Scott Clark on the Issue of John Piper Inviting Doug Wilson
Posted: June 26, 2009 Filed under: John Piper Inviting Doug Wilson 1 CommentLast night after watching two videos on (one & two) “Why Piper Invited Doug Wilson” to his coming National Conference in 2009, I sat down and wrote a three page single spaced blog post. The post was about my concern dealing with Piper’s reasonings and issues in why Piper is inviting Doug Wilson. I woke up this morning to find Dr. Scott Clarks concern, and gentle rebuke going over the same thing. Since mine seem to say the same things as Dr. Clark’s (but his is written better) I wanted to throw it up on here for those of you who care about the issue.
Clark starts with saying,
“The remarks that follow highlight areas of significant disagreement so let me preface my remarks thus: I am thankful for the good work that John Piper has done. I’m most thankful for his clear and strong stand in recent years for the doctrine of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. I realize that he’s taken a lot of heat for standing up for the gospel. I am also thankful for his opposition to Open Theism and for his defense of the historic Christian view of marriage and of male/female relations. Further, I write this as a friend to a friend. John was a commencement speaker at WSC a few years back and I’ve enjoyed fellowship with him here on campus and at a small, late-night meeting in San Diego (ETS ) a few years back. This post necessarily focuses on some strong disagreements but I don’t want those disagreements to obscure those areas where we agree and where we are able to work for a shared goal.”
Clark on Piper’s Videos, he says,
“I just watched a video that John did with Mark Driscoll (and another fellow) where the question was asked: “Dr Piper – in your defense of the gospel against N T Wright – have you found [the] Federal Vision theology of Doug Wilson to be another gospel?” John replied unequivocally “That’s easy, Doug Wilson doesn’t preach another gospel. I don’t think N. T. Wright preaches a false gospel either. I think N. T. Wright preaches a very confusing gospel.” Elsewhere, in another video, John says, that Wilson “gets the gospel right.” I wish it were as easy as John says.”
Even though I am not thoroughly Reformed in the way that Dr. Clark is, nor am I in agreement with a New-Reformed or New-Calvinist like John Piper, I’d say that Dr. Scott Clarks BLOG POST represents what a lot of us are thinking in the Presbyterian, Dutch-Reformed, and Reformed Baptist circles. I for one have a hard time tolerating unorthodoxy beliefs, dispensationalism, New-Covenant Theology, New Perspective on Paul, Federal Vision, Peado-Communion and the list goes on. The problem however I think may be that the New-Reformed movement hasn’t dealt, nor deals with deep theological issues in their circles, or do they?
I end with the same words that Clark end his article,
“John, you’re entitled to appreciate Doug Wilson’s gifts and occasional orthodoxy (we all do) but you’re not to suggest that the FV is just another variation on Reformed theology. It isn’t.”
Just ADDED Covenant Radio Interview on Piper, Wilson, and Recovering the Reformed Confession (MP3).
The Calvin 500 Commemorative Tour
Posted: June 25, 2009 Filed under: Calvin 500 Leave a commentWondering what exactly the Calvin500 Tour is about?
Calvin 500 Conference Schedule here.
Our tour begins in France, the country of Calvin’s birth. Starting off with a three-night stay in the magnificent French capital, Paris, we’ll have opportunities to get acquainted
with some of the city’s historic churches and world-class museums. We’ll also make excursions to Noyon, the little town where Calvin was born; the amazing Chateau de Versailles; and Orleans, the scenic city where Calvin studied law. Then, we’ll head for Reims to see its wonderful old cathedral, and we’ll spend a night in Strasbourg. Calvin was exiled here from 1538 to 1541, during which time he pastored a congregation of French refugees.
Next, we’ll cross the border into majestic Switzerland and pay a visit to Berne, seat of the Swiss Federal Government. And now for Geneva where we’ll have six nights and five full days to attend the Anniversary Conferences and get acquainted with the vibrant city that is often called the “Rome of the Protestants.” We’ll also en-joy a cruise on the lake, an excursion to nearby Lausanne, an opportunity to visit the city’s most important museums, and free time to explore on our own.
Throughout the tour and at the conferences, esteemed leaders, scholars, and ministers will illuminate Calvin’s influence and the cultural, religious, and political impact flowing from his work. If you’ve been looking for a great opportunity to tour Reformation highlights while also learning from some of the finest experts on Calvin, this is the best shot for hundreds of years for hundreds of people to come together! The fellowship should be unparalleled.
