Life and Faith

Tag: Theology

  • In Memoriam: JI Packer

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    Jon
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    It was about 10 days ago that I heard of the passing of JI Packer. What came to mind when I heard this news, as oddly as this may sound, were pleasant and appreciative memories for someone who has had an impact on my faith–from my view of the Bible, my view of theology, and…

  • Published: The God of The Last Dance

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    Jon
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    I had a couple of reflections about The Last Dance, the greatest sports documentary ever. I managed to form these thoughts into coherent words in an article for TGCA. You can read the article here. “In reflecting upon this series, I’ve been struck by how relatable it has been to faith. While there is no…

  • Published: A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry by Michael McGarry

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    Jon
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    A friend of mine from the USA, Mike McGarry, recently published this great book, A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry. It’s an excellent read, and a much needed contribution on the theological foundations for youth ministry. I reviewed the book and had the review published at TGCA. You can read the whole thing here. You…

  • Published: Theological Reflection In Training For Youth Ministry

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    Jon
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    It was only a little over a week ago I wrote about the impact my Master of Divinity studies had on my training for youth ministry. I outlined four points about how my theological education has prepared and impacted my role as a youth and young adult pastor. However, there was really a fifth point. And…

  • The Holiness of God by RC Sproul

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    Jon
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    The Holiness of God by RC Sproul is a well known and highly regarded book. Like Packer’s ‘Knowing God’ and Piper’s ‘Desiring God’, my understanding is that this is Sproul’s flagship book. The one that put him on the map at least. I can see why. Sproul is terrific, from start to finish, in outlining…

  • Recently Read: April 2018

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    Jon
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    Here are some brief summaries of the books I’ve finished recently. There aren’t as many as last time, but range from bible commentaries to biography to sport. Ruth: The King Is Coming by Daniel I. Block I preached through the book of Ruth in February and March. This was the main commentary I used, which…

  • Day 9 – You Are Chosen

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    Jon
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    “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus…

  • Recently Read: June 2017

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    Jon
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    I’ve been holiday and managed to finish a couple of books. Here’s some thoughts about them. Killing Calvinism: How To Kill A Perfectly Good Theology From The Inside by Greg Dutcher Now here is a book for Calvinists. If you’re wanting to explore what Calvinism is then go elsewhere, just as the author says in his…

  • The Laughing Theologian

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    Jon
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    Originally posted on Tony Reinke: Carl Trueman, Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom (Crossway, 2015), 198–199: In general terms, of course, Protestant theologians have not been renowned for their wit, and Protestant theology has not been distinguished by its laughter. Yet Luther laughed all the time, whether poking fun at himself, at Katie,…

  • A DIY Discipleship Plan

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    Jon
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    We are in the fortunate position of living in a Christian resource-rich period of time. No other generation has had such access to the teaching of the Bible and other resources that come with it. Only a few years ago it was impossible to hear any sermon other than the one you heard while attending…