We begin on a high note: I just found out that D. A. Carson’s tremendous two-volume devotional commentary, For the Love of God, is available online as a daily read. I cannot recommend this highly enough! When I was preparing to preach a one-sermon summary of Ecclesiastes, I was lost in the commentaries. Everyone had a different approach and none seemed to fully capture the text (as I read it). On a whim, I checked the index of Carson’s work to see if he commented on anything in Ecclesiastes. To my delight, he did and it was the most helpful comments I read in all my study. Buy the books (vol 1, vol 2) or subscribe to the feed for this superior daily devotional!
While we’re talking about D. A. Carson, let me say that one of the best books on prayer you will ever read is his work, A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers. Justin Taylor recently posted links to the original sermons that formed the basis of this book. Check them out:
- Foundations (2 Thessalonians 1)
- People (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13)
- Practice (Colossians 1:3-20)
- Mystery (Ephesians 1:1-23)
- Ministry (Romans 15:14-33)
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The Resurgence is offering a new, free e-book called Grow by Winfield Bevins. It looks interesting. Here’s the blurb:
“Many churches have a linear discipleship program where they try to funnel everyone through the same process. Sadly, many times churches simply use the latest program or book in hopes that what works for a large church across the country in a different context will work for them. Organic discipleship is the opposite. Organic discipleship is an organic understanding of the spiritual formation that begins and ends with the gospel. Just as the physical body has to have an organic structure to hold it together while allowing it to grow and develop, likewise the body of Christ must have an organic structure that can do the same. Organic discipleship is not a program or curriculum; rather it is about learning the natural rhythms of discipleship within your church context.”
While we’re on books, CBD is offering Al Mohler’s book, Atheism Remix: A Christian Confronts the New Atheists, for 75% off the regular price, making little hardback only $3.99. Get it soon as this is a limited time offer.
And while we’re thinking about Al Mohler, check out his typically-excellent review and interaction with John Franke’s book on postmodernism, Manifold Witness: The Plurality of Truth.
Finally, in the interest of cultural trivia, the joys of ‘weird-but-true,’ and just plain fun, check out the story on how Superman defeated the KKK in post-War America.
MAGNIFY CHRIST 