We’re now accepting Conference Only registrations for those who wish to make their own arrangements but still attend all sessions of Calvin500 in Geneva in July 2009. For more information or to register, click here.
Anniversary Conferences
Tribute Conference begins: A 4-day international symposium with leading scholars in the historic Auditoire in Geneva (July 6-9, 2009); Enjoy stimulating lectures, current research, and well-researched analyses in the mornings or afternoons from some of the finest experts on Calvin in the Tribute Conference.
Commemorating Calvin Conference: A 5-day international symposium with leading Ministers in Geneva (July 5-9, 2009). For those wishing to appreciate the theology and spirituality of Calvin, the Commemorating Calvin Conference will be without parallel. Both conferences will be located in Geneva’s Old Town.
If you wish to register for the Geneva “Conference Only” Package, assuming responsibility for your own arrangements, please register here.
RHB’s Calvin Blogshoppe
Posted: June 24, 2009 Filed under: Calvin 500 Leave a commentInterested in some really great discounts on Calvin titles?
If you are a Calvinist, you are a reader! Many of us in the “Reformed” circles enjoy reading books, but even more love to read substantial books that help mold us into the believer we should be. That is why books are passed out at conferences, passed around by friends, and bought from book stores. We at the Calvin 500 blog know that it is crucial in today’s postmodern culture to get out GREAT books that will aid in that growth process as we seek to pursue a life that holy and honorable to our Lord. In doing so, Reformation Heritage Books have taken the time to create a section on their own website called Calvin 500 for the readers of the Calvin 500 Blog. They have arranged their titles into the following categories so that you our readers can easily find what you may be looking for on Calvin. I must also mention that their prices are hard to beat, discounted at a reasonable price for the purpose to put Reformed and Puritan literature in the hands of the church.
- The Calvin 500 Series
- For Children
- John Calvin
- Theology
- Commentaries
- Pastoral
- Calvinism
- History
- Sermons
- Biography
- Devotional
- Preaching
What is the Calvin 500 celebration without a John Calvin bobbledhead?
Posted: June 23, 2009 Filed under: Calvin 500 2 CommentsThe John Calvin Bobble head stands 7 1/2 inches tall and the base is about 3 1/2 inches in circumference.
Cruise on Lake Geneva
Posted: June 22, 2009 Filed under: Calvin 500 Leave a commentOne event I am looking forward to at the Calvin500 Tour is meeting at the Paquis Pier at 1:45 p.m. for a 2:00 p.m. departure on July 6th. The Pier will be a five- to ten-minute walk from my Hotel. I’ll embark on the Henri-Durant for a cruise on Geneva’s beautiful lake – What a lovely opportunity to relax in the company of many of those who have gathered in Geneva for the Anniversary Conferences! The cruise will be about three hours in duration. Some of the participants on the cruise are:
Joan Ackley
Frank and Joan Alexander
Ralf Augstroze
Joel and Mary Beeke
John and Marie Beeke
Richard and Joyce Blauw
David and Ursula Blumenthal
Robert and Betsy Bryant
Robert Bullock
Matthew and Mary Burton
Richard Butler
Bryan Chapell
Scott Clark
Walter and Sue Cook
Lance and Sonja Cooper
Cecil Culverhouse
Byron Curtis
Elisha and Sharen de Waard
Nellie den Dulk
Tim and Jan Devine
Edward and Lorna Donnelly
Jennings and Anne Duncan
Sinclair Ferguson
Richard, Janice, Gwenyth, Hilary, Lindsey and
Whitney Gamble
Jim and Deborah Goodloe
Randy and Nancy Grossman
David and Ann Hall
Kenneth and Janet Hargis
Martin and Elsabe Holdt
Leonard and Anne Jenkins
Kris Johns
William and Jean Johnson
Terry Johnson
Doug and Caroline Kelly
Jae Sung Kim and Soyang Cho
George and Virginia Knight
Henry and Mrs. Krabbendam
Philip and Shelley Kruis
Anthony Lane
Steve Lawson
Peter and Debra Lillback
David and Jennifer Long
Glenn Maciag
Robert and Dianne Matthews
Bruce McCormack
Andrew McGowan
Dan and Amy Meadows
Harry and Catherine Metzger
Chris and Jenny Miller
Carolyn Mollenkopf
Ray Noel
Jerry and Ann O’Neill
Henry Orombi
Paul and Heidi Parisi
Ray Pennings
Ron and Fil Reed
Jack and Karen Rhoda
Robert Roaten
Douglas and Alice Roossien
Joseph and Eugenia Roskos
Tim and Katherine Russell
Philip Ryken
Mark and Sharon Sampson
Cornelius, Esther and Pamela Schelling
Richard and Adrien Segal
Gordon and Diana Severance
Bill Sim
Geoff and Iola Thomas
John and Joann Tolson
Rob van der Hoek
Steven and Mrs. Vander Hill
Joe and Mary VanPuffelen
Ann Walsh
Craig and Arlo Weaver
Scott Wells
Milton and Carolyn Werkema
Thomas and Katherine West
Mike and Brenda Whealy
John and Norma White
Faith Whittlesey
Mark and LeeAnn Wilkins
Kathleen Wilsack
Johannes Witte
John Witte and Eliza Ellison
David, Jennifer and Sarah Wood
Babs Zandstra
Check back for more updates on and about the Tour from time-to-time before the action starts in Geneva!
