Coram Deo ~

Looking at contemporary culture from a Christian worldview

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Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. Psalm 63:3

~ UPDATED PAGES ON THE BLOG ~

Music Review: Never Land – Andy Mineo
Movie Review: The Monuments Men
Book Reviews:
• Five Points: Towards a Deeper Experience of God’s Grace by John Piper
• Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt
• Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
• The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey

~ THIS AND THAT ~

• On January 24, Dr. R.C. Sproul took part in a live question and answer session. You can watch that session below: http://www.ligonier.org/learn/conferences/ligonier_webcast_archive/ask-rc-jan-2014.

• The relationship between justification and sanctification—between being pronounced righteous in a moment and being made righteous over a lifetime—is delicate, complex, and altogether crucial to grasp. Watch this 10-minute video to hear three pastors and Gospel Coalition Council members discuss overcorrection, contextualizing warnings, and more: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2014/01/21/justification-and-sanctification-whats-the-problem/

• Jeremiah 29:11 is a precious verse to many: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” So how can Gentile John Piper, or any of us, lay claim to this hopeful promise made to Israel, God’s covenant people? Pastor John explains in this 3-minute video.

• Eric Metaxas’ excellent book on Dietrich Bonhoeffer Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy is on sale in the Kindle edition for a short time for just $2.99. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003GY0K48?tag=thethreshold-20

• Check out this review from Tim Challies of the new book The Gospel at Work by Greg Gilbert and Sebastian Traeger. It sounds like a book that I would like to read. Read Tim’s review here: http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/the-gospel-at-work#keep-reading

• And speaking of Tim Challies, check out his infographic on John Piper: http://www.challies.com/resources/john-piper-the-infographic

• The faith based film God’s Not Dead will be playing at the Carmike Grand Prairie 18 in Peoria beginning March 21. Here’s a link to the film’s website: http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com/

• The MovieGuide.org Grace Awards honor performances that uplift the human spirit and inspire people to strengthen their relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Read the Grace Awards nominations here: http://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/inspiring-performances.html

• At what point do we consider a film irredeemable, or at least unwatchable? At what point do we say it is wrong to participate in certain forms of entertainment? Read this article from the Gospel Coalition blog: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2014/01/06/evangelicals-and-hollywood-muck/

• Michael W. Smith returns with his first new music in some time. His new “You Won’t Let Go” became available on iTunes on February 4. As of February 5, the single was #2 on the Christian charts. A new album is due in May.

• Congratulations to Andy Mineo for his new EP Never Land charting at #1 n iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap charts. His single, “You Can’t Stop Me”, is currently #27 on the Hip-Hop/Rap singles chart, one of the few songs listed without an “Explicit” warning. Well done Andy!

• U2’s excellent new song “Invisible” was available as a free download on iTunes for 36 hours Super Bowl Sunday and the following day, with the goal of contributing $2M to help fight AIDS. As of this writing the figure has reached over $3M and rising. The song is now available on iTunes for purchase with all proceeds from every download going to (RED) for the Global Fund. Read more here and watch the video for the song here: http://www.u2.com/news/title/invisible-the-video?utm_source=WhatCounts+Publicaster+Edition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EMLU2COS_20140211_subs_invisible_video_premier&utm_content=Here+it+is…&AID=1613

• Speaking of U2, they and Will Smith will be Jimmy Fallon’s first guests as he takes over The Tonight Show on January 17. Read more about Fallon’s  first week here: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-02-10/entertainment/chi-tonight-show-jimmy-fallon-first-week-lineup-20140210_1_week-lineup-jimmy-fallon-fallon-takeover

• James Taylor will be touring the U.S. and has announced a date at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, an outdoor venue in St. Louis, on June 24.

• The Red Hot Chili Peppers joined Bruno Mars for the Super Bowl halftime show. However, despite their vocals being live, the band’s music was pre-recorded. Read more by clicking here.

• Did you see the Seinfeld commercial that aired during the Super Bowl? If not, check it out here.

• Excited about the Winter Olympics? Check out this article from Christianity Today on Christian athletes to watch in the games:http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/february-web-only/christian-olympians-sochi-olympics.html

• Is Paper Dead? Check out this short (39 seconds) video: http://www.youtube.com/embed/V_gOZDWQj3Q?rel=0


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Movies and Musics and More, Oh My!

