The Digital Round-Up # 19

Hey folks! Prepare for another round of the “The Digital Round-Up” as we serve you interesting articles, freebies and videos. And if you’re enjoying this stuff, please do tell us on the comment section. So buckle up and enjoy the thrill.

Free “Pray For your Church” ebook by Mike Leake. Its a “31- Day Prayer Challenge” that helps families on praying for the church to have focus, encouragement, accountability and challenge. The also created a website for this freebie: http://www.31dayprayerchallenge.com/

Why legalism destroys churches and kills Christians – This article shows us how the law in the hands of a sinner has a devastating effect to us Christians and how rightly using it liberates us to such predicament.

What did Jesus Mean by Gates of Hell? – Michael Heiser carefully explains what this passage in Matthew 16: 17-18 and what it means to the church that Jesus built.

5 Ways to Glorify God This Summer (And 1 Way Not To) – Its a hot summer here in the Philippines and aside from hitting the beach there are stuff you can do to glorify God.

How to Talk to Atheist and Skeptics About Jesus – Michael Horton wrote a short excellent article on sparking a conversation about Christ to atheist and skeptics.

The Christian Sabbath – Theology Check looks on the issue of Sabbath and how it affects the Christian and his day of worship.

10 Bible Verses About the Deity of Jesus – A great list of verses that affirms that Jesus is God.

Tim Challies has a new series on which he looks at  great sermons.

 

 

The Quotable Round-Up #43

Here are some of the quotes from the book “Tactics” by Christian apologist Greg Koukl. If you enjoy this quotes, please feel free to share this post over your social media. God bless you and enjoy your week!
“Beware when rhetoric becomes a substitute for substance. You always know that a person has a weak position when he tries to accomplish with the clever use of words what argument alone cannot do.”– Gregory Koukl, Tactics #apologetics #christianconviction #defendingthetruth
“Always make it a goal to keep your conversations cordial. Sometimes that will not be possible. If a principled, charitable expression of your ideas makes someone mad, there’s little you can do about it. Jesus’ teaching made some people furious. Just make sure it’s your ideas that offend and not you, that your beliefs cause the dispute and not your behavior.”– Gregory Koukl, Tactics #apologetics #christianconviction #defendingthetruth
“To be of one mind biblically doesn’t mean that all have to share the same opinion. It means a warm fellowship based on communion with Christ in the midst of differences. It does not mean abandoning all attempts at refining our knowledge by enforcing an artificial unanimity. True maturity means learning how to disagree in an aggressive fashion, yet still maintaining a peaceful harmony in the church.” — Gregory Koukl, Tactics #apologetics #christianconviction #defendingthetruth
” We need to cultivate the ability to disagree with civility and not take opposition personally. We must also have the grace to allow our own views to be challenged with evidence, reasoning, and Scripture. Those who refuse to dispute have a poor chance of growing in their understanding of truth.” — Gregory Koukl, Tactics #apologetics #christianconviction #defendingthetruth
“This is a dangerous attitude for the church because the minute one is labeled mean-spirited simply for raising an opposing view, debate is silenced. If we disqualify legitimate discussion, we compromise our ability to know the truth.”– Gregory Koukl, Tactics #apologetics #christianconviction #defendingthetruth
“Arguments are good, and dispute is healthy. They clarify the truth and protect us from error and religious despotism. When the church discourages principled debates and a free flow of ideas, the result is shallow Chris tian ity and a false sense of unity.”– Gregory Koukl, Tactics #apologetics #christianconviction #defendingthetruth

The Quotable Round-Up #34

Howdy partners! Here’s your weekly dose of quotes featuring the book “God’s Word, Our Story” published by Crossway. Enjoy and God bless!