The Lord Our Companion
Posted: June 21, 2009 Filed under: Sundays with Spurgeon Leave a commentYea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
Sweet are these words in describing a deathbed assurance. How many have repeated them in their last hours with intense delight!
But the verse is equally applicable to agonies of spirit in the midst of life. Some of us, like Paul, die daily through a tendency to gloom of soul. Bunyan puts the Valley of the Shadow of Death far earlier in the pilgrimage than the river which rolls at the foot of the celestial hills. We have some of us traversed the dark and dreadful defile of “the shadow of death” several times, and we can bear witness that the Lord alone enabled us to bear up amid its wild thought, its mysterious horrors, its terrible depressions. The Lord has sustained us and kept us above all real fear of evil, even when our spirit has been overwhelmed. We have been pressed and oppressed, but yet we have lived, for we have felt the presence of the Great Shepherd and have been confident that His crook would prevent the foe from giving us any deadly wound.
Should the present time be one darkened by the raven wings of a great sorrow, let us glorify God by a peaceful trust in Him.
Can you help one of my Professors?
Posted: June 20, 2009 Filed under: Video of the Week Leave a commentFree Book with DG-Conference Registration
Posted: June 19, 2009 Filed under: Desiring God Conference 2009 Leave a comment(post from Mike Tong & DG)
The first 500 people to register for the Desiring God 2009 National Conference, “With Calvin in the Theater of God,” will receive a free copy of The Soul of Life: The Piety of John Calvin edited by Joel Beeke.
The Soul of Life: The Piety of John Calvin
John Calvin is the most notable figure from the Reformed tradition. Unfortunately, he is often characterized as a stern and cerebral individual who had little concern for practical matters. However, Calvin was actually influential in promoting a profound sense of piety among early Protestantism. In “The Soul of Life”, Joel R. Beeke presents the life and ministry of Calvin with a special emphasis on Calvin’s efforts for cultivating healthy spirituality among the churches. The selections from Calvin’s own work will give readers a firsthand look at Calvin’s emphasis on godliness, and by God’s grace, will be a means for spurring on greater godliness in our day.
RHB’s Newest Title
Posted: June 18, 2009 Filed under: Profiles in Reformed Spirituality, Reformation Heritage Books Leave a comment
Reformation Heritage Books just got in Thabiti Anyabwile’s newest title, May We Meet in the Heavenly World: The Piety of Lemuel Haynes. If you are looking for a small summer read, Thabiti’s (volume 7) of RHB’s Profiles in Reformed Spirituality Series may be what you are looking for.
Stephen Nichols said on Ref21,
“He has just published a great addition to Joel Beeke and Michael Haykin’s fine series Profiles in Reformed Spirituality. These are handy little paperbacks at a great price. But don’t let the size fool you. They’re packed.
Thabiti’s installment is May We Meet in the Heavenly World: The Piety of Lemuel Haynes, fresh off the press at RHB. As a church history professor, I am greatly in Thabiti’s debt for this book. Move over dead white men, it’s time for some color. As a Christian trying to figure out what it means to be a faithful disciple, I am also indebted to Thabiti and to Lemuel Haynes for this book.
Haynes, who also pops up in Thabiti’s The Faithful Preacher: Recapturing the Vision of Three Pioneering African-American Pastors, was a colonial New England slave, turned Revolutionary war soldier, turned pastor and theologian. He has been a forgotten voice. But that is changing. Make sure to add this to your own summer reading list. It’s in the warehouse today and ready to go.”
