simple way.

From Fear to Freedom by Rose Marie Miller
: An honest account of one woman's spiritual crisis presents the transforming power of God's grace in the midst of weakness. Readers will be encouraged to relinquish the role of spiritual "orphan" and embrace a forgiving heavenly Father.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers: An adaptation of the book of Hosea, this novel about a prostitute and the upright and kind farmer who marries her also functions as a reminder of God's unconditional love for his people.

We closed by discussing The Gospel Coalition vision for ministry...

The Integration of Faith and Work (Article V; Section 4):

"The good news of the Bible is not only individual forgiveness but the renewal of the whole creation. God put humanity in the garden to cultivate the material world for his own glory and for the flourishing of nature and the human community. The Spirit of God not only converts individuals (e.g., John 16:8) but also renews and cultivates the face of the earth (e.g., Gen 1:2; Psalm 104:30). Therefore Christians glorify God not only through the ministry of the Word, but also through their vocations of agriculture, art, business, government, scholarship—all for God’s glory and the furtherance of the public good. Too many Christians have learned to seal off their faith–beliefs from the way they work in their vocation. The gospel is seen as a means of finding individual peace and not as the foundation of a worldview—a comprehensive interpretation of reality affecting all that we do. But we have a vision for a church that equips its people to think out the implications of the gospel on how we do carpentry, plumbing, data–entry, nursing, art, business, government, journalism, entertainment, and scholarship. Such a church will not only support Christians’ engagement with culture, but will also help them work with distinctiveness, excellence, and accountability in their trades and professions. Developing humane yet creative and excellent business environments out of our understanding of the gospel is part of the work of bringing a measure of healing to God’s creation in the power of the Spirit. Bringing Christian joy, hope, and truth to embodiment in the arts is also part of this work. We do all of this because the gospel of God leads us to it, even while we recognize that the ultimate restoration of all things awaits the personal and bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ (CS–[13])."

For the Sake of the Gospel 2011: "The Nowism of the Gospel" w/ Paul David Tripp

Simeon Trust Workshop: The Gospel of Matthew w/ Doug O'Donnell & Sparky Pritchard

18 May 2011

Fresh Picked Daily (18 May 2011)

This is the inaugural post of a new concept here at Pursuing the Fruit entitled "Fresh Picked Daily". As I am somewhat new to the blogosphere and certainly post significantly less than my cohorts, I am hoping this will be an easy and efficient way of using this blog to promote other blogs and report current events that catch my attention. My hope is that it gets me motivated to update this site on a regular basis.

This idea is not original, in fact, those that are veterans to this medium implement the same kind of concept... this is one reason I decided to produce "Fresh Picked". The other reason is practicality... I am constantly on the lookout for products, news and resources that are consistent with the reformed evangelical worldview (and I often have dozens of tabs open in my Internet browser that eventually get deleted since I am obsessive compulsive about organizing bookmarks); this is an effective way of consolidating my findings.

So without further adieu, I present to you... The Fresh Picked Daily:

Lectio Continua Expository Commentary
: Kim Riddlebarger (The Riddleblog) has posted the lineup for a New Testament Commentary series set to be released in 2012. I'm excited about this because some of my favorite pastor-theologians will be providing pulpit-experience to their respective editions. Daniel R. Hyde (Matthew), Iain D. Campbell (Luke), J.V. Fesko (Romans), Sinclair Ferguson (Colossians), Hywel R. Jones (1-3 John), Kim Riddlebarger (Jude-2 Peter) and Joel R. Beeke (Revelation) are amongst the contributors.

Free Kindle Books: Over at "Bring the Books" Adam Parker has been providing links to download classic works from Puritan and Reformed authors such as Bavinck and Ridderbos; Machen; Rutherford, Sibbes and Watson; Goodwin, Gurnall, Luther, Manton and Owen; Perkins; Bunyan, Kuyper, Pink and Spurgeon; Anselm, Augustine, Dickson and Taylor and more! If you have a Kindle or an E-Reader... I highly suggest you head over there and take up this great offer.

Top Commentaries: Keith Mathison has compiled a list of his top 5 commentaries for each book of the Bible. Tim Challies has provided that list for us over at Ligonier. If you are thinking about buying a commentary to fortify your study of Scripture, consult this list prayerfully before you purchase one.

The Gospel Coalition: Since there are a few things I would like to highlight from TCG, I thought I would have a general category. First off, the latest issue of Themelios has arrived (you can find back-issues here). Also, all of the audio and video is now available from The Gospel Coalition's 2011 National Conference. Make sure you check out The Gospel Coalition Albuquerque (audio is available for their 2011 Gospel Coalition Regional Conference (Clarus) featuring G.K. Beale and Carl Trueman) and The Greater Columbus Gospel Coalition (who will be having Paul David Tripp as the plenary speaker in their 2011 For the Sake of the Gospel Conference in November).

Founders Breakfast: On June 14, 2011, Wayne Grudem will be addressing themes from his book "Politics According to the Bible" at the Founders Breakfast in Phoenix, AZ. Tickets for "You, Your Church and Your Government" are $20 and the registration deadline is June 6. Founders is a ministry of Tom Ascol, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, FL (Founders Blog).

That does it for "Fresh Picked Daily"... make sure to follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook for updates. I am also on The City. Soli Deo Gloria!