~ UPDATED PAGES ON THE BLOG ~

Book Review:   The Kid: The Immortal Life of Ted Williams by Ben Bradlee, Jr.   Audiobook read by Dave Mallow

Movie Reviews:

  • Ride Along, rated PG-13
  • Last Vegas, rated PG-13
  • Labor Day, rated PG-13
  • Fading West, not rated

 Leadership Book Club – WEEK SIX:  

As we complete our review of John Maxwell’s classic book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership we look at The Law of Legacy: A Leader’s Lasting Value is Measured by Succession

~ THIS AND THAT ~

  •        Here are the top Super Bowl ads, led by “Puppy Love” from Budweiser: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/02/02/ad-meter-winner-story/5087939/
  •        Illinois State University Men’s Basketball Coach Dan Muller will be the featured speaker at the annual Laymen’s Lenten Breakfast to be held at Second Presbyterian Church on April 2. This is an event that my Dad, brother and I have enjoyed over the years. Read more here: http://www.ibfoundation.org/#!__mens-lenten-breakfast         
  •        During February Ligonier Ministries will be giving away R.C. Sproul’s book The Prayer of the Lord. Read hear about the book and how to download it: http://www.ligonier.org/blog/prayer-lord-free-ebook/\
  •       I thought this article by Peter Jones entitled “Your Grammy’s Church” was thought-provoking: http://truthxchange.com/articles/2014/01/28/your-grammys-church/
  •        And speaking of the Grammy’s, check out rapper and author Trip Lee’s “5 Questions for Beyonce” here: http://builttobrag.com/5-questions-for-beyonce/  
  •         The film version of the excellent book Unbroken, written by Laura Hillenbrand, will be released Christmas Day. The film will be directed by Angelina Jolie and the screenplay will be done by Ethan and Joel Coen. Unbroken tells the incredible life story of Louis Zamperini. Jack O’Connell will star as Zamperini in the film.
  •         When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert is the free audiobook of the month from Christianaudio.com. The central point of the book is to provide proven strategies that challenge Christians to help the poor empower themselves. David Platt, author of Radical, states: “Simply put, I have never read a better book on practically serving the poor, and I pray that God will use this new edition to equip his people to accomplish His purposes in a world or urgent spiritual and physical need for the glory of His great name.” To download your copy of the book, go to http://christianaudio.com/free/?utm_source=HomePage&utm_medium=InternalBanner&utm_campaign=CAFreeBook
  •             Congratulations to Casting Crowns, whose new album Thrive, debuted at #2 on the iTunes charts January 28. Jamie Grace’s new released Ready to Fly debuted at #14.
  •             Check out this short article from Desiring God titled “Three Reasons to Get Some Sleep”: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/three-reasons-to-get-some-sleep
  •            Ligonier Ministries has released a new teaching series from Derek Thomas The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Guided Tour. Here’s a description:

The Pilgrim's ProgressThe Pilgrim’s Progress, written by John Bunyan over 300 years ago, is one of the most widely-circulated books ever to be published in the English language. In spite of its popularity in the past, many people today are not familiar with this masterpiece. Join Dr. Derek Thomas as he leads a guided tour of this allegorical work, showing that Christians have as much to gain from this book today as they did hundreds of years ago.

To order, go to http://www.ligonier.org/store/pilgrims-progress-guided-tour-dvd/

It’s like the room just cleared of smoke
I didn’t even want the heart you broke
It’s yours to keep
You just might need one

I finally found my real name
I won’t be me when you see me again
No, I won’t be my father’s son

I’m more than you know
I’m more than you see here
More than you let me be
I’m more than you know
A body in a soul
You don’t see me but you will
I am not invisible

That’s right
I’ll be in the invisible world

I don’t dream, not as such
I don’t even think about you that much
Unless I start to think at all

All those frozen days
And your frozen ways
They melt away your face like snow

I’m more than you know
I’m more than you see here
I’m more than you let me be
I’m more than you know
A body in a soul
You don’t see me but you will
I am not invisible
I am here

There is no them
There is no them
There’s only us
There’s only us
There is no them
There is no them
There’s only us
There’s only us
There is no them
There is no them
There’s only you
And there’s only me
There is no them

Romans for You

  • Tim Keller’s new book on Romans is his third in the series from The Good Book Company, with Galatians and Judges preceding this volume.  The new book covers chapters 1-7 of Romans and will be released February 4.