John Saillant, author of Black Puritan, Black Republican: The Life and Thought of Lemuel Haynes, 1753–1833 said,
“This well chosen selection from Lemuel Haynes’s writings represents a significant part of the earliest African-American engagements with the Reformed theological tradition. In that tradition Haynes and his black contemporaries, both American and British, found a language of justice and inspiration that allowed them to criticize slavery and racial prejudice, and to offer a Christian vision of a free society. “May We Meet in the Heavenly World” can be recommended to students of Christian theology and of American history.”
Anthony Carter, author of On Being Black and Reformed said,
“I rejoice to know that God has given me friends and heroes like Lemuel Haynes and Thabiti Anyabwile. I love them both. I have learned much from them. In reading this volume, I am sure you will too. Enjoy.”
What I am looking forward to during the Calvin500 Tour
Posted: June 17, 2009 Filed under: Calvin 500 1 CommentToday I received my Witte Travels & Tours package in the mail for the upcoming Calvin500 Historic Tour and Conference that is taking place in Geneva in less then a month, June 30th – July 10th. My plan while over in Geneva is to blog, now to which form of blogging – micro blogging, live blogging, or just a write up over each days events and sessions, well that all depends on what type of internet service I have when I get there. As of now the only certainly that I have is my hotel room every evening. I hope that I have the time and means to share with the many of you that read mine and the Calvin500 Blog of the events that take place, the papers that are addressed, the sermons that are given and whatever else comes about from July 3rd to July 10th.
When it comes to travel, I do my far share in the states, but I have never been out of North America. I mean, I have been to Canada a number of times for canoeing, hiking, camping, fishing, and like every other American to see Niagara Falls. I also once went to Mexico to help build a church for two weeks, but never out of North America. So I have a list of items that I had made the other day in which I am looking forward to and hope to do while in Geneva.
- I hope to take pictures or maybe a video camera to record the event and remember the 500th birthday of John Calvin.
- I hope to not look like the typical American in the streets of Geneva, so therefor I am refusing to take any khakis with me.
- I am looking forward to meeting and staying with Dr. Henri Blocher. I do not know much about him besides the fact that he is a French evangelical theologian, is Gunther Knoedler Professor of Systematic Theology at Wheaton College Graduate School (since 2003) and is Professor of Systematic Theology, Faculte Libre de Theologie Evangelique, Vaux-sur-Seine, France. Maybe I can get some tips in applying for my Ph.D. From him.
- Hearing more than 25 professors and pastors preach and teach on a number of different topics and selected text from the Scriptures that will be preached. Most of all I am looking forward to three of these. 1.) Dr. Bruce McCormick: “Union with Christ in Calvin’s Theology: Grounds for a Divinization Theory?” 2.) Dr. R. Scott Clark: “Calvin’s Principle of Worship” and 3.) Dr. Richard Gamble: “Recent Research in Calvin Studies.”
- Looking forward to meeting at the Paquis Pier with 25 top-scholars on John Calvin and going on a Cruise on Lake Geneva.
- I hope to find some Calvin500 B-day cake!
Those of who are interested in hearing about and keeping up-to-date in what is happening at the Calvin500 Tour and Conferences, stay tune, stay here at my blog and the Calvin500 Blog for updates.
I’m Blogging the Calvin500 Tour
Posted: June 16, 2009 Filed under: Calvin 500 Leave a commentI (Michael Dewalt) will be at the Genevan Conferences. I’ll be blogging or posting as often as possible. For my work, see the following.
Twitter – follow his experience in Geneva while attending the Calvin500 Tour and Conference
Facebook – look for updated status’s on what is going on during the Calvin500 Tour and Conference
Calvin500 Blog – Blogging the papers and sermons given during the Calvin500 Tour and Conference
Gospel-Centered Musings – personal blog post on the experience in Geneva during the Calvin500 Tour and Conference
A Interview with Daniel Hyde on Images of Christ
Posted: June 15, 2009 Filed under: Danny Hyde, Interviews 4 CommentsAbout a month a go, I got the chance to set down and interview Daniel Hyde on his newest tile, In Living Color: Images of Christ and the Means of Grace.
Thanks to Dirk Naves for putting together this video.
