Grace to You’s Podcast Forecast

I’ve been listening to Grace to You’s podcasts.  John MacArthur went over the schedule in the beginning of 10/1’s podcast, saying after completing the more advanced “Doctrines of Grace” they’ll be “going in reverse,” by going back to the basics from October 8th to 17th. Then GTY will broadcast from October 18th to 19th a message called, “A Nation Abandoned by God” orginally given on the National Day of Prayer in Colorado Springs in May that received strong feedback from an airing on Focus on the Family. The message leads into “God’s Word to an Ungodly Society” from October 22 to 27, and ending October with 29th’s “Real Meaning of Christmas.” You can find all the details on GTY’s radio calendar.

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RTS on ITunes- Free Stuff!!!

I haven’t had a chance to look or listen to them yet, but Reformed Theological Seminary providing a large number of mp3s and videos available through iTunes U to promote virtual RTS. Located in iTunes new section, “Itunes U” offers audio and video recordings from universities such as UC Berkeley, Yale, MIT, Duke, Cal Tech including lectures, commencement addresses (most popular being Steve Jobs at Stanford) .

I thought I’d include a preliminary survey of what RTS offers currently:

• RTS Virtual Campus Resources (4 Movies)
  • Distance Education
  • Technology
  • Contemporary Churches
  • New Students in Seminary
• RTS Virtual Courses
  • Old Testament
    • Genesis through Joshua by Dr. Richard L. Pratt, Jr. (29 Tracks)
    • Judges through Poets by Dr. John Currid (37 Tracks)
    • Isiah through Malachi by Dr. Richard Belcher, Jr. (34 Tracks)
  • New Testament
    • Gospels and Acts by Dr. Knox Chamblin (48 Tracks)
    • Pauline Epistles by Dr. Knox Chamblin (47 Tracks)
    • Hebrews through Revelation by Dr. Simon J. Kistemaker (45 Tracks)
  • Church History
    • History of Christianity I by Dr. Frank A. James III (32 Tracks)
    • History of Christianity II by Dr. Frank A. James (30 Tracks)
    • The Church and the World by Dr. W. Andrew Hoffecker (27 Tracks)
    • History and Theology of the Puritans by Dr. J.I. Packer (16 Tracks)
    • History of Missions by Dr. Samuel H. Larsen (35 Tracks)
  • Practical Theology
    • Disabilities and the Church (29 Tracks)
  • Theology
    • Intro to Pastoral and Theological Studies by Dr. Richard L. Pratt, Jr. (23)
    • History of Philosophy and Christian Thought by Dr. John M. Frame (36)
    • Theological Foundations by Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas (24)
    • Systematic Theology I by Dr. Douglas F. Kelly (38)
    • Systematic Theology II by Dr. Douglas F. Kelly (20)
    • Systematic Theology III by Dr. Douglas F. Kelly (38)
    • Pastoral and Social Ethics by Dr. John M. Frame (43)
    • Christan Apologetics by Dr. John M. Frame (26)
    • C.S. Lewis by Dr. Knox Chamblin (26)
• RTS Chapel Messages
  • RTS Charlotte Chapel Messages (18)
    • Fall 2007
    • Spring 2007
    • Fall 2006
  • RTS Jackson Chapel Messages (23)
    • Spring 2007 (12)
    • Fall 2006 (11)
  • RTS Orlando Chapel Messages
    • Fall 2007 (4)
    • Spring 2007 (10)
    • Fall 2006 (11)
• RTS Events
  • Seminar Series
    • Crass Plagiarism? The Problem of the Relationship of the Old Testament to the Ancient Near Eastern Literature by Dr. John D. Currid(3)
    • New Perspective on Paul by Dr. D.A. Carson(3)
    • Roles & Relationships in Pastoral Ministry by Dr. John Sittema (3)
    • Worship Wars, Holy Kisses, and Names for God: An Evangelical Model for Contextual Theologizing by Dr. Steve Strauss (3)
    • The Calvin I Never Knew by Dr. Frank A. James III (4)
  • Westminister Confession for Today
    • 2007 Westminister Confession for Today (4)
    • 2006 Westminister Confession for Today (4)
  • Commencement Addresses
    • RTS Charlotte Commencement Addresses by Dr. Mark E. Ross (1)
  • Special Events
    • A Memorial Service for Dr. Harold O.J. Brown (1)
    • Open Theism Debate by James White and John Sanders (1 Movie)
    • Joni and Friends by Joni Eareckson Tada(2 Movies)
    • Bethesda Rehabilitiation Ministry (2 Movies)
• RTS Online Resources
  • Promotional Videos (3 Movies)
    • RTS Institutional – Video Presentation (12 Min.) (1 Movie)
    • Short – Study, Pray
    • Short – Quiet Voice
  • RTS Brochures (4 Tracks in PDF)
    • Learning At Jesus’ Feet
    • Studying Theology as a Servant of Jesus
    • What is Reformed About Reformed Theological Seminary
    • Westminister Confession Today

