Tag: Christianity

Book Look: Jonathan Edwards Bios

On By BrianIn Book Look

I have been reading about Jonathan Edwards off and on for the last few years.  From his part in the Great Awakening to his extensive writings, he is well worth learning more about.  Here are some brief thoughts on four biographies:

Jonathan Edwards 
by George Marsden

At over 600 pages, this is the definitive biography. 
If you want to learn a lot about Edwards’ life and thought,
this is the place to go.  Scholarly, yet very accessible.

A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards
by George Marsden

As the title suggests this is a shorter biography
(about 150 pages) by the same author for the
person who wants a quicker summation of Edwards’ life.

Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography
by Iain H. Murray

At around 500 pages, this biography gives a full and clear
look at Edwards’ life and thought.  Spiritually challenging.
This was the first bio of Edwards I read.

Jonathan Edwards and the Ministry of the Word
by Douglas A. Sweeney

At around 200 pages, this is a good introduction to Edwards’ life and thought.  Well written and easy to read.  As the last bio of Edwards I read, I found it to be a good summary and reminder of Edwards’ life.

While We Wait

On By BrianIn Book of Luke

In Luke 21, Jesus tells us about the coming destruction of Jerusalem (which happened in AD 70) and his coming again (sometime yet in the future).  Several responses flow for us while we wait for his return:

Do not be led astray (v8).  People will claim to be the Christ.  They will claim to know when Christ is coming back.  We see this today.  Don’t go after them.  Don’t be led astray.

Do not be afraid (v9).  There will be wars, famines, earthquakes, and all kinds of disasters.  We see these things today.  But the world is not spinning out of control.  We don’t have to fear because God has a plan.  These things must happen, but Christ is coming back.  We may see rough times, but paradise is on the horizon.  Don’t fear.

Bear witness (v13).  Christians will be arrested, persecuted, hated, even killed.  We see this around the world today.  But this will provide opportunities to bear witness.  We must continue to tell others about Jesus.

Remember our hope (v18-19).  Though persecuted and even killed, not a hair on our heads will be harmed and we will gain our lives.  My interpretation is that Jesus is pointing to our resurrection bodies.  Things may get rough here, but remember your hope of the resurrection.

Endure (v19).  Persevere.  Press on.  Stand firm.  Be patient in affliction.  Be steadfast in your faith.  Don’t give up.  Don’t turn away.  Don’t lose your faith.  Endure through the trials looking toward the reward.

Believe (v20-24).  Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem, and it happened just as he said it would.  This is a faith-booster for us.  If his first prophecy came true, we have every reason to believe that his second prophecy will come true too.  We can believe that Christ is coming back just as he said he would.

Rejoice in your hope (v28).  When we see the signs of his coming, Jesus tells us to “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  We don’t need to freak out like the rest of the world.  Rather we should rejoice – Christ is coming soon!

Be alert (v34-36).  Don’t let your heart be weighed down with sin our worries.  Don’t lose sight of your hope!  Stay awake.  Pray!  Keep looking to Christ.  One day we will stand before him.  Stay alert!

Jesus is coming soon!  Let’s live each day in light of his coming.

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Seems the only time I hvae to blog lately is Saturday mornings.  Anyway, here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

How to Deal with Persistant Guilt – Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington (via The Gospel Driven Church) – Six helpful suggestions all related to shifting your focus.

Jesus Chooses and Uses Failures – Jon Bloom (via Desiring God)
The example of Peter is good news for all of us.

Good and Angry – Paul Tripp (via The Gospel Coalition)
The right and wrong way to be angry.

How to Pray for your Pastor – Ignatius of Antioch, 35-108 A. D. (via Trevin Wax)
Pray that your pastor would impress people with the greatness of Christ.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day being impressed with the greatness of Christ!

