One critical discussion point in New Testament theology surrounds the purpose of the book of Acts. Many think it is just in the Bible to tell us how the church was formed. But 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that every part of the Bible is intended to teach us doctrine and practice. Also, Acts shows many signs of being an idealized account of early church history, and thus, I have always believed that Acts was intended as a model for... Read more
So far I have shared two parts of my story, and today I will continue where I stopped last time. As a young child, one of my favorite verses was the following: Acts 10:47—“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” My parents found themselves with no arguments left. I had received the Spirit just as they had. I was clearly a Christian. How could they stop me any longer... Read more
Sam Storms writes on worship in More Precious Than Gold, 50 Daily Meditations on the Psalms (Crossway Books: Wheaton, IL 2009), 180-184. Sam reports how a man once approached him and told him, undoubtedly sincerely, that he was uncomfortable with the way Sam worshiped. Sam’s reply? “I’m certainly open to correction, and I’m sorry you were offended, but I’m not particularly concerned with what puts you at ease. When the day comes that you are the object of my praise... Read more
I rarely post guest posts, but having read this on another blog, I asked my friend, Rob Wilkerson, who I have known online for awhile, if he would be happy for me to repost it here. I have enjoyed his blog, Miscellanies On The Gospel, which is currently taking a back seat to his work in planting a new church. So, thanks Rob, and thanks to my friend who runs the blog that first posted this. * * * *... Read more
Today I preached at The King’s Church, Ilford. Here are some notes which are similar to those I preached from. The audio is also available to download. Christians who have been used by God in remarkable ways have ALL been people who were particularly devoted to prayer. Ordinary Christians like you and me often feel guilty at the mere mention of the word. Many of us are dissatisfied with our prayer life. If we were really convinced that prayer changes... Read more
On Saturday 16th May, my good friend, Lex Loizides, will be leading a day conference aimed at equipping Christians for the work of reaching out with the gospel. There are still spaces available at this event, which will take place at Kings Church Catford. On Sunday 17th May there will be special guest services taking place across Southeast England. Lex will be speaking at one of these events which will begin at 10 a.m. at Jubilee Church in the Enfield... Read more
The Bible & Church day conference on 20 June will take place at Westminster Chapel, London. It is sponsored by Tyndale House in Cambridge, and designed “to support and equip Churches with excellence in Biblical Scholarship.” The talks are as follows: Have we got the history right? Dr. Peter J. WilliamsA widely held idea is that Christian beliefs arose over a long period of time through a mixture of gullibility and conspiracy. Early Christian records are held to be legend,... Read more
Martyn Lloyd-Jones diagnoses the problem with the people of Israel. His diagnosis also reflects on us today. He is speaking from Psalm 78:41. The ultimate charge that he brings against them is that they were guilty of “limit[ing] the Holy One of Israel.” Now some translations translate this as, “they provoked the Holy One of Israel,” which comes to the same thing. They provoked Him in this way: In their unbelief and in their failure to receive His promises and... Read more
Rob Horner on NWA Youth from Adrian Warnock on Vimeo. Rob Horner serves in Vaughan Roberts’ church in Oxford. He has a “proper” job as well. At New Word Alive he was in charge of the youth. Read more
I am a long way from home. Captured like an animal, all that I have left of all that I love is memories. I should hate. I should want to kill. Why then do I find myself wanting to heal? Is it to return the kindness of my mistress? Too young to be a sexual plaything for men, she gives me just enough work to distract my tormented mind. She even dries my tears with her own handkerchief, thinking I... Read more
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