Paul Mc Picture

  • Surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunited at the Grammy Awards on McCartney’s new song “Queenie Eye”. In addition, McCartney won four Grammy Awards for:
  • ‘Best Rock Song’ for ‘Cut Me Some Slack’ which he co-wrote with Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear.
  • ‘Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package’ for last year’s Wings over America re-issue.
  • ‘Best Surround Sound Album’ for Live Kisses.
  • ‘Best Music Film’ for Live Kisses.

Paul was also honored in an award recognizing The Beatles’ contribution to popular music brings his GRAMMY tally up to five awards, his biggest win ever at the ceremony!

 Quotable:

You are always on duty in the Christian life, you can never relax. There is no such thing as a holiday in the spiritual realm.  -Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Sin is what you do when your heart is not satisfied with God.   -John Piper


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Brrrrrrr !!!

Early Bird Pricing for Michael Card’s Matthew: The Gospel of Identity Conference and Concert ends FEBRUARY 25!
MC_BI_Poster_NormalIL-page-001
Click below for a larger version:
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Just a reminder that early bird pricing for Michael Card’s April 25-26 conference on the gospel of Matthew at Christ Church and his April 27 concert at East White Oak Bible Church ends February 25.

You can purchase conference tickets (which includes the concert) at: http://store.michaelcard.com/conference.aspx

You can purchase concert only tickets at:http://store.michaelcard.com/concerttickets.aspx

Conference (includes the concert) tickets are now $48; after February 25, $58. Tickets for the concert only are now $13; after February 25, $18.

Please write me at bntpence@msn.com if you have any questions about these events.

Matthew - St. Andrews CommentaryRecommended Resource

To prepare for Michael Card’s conference on the gospel of Matthew, I’m reading R.C. Sproul’s St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary on Matthew. This book contains the written version of 128 sermons on Matthew that Sproul delivered at his home church of St. Andrews in Sanford, Florida, where he has been pastor since 1997. This volume is part of a series of books containing Sproul’s sermons from Saint Andrews. The sermons are very easy to read and can be used for devotional reading.

~ UPDATED PAGES ON THE BLOG ~

Concert Review of Fernando Ortega at First Baptist Church in Pekin

Movie Review of August: Osage County

The Leadership Library ~ The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Andy Stanley

Leadership Book Club

WEEK FIVE 

As we continue working through John Maxwell’s classic book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, this week we’ll look at the following two laws:

  • The Law of Timing: When to Lead Is As Important at What to Do and Where to Go
  • The Law of Explosive Growth: To Add Growth, Lead Followers – To Multiply, Lead Leaders

 

~ THIS AND THAT ~

Read about Joni’s reaction to the Oscar nomination here: http://www.worldmag.com/2014/01/joni_eareckson_tada_oscar_nod_is_incredible