Robust Repentance

On By BrianIn PASSION Quotes1 Comment

[Edward’s] writings indicate that whenever he became aware of any sin, he sought to turn away from it. 
With his mind, he would concur with God about the evil of this sin in his life. 
Then, with his heart, he would grieve over such sin. 
Finally, with his will, he would choose to remove it from his life.
Steven J. Lawson in
The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards

Here indeed is a robust repentance using the mind, heart, and will – every part of our being.  How often do we only dabble in repentance?  We may acknowledge that we have sinned, but we really don’t feel bad about it, and show no effort to change.  Or maybe we feel bad, and yet don’t think it is really all that bad, and do little to change.  Or maybe we try to change even though we don’t want to or really think we need to.  But none of these will do.  We need to acknowledge the horror of our sin against God, hate and grieve over it, and get serious about fighting to overcome.

Father, by your infinite grace, grant us this robust repentance
that we might better live for your glory.  Amen.

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points, PASSION Quotes

For your weekend reading, let me recommend some worthwhile quotes from three heroes of the faith.

Hanging Upon the Life-Giving Cross – Basil the Great (via Trevin Wax)
A wonderful meditation as many of us prepare to celebrate the Lord’s Supper tomorrow.

Rejoice! and The Enjoyment of God – Jonathan Edwards (via Matthew Wynne)
I have been reading a lot about Edwards lately, and I really appreciated these two helpful quotes reminding us to delight in the Lord.

Finally, if you have not yet discovered Erik Kowalker’s blog of J.C.Ryle quotes, I encourage you to visit.  Following are some recent quotes I found especially helpful:
Our Unfailing Friend, Jesus Christ
Keep Looking Unto Jesus
In Need of the Holy Spirit’s Presence

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day delighting in our Savior!

Passion Points

On By BrianIn Idolatry, PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

My Measly Opinion – Marva Dawn (via Trevin Wax) – There is truth that transcends opinion.

Location, Location, Location – Paul Tripp (via Gospel Coalition) – A helpful summary of the daily battle of life – it is all about location.

A Catechism of the Heart – Sinclair Ferguson (via Justin Taylor) – What is the heart, and how do you keep your heart for God?

Like A Bag of Sand – Jared Wilson – How NOT to overcome an idol.

Worship: The Fuel, Fire, Furnace, and Heat – John Piper (via Justin Taylor) – A helpful summary of worship as you prepare for corporate worship tomorrow.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day worshipping our great God!

Family Worship Month

On By BrianIn Family/Single Life

I have mentioned before the idea of Family Worship – a regular time for the family to gather together around the Word and prayer.  My family has been doing it for several years – and it is a highlight of our kids’ day. 

To help promote the idea, some folks have declared January to be Family Worship Month, and January 29 to be Family Worship Sunday.  Their blog has numerous articles from various Christian leaders (living and dead) on the importance of Family Worship.  Well worth checking out.

For a brief but helpful book introducing Family Worship, pick up Donald Whitney’s book.

God Has Been Gracious

On By BrianIn Miscellaneous1 Comment

I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant. – Genesis 32:10

God has dealt graciously with me. – Genesis 33:11

…the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.  – Genesis 35:3

This is Jacob’s testimony. 
Looking at his life, it is clear Jacob was not worthy,
and yet God dealt graciously with him.

Is this not our testimony as well?
Looking at our lives, we are not worthy either,
but God has dealt graciously with us.

He showers us with his steadfast love.
He remains faithful to us.
He answers our prayers.
He is always with us.

Sure, we will have difficult days.  Jacob did too.
And yet we can see God’s grace in the trials
as well as in the blessings.

Truly, God has dealt graciously with us!

Cleaning His House

On By BrianIn Book of Luke1 Comment

And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold.
 – Luke 19:45

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 Corinthians 6:12-20

Jesus came to his temple and found what should not have been there,
so he began to drive those things out.

You are his temple today. 
When he comes to his temple, does he find what should not be there?
Are there common sins he wants to drive out?
Are there idols he wants to drive out?
Are there wrong priorities he wants to drive out?
Will you cooperate with him in driving those things out?