TBR Recommends…

Here are some articles that I have found to be interesting reads from around the net. I hope ya’ll enjoy!

-Dylan

End of Evolution Debate- Paleoanthropologist, Richard Leakey, is predicting that the debate over evolution will come to an end soon. While I find this article very interesting, I’m not sure I can agree with his apparent naturalistic outlook on science; perhaps you will agree as well. As Christians we must alway remember that we are not at odds with science as many people (even Christians!) seem to think, but rather are against the belief of scientific naturalism. We must trust that the Lord of heaven and earth, who is also the Lord of science, will continue to sustain His creation.

Senses, Intellect, and Spirit- In this article from Paul Helm at Credo Magazine, Helm discusses the nature of how we are to use our senses and mind in building an epistemology. While Helm frequently quotes Scripture, I’m not sure we should agree with his conclusion that it is impossible to set up a “Scriptural epistemology”. However you come down on this issue, this is a great read from a great scholar who has had a major influence on me.

Possible Zombie Attack?!?!- While the events that took place in this USAtoday article are not the least bit funny, they do provoke me to question the possibility of a zombie attack. I mean, what the heck was going on??? You should just read the article for yourself and comment to let me know what you think…

The Prostitute Confessions Pt. 1

Recently I have found myself meditating on deep truths found in the book of Joshua, being careful to take into consideration every important theme that God’s Word displays. In the process of my study, I couldn’t help but notice my strange attraction to a woman from chapter 2—the prostitute Rahab. At first glance, it may seem a little odd that a prostitute would grab my attention (it did to me!), but there is, I think, great reasons why this might, and even probably should, happen. In the great scheme of redemptive history, Rahab the prostitute provides extraordinary insight into the very nature and character of God and the Christian life. My intention over the next several posts is to carefully expose what we can learn from Rahab, this pagan prostitute.

(1) That we are to fear the Lord of Heaven and Earth, for He is a God Who will be remembered for His mighty works (Josh. 2:8-11).

TBR Recommends…

Here’s a few articles, and a video, I think you might find helpful.  I would love to here some of your thoughts, and feel free to send Dylan or myself some interesting articles you come across in your own reading.  Hope you enjoy!

- Robie

The people at 9Marks, a wonderful ministry committed to “building healthy churches,” define expositional preaching, explaining what it is and what it is not.

In this short article, “Four Marks of Fruit-Bearing Christianity,” J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) writes on the importance a faith that bears fruit, and what it looks like.  He writes, “The Christianity which I call fruit-bearing, that which shows its Divine origin by its blessed effects on mankind – the Christianity which you may safely defy unbelievers to explain away – that Christianity is a very different thing. Let me show you some of its leading marks and features.”

Preaching on the apostate church at Pergamum (Rev. 2:12-17), Mark Driscoll answers the question, “What is Apostasy?”  Watch the video below:

Songs for Your Playlist

All of this week’s music comes from my favorite band, Needtobreathe. I heard these guys for the first time about two years ago and have listened to them nonstop ever since. Enjoy! -Robie

“Washed by the Water,” from their 2007 album, The Heat.

“The Outsiders” (2009), was the title track on my favorite Needtobreathe album.

“Slumber,” from their latest album, The Reckoning (2011).

The Glory of God in the Hymnal Classic ‘Rock of Ages’ – Part 3

By Robie Day 

Not the labor of my hands

Can fulfill thy law’s demands;

Could my zeal no respite know,

Could my tears forever flow,

All for sin could not atone;

Thou must save, and thou alone.

As we saw in the first stanza of Augustus Toplady’s poem, the salvation provided by the cross of Christ cleanses and purifies sinners and provides refuge and security from the wrath we so deserve.  In the second stanza, Toplady continues by explaining that grace is the only means by which this salvation can be attained.  While he does not actually use the word “grace” in this stanza of the poem, his intent is clear: there is nothing we can do, in and of ourselves, that could procure our salvation.