“When we hear God’s Word read and taught, it does much more than reveal our sin; it reveals our Savior. God’s good word to his people is that our sin will not get the final word in our lives. His grace and mercy will get the final word.” – Nancy Guthrie, God’s Word, Our Story

“Because of grace, when we hear and understand God’s Word, we are not left to simmer in a pool of regret and shame. Sorrow over sin must give way to joy.” – Nancy Guthrie, God’s Word, Our Story

“Knowing that it is the Lord’s joy to extend grace to sinners gives us strength to live for him and love him rather than run from him.” – Nancy Guthrie, God’s Word, Our Story

“Week after week, as we gather as God’s people, and the Word of God is read and we’re given the sense of it so that we understand it, we rightly feel the weight of our failure to be all that God has intended for us to be. But he does not send us away in sorrow. Instead, we are invited to his table, where we feast on his broken body and his shed blood, so that we leave with great rejoicing. We find that partaking in the Lord’s feast fills us with the Lord’s joy.” – Nancy Guthrie, God’s Word, Our Story

“Have you discovered that saying yes to God’s commands actually brings you greater joy than whatever it is that tempts you to ignore or defy what God has commanded?” – Nancy Guthrie, God’s Word, Our Story

“All who were once unclean and have now been made clean by the blood of an all-sufficient sacrifice will, on that day, be made holy to live in God’s presence in the ultimate Most Holy Place called the new heaven and new earth.” – Nancy Guthrie, God’s Word, Our Story

“Why would we settle for the happiness the world offers when we are being invited into the joy of the Lord? Why would we ever search for the happiness our hearts long for anywhere other than in “the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10)?” – Nancy Guthrie, God’s Word, Our Story

Book Review: God’s Word, Our Story: Learning from the Book of Nehemiah by D. A. Carson and Kathleen B. Nelson (Editors)

I’ve just finished reading the Book of Nehemiah as a part of my devotional when I got this book. I have gone through it multiple times for weeks that I’m beginning to jump to Esther.  I told myself “This will extend my knowledge on that book.” Little did I know that “God’s Word, Our Story” will give me a fresh, bold and exciting spiritual insight to Nehemiah. Aside from a leadership principles go-to book and all the skipping chapters because of the list of names, “God’s Word, Our Story” will inspire you to seek and worship God.

Kathy Keller opens the book with what should every Christian (and what Nehemiah did) should understand the Word of God and base his action plan to what has been reveled in the Bible.

In the next chapter, Tim Keller explains the need to understand the big picture that Nehemiah is projecting. For him it is shallow to look at God’s Word like reading stories and finding the moral lesson it brings. He points out that the ultimate story behind Nehemiah and basically every book in the Bible is the redemptive plan of God. Keller drew also from this book of the Bible on how God’s people should harness unity and to work for God who is the main goal of this building of the wall.

Paige Brown’s contribution to this book dwells on the premises of the fear of God. Using part of John Newton’s “Amazing Grace” she discuss the fear of God and how it gives us confidence in facing today’s challenges.

Nancy Guthrie examines the Nehemiah chapters 7 and 8 and shows how this gathering of the Jews represents a future event that will take place in the new heaven and new earth. She further discusses the joy of the people coming to God and God’s joy of having His chosen people come to Him.

Nehemiah 11-12 was discussed by Carrie Sadom, Jenny Salt and Kathleen Nelson. This 3 part talk was centered in different God centered joy.

Lastly, D. A. Carson contributes a rather dark ending to the conference or a book as he points out the failure of the reformed which Nehemiah had undertaken. We can see not only does it affects the people but to Nehemiah himself.

The most prolific writer among all the contributors, John Piper delivers that ultimate story of the Bible is that God make a name for Himself through the gospel and His mercy to His chosen.

 

From all of the contributors in this book, Tim Keller gets away with the cake. Although Piper, D. A. Carson and Nancy Guthrie gave awesome insights, for me Keller is the best.

Though all of the messages collected here the contributor’s points out 1.) Nehemiah is not just a leadership book and 2.) Nehemiah is part of the ultimate story in the Bible, that is God’s redemptive plan for mankind.

Aside from the usual reflection in the end of each chapter, the readers are taught think as an expositor as further explain in the “Introduction” which is a great help for us who wants a deeper understanding of the books of the Bible. And you may or may not know these a collection of talks in a women’s conference (turned into a book) which you might find odd considering the topic of each chapters are not just geared not just for women. I’m not here to stereotype what’s for men or women but knowing this is what TGC brings out; people attending the conferences will really get saturated with the Word of God.

“God’s Word, Our Story” is a highly recommended book for those who want to get more of Nehemiah. This book is also a call for Christians to be expositors. As Kathy Keller and D. A. Carson uses the movie to further illustrate some points in the book, “God’s Word, Our Story”  is best describe as a blockbuster movie.

