Reflecting on R.C. Sproul's Passing

A few days ago, I was sad to hear of R.C. Sproul's death. The first book I read and studied at a church was Sproul's Chosen by God. His books, videos, and articles have profoundly impacted me. Except for John Piper, no pastor has taught me more about Jesus than Dr. Sproul. I owe a great deal to the man, and I look forward to thanking him in Heaven. Below are three notable quotes from Dr. Sproul from three of his books that I highly recommend.

"To be conformed to Jesus, we must first begin to think as Jesus did. We need the "mind of Christ." We need to value the things He values and despise the things He despises. We need to have the same priorities He has. We need to consider weighty the things He considers weighty." The Holiness of God (1985)

"If there is one single molecule in this universe running around loose, totally free of God's sovereignty, then we have no guarantee that a single promise of God will ever be fulfilled." Chosen by God (1986)

"...the more we understand of the holiness and righteousness of God, the more we begin to see by contrast how desperately fallen we are and how utterly dependent we are on His mercy and grace. The Truth of the Cross (2007)

Reviewing Jerry Bridges' Who Am I? Identity in Christ

Who Am I? Identity in Christ is the third book I've read by Jerry Bridges. Other books I've read by this Navigators staff member include Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate and The Pursuit of Holiness. I highly recommend all three books. Who Am I? is roughly 100 pages and consists of an introduction and eight chapters. The chapter titles are:

1. I Am a Creature
2. I Am in Christ
3. I Am Justified
4. I Am an Adopted Son of God
5. I Am a New Creation
6. I Am a Saint
7. I Am a Servant of Jesus Christ
8. I Am Not Yet Perfect

Throughout his book, Jerry Bridges soundly answers the crucial question, Who Am I?,  by using Scripture and stories from his own life. Chapter 1 focuses on what it means to be created in the Father's image. In Chapter 2, we get an explanation of what it means to be in Christ, and in the last six chapters, we learn about six aspects of our new identity in Christ.

New believers might be introduced to some theological terms they're unfamiliar with; however, the explanations are easy to understand. Mature believers will get a gospel-centered review of what it means to identify as a believer first and foremost. We are reminded that our identity should not lie in our job, the school we graduated from, or who our friends are, but in Christ alone. Endorsements are given by conservative evangelical theologians like J.I. Packer, R.C. Sproul, and yours truly. I suggest setting aside 2.5 hours and checking out the book. Just try not to stare at the creepy dude on the cover.

Reviewing R.C. Sproul's The Truth of the Cross

Dr. Sproul has been instrumental in helping me live a cross-centered life. Aside from John Piper, no person has taught me more about the Son of Man. In Dr. Sproul's The Truth of the Cross, you get a 167-page survey of the atonement of the Author of our Faith. Below is how the ten chapters of the book are divided. The last chapter consists of nine thought-provoking questions.

1. The Necessity of an Atonement
2. The Just God
3. Debtors, Enemies, and Criminals
4. Ransomed from Above
5. The Saving Substitute
6. Made Like His Brethren
7. The Suffering Servant
8. The Blessing and the Curse
9. A Secure Faith
10. Questions and Answers

The Truth of the Cross is not fun reading, yet it was a book I wanted to read, and it is the type of reading we should all undertake. Although the topic is complex, Dr. Sproul explains the atonement in a way that many can understand. I'm thankful for Dr. Sproul and the impact he has made on me and on thousands of others. If you hold to an Arminian viewpoint, you may disagree with Dr. Sproul's take on various theological topics; however, I still strongly recommend The Truth of the Cross. Dr. Sproul provides solid Scripture references and logical arguments that everyone should consider - arguments that I wholeheartedly agree with and point me to the cross.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. Isaiah 53:7

Reviewing R.C. Sproul's The Lightlings

I purchased The Lightlings through Amazon China, and it's the second book by R.C. Sproul that I've read to my children. In The Lightlings, Dr. Sproul tells us the biblical story of redemption in a way that is both enjoyable and deep. It's an allegorical tale where a grandfather tells his grandson about fairylike creatures who shine brightly. One day, these creatures disobey their Creator and King, which brings them into a great darkness and shows them their need for the Light. The story ends with the boy and his grandfather having a conversation.

The Lightlings consists of 30 pages with more than half of the pages being illustrations that are a mix of fantasy and realism. The last three pages consist of 13 questions with Bible references that children can be asked in an effort to help them better understand the story. Although the book is meant for elementary students, I believe many of my sixth-grade students would enjoy hearing me read The Lightlings to them. It's a meaningful book, and I recommend it to anyone who desires to help young children better understand what life is all about.