Right now I’m trying to download all the Theology (except for C.S. Lewis which I’ll download later), NT, OT, and Church History lectures.

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UNCHAINED RADIO:PAUL MANATA on THE RATONAL RESPONDERS

This audio from Unchained Radio is worth buying and saving on your hard drive if you follow the rational responders

Brian Culter on Rational Responders stated on National TV that they would debate anybody

Paul Manata inquire for a debate and this show is about his request for a debate with the Rational Responders and what did not happened

http://unchainedradio.com/new/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=285&category_id=30&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26

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Atheism vs. Theism debate

http://tnma.blogspot.com/2007/08/debate-is-atheistic-woldview-superior.html

Christian Pastor Gene Cook debates Atheist Steve Scianni on August 5th, 2007.

Online for free for a limited time.

I have yet to listen to this debate…

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GREG BAHNSEN’S MOTHER PASSED AWAY…

Many of you know that our blog is from a Reformed Theological Perspective and Presuppositional in our Apologetics (VAN TILLIAN)

Much of our apologetics would not have been what it was if it was not for Bahnsen who popularized the teaching of Van Til and illusted its application

And much of what we get from Bahnsen over at Covenant Media Foundation in writing and audio would not have been possible if his mother, Virginia Bahnsen, was not involved with saving his works after his death.

Indeed, its a display of the Soverignty of God.

She just recently passed away last week,

So here’s a link to her by Greg Bahnsen’s son, David Bahnsen:

http://www.dlbthoughts.com/Articles.aspx?IDCol=180

She has done a tremendous good for the Body of Christ

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New Attitude 2007 Sermons

The New Attitude audio messages are all now available for free download. This is great for those who can’t afford to go or to purchase the audios. Don’t forget to drop a note to thank them for their service.

• Discernment, by Joshua Harris
• Discern Your Doctrine, by Mark Dever
• Discern Your Culture, by Al Mohler
• Discern Your Heart, by C.J. Mahaney
• Discern The Graymatters, by Eric Simmons
• Discern What Pleases God: Himself, by John Piper
• Discern What Pleases God: Personal Obedience, by John Piper
• Discern How to Apply, by C.J. Mahaney

Free registration required.

Update: no need for registration now, they have moved it to another server.

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Reformed Pastor: Free Audio Download

Richard Baxter’s book, “The Reformed Pastor” is a classic read for pastoral ministry. Christian Audio is making this book available in audio for $22.98. But, they are providing the audio for free this month, use the coupon code MAY2007 during checkout to get the download format for free

HT: JT

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Why I Like My Favorite Hymn

For the past two or three weeks I’ve really grown fond of the hymn:
It Is Well With My Soul.

Here are the lyrics:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Some contemporary worship starts off joyful but when I occasionally don’t feel joyful. In contrast this song, by reflecting on theology, and using vivid imagery can bring tears to my eye because of the meditation on ideas so powerful and moving: My salvation and Christ’s Return.

