Get Rid of These 4 Books from your Church Bookstore Now! Alisa Childers with Tim Challies

Which books should every Christian bookstore remove immediately? Which ones should they make sure and stock up on? Author, blogger, and book reviewer Tim Challies joins the podcast today to give his opinion on the best 3 and worst 4 books every church book store should be aware of. We also talk about his new book, Seasons of Sorrow, about the tragic and sudden passing of his son, Nick and how Tim and his family have navigated that loss. Tim reflects on the goodness of God, the problem of suffering and evil, and whether or not his opinion on certain “bad books” has changed in light of his personal season of sorrow.

Where Should I Start Reading Calvin? – Pastor Matthew Everhard

Since the preceding post was about unity with Christ, and Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion was mentioned therein, I thought it a good idea to include a post on the benefits of Calvin’s work. The following 13-minute video by pastor Everhard, is a very nice assessment of Calvin’s works for the believer, the benefits of partaking…. Other theologians are also very briefly considered in those terms.  

The Gospel of Jesus Christ – Booklet – by Paul Washer

This post is for people who aren’t quite clear on the gospel and want to know it better; or for those who have witnessed the gospel and want to also provide material for reviewing discussion points…. The initial couple of minutes of the video explaining Washer’s booklet cover the following points: who is God; what is man – it is essential that believers understand these two points from a biblical perspective; what God has done to satisfy His own justice and to simultaneously be able to show mercy to the wicked; why was the resurrection necessary; what does it mean to believe; how can you know that you believe; what does it mean to repent; how can you know that you actually have repented; what is assurance and how can you grow in it….

Characters in John Bunyan’s Book, Pilgrim’s Progress

This post contains a list of the characters in John Bunyan’s work, The Pilgrim’s Progress. It also explains the themes, motifs, and symbols used in his writing. Four characters have an in-depth explanation; and the subject matter of the other sections provides much insight into the book, making it much more valuable. I read the book early in my Christian walk and realized that many things were not clear to me. I have since listened to Spurgeon preach on it, for example, but the theme and motif sections of this article, done by SparkNotes, yield some nuggets quickly, providing a basis for deeper understanding from preachers like Spurgeon if one desires it.

Am I Right With God? By Patrick Hines [an excerpt]

This post contains an excerpt taken from Pastor Patrick Hines book, Am I Right With God. The excerpt is from a chapter titled, A Portrait of True Repentance. Therein, he discussed portions of Psalm 51 and other relevant scriptures. The excerpt closes with a very humorous anecdote to which everyone who has ever practiced any self-observation will relate and find humorous and very telling of our need for a Savior.

Why Should We Believe The Bible? Mike Gendron

Not too long ago this question was only being asked by non-Christians. Today, the question is also being asked by professing Christians who are caught up in postmodernism. They say the Bible cannot be the objective truth because truth is subjective. Everyone is entitled to their own truth. Skeptics say truth can no longer be known with certainty. How would you respond to these assertions? Or how would you respond to someone who chooses to believe their religious teachings instead of the Bible? [He provided 10 reasons.] Also included: an ecumenical conference at SBC church with Roman Catholics; Pope Francis stated that to proselytize was a Pagan activity…

What is the Westminster Confession of Faith?

This post contains the first video from Dr John Gerstner’s series on the Westminster Confession of Faith. The purpose of this post is to introduce Christians to confessions and their purpose in the Christian life. Dr Gerstner reads through chapter 1 of the WCF and briefly explains the purpose of the writers and how a student of the Bible can benefit from using this confession in Bible study. Links are provided to various confessions

Proverbs 2:1-6 Charles Bridges Commentary

To me, the following scripture passage gives much direction and encouragement about how and why to study the word of God. As we get ready to enter into a new year, these words may be the encouragement you need to more consistently meet with God there.  Charles Bridges’ commentary makes this passage very clear: Proverbs 2:1-6 [KJV]

Contentment And The Crook In The Lot – Pastor Patrick Hines / Puritan Thomas Boston

The Crook In The Lot is a book by Puritan Thomas Boston. In this podcast, Pastor Hines reads from Boston’s book and discusses it in terms of Christian afflictions. The three parts of the book stated: 1. Every crook in your lot is God’s making; 2. What God sees fit to mar in your lot, you will not be able to mend; 3, contemplation of the crook in your lot, as the work of God, is the proper means to help you walk rightly under it [highlight points were given for the initial 23 minutes of the podcast]

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