My verdict 5 out of 5.

Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.

Please check my blog for more book reviews: https://delightinggrace.wordpress.com

Comicbook Review: MA-I Book 1: Si Lakan by Arya Chelabian and Faye Villanueva

Starting this week we will check out a comicbook published by Kawangis Komiks an imprint of Church Strengthening Ministry (CSM). This 5 part series are written and drawn by the dynamic husband and wife tandem of Arya Chelabian and Faye Villanueva. A 5 part book of what they call a Pinoy Manga is something that will First stop is Book 1 of the series is “Si Lakan.”
“Si Lakan” introduces us to the world of MA-I on which the adventures in the series will unfold. Also we will meet our hero of the story, Lakan. Lakan is an adventurous young man who stumbles upon MA-I. His grandfather, Apo Sulatn forbids him to go to MA-I because that place is dangerous. And indeed the next day, going back to MA-I proves the dangers it possess as Lakan and Apo Sulatn got into trouble.
In a few pages this book it already got me hooked! Its action, drama and humor sucked me into reading till the end. It’s a fast phase read for me but the way the story reveals its self amazed me. The adventure story presented in this book is a staple in anime or manga (yet we don’t get tired of that kind of story, right?) The artwork has its high and lows but then again how it blends with the story as it unfolds in every panel is impressive. The tandem of Arya and Faye is awesome. They can really convey the demands of every panel. If you’re a bit conscious on the Pinoy culture thing in this comicbook, don’t worry. You can pick up that stuff along the way as you read it. In fact you can skip the explanations and just dive in to the story. The spiritual stuff is OK but I expect more in the succeeding books.
As an opening salvo of the series, “Si Lakan” delivers the action, the humor and the culture that will hook and entertain you. A good read whether you’re a traditional komiks or manga fan.

7 Things We Miss Out If We Reject the Gospel (Part 3)

This week’s installment of our lesson, we will take a look at “Heavenly Rewards” and “Victory”. We should expect these things because it is given to us by God. On behalf of Christ, He imparts these to us so that we will give our best for Him. Check the Bible verses and meditate on it. We can clearly see the goodness of our heavenly Father that will make us cling for Him daily. If you are not yet saved, think of these things and pray that God will give you faith to accept His gospel.
5. Heavenly Rewards

“And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”1 Peter 5:4

“Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

Out of gratitude of His glorious gospel that saved us and also because God sets us in good works (Ephesians 2:10) after He grants us salvation, in heaven we will receive rewards because of our works for Christ. Our service to Him will be finally recognized and given rewards. We will face Christ not at Him juridical bench but an awarding ceremony for the works we did for Him. Will you be there at that event? What rewards will you receive from our gracious God?
6. Victory

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15: 56-58

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.” 1 John 5: 4

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Romans 8: 37

In this life we always strive for excellence. We do all we can to win in every area in our life. Sometimes we triumph in battles we face. Sometimes we have to surrender. God’s child also goes with this daily struggle. But the good news is that we are victorious through the goodness of God. He might not have that trophy or medal but we have God and His promises that make us a winner. We don’t want to be in the losing side here and in eternity. Come to Christ who won the victory for us.

(to be concluded next week…)

Book Review: The Wiersbe Bible Commentary by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe

                                     photo courtesy of CLC Philippines

Finally a Bible commentary you will actually read! Wait what?! We “read” commentaries? Of course for us “reading” a commentary might mean checking a Bible verse in a Matthew Henry and see that it (especially if we are preparing a Bible study or sermon) agrees with what we think the verse means. But to actually “read” it as in get the book, find your reading spot and spend an hour absorbing the commentary is another thing. Rarely do we do that. But with the “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary” you can enjoy it as if it’s a regular Christian book.
This commentary collects his popular “Be” series that are less technical, easily accessible and easy to understand. Well when we say Weirsbe dropped the theological jargons and can be appreciated by anyone it doesn’t mean its has no depth in content. In the contrary it covers a lot of grounds including biblical principles and apologetics. “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary” is relevant and up to the challenges of this current generation.

