I'm excited...

I have just read about a new project that is beginning in the very near future. This explanation of it has thrilled me about it's appearance. I'm excited!

Resources...

Over at the Ligonier blog, the web guys are adding posts from R.C Sproul on revival. There are a number of posts through the main page.

John Ortberg has written an article on the gift of opposition. Check it out here.

John MacArthur has a 5-part article series on distinguishing a true work of the Spirit. Check them out. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5.

Tim Challies reviews an upcoming book release from Al Mohler. Check it out here.

Young, Restless and Reformed

Some very wise counsel here. Have a read at it.

H/T: Justin Taylor

Spirit Empowered Preaching

There is a brilliant interview, with a man called Arturo Azurdia, on the Exiled Preacher blog. Check it out here. I particularly enjoyed the excerpt that is quoted below. Thanks for this interview!

GD: How may we seek God's empowering presence in preaching?

AA: Firstly, we need to connect our preaching purpose to that of the Holy Spirit’s purpose. His aim is to glorify Jesus Christ through the means of the Scriptures—the Christocentric Scriptures. Therefore, I must be resolutely wedded to His intention in the sacred text: explaining the text in its context, applying the text as was originally designed, and displaying its inner-canonical connections which will lead me to Jesus Christ.

Secondly, we need to pray for that which only the Spirit can supply: potency to transform the human heart.

Thirdly, we need to be willing to suffer. Why? Because the apostolic pattern seems to indicate that God’s power is perfected in weakness. Are we willing to be weak so there are no competitors for glory when God does what only He can do?

Beyond this, of course, we must remember that Spirit is sovereign. “The wind blows where it wishes.” Anything that smacks of a formula is sure to quench the Spirit rather than arouse His empowerment. This is the occupational hazard of the Christian ministry.

Gospel in a sentence...

"Jesus Christ, the Son of God crucified, is the Wisdom of God, by which the love of God can save sinners from the wrath of God, and all the while uphold and demonstrate the righteousness of God."- John Piper.

H/T: PureChurch (Thabiti Anyabwile)

Modesty...

Over the last number of days Tony Reinke has been adding excerpts from C J Mahaney's chapter in the forthcoming book "Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World". They have now put all the posts into one downloadable PDF file. Check it out here.

Check it out...

While I have my break in work, I thought I would add a few good resources that I have come across in the last week or so.

Firstly, Joshua Harris has posted an article he has written, for the Tabletalk magazine, on the theme of mentoring. As someone truly convinced of the need, and biblical model, of mentoring I enjoyed the article. Check it out here.

Secondly, I have been reading some books by R Kent Hughes recently and have found them to be of incredible challenge and encouragement. So, having been blessed by his writing I searched the internet for some audio messages. To my surprise, and great gain, I found alot of his and some other notable pastors/teachers. Check them out here.

Thirdly, and finally, I came across a cracker site called the Shepherd's Fellowship. It is an amazing site. It does require registration to have full access and use of the site, but registration is a free and simple process. Once registered you have full use of the forums, download of messages and much more. Check it out here.

A review with a difference....

Tony Reinke has posted over at the Sovereign Grace blog on a new album release titled "Atonement". Now the genre isn't really of my taste, as it is rap, but he has posted a track from the album, on the blog, for you to have a listen. Although not my genre, the lyrics were absolutely great! Check it out here. As well as a recommendation there are a few comments that the author felt challenged on regarding the rap artists passion to carry knowledge of truth into work and practice. All in all it's worth a look!

The album is called "Atonement" and the artist is Shai Linne. You can download tracks, or full album, in iTunes.

Confession

C. J Mahaney has a great, and very challenging, post on confessing sin. It is an article you must check out.

Read it here.

What Should I Do Next?!

Mark Dever has posted a helpful article over at the Together for the Gospel blog. Check the post out here.