Coram Deo ~

Looking at contemporary culture from a Christian worldview

THIS & THAT: A Gathering of Favorite Articles and Quotes

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  • Giving Thanks for Harry Reeder (1948 – 2023). Kevin DeYoung writes a tribute to Harry Reeder, who died on May 18. Albert Mohler adds “Every age needs heroes and heroines, models, and mentors. The Church needs examples of faithful ministry and the encouragement of tested ministry. Christ’s flock must be fed the meat of God’s Word and tended by faithful pastoral shepherds. Dr. Harry Reeder was such an example, a quintessential encourager, and a true pastor.”
  • Tim Keller died on May 19 after battling pancreatic cancer for three years. Here is a tribute from Don Carson. Here is one from Michael Kruger, from Kevin DeYoung and another from Collin Hansen.

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  • More interesting article links
  • Favorite Quotes of the Week

  • What Does It Mean to Live a Life Worthy of the Gospel? Sinclair Ferguson writes “The basic idea is that a life that is worthy of the gospel of Christ expresses in the form of a lifestyle what the gospel teaches in the form of a message. Such a life takes on a character that reflects the character of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
  • Joining the Real Party in Heaven. Randy Alcorn writes “One by one, occasionally a few of us at a time, we’ll disappear from this world. Those we leave behind will grieve that their loved ones have left home. In reality, however, their believing loved ones aren’t leaving home, they’re going They’ll be home before us. We’ll be arriving at the party a little later.”
  • How God Uses Friction to Shape Us. Sinclair Ferguson writes “In his resurrection, our sin bearer, the Lord Jesus, was declared to be “righteous” in God’s sight. When we are united to Christ, God declares us to be righteous in his sight too. And because our justification is actually Christ’s justification for us, we can rejoice in the hope of glory.”

  • Were the Apostles Converted Before the Holy Spirit Came at Pentecost? From one of Ligonier’s live events, Sinclair Ferguson and Derek Thomas discuss the work of the Spirit prior to Acts 2.
  • Caring for Families with Cross-Dressing Children. On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to the question We have a young couple in our local church congregation that lets their small son wear dresses. They seem to let him choose most of what he wants to do. We, of course, see a lot of danger in this parenting method. They were asked to leave a previous church over this issue. What would be your approach to helping these parents with Scripture on this issue?”
  • What is Hyper-Calvinism, and How Does it Relate to Reformed Theology? From one of the live Ask Ligonier events, Stephen Nichols assesses whether this understanding of God’s decree aligns with Scripture and Reformed theology.
  • Nicotine, Amphetamines, and Holy Concentration. On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to a question which reads in part “Many years ago, when I chewed smokeless tobacco, I discovered that my concentration for reading was improved. Apparently, the nicotine did something to my mind and body to increase my focus. Today I am considering taking up pipe smoking, something like C.S. Lewis did. I would continue this only if it improved my concentration. Pastor John, would you address the use of nicotine for the purpose of improved concentration?”
  • Since Jesus Defeated Sin, Death, and the Devil, why are We Still Battling These Enemies? Since Jesus has defeated sin, death, and the devil, why do Christians continue to face these enemies today? From one of the live Ask Ligonier events, Sinclair Ferguson reflects on life between the ascension and return of Christ.

  • Ligonier Kingsburg Conference. You can now watch all the messages from the recent Ligonier Conference “Grace Upon Grace,” which was held in Kingsburg, California.
  • Life and Ministry with Sinclair Ferguson. On this episode of the Life and Books and Everything podcast, Kevin DeYoung has a wide-ranging conversation with Sinclair Ferguson about Scotland, America, books, preaching, Shetland ponies, Groundskeeper Willie, and the Queen.
  • 50 Quotes from Tim Keller (1950–2023). Matt Smethurst shares these quotes from the ministry of Tim Keller.

  • Grace doesn’t free us to sin, it frees us to obey, and when we sin it frees us to repent as we rest in the perfect obedience of Christ. Burk Parsons
  • A holy God is both just and merciful. He is never unjust. R.C. Sproul
  • All death can now do to Christians is to make their lives infinitely better. Tim Keller
  • God’s purpose for His people in every age is that we will depend upon Him entirely. Alistair Begg
  • It may be all dark now, but it will soon be light; it may be all trial now, but it will soon be all happiness. What does it matter if “weeping may tarry for the night” when “joy comes with the morning”? Charles Spurgeon
  • Where is your confidence for today, for tomorrow, and forever? What do you look to to get you through difficult days? Let it be the loving, just, righteous Lord of all, and know that as you trust Him, He delights in you. Alistair Begg
  • God is not worshipped where He is not treasured and enjoyed. John Piper
  • We have permission to approach His throne at all times—in midnight’s darkest hour or in noontide’s most burning heat. Exercise your right, believer, and enjoy this privilege. Charles Spurgeon
  • From start to finish, salvation is entirely the work of God. Steven Lawson

Author: Bill Pence

I’m Bill Pence – married to my best friend Tammy, a graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis Cardinals and Illinois State University Men’s Basketball fan, formerly a manager at a Fortune 50 organization, and in leadership at my local church for thirty years. I am a life-long learner and have a passion to help people develop, and to use their strengths to their fullest potential. I am an INTJ on Myers-Briggs, 3 on the Enneagram, my top five Strengthsfinder themes are: Belief, Responsibility, Learner, Harmony, and Achiever, and my two StandOut strength roles are Creator and Equalizer. My favorite book is the Bible, with Romans my favorite book of the Bible, and Colossians 3:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 being my favorite verses and Romans 8 my favorite chapter of the Bible. Some of my other favorite books are The Holiness of God and Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul, and Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. I enjoy music in a variety of genres, including modern hymns and classic rock. My books Called to Lead: Living and Leading for Jesus in the Workplace, A Leader Worth Following: 40 Key Leadership Attributes and Applications to Master, and Tammy’s book Study, Savor and Share Scripture: Becoming What We Behold are available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. Go to amazon.com/author/billpence or amazon.com/author/tammypence

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