God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

Reviewing R.C. Sproul's Can I Be Sure I'm Saved?

I thought I was saved when I was a teenager, and for about a decade, I told others I was a believer when it just wasn't true. I was baptized at a small Southern Baptist church when I was 22, but it wasn't until I was 26 years old that my hunger and thirst for the things of God really grew. I was confused about my salvation for many years, but the Father does not want us to be confused. The god of this age does. The Father wants us to be clear about whether we belong to Him and if we're going to Heaven when we pass away (or when His Son returns).

2 Peter 1:10 states, Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. Confidently knowing where you stand with the Son of Man and what He'll say on Judgment Day can be known right now. If you struggle with doubts concerning whether you truly know the Prince of Peace, whether you have eternal life, or whether you'll be going to Heaven, I recommend reading R.C. Sproul's Can I Be Sure I'm Saved?. In this 70-page booklet, R.C. Sproul once again provides solid teaching in a logical fashion. Below are the titles of the five chapters and simple summaries.

1. The Struggle for Assurance - What is assurance?
2. Four Kinds of People - Two are saved and two are not
3. False Assurance - What are the dangers?
4. Gaining True Assurance - How can we get assurance of salvation?
5. The Source of Full Assurance - Do you love Him?

Don't be confused about whether you're going to Heaven or Hell. If you are, spend an hour reading Sproul's Can I Be Sure I'm Saved? and hopefully, you can have that peace that surpasses all understanding.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, John 1:12

Thanksgiving Messages 2014

In 2010 and 2011, I posted some Thanksgiving links that attracted some attention during the American Thanksgiving holiday season. Below are some new links that explain why we should be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving: The Noblest and Most Joy-Giving Sacrifice by Randy Alcorn (Eternal Perspective Ministries)

Feasting on Thanksgiving by John Bloom (desiring God)

When Jesus Hates Thanksgiving ... by Denny Burk (Boyce College)

Rekindling the Gratitude by John MacArthur (Grace to You)

Take Time to Give Thanks by Nate Shurden (The Christward Collective)

Free Downloads from R.C. Sproul (Ligonier Ministries)

Reviewing Keith Mathison's A Reformed Approach to Science and Scripture

How old is the universe? R.C. Sproul, who provides the book's foreword, was asked this question at the 2012 Ligonier Ministries National Conference. Dr. Keith Mathison explores the question and more in this very short book. If you are a believer who has any interest in science, you might enjoy reading A Reformed Approach to Science and Scripture. I do believe some will expect a more in-depth analysis of the topic. Below are the titles and summaries of the seven chapters.

1. All Truth is God's Truth - A God-centered view of truth
2. General and Special Revelation - What is the Reformed distinction?
3. Interpreting General and Special Revelation - An examination of Martin Luther's and John Calvin's responses to new sixteenth-century astronomical theories
4. Luther, Calvin, and Copernicus - How can we learn from the mistakes of others?
5. Earthly Things and Heavenly Things - The fall's impact on human reasoning
6. When Science and Scripture Conflict - How should Christians respond?
7. The Age of the Universe and Genesis 1 - Dr. Sproul's answer

Reviewing R.C. Sproul's Does God Control Everything?

It's a question that is often hotly debated - Does God control everything? If you don't know the answer to this question or if you are unable to defend your answer well, I highly recommend R.C. Sproul's Does God Control Everything? I have strong views concerning this subject matter, and Pastor Sproul's use of Scripture gave me an even greater understanding of several vital doctrines. Reading Does God Control Everything? will help you learn the difference between providence and foreknowledge, God's sovereign ordination, and the doctrine of concurrence. The book's 80 pages are divided into the following five chapters and can be read in no time:

1. What Is Providence?
2. God Makes It All Happen
3. God or Chance?
4. Is God Responsible for Human Wickedness?
5. What About Human Freedom? 

If the topics seem difficult or uninteresting, I encourage you to still give this free eBook a chance. Does God Control Everything? is written for the layman and covers topics that we simply should not ignore.

The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19

Reviewing R.C. Sproul's Can I Have Joy in My Life?

Contrary to what some pastors teach, we cannot have our best life now. Life will be downright tough at times, and that can certainly make it difficult to be the most chipper person in the world. It is possible, though, to have joy during life's most challenging circumstances. Last year, I chose to read R.C. Sproul's Can I Have Joy in My Life? because various struggles in my life were attempting to steal joy from me. Can I Have Joy in My Life? is only 51 pages and consists of the five chapters listed below. Section headings are listed in parentheses.