The first stanza really sets the stage that all may not be going well in life saying, “When sorrows like sea bellows roar.” The length and emphasis on the word, “roar” causes you to hear the storm, making the singer/reader feel like a boat on stormy waters with thunder and waves crashing into the boat, over the rails, and seemingly on the verge of sinking the ship. It really contrasts with the first verse, “when peace like a river attendeth my way.” For in the first verse peace sounds calming, like the constant soft trickling of water on rocks- sort of like the trickle of a water filter creating bubbles in a fish tank.

And I love how the stanza ends with the phrase, “Whatever my lot, you have taught me to say,” really emphasizing that regardless of the situation, God teaches to consider Christ crucified so that you will say, “It is well, it is well, with my soul.” The repetition of “it is well” really emphasizes what one ought to be thinking and meditating on during trials and tribulations.

In the second stanza, the phrase, “Though Satan should buffet”, continuing to use the ocean in a storm metaphor the lyrics emphasize the idea that the wind is striking repeatedly and forcefully– the idea of being battered around, or “tossed to and fro” like in Ephesians 4:14. The second stanza reminds one that Christ died for us, bringing to mind many aspects of Romans:

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person–though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die– but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
Ro 5:6-11

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
Ro 8:31-32

In the next stanza, notice how the 3rd stanza shifts from thinking about one’s own personal troubles and shifts the focus to God, I love how the hymn as a whole is working up in fervor and building on each joyful meditation on the precious doctrines that give us peace and joy. The 3rd stanza move now to Christ’s complete atonement. I actually didn’t know what verses supported the verse, “My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more” but I think this scripture is similar in Hebrews 10 is similar:

“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
Hebrews 10:10-14

And finally the 3rd stanza ends with a celebratory tone loudly reminding oneself whom has forgotten to “Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”

The epitome of emotions and theological depth, concludes boldly in the 4th stanza: Christ’s return!

The verse, “And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,” refers not to suicide but to seeing Jesus. “When my faith shall be sight,” is playful use of 2 Cor 5:

“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
2 Cor 5:6-8

However this last stanza not only brings to mind scripture, but also vivid imagery of Christ’s return- giving one the sense of awe and majesty of his return with the phrase, “The clouds be rolled back as a scroll.” Our church has been going through Revelations, so I immediately think of Revelations 6 whenever I hear the lyrics:

“The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.”
Rev 6:14

The context may refer to the stars striking the earth not Christ’s return, but its the imagery that comes to mind when thinking of the clouds being “rolled back as a scroll.” Perhaps Rev 6:14 may be appropriate because the context of the following verse, “The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.” The verse uses the phrase, “even so,” seeming to offer reassurance to the one who is afraid.

Plus, the fear and reverence at Christ’s return is biblical:

“Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
Rev 6:16-17

Lastly this majestic stanza not only piles a multitude of scripture and theology, not only imagery of clouds being rolled back, but sound: “The trump shall resound”, and finally the image of the Lord descending to earth in Mark 13:

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.”
Mark 13:24-2

The combination of sound of the trumpet, the majesty of the sky being rolled back, and the image of Jesus descending on a cloud is what usually brings one to tears of joy.The story explained a lot about the lyrics as well:

Words by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873
– Music by Philip P. Bliss, 1876

The words to this hymn was written after two major traumas in Spafford’s life. The first was the Great Chicago Fire of October 1871, which ruined him financially. Shortly after, while crossing the Atlantic, all four of Spafford’s daughters died in a collision with another ship. Spafford’s wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram: “SAVED ALONE.” Several weeks later, as Spafford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, he was inspired to write these words.

Bliss originally named the tune “Ville de Havre” after the ship on which Spafford’s four girls perished, the SS Ville de Havre. Ironically, Bliss himself died in a tragic train wreck shortly after writing this music.

