Don’t-Miss Resource: The Gospel & Idolatry

Tim Keller has really helped me develop a deeper understanding of the gospel and of idolatry. In this masterful message from the recent Gospel Coalition, he unpacks how Paul confronted the idols of his day with the gospel.

Click here for the audio.

Click here to watch the video.

Click here to download all the audio for free in iTunes.

Don’t-Miss Resource: Let the Nations Be Glad, Part 1

For over two decades, John Piper has blown the trumpet for the cause of international missions. He recently spoke at the Advance09 conference about the importance of caring about God’s work around the world among unreached people. Having been to India recently, this talk was particularly relevant and encouraged me about our partnership there.

Click here for the audio.

Don’t-Miss Resource: The Destination

A few years ago, Willow Creek Community Church did a study called REVEAL to try to determine the effectiveness of their ministries and programming when it came to making disciples. Their conclusions were surprising to some (not surprising to others) and lead to some interesting thoughts on what makes people grow in their faith. This resource is a talk that Greg Hawkins, the man behind REVEAL, gave to a group of church planters a few years back.

I confess that this is a more “under the hood” kind of resource that may only appeal to those who think about ministry programming and design (like I do), but if you’re a person that has ever felt stuck in your spiritual growth, I think this resource might help you understand some of the factors that contributed.

Click here for the audio.

Click here for the companion PDF notes.

For an interesting video that helps explain what this talk is about, check it out below.

Don’t-Miss Resource: A Conversation with MacArthur & Piper

Two of my favorite and most helpful Bible teachers over the years have been John MacArthur and John Piper. In this incredible interview, they talk about their lives, ministries, struggles, regrets, and passions in a way that I find encouraging and instructive. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Click here to download the audio.

Don’t-Miss Resource: Rachael Grudem Funeral Eulogy

Some of you read the title and thought, “Wow, how dark is this? He’s recommending a funeral eulogy?”

Yes I am.

It’s a recording of Dr. Wayne Grudem speaking at his daughter-in-law’s funeral a few years ago after she was tragically killed in a car accident, just 3 months after her wedding to Dr. Grudem’s son Alexander. Though it’s emotional to listen to, it’s worth the 17 minutes that it will take you. I love it for two main reasons: 1) It makes me believe that Heaven is real and 2) it’s instructive to hear a world-class theologian apply truth to a personal and painful real-life situation.

Click here to download the audio.

While I’m Gone: Don’t-Miss Resources

After church on Sunday, my family is heading out of town for our summer vacation. It will include 3 days/nights in Vail, Colorado for the Acts29 Lead Pastor’s Retreat, where we hope to connect with some of our fellow church planters and wives for a time of mutual encouragement and refreshment. In particular, we’re looking forward to time with the pastors and wives of some other metro Phoenix churches (Praxis, Missio Dei Communities, Old Town Bible, and others). After that, we’ll spend some time with my parents in Denver and then head to Toledo, Ohio to be with Molly’s family. We’re super-excited to get some rest, get out of the intense Arizona heat, and spend time with our families.

While I’m gone (thanks to a cool feature of this WordPress blog that allows me to write posts now and schedule them to be published later) I’m going to have a number of posts with resource recommendations that you don’t want to miss. If you’ve read this blog much, you know that I’m kind of a resource junkie. So, check back over the next few weeks and feed your heart with these great resources.

Discerning Idolatry

Another key topic from last Sunday’s sermon was idolatry. We often don’t recognize our idolatry because it’s so subtle, but it drives all of our sinful actions and thoughts and really shapes who we become.

This has been something I’ve thought and learned a bunch about in the last year or so, and recently I heard a message that was a great summary of idolatry and its implications. The message, from the Advance09 conference, was by Mark Driscoll and entitled “Ministry Idolatry.” He specifically is speaking to pastors and ministry leaders, but it’s very relevant for anybody’s life.

Click here to download the audio.

All of Life is Repentance

In last Sunday’s sermon, we focused quite a bit on the need for ongoing repentance. This is the idea that we don’t just turn from our sin one time, but that the life of the follower of Jesus is a life of constant turning. With that in mind, I want to recommend a brief, helpful article by Tim Keller entitled “All of Life is Repentance.” It’s worth reading, re-reading, and really trying to work into the fabric of your life.

Enjoy!

Jesus Wants the Rose

Sadly, many Christians live out of a moralistic mindset (do this, don’t do that) rather than a gospel mindset (isn’t God wonderful!). Here’s a great, short video clip of Matt Chandler explaining a sad example he experienced and proclaiming the kind of love Jesus has for broken people.

Treasuring Christ

Here’s a nicely done video of one the 1031 Sermon Jams mixes of an excerpt from John Piper.