1. Don't Worry, Be Joyful (How Can We Rejoice Always?, The Way to Recover Joy)
2. Counting It All Joy (Looking to the Bright Future, Trusting God Through Calamities)
3. How Do You Spell Joy? (Elation and Dejection, Rejoicing Even in Losses, The Best Way to Spell Joy)
4. The Greatest Joy (Guilt and Joy, Confusing Pleasure and Joy)
5. Fullness of Joy (Life Through the Vine)

Pastor Sproul had a profound impact on me when I first became a believer (and he continues to teach me much), so I had to take advantage of this offer to add another book of his to my library. I'm glad I did. I recommend downloading this free eBook, one of 20 free books in a series from R.C. Sproul. Can I Have Joy in My Life? can help you see what joy is and where true joy can be found.

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Reviewing R.C. Sproul's The Priest With Dirty Clothes

When I finished reading The Priest with Dirty Clothes, my seven-year-old daughter asked if I had other books like that. I think that is a clear indicator that she was a fan of this book. My daughter Rose, who is in the fourth grade, said this was a good book and that she enjoyed the whole storyline. After going over the 12-question study guide at the end of the book, we decided to check out other picture books at the Ligonier Ministries site written by Dr. Sproul. We definitely plan to read more of his books in the near future.

Dr. Sproul dedicates The Priest with Dirty Clothes to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Before he begins the story, there is a letter to the parents explaining the purpose of the book. The Priest with Dirty Clothes is based on one of Dr. Sproul's favorite passages from the Bible, Zechariah 3:1-5, and it is recommended that the passage be read with children prior to reading the story. The story starts off with a brother and sister coming home extremely muddy, and a grandfather telling them a story after they get cleaned up. The grandfather tells his grandchildren of a priest who got his special clothes muddy. Because of this, the priest was not permitted to preach before the king and was told to preach the next week with clean clothes. Unfortunately, the priest's clothes were permanently stained, so he went to the prince to get help. The prince told the priest to go to the king with his dirty clothes and to trust that the prince would take care of everything. The priest was confused as to how his clothes would get cleaned, but he did as the prince instructed. When the priest came before the king with muddy clothes, an evil magician and others shouted at the priest. At this time, the prince walked into the room and presented the priest with the prince's beautiful clothes. The priest put on the new clothes, and the prince put on the priest's dirty clothes. The priest was now allowed to stand before the king. He would go on to deliver his best sermon and would continue preaching about the prince and wearing the prince's clothes. The story concludes with the grandfather explaining how Christ washes our dirty hearts and creates clean ones - how Christ took our sin and gave us His righteousness.

It has been a blessing to have read a couple of Dr. Sproul's modern classics, Chosen by God and The Holiness of God. These books helped me to better understand predestination and God's holy nature significantly. In The Priest with Dirty Clothes, Dr. Sproul helps children (and adults) better understand another all-important topic, the imputation of Christ's righteousness. Although imputation is a weighty topic, The Priest with Dirty Clothes is not told in a manner that is above the heads of lower or upper elementary students. The plot is easy to follow, the words are age-appropriate, and the pictures are colorful and fun. The book has all of the elements needed to keep the attention of today's millennials. I have read many books to my girls over the years, and you are not going to find too many children's books that are as captivating while explaining themes of such crucial importance. My daughters and I heartily give Dr. Sproul's book, The Priest with Dirty Clothes, our Wickersham stamp of approval.

Although I will receive a free copy of this Reformation Trust publishing title as compensation for this review, a positive book review is not required.

Thanksgiving Messages 2011

This is a post from last year that I noticed was getting hits recently. A reposting is in order, but four new links have been added. Happy Thanksgiving.

Abraham Lincoln Offers Thanksgiving to God by Randy Alcorn (Eternal Perspective Ministries)

What are Your Thoughts on Celebrating God during the Thanksgiving Holiday? by John MacArthur (Grace to You)

Thanksgiving: Echoing the Grace of God by David Mathis (desiringGod)

Why Thanksgiving Matters by Albert Mohler (Southern Seminary)

Happy Thanksgiving! by Ray Ortlund (Christ is Deeper Still)

Thanksgiving to the Glory of God by Jonathan Parnell (desiringGod)

A Prayer for Giving Thanks - HUGE Thanks by Scotty Smith (Heavenward)

Thanksgiving by R.C. Sproul (Ligonier Ministries)

My daughter Grace was very proud of the invitation she designed. Megan and I were able to attend a 
performance at the ECC where Grace was a pilgrim and sang a song with her classmates. We then got our grub on eatin' a mix of American, Korean, and Chinese food. 