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The debates of William Lane Craig

Craig vs. Hector Avalos
Craig vs. Brian Edwards #1   #2
Craig vs. Austin Dacey
Craig vs. Garrett Hardin
Craig vs. Frank Zindler
Craig vs. Peter W. Atkins
Craig vs. John Dominic Crossan
Craig vs. Gerd Ludemann
Craig vs. Jamal Badawi
Craig vs. Ray Bradley
Craig vs. Eddie Tabash
Craig vs. Arif Ahmed (Q & A)

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Update: D.A Carson Mp3

 

This is a more extensive collection of Carson’s sermons than the previously posted one by myself.

(HT: AN)

The Use of the OT in the NT

• Part 1, part 2, part 3
• Hard Texts: Why does Hebrews cite the OT like that? part 1, part 2, part 3 (2005 J. B. Gray Lectures at SBTS in Louisville)

Postmodernism

• Understanding Postmodernism from a Confessional Stance: part 1, part 2 (outline)
• Part 1, part 2, workshop
• Sacred and Sure: 1. From Modernism to Postmodernism, 2. Foundations of Knowing, 3. The Talking God, 4. Tough Talk
• The Intolerance of Tolerance: part 1, part 2 (3.26.04)
• The Gagging of God Q & A

Emergent Church

• Is the emergent church biblical? (9.21.05)
• A Description of the Movement with a Focus on Its Strengths
• The Movement Evaluated More Critically
• An Exposition of Scripture on the Relationship Between Experience and Truth

Evangelism

• Reaching an Untouched Generation (Oct 18-19, 1997 at High Park Baptist Church in Toronto): 1. Postmodernism and Biblical Illiteracy, 2. First Steps Toward Regrouping, 3. Worldview Evangelism, 4. Apostolic Evangelism of Biblical Illiterates, 5. Faith in the Cross of Christ
• Evangelism in the 21 Century: part 1, part 2, part 3
• Ongoing Imperative for World Mission
• Telling Premodern Truth to Postmodern People

So-Called New Perspective on Paul Critiqued

• Part 1, part 2, part 3
• The New Perspective on Paul (outline)

Love of God

• The Love of God (outline)
• The Supremacy of Christ and Love in a Postmodern World (Desiring God Conference, 9.30.06)

Vision of a Transcendent God

• Part 1, part 2
• 1998 Pastor’s Conference: 1.Vision of a Holy God, 2.Vision of a Redeeming God, 3. Vision of a Transcendent God

The Book of Revelation

• Revelation: Rev 4, Rev 5, Rev 12, Rev 13 part 1, Rev 13 part 2, Rev 14, Rev 21-22.6, Q & A
• 1994 Conference: 1. Vision of a Transcendent God, 2. Vision of a Redeeming God, 3. Rage, Rage, Against the Church, 4. Antichrist and the False Prophet, 5. The Triumph of the Lamb of God
• Even So, Come, Lord Jesus! (Rev 21.1-22.6) (outline)

Jesus and the Cross

• Sin and the Fall (Gen 3) (outline)
• Jesus Christ, the God-Man (John 1.1-18)
• Jesus the Word of God (John 1.1-18) (outline)
• Jesus, the Son of God
• The Bread of Life (John 6)
• Who Touched Me? (Mark 5.21-34)
• Lord of the Sabbath (Matt 12:1-14)
• Ironies of the Cross (Matt 27:27-50) (3.26.04)
• Why Trust a Cross? (Rom 3:21-26) (outline)
• Faith in the Cross of Christ (Rom 3.21-31)
• Doubting Thomas (John 20.24-31) – SBTS chapel
• The Cross and Christian Ministry (Acts 17.16-34)

Other Sermons

• On Being Prepared for Suffering and Evil: part 1, part 2
• Trials (9.12.99)
• Role of the Elder (preached at Mark Dever’s church)
• Steve Matthewson’s Installation Charge
• Cornerstone University Chapel (9.15.04)
• Moses’ Intercessory Prayer (Exodus 32-34)
• The Psalm of the Sheep (Ps 23)
• Laughing All the Way from the Bank (2 Cor 8.1-9.15)
• The Spirit Overcomes Death
• What Makes You Great (2.24.06)

Other Lectures

• Just War (Henry Forum at Mark Dever’s church, 3.10.04)
• Openness of God Theology (outline)
• Discussion on Communion

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OVER AT UNCHAINED RADIO: Discussion about Presuppositional Apologetics and Evidences

 This has been of interests for me lately.

http://tnma.blogspot.com/2007/03/more-on-apologetics-032107-show-771.html

THe audio to the Free Pod Cast is for a limited time. Its a discussion between Gene Cook and a guy that leans more Evidential.

