13 Letters Curriculum

ReachLife Ministries has put together an excellent survey of the Pauline epistles geared toward urban youth. Complete with DVD lessons for each epistle, I highly recommend 13 Letters for anyone looking to present biblical truths in an authentic way to people in hip-hop culture. I used this at my college this past spring and it was really effective. Here's a pic for my small group. Check out Trailblazin Ministries' excellent, in-depth review of the 13 Letters Curriculum here and pick up the Curriculum.

Mark and Demas

Great post at the DG blog on the lives of Mark and Demas, one encouraging, the other cautionary.

Summer Book Report - "In My Place Condemned He Stood"

Synopsis: In My Place Condemned He Stood compiles vintage J.I. Packer essays on penal substitutionary atonement and the Cross of Christ that alone make this book worth purchasing. Add in an essay by Mark Dever and the extensive annotated bibliography by Ligon Duncan and you have a must own volume for anyone looking to better understand and take joy in the Cross.

Key Quotes: Too many to list. Buy this book.

Recommendation: This is a must read for anyone seeking to dig deep into the Cross of Christ. The theological muscles you will exert reading Packer will thank you afterward as you enjoy discovering more truths of God's grace on the cross. I think this a must read for any theology buffs and the lay person who wouldn't peg themselves as 'theological' but they yearn to better understand the Cross of Christ. Just sublime.

Previous Book Report: CJ Mahaney - Living the Cross Centered Life

Calvin on Repentance

Jonathan Dodson looks at Calvin's view of legalistic repentance vs. evangelical (or gospel centered) repentance:

Legal (legalistic) Repentance

“Legal repentance; or that by which the sinner, stung with a sense of his sin, and overwhelmed with fear of the divine anger, remains in that state of perturbation, unable to escape from it.”

Evangelical (Gospel-centered) Repentance

“The other they term Evangelical repentance; or that by which the sinner, though grievously downcast in himself, yet looks up and sees in Christ the cure of his wound, the solace of his terror; the haven of rest from his misery.”

Read the rest at Dodson's (awesome) blog.

Summer Book Report - "Living the Cross Centered Life"

I've been fortunate enough to have a fair amount of free time this summer, which I spent a lot of getting to know people in my 'hood and reading. Seeing how, for us college folk, summer is now coming to a close, I'll be recapping what I've read book report style for the zero of you who read this blog.

First up: CJ Mahaney's Living the Cross Centered Life.



Synopsis: Living the Cross Centered Life, as the title suggests, is all about stirring up your affections for Jesus Christ by a successive, chapter by chapter journey to the Cross. Mahaney shares personal stories and unpacks scripture in a very accessible and moving way yet it's more the content of the Cross rather than the author that drives this book. With each chapter, you'll be brought face to face with the deep truths of the gospel, ultimately bringing you into deep awe, worship, and devotion toward Jesus.

Key Quotes: "Reminding ourselves of the gospel is the most important daily habit we can establish. If the gospel is the most vital news in the world, and if salvation by grace is the defining truth of our existence, we should create ways to immerse ourselves in these truths every day. No days off allowed." pg 132

"If there's anything in life we should be passionate about, it's the gospel. And I don't mean only sharing it with others; I mean passionate in thinking about the gospel, reflecting upon it, rejoicing in it, allowing it to color the way we at the world and all of life." pg 15

Recommendation: This is a must read. Living the Cross Centered Life is a great devotional book; short yet weighty, readable yet deep, this book will bring you to a deeper understanding of the gospel and how to take joy in the gospel daily.

Knine - Robots Have Feelings Too (FREE Release)

The Dog is back with a fresh mixtape. Reviewed @ TCM with a 5/5 score plus it's free, which means you have no excuse not to check it out. Happy Monday!

The Greatest Story Ever Told

shai linne // The Greatest Story Ever Told from The Lamp Lounge on Vimeo.