Divine Cultivation
Posted: June 14, 2009 Filed under: Sundays with Spurgeon Leave a commentI the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: Lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. (Isaiah 27:3)
When the Lord Himself speaks in His own proper person rather than through a prophet, the word has a peculiar weight to believing minds. It is Jehovah Himself who is the keeper of His own vineyard; He does not trust it to any other, but He makes it His own personal care. Are they not well kept whom God Himself keeps?
We are to receive gracious watering, not only every day and every hour “but every moment.” How we ought to grow! How fresh and fruitful every plant should be! What rich clusters the vines should bear!
But disturbers come; little foxes and the boar. Therefore, the Lord Himself is our Guardian, and that at all hours, both “night and day.” What, then, can harm us? Why are we afraid! He tends, He waters, He guards; what more do we need?
Twice in this verse the Lord says, “I will.” What truth, what power, what love, what immutability we find in the great “I will” of Jehovah! Who can resist His will? If He says “I will,” what room is there for doubt? With an “I will” of God we can face all the hosts of sin, death, and hell. O Lord, since Thou sayest, “I will keep thee,” I reply, “I will praise Thee!”
The Calvin500 Tour Reveals ALL 8-Volumes in Their Series
Posted: June 12, 2009 Filed under: Calvin 500 Leave a commentThose in Print as of now, volumes 1-4…
Volume 1 – Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes: Essays and Analysis Edited by, David W. Hall and Peter A. Lillback
Capturing both the best of elite scholarship, as well as exhibiting a firm understanding of and passion for Calvin’s own work, these essays by 20 elite Calvin scholars who appreciate the abiding value of Calvin’s Institutes provide definitive and section-by-section commentary on Calvin’s magnum opus. A section by section commentary on Calvin’s Institutes.
Volume 2 – Legacy of John Calvin: His Influence on the Modern World by David W. Hall
David Hall identifies 10 seminal ways that Calvin’s thought transformed the culture of the West, complete with a nontechnical biography of Calvin and tributes by other leaders. The Legacy of John Calvin is brief enough for popular audiences and analytical enough to provide much information in a short space.
Volume 3 – The Piety of John Calvin: A Collection of His Spiritual Prose, Poems, and Hymns by Ford Lewis Battles
The Piety of John Calvin is an anthology that promotes “a warm personal grasp” of Calvin, the man. This book seeks to show the Christian man as he saw himself, to see the Christian life as he understood it, and to examine both his theoretical exposition or prayer and his own prayers, in the liturgy and for other occasions.
Volume 4 – Calvin in the Public Square: Liberal Democracies, Rights, and Civil Liberties by David W. Hall
In the past two decades, a small cottage industry of important new scholarship has emerged documenting the distinctive Calvinist contributions to the development of Western theories of law, democracy, and human rights. In this engaging volume, David Hall offers a crisp distillation of the latest scholarly findings and a clarion call to reclaim the Calvinist pedigree of some of our most cherished political ideas and institutions.
Those to come, volumes 5-8…
Volume 5 – Calvin and Commerce, by David W. Hall and Matthew D. Burton
Is Capitalism dead? Should it be? This volume explores the seminal thought of John Calvin on business, commerce, investment, stewardship, philanthropy, and other economic areas. His thought revolutionized certain areas of life; it may be time for that revolution to be revisited.
Volume 6 – Tributes to Calvin, Edited by David W. Hall
Calvin500 marked the 500th anniversary of Calvin’s birth with an international conference in Geneva. These 24 addresses by a host of international scholars were presented in Geneva for that conference and provide one of the most comprehensive, informed, and rounded assessments of Calvin’s thought today.
Volume 7 – Commemorating Calvin: Sermons in Honor of John Calvin from Calvin500, Edited by David W. Hall
One of the signatures of Calvinism is expositing the Scriptures, and no anniversary of Calvin would be complete without preaching from modern Calvinists. Thirteen sermons, delivered in St. Pierre Cathedral as part of Calvin500, are given to commemorate the lively preaching of Calvinists today.
Volume 8 – Calvin and Culture: Exploration of a Worldview, Edited by David W. Hall and Marvin Padgett
Calvin’s thought was not confined within the walls of the church; it had a pervasive cultural overflow. Thirteen scholars each discuss an academic discipline (art, law, science, philosophy, economics, literature, music, politics, etc) and reflect on how Calvin impacted each of those and provide a salutary worldview.
For ONLY those who will be attending the Calvin500 Tour, Reformation Heritage Books will be offering all these volumes at 40% OFF!!!