More could be expanded upon it, which I hope to discuss and cover here in blog-bit size, as time goes on.

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CD SET REVIEWS: “GOD, EVIL AND YOU”

This is my review for my church’s library of a material that we already have; I’m in the process of trying to listen to and read what our church library consist of, and looking for good materials to stock up so as to edify the believers in my Church.

*******************************************

The problem of evil in light of a Christian God has been the focus of many books, lectures and discussions.  It would be no suprise then that Christian apologist Dr. Robert A. Morey would address this issue as well, among many other controversies and issues he has tackled in his career.  His lecture on this topic is titled “God, Evil and You”.

Originally in eight cassette tapes, it is now in five CDs.  Throughout the series, Dr. Morey mentioned alot about the need to pursue the topic of evil from a Biblical perspective.  This emphasis is indeed needed.  Many Christians needed to be reminded today, given the predominance of addressing the issue of evil from a non-biblically based approach (usually in the form of humanistic philosophy), with concepts that are not taught by Scripture, even being antithetical to the Christian God as well.  In addition, Morey also bought up the category of discussing the issues in light of metaphysics, epistemology and ethics.  His humor is also sprinkled in throughout the lectures which some might find as rather rough.

Though this series might be helpful for younger Christians, I think Dr. Morey could have went more deep.  This is probably not his best work and an example of his typical work.  It took well over half the series to be over before he started actually dealing with the Biblical text on evil and even then it barely touched the surface, though one can gain insight in light of Morey revealing to us the different words for Evil in Hebrew and how many times it appear in Scripture.  From what has been said by people, Dr. Morey is planning to write a book addressing the issue of the problem of Evil, if it is so, I do expect it to be up to standard as his earlier written works where it is hard hitting, heavily documented and touches on the revelant verses well.

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Conference for Children Ministry

Children Desiring God and Bethlem Baptist Church are hosting a conference for leaders of Children’s minstries:

“We have planned a number of seminars designed to provide practical help and encouragement that we trust will benefit parents, teachers, leaders, and all who are invested in ministry to children.”

For full details, check out their website, which includes a PDF brochure and mp3/video by John Piper.

April 26th to 28th, 2007 – Children Desiring God 2007 Conference
Topic: Standing on the Truth: How Great a Salvation
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Speakers: John Piper, Wayne Grudem, C.J. Mahaney, David Michael, and “a number of gifted seminar leaders”

Seminars on date of posting:

• Vision-Driven Children’s Ministry Leadership
• Recruiting & Retaining Volunteers
• Partnering with Parents
• Nursery Ministry & Teaching Toddlers
• Preparing & Teaching Preschool Lessons
• Introduction to CDG Curriculum & Sequence
• Lesson Preparation & Presentation
• Preparing & Leading Application Time
• Leading Children in Worship
• Teaching Youth: Watch Out for Your Method
• Presenting the Gospel to Children
• Theology of Salvation Q&A
• Preparing Children to Hear the Gospel

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Jonathan Edwards Resources

Audio Resources

If you want sermons from Jonathan Edwards, SermonAudio.com currently hosts 81 mp3s of sermons and books written by Jonathan Edwards.

Online Text Resources

Also Reformed.org has the following articles by Jonathan Edwards:

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Greg Koukl Mp3 (Defending the Faith)

 

Tactics In Defending The Faith Part 1 17053.mp3

Tactics In Defending The Faith Part 2 17054.mp3

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