Updated Bookshelf

I've updated and recategorized my "bookshelf", which is found yonder on the sidebar on the right side of your screen (or here). If you've got time to check it out, these are titles that receive my whole-hearted approval, which is an honor every author sets out to achieve prior to touching ink to parchment. =)

These works have helped mold and teach me as I journey to 'study to show myself a workman, unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.' I would encourage all of you to read and learn as much doctrine (greek for 'teaching') and theology (greek for 'a word from God') as possible. We study and master so many intricate things - some things for our careers, others more trivial, but we often offer excuses why we don't seek to learn and study hard the things of infinite value under the guise of 'it being to difficult' or 'I'm just not a theologian.' Remember that the Holy Spirit is what ultimately illuminates your mind to Scripture and the things of God, so trust in Him to help you understand his truth as you set out to learn. Always do it with a humble and trembling attitude, realizing your deficiency and you'll do well! (Isaiah 66:2) And remember that God will give us wisdom liberally, all we have to do is ask! (James 1)

#5 John Piper - Sovereign Joy in the Life and Thought of St. Augustine

(A series of 48 sermons that have angered, broken, impacted, molded,
and changed me.)

#5 “Sovereign Joy in the Life and Thought of St. Augustine” – John Piper

Piper’s passion is so addicting! I never really got Piper’s “Christian hedonism.” It seemed too man centered, until explained through the lens of Augustine’s definition of grace – God’s giving to us a sovereign joy in God that triumphs over the joy of sin.

We need to discover purity/chastity in God more desirable than lust. We need to find our Joy in Him over everything else.

What trifles am I keeping instead of God?

“Not in reveling and drunkenness, not in lust and wantonness, not in quarrels and rivalries, rather arm yourselves with the lord Jesus Christ. Spend no more thought on nature and nature’s appetites.” Romans 13:13

D.A. Carson Interview

Free Audio Book - Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan

My friend Michael Spotts recently posted this gem on his blog, and I thought it too good not to share with all of you!

He writes:

"Second to the bible, do you know what the most widely read book of all time is? John Bunyan's classic allegory, Pilgrim's Progress, which happens to be this month's free audio book at ChristianAudio.com. Now you can join Christian on his perilous journey to the celestial city (all ten amazing .mp3 hours of it!) while saving your pennies for some other tome.

Use the coupon code JUN2008 to redeem this month's free audiobook download from christianaudio.com.

You'll have to join first, but joining is free and takes just a minute. Add the book to your cart and when it prompts you for the coupon code, enter it - the price will drop to $0. I've been a member for the last year and have received several top-quality books from them for free. Act fast, Bunyan's book is only free for this month."

Description: "John Bunyan was a simple maker and mender of pots and kettles who received very little education. In spite of that, he penned the most successful allegory ever written. He lost his first wife and was imprisoned for twelve years for his compelling—but unlicensed—preaching. Nevertheless, his preaching about the gravity of sin, salvation by grace, the cost of discipleship, perseverance, and the glory of eternal life lives on in the signs and symbols of The Pilgrim’s Progress. Embark on a perilous journey with Christian, the lead character, from the City of Destruction to the luminous safe haven of the Celestial City. The journey will encourage you to “set your hope fully on the grace to be given you” amidst the obstacles of life."