What I am Reading

I am usually reading several books at one time. I just started What Jesus Demands from the World by John Piper today. You can actually read this book on line. There are 50 short chapters containing the commands of Jesus Christ in the gospel. Piper wrote this book this spring/summer while he was on a five month sabbatical recovering from cancer surgery. This sabbatical was a gracious gift from his congregation after serving them for 25 years. The aim of the book is "God-glorifying obedience to Jesus." His ultimate goal is that we observe the commands of Jesus so that we bring glory to Him. He seeks to keep the supremely valuable beauty of God in proper focus throughout the book. He accomplishes this by "prob[ingthe meaning and the motivation of Jesus’ commands in connection with his person and work. What emerges again and again is that what he is commanding is a life that displays the worth of his person and the effect of his work."

On the basis of who he was and what he accomplished, Jesus made his demands. The demands cannot be separated from his person and work. The obedience he demands is the fruit of his redeeming work and the display of his personal glory."

My plan is to take the next fifty days and read and meditate on one chapter a day. If you would like to join me, start here. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader which is already installed on most computers).

Thinking Biblically about Terrel Owens

NFL Pro-Bowl wide receiver Terrell Owens (T.O.) has reportedly attempted suicide. Reports also indicate that the flamboyant Dallas Cowboys star recently confided in friends that he was depressed. The depression had apparently come to a head late Tuesday as Owens reportedly intentionally overdosed on his pain medicine.

I am not the resident expert on sports. I don't watch much of it. I am not good at sports. But I do think that we need to think biblically about all things: even about what is happening in sports and in the lives of athletes.

How should we think about this? Here is an excellent article about thinking biblically about Terrell Owens. Even if you don't care about sports, read it anyway, because people you know will probably talking about this very news story this week.

The Young, the Restless and Reformed

Christianity Today has a fascinating, well-balanced and informative article about the resurgence of Reformed theology among the younger generation in America. The article highlights several of the men and ministries that I have followed for the last several years. At the very least the article provides you with an understanding for the upswing in serious Bible reflection that is often overlooked in the emergent and mega-church movements of today.

A follow up snapshot of what is happening in the Southern Baptist Convention with some comments from Tom Ascol is available on line as well.