God writes…
Posted: June 11, 2009 Filed under: Gospel Quote of the Week Leave a comment“God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” — Martin Luther
New on the Calvin500 Tour
Posted: June 10, 2009 Filed under: Calvin 500 Leave a commentBad news… Dr. James McGoldrick of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary will not be able to travel to Geneva for our conferences due to a family illness.
However, our readers and others would benefit from his fine paper prepared for the occasion.
This, along with 23 other essays, will appear later this year (2009) in the volume from the Tribute Conference.
Enjoy!
LUTHER AND CALVIN: COMRADES IN CHRIST
RHB has a Great Deal on some Thomas Watson titles
Posted: June 9, 2009 Filed under: Reformation Heritage Books, Thomas Watson Leave a commentThese three titles would cost $48.00, and RHB is selling them for only $28.00!!! I know I am getting these this week!
C. H. Spurgeon said, “These three volumes make up Thomas Watson’s complete Body of Practical Divinity. “One of the most precious of the peerless works of the Puritans, and those best acquainted with it prize it most.”
My Summer Reads
Posted: June 8, 2009 Filed under: What am I Reading Today? Leave a commentSome people have asked me what I am reading this summer. After last semester with taking 20 credits to finish my Masters of Arts degree, I have planned on taking a 3-month vacation from studies, which means I plan on not reading very much. However I have bought a few books to read this summer and felt like sharing what I’ll be working through, any suggestions?
#1 Baptism in the Early Church: History, Theology, and Liturgy in the First Five Centuries, by Everett Ferguson
Performing an almost Herculean task, Ferguson has evaluated every important document and baptismal font from the first five centuries of the Christian era. By delineating the diversity of beliefs and practices he discovered, he sheds enormous light on how we should understand this powerful rite of initiation.
#2 Church History: Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation, by Everett Ferguson
Ferguson’s fresh yet scholarly work integrates the development of church doctrine with the cultural, intellectual, and political climates of the period—as the church weathered controversy after controversy. With a readable format featuring illustrations, charts, and sidebars, this excellent resource will be a welcome addition to the library of the serious historian or seminarian.
#3 Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections between Sexuality and Spirituality, by Rob Bell
Just as the physical world is linked with deeper spiritual realities, sex and God are intimately connected. But how? With unusual beauty and insight, Bell addresses this intriguing question to help you better understand that we can’t talk about ourselves as sexual beings without asking who made us that way. An enlightening exploration of sexuality and spirituality.
#4 Judas and the Gospel of Jesus: Have We Missed the Truth about Christianity?, by N. T. Wright
A publishing phenomenon, The Gospel of Judas soared to the top of bestseller lists—and sparked a worldwide debate about its impact on Christianity. What exactly is this ancient document, and how significant is it for today’s believers? Wright tackles these provocative questions, offering a much-needed theologically sound response to this controversial “Gospel.”
#5 Cash: The Autobiography, by Johnny Cash
A humble, happy look back from the man in black. Johnny Cash answers to many names; he’s JR to childhood friends and family, John to bandmates, and Johnny to fans. “Cash” is the name wife June Carter reserves for “the star, the egomaniac.” The star gets plenty of ink here, from the early days at Sun Records–with Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis–to his current status as a darling of the alternative rock set. But it’s the private man who’s most compelling and surprisingly complex. Cash writes candidly of his recurring addiction to amphetamines and his concomitant shortcomings as a father, addresses his spirituality without sounding maudlin, and displays genuine humility at his success and very little bitterness at his abandonment by the country music establishment. A more accurate subtitle might be “The Second Autobiography,” since this volume covers some of the same ground as Cash’s previous work, The Man in Black (1986), but a life so chock full of oddments (he once started a forest fire with an automobile and on another occasion was nearly disemboweled by an ostrich) and renegade stands (he opposed Vietnam, heresy to the nation’s blue- collar constituency) easily merits a second look. Organized around the domiciles where he divides his time–homes in Tennessee, Florida, and Jamaica, as well as his tour bus–the book stays grounded in the present, mixing reflections on his 40-year career with a running chronicle of an ongoing tour. This novel approach minimizes the as-told-to blahs that plague many a celebrity autobiography and highlights Cash’s wry humor and introspection. With the help of Carr, editor of Country Music magazine, Cash keeps the pace lively until the end, when the roses he throws everyone from grandkids to music biz buddies bog things down. Mostly, though, a pungent, substantive autobiography from one the most iconoclastic talents on the American music scene. (32 pages b&w photos, not seen) ($200,000 ad/promo; author tour) — Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
#6 The Ten Commandments, By Thomas Watson
This volume is one of three that make up Thomas Watson’s complete Body of Practical Divinity. ‘One of the most precious of the peerless works of the Puritans, and those best acquainted with it prize it most.’ – C. H. Spurgeon
He Always Listens
Posted: June 7, 2009 Filed under: Sundays with Spurgeon Leave a commentThe Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. (Psalm 6:9)
The experience here recorded is mine. I can set to my seal that God is true. In very wonderful ways He has answered the prayers of His servant many and many a time. Yes, and He is hearing my present supplication, and He is not turning away His ear from me. Blessed be His holy name!