This is the zenith of Wiersbe’s work all bound in two volumes, now locally published with a gorgeous cover and a very affordable price. If you’re a newbie in using commentaries, this commentary is a great start. If you’re a pastor who wants a sharable resource to the congregation, this one is the best. If you’re a fan of his “Be” series which you collect by going to Booksale or receiving it as a Kindle freebie over David C. Cook now it’s the time to own a physical copy. Guarantee it won’t collect dust in your bookshelf.

The Quotable Round-Up #18

 

Happy New Year to all!!!! Its a brand new year for all of us Christians as we look forward for God’s wonderful blessings in store for us. I have been caught by the busy holiday but I’m back to deliver some quote goodies. Now lets dive away to these awesome quotes.

“Our problem is not that we don’t know that God exists. Our problem is that we refuse to acknowledge the God whom we know to be true.”
–R. C. Sproul

“Only the Spirit can raise spiritually dead hearts to believe the gospel.”
–Steven J. Lawson

“Without the divine light of the Spirit, the Bible remains a closed book.”
— Steven J. Lawson

“Leadership in a gospel framework humbly serves those under its guard.”
–Matthew B. Sims

“The quest for God doesn’t begin until conversion. Prior to our conversions, we run as fast and as relentlessly as we can away from God.”
–R. C. Sproul

“Everywhere else we’d go would be a disaster for us.Any answer but Jesus is no answer at all.And yet, even when we run,His,grace reaches us.”
–Matt Chandler

“The Spirit of God is the sole, santifying agent in our life, but He regularly uses ordinary means to do so. He uses reading the Word,praying,preaching,fasting and meditation.”
–Matthew B. Sims

 

Book Review: Resolving Everyday Conflict by Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson

This book reminds me of my time in graduate school. Our professor is teaching us the topic about conflict in the business setting. I learned a lot in that subject but still I find myself wanting. What was left out in the discussion is the biblical principle of conflict. This book handles the topic from the root, causes and solution and many many more. Sande is an expert on this area and few authors do take on this sticky issue.

This small book is dripping with biblical principles that it’s not just another “run of the mill” relationship book. Taking the subject of conflict opens up others issues like forgiveness, disagreement, admission and restoration. Those are sensitive issues attached to conflict. However, “Resolving Everyday Conflict” answers them head on with the gospel and God honoring intentions. Truly this is a unique book that you’ll pick up.

“Resolving Everyday Conflict” endeavors us response to conflict with a biblical perspective. After reading this you’ll gain godly insights on conflict that will lead you to see that it’s on just ending the problem but creating a unity and harmony among the people around you.

The Quotable Round-Up #16

In a recent article, 20 minutes of reading a book everyday makes a big difference in one’s life. If you don’t have the time to read why not include in your quite time. Instead of a devotional book, you can finish it with a book that can meet your spiritual need. A chapter will do. Currently I’m reading “God at Work” by Gene Edward Veith which has been profitable to me. I hope you will try it to and see the impact of it on your life. Lets continue the discussion next week on how to give 20 minutes of your daily time in reading and as promised your weekly dose of quotes:
“Everything, in all its exquisite and intricate details-things that others may consider trivial but are important to us-is governed by the overruling hand of God.”
–Derek W.H. Thomas
“Through highs and lows, better and worse, richer and poorer, sickness and health, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you, when Christ becomes your all. A gospel-shaped life fills every space it takes with unconquerable faith and unfailing love.”
–Matt Chandler
“God wants us to offer ourselves to Him, turn from the ways of the world, and be transformed. Then we will have something, better than special revelations and words about the future-we’ll have wisdom.”
–Kevin DeYoung
“God’s Word is living and active. When we read the Bible, we hear from God with a confidence we find in no other book and from no other voice. We ca read the Scriptures knowing that this is what the Holy Spirit says.”
–Kevin DeYoung
“Wisdom is knowing God and doing as He commands. Foolishness, on the other hand, is turning from God and listening to yourself.”
–Kevin DeYoung
“God never assures us of health,success,or ease. But He promise something better: He promise to make us loving,pure,and humble like Christ.In short, God’s will is that you and I get happy and holy in Jesus.”
–Kevin DeYoung
“The most important issues for God are moral purity, theological fidelity, compassion, joy, our witness, faithfulness, hospitality, love, worship, and faith. These are His big concern. The problem is that we tend to focus most of our attention on everything else.”
— Kevin DeYoung