  • MovieGuide.org writes “When Calls The Heart is a beautiful, exciting TV series about a wealthy young woman who comes to teach in an isolated coal-mining town in 1910 Canada. The first episode, “Lost and Found,” is absolutely beautiful and very entertaining, with a strong Christian, moral worldview and no objectionable content. Read more here: http://www.movieguide.org/reviews/when-calls-the-heart-lost-and-found.html
  • In Christian movie news from Men of A.I.M. – http://www.menofaim.org/movies/
    • Gimme Shelter opened 1/24 at Carmike Grand Prairie 18.  Incredible pro-life film that also addresses the pain these decisions can cause in men looking back on these decisions, but the focal point is on a Christian shelter for pregnant teenagers providing a family to one another.  Read this article from World magazine about the film: http://www.worldmag.com/2014/01/another_juno
    • Ragamuffin: The True Rich Mullins Story:  Recently added a SECOND showing in the Peoria region.  Now playing February 3 at Eureka College and February 23 at Riverside Community Church.  (click locations to purchase tickets)
    • A Kewanee actress is in a film The Current that plays one night only February 6 at Carmike Grand Prairie.  They have already sold out one theater so we got bumped to a larger room – 44 seats left!  Buy The Current Tix here.
    • Oscar Nominee:  The title song from Alone Yet Not Alone sung by Joni Eareckson Tada has been nominated for Best Original Song – much to the surprise and disappointment of many in the industry.  We hope to see this film open in Peoria June 13, but need several hundred tickets sold to do so.  It’s a film based on a true story from during the French & Indian War in 1755.  BUY tickets to Alone Yet Not Alone here
  • You may have seen or heard about Blackfish, the controversial documentary that is critical of Sea World. This has led several music artists, including Willie Nelson and the Beach Boys, to back out of commitments to perform at Sea World. Recently, the family of the trainer who was killed by a killer whale at Sea World distanced themselves from the documentary. Read more here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-sea-world-blackfish-statment-20140121,0,6739959.story
  • The 56th Grammy Awards were presented on January 26. Congratulations to Mandisa who won Best Contemporary Christian Album for Overcomer, as well as the Best Contemporary Christian Music Song for “Overcomer”.  See all the winners here: http://www.grammy.com/nominees
  • “Invisible”, a new song from U2, will be available for a free download on February 2, Super Bowl Sunday. Read more here: http://www.u2.com/news/title/invisible-free-for-red


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Lots of Good Things to Read Today

Let’s talk about work and leadership for a minute….

Leadership Philosophies ~ What should be your approach to work? Read John Piper’s Lord-Focused Living at Work

Trust worksWant to build trust in your relationships?  Read the Book Review in the Leadership Library of Trust Works! Four Keys to Building Lasting Relationships by Ken Blanchard, Cynthia Olmstead and Martha Lawrence.

Leadership Book Club
WEEK FOUR
As we continue working through John Maxwell’s classic book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, this week we’ll look at the following two laws:
• The Law of Priorities
• The Law of Sacrifice

OK, enough of the work stuff, let’s talk books, movies, music, etc.!

Still Foolin Em'Book Reviews ~ If you need a good laugh, listen to Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys? by Billy Crystal, who also reads the audiobook. Just so you know, Billy likes to use some ‘blue’ language.

Jack RyanMovie Review ~ Go see Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, rated PG-13, for some fun action-adventure.

This and That
• Respected evangelist/theologian Ravi Zacharias spoke to 3,500 at the Latter Day Saints Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on January 18. He was accompanied by music artist Fernando Ortega. Read this article to hear what he spoke about: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/57411867-80/zacharias-tabernacle-believe-god.html.csp

• The Passion 2014 Atlanta Conference was held in Atlanta January 17-18, with over 20,000 university students attending the two-day event from around the world. Students from over 1,200 universities and 33 countries attended this year’s Passion conference in Atlanta. Joining Passion founders Louie and Shelley Giglio in Atlanta was John Piper, Christine Caine, and Francis Chan. Grammy award winning artists and worship leaders Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, led worship, along with David Crowder, Kristian Stanfill, Christy Nockels and Hillsong United. The live album should be released in early March. Read more here: http://www.christianpost.com/news/over-20000-students-attend-passion-2014-conference-in-atlanta-112930/

• John Piper recently spoke for the eighteenth time at the Passion conference. Desiring God has collected four of Piper’s pivotal messages from the Passion conferences, including “Boasting Only in the Cross” and three others — into a new free ebook. Read about how to download at An All-Consuming Passion for Jesus: Appeals to the Rising Generation.

• I enjoyed this article titled “100,000 Hours: Eight Aims for Your Work by Marshall Segall posted on the Desiring God site. Read it here: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/100-000-hours-eight-aims-for-your-career

• The eChristian.com Store recently announced that it was closing. Read more here: http://echristian.com/store-closing?utm_source=HomePage&utm_medium=InternalBanner&utm_content=&utm_campaign=StoreClosing

• My favorite blogger is Tim Challies. He also posts interesting articles and the best Kindle deals of the day. Sign up for his blog at www.challies.com.