What then? Why, for certain the promise which lies sleeping in the psalmist’s believing confidence is also mine. Let me grasp it by the hand of faith: “The Lord will receive my prayer.” He will accept it, think of it, and grant it in the way and time which His loving wisdom judges to be best. I bring my poor prayer in my hand to the great King, and He gives me audience and graciously receives my petition. My enemies will not listen to me, but my Lord will. They ridicule my tearful prayers, but my Lord does not; He receives my prayer into His ear and His heart.
What a reception this is for a poor sinner! We receive Jesus, and then the Lord receives us and our prayers for His Son’s sake. Blessed be that dear name which franks our prayers so that they freely pass even within the golden gates. Lord, teach me to pray, since Thou hearest my prayers.
Saturdays With Cash
Posted: June 6, 2009 Filed under: Just for Fun 1 CommentWhen you’re weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I’m on your side. When times get rough
And friends just can’t be found, Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down.
When you’re down and out, When you’re on the street, When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you. I’ll take your part.
When darkness comes
And pain is all around, Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down.
Sail on silvergirl, Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine.
All your dreams are on their way.
See how they shine.
If you need a friend I’m sailing right behind. Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind. Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind.
The Prayer of the Lord by R. C. Sproul
Posted: June 5, 2009 Filed under: Book of the Week, R.C. Sproul, Reformation Trust Leave a commentFrom Ligonier: What is the Lord’s Prayer? In The Prayer of the Lord, Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Jesus’ intent was to give His disciples a model prayer, an example to follow, one that would teach them transferrable principles for conversation with God.” In short, Christ gave the Lord’s Prayer to teach His disciples about prayer, and Dr. Sproul, in his trademark fashion, brings out many of the truths Christ intended for His followers to learn. Readers will learn how not to pray, then will be led into a deeper understanding of such topics as the fatherhood of God, the kingdom of God, the will of God, the nature of sin and forgiveness, the dangers of temptation, and the cunning of Satan. The final chapter includes questions and answers on various aspects of prayer not covered elsewhere in the book, and the appendix addresses the difficult question of the relationship of God’s sovereignty and prayer. The Prayer of the Lord is an eye-opening journey, one that reveals new vistas in familiar terrain. 
Retail $15.00 | Ligonier’s Price $12.00
Hardcover 5.5 x 8 | 144 Pages
ISBN 1-56769-118-8 | Released May 2009
Order Here for $12.00
Table of Contents and Sample Chapter
High-Res Image: Front Cover | Back Cover
About the Author Dr. R. C. Sproul is the founder and president of Ligonier Ministries, and the minister of preaching and teaching at St. Andrew’s in Sanford, Fla. He is the author of more than sixty books and served as the general editor of The Reformation Study Bible. Dr. Sproul is renowned for his ability to communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word.
My Thoughts: If you are looking for a short little book that is to the point on the Lord’s Prayer R.C. Sproul’s newest little title goes through it line by line. Dr. Sproul goes through the model of Christ example in how we believers are to pray to our Father. My Favorite part of the whole book is chapter one dealing with, “How Not to Pray.” The chapter deals with: Avoiding Hypocritical Practices, A Facade of Hypocrisy, Avoiding Pagan Practices, and Praying to a God Who Already Knows.
In a day and age that Christians can often try to pray like they are some “holy-roller” or show themselves as if they know more then the guy next to them in their prayers, Dr. Sproul starts by showing exactly what not to do before dealing with Christ example in what to do. No matter for the young convert in learning how to pray, or the seminary student that studies all day, the book is a great reminder of the example from Scripture that christ has given his church to follow.
You Can Pre-order Thabiti Anyabwile’s New Book at RHB for 50% OFF Today Only!