Reviewing R.C. Sproul's The Holiness of God

R.C. Sproul, the founder of Ligonier Ministries, says that The Holiness of God is what he recommends first when people ask him what Ligonier book they should use to help them grow. Jerry Bridges, author of The Pursuit of Holiness, says, "Every Christian who is serious about his or her growth needs to read The Holiness of God." I say that I should have read (or listened to the nine-hour audiobook) The Holiness of God years ago. This 240-page work was first published by Tyndale House in 1985 and is considered a modern classic on the subject of God's holy character. You will find KJV, NKJV, NASB, and NIV Bible verses throughout the 11 chapters. Some of the chapter titles include The Holy Grail, The Insanity of Luther, God in the Hands of Angry Sinners, War and Peace with a Holy God, and Holy Justice. In these 11 chapters, Sproul gives us the proper perspective on God's awesome holiness. He reminds us that God is to be feared and revered and not treated simply as our buddy. Each chapter begins with a quote, and a few questions are provided at the end of each chapter. If you read Sproul's foundational piece, hopefully, you will develop a stronger hunger to be holy like God. 

Recent Good Book Reading & Preaching Articles

Book Buyers & Book Readers by Tim Challies - Don't hunger for books.

Tiny Church Finds Original King James Bible by Richard Allen Greene - A little English village church discovers it has an original edition of the most important book ever printed in English.

6 Month Bible Reading Plan for Kids by David Murray - Weekly morning and evening Bible reading plans are found in one document.

Books that Help Us Become Better Readers of the Bible by Kathleen Nielson - Books that help explore the Bible's amazing union of literary beauty and gospel truth.

Transform Your Bible Reading by Dane Ortlund - How do you read your Bible?

Six Keys to Poor Preaching by Darryl Dash - This I want to avoid.

The Legacy of R.C. Sproul and John Piper by Justin Taylor - Read about two men who have taught me much about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Reviewing R.C. Sproul's Chosen By God

Back in 2000, I started worshipping at Christ Covenant Church, a small Southern Baptist Church in Zionsville, Indiana. It was here that I was introduced to Dr. Sproul's Chosen By God. I was a new believer when I first read Sproul's examination of predestination, and I felt a second read was in order.

Chosen by God is over 210 pages long and is divided into nine chapters. Topics covered include the sovereignty of God, free will, regeneration, hyper-Calvinism, eternal security, the unpardonable sin, limited atonement, evangelism, and more. If these terms are unfamiliar to you, I highly recommend reading Dr. Sproul's book. If you are familiar with the terms but struggle to comprehend that God chooses who goes to Heaven and who does not, I recommend this book. Chosen by God contains easy-to-read charts and lists, many pages of Scripture, and simple summaries at the end of the chapters. My second reading of Dr. Sproul's book was beneficial and enjoyable, and I will be sure to recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in learning about God's perfect plan.

What Books Have Influenced You?

Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan, recently had a drawing where readers of his blog could mention a book that has been influential in their lives. The post is entitled, The Most Influential Books For Reformed Evangelicals. I found it to be an interesting list. I have completed three of the top five books, and I have read books from all of the authors but three. Most of the books have not been around for a long time and are well-known in young evangelical circles.

Of the books mentioned, I would say R.C. Sproul's Chosen by God has been the most influential in my life. Shortly after I became a real believer over ten years ago, I was part of a small group that examined predestination using the Bible and Sproul's book, Chosen by God. Little did I know how instrumental that study would be in helping me begin to understand God and His perfect plan. I recently picked up Chosen by God again, and I now have a much better understanding of the Christian doctrine of predestination. I by no means have it all figured out, but I know God's plan of redemption brings Him great honor, praise, and glory forever.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

It's Not About Santa

Six Ways Satan Is Stealing Christmas  by John MacArthur

Schulz Wanted Bible in Charlie Brown Christmas by Mark Moring

Christmas Is for Those Who Hate It Most by Matt B. Redmond

Why is X Used when it Replaces Christ in Christmas? by R.C. Sproul

Ten Questions to Ask at a Christmas Gathering  by Donald S. Whitney

Thanksgiving Messages 2010

Abraham Lincoln Offers Thanksgiving to God by Randy Alcorn

What are your thoughts on celebrating God during the Thanksgiving holiday? by John MacArthur

Why Thanksgiving Matters by Albert Mohler

Thanksgiving  by R.C. Sproul