Posted: June 4, 2009 Filed under: Profiles in Reformed Spirituality, Reformation Heritage Books, Thabiti M. Anyabwile Leave a commentPre-order for 50% OFF only today!
May We Meet in the Heavenly World: The Piety of Lemuel Haynes
Thabiti M. Anyabwile
Paperback, 152 pages
Page size: 4.5 x 7 inches
Retail Price: $10.00
RHB Price: $7.50
Pre-order Price Today Only: $5.00
ISBN 978-1-60178-065-2
Available: June 30
In “May We Meet in the Heavenly World”, Thabiti M. Anyabwile introduces us to the New England preacher, Lemuel Haynes (1753–1833). Through both the biographical essay and the selections from Haynes’s writings, readers are sure to perceive an Edwardsian sense of spirituality that ever lived in view of eternity. Well acquainted with difficulties, suffering, and death, Haynes’s ministry was infused with the unfailing hope of heaven.
Commendations
“This well chosen selection from Lemuel Haynes’s writings represents a significant part of the earliest African-American engagements with the Reformed theological tradition. In that tradition Haynes and his black contemporaries, both American and British, found a language of justice and inspiration that allowed them to criticize slavery and racial prejudice, and to offer a Christian vision of a free society. “May We Meet in the Heavenly World” can be recommended to students of Christian theology and of American history.”
—John Saillant, author of Black Puritan, Black Republican: The Life and Thought of Lemuel Haynes, 1753–1833
About the author
Thabiti M. Anyabwile is senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. He has a strong professional and academic background in community psychology, with special interest in the history and development of the African American church. He is the author of The Faithful Preacher, What is a Healthy Church Member?, and The Decline of African American Theology. Pastor Anyabwile and his wife, Kristie, have three children.
For other books in the Profiles in Reformed Spirituality series, click herehttp://www.heritagebooks.org/bookstore/catalog/index.php?cPath=222_448
Are You a Young Calvin Scholar?
Posted: June 3, 2009 Filed under: Calvin 500 Leave a commentPart of The Calvin500 Tribute Conference in Geneva during July (schedule posted here), will feature an afternoon session devoted to papers presented by Young Calvin Scholars. To present a summary of a paper at the Geneva Conference on July 8, 2009 in the afternoon, the paper (5,000-7,500 words) must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be submitted electronically in English to David Hall
- Must be submitted by June 12, 2009
- Must be in MS Word format
- Must be an original work by a registered participant that is attending the conference already
- Must be under 45 years of age
- Must have at least a Masters degree in related studies (M.S., M.A., M.A.R., M.T.S., M.Div., Th.M.)
- Must focus on some topic addressed by John Calvin, using Calvin as a primary source
Prizes will be awarded, and recognition will be given in the published volume of Proceedings from the conference. Prizes are as follows:
- First Prize $300
- Second Prize $150
- Third Prize $100
Professors, advisors, and participants are asked to spread the word and encourage some of our best young Calvin scholars to attend and present their work.
Since I reach all of the following, I decided to give it a shot. Below is a link of the paper that a friend and I wrote. I’ll be sure to write a post here in the next month letting you know if I made it or not. I’m hoping for the best, but you can read and see for yourself if I have a shot.
Calvin’s Practical View of Adoption: Its Privileges and Duties
What does it mean? The Sabbath was made for Man…
Posted: June 2, 2009 Filed under: Sabbath 2 CommentsWhat does it mean when Christ said in Mark 2:27-28, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”
If the Sabbath in the Old Testament was focused on the plan of redemption, the key events and people that played apart of it, then how does the New Testament practice of this take place for the church today?
If the Old Testament church practice was to look at the grace that God had gave to his people in the past, then how does the New Testament church today look at the grace on the Sabbath today?
If the Old Testament church looked on the Sabbath at how God was dependable for them, then how does the New Testament church do the same today?
If the home was mainly were the Old Testament church observed and practice the Sabbath, then how and where does the New Testament church observe and practice this today?
If the Sabbath’s main focus was on the family in the Old Testament, then what is the main focus of the Lord’s Day for the assembly of the church in the New Testament?
“Christ took the Sabbath in the tomb with him, and on Resurrection day refocused it to the Lord’s Day.” — Thomas Watson
How has the Sabbath/Lord’s Day refocus your life? or should I ask, Does it at all?
Read further: Matthew 12, Mark 2, & Luke 6
Gospel-Centered Musings 