• Dr. Steven Lawson, a Ligonier Teaching Fellow, was recently interviewed and asked to give an impromptu gospel presentation. Check it out here: http://www.ligonier.org/blog/steven-lawson-impromptu-gospel-presentation/

• The latest addition to WORLD News Group’s Saturday lineup is Listening In, an exciting new radio program hosted by Warren Cole Smith and featuring newsmakers and thought leaders. “It is unlike anything on Christian radio,” Smith said. “It’s more like NPR’s Fresh Air or public television’s Charlie Rose, but without those programs’ liberal bias.” Warren’s first guest is Molly Worthen, author of Apostles of Reason, a history of American evangelicalism just published by Oxford University Press. Listen to streaming audio of the debut airing of Listening In.

• Eric Metaxas recently announced that the video of his interview of Malcolm Gladwell at Socrates in the City is now up for viewing. Check it out here: http://vimeo.com/83371650

• The ESV bible (some of us would call it the Extra Special Version); recently sold its one millionth copy. Read the article here: http://www.crossway.org/press-room/2014/01/one-million-copies-of-the-esv-study-bible/?utm_source=ESV+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d3a4927ea8-

• Dan Brown’s Inferno was the top selling book of 2013. Check out more at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2014/01/15/usa-today-best-selling-books-of-2013/4451561/

• The Academy Awards nominations were announced on January 16. Read the article below to see who was nominated and who was snubbed: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/01/16/oscar-nominations-2014/4505577/

• As awards season continues, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards presentation was held on January 18. Read about the winners here: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/01/18/sag-awards-2014-the-winners/4638499/

• Actor Kirk Cameron recently announced his new movie, Mercy Rule. It’s his first non-documentary movie since 2008’s Fireproof and will also star comedian Tim Hawkins. The film is about family, faith and baseball. Sounds like a winner to me. Read more here: http://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/kirk-camerons-secret-movie.html?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Movieguide%C2%AE%20Newsletter&utm_content

Lemonade• Longtime favorite, the very talented Charlie Peacock, recently released a piano improvisations album, Lemonade. It debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz chart. Congratulations Charlie!

• Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will be among the performers at the Grammy Awards on January 26. Read more here: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/paul-mccartney-ringo-starr-perform-grammy-awards-article-1.1579220

• The Eagles re-opened the renovated “Fabulous Forum” in Los Angeles January 15. Wish you were there? http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5876510/the-eagles-reopen-the-forum-in-la-with-a-nostalgic-night-of-hits?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=daily_digest&utm_campaign=Daily%20Digest

• Some U2 news to report:
• There’s been some buzz about a new song called ‘Invisible’, a track the band will be releasing as part of an initiative with RED, to support the fight against AIDS. The band has been shooting the video for the song in L.A.
• At the 71st Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, the band took home the award for ‘Best Original Song’ for ‘Ordinary Love’. All four band members accepted the award, for the song they wrote for Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
• Speaking of “Ordinary Love”, the band recently released a new video for the song. You can view it here: http://www.u2.com/news/title/ordinary-love-new-video

• Here’s a lighthearted look at some popular Bible translations compliments of http://adam4d.com/translations/
2014-01-10-translations1


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January 15, 2014

Adjustments to 2013 Favorites List
I had previously listed The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug as an honorable mention (runner-up) film, along with Fruitvale Station to Captain Phillips for my top film of 2013. We had seen The Hobbit on IMAX 3-D, but unfortunately I was tired from studying for my final exam and slept through what now appears to have been about half of the film. We saw it a second time on New Year’s Day and I was just blown away. So I have to amend my top movie listing to show The Hobbit as number one.
I also inadvertently left off two other items. First, “Ordinary Love” by U2 was left off of my best songs list. The song, their first new one in years, was included in the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, which is reviewed this week. And second, I left off the excellent Downton Abbey from my list of top television shows.

JOSEPHNew Book Review ~ Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors by Voddie Baucham Jr.

New Music RevFading Westiews ~ Fading West by Switchfoot and High Hopes by Bruce Springsteen High Hopes

New Movie Reviews ~ Nebraska and MandelaNebraskaMandela

Leadership Book Club ~ WEEK THREE

As we continue working through John Maxwell’s classic book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, this week we’ll look at the following two laws:
• The Law of Victory: Leaders Find a Way for the Team to Win
• The Law of the Big Mo: Momentum is a leader’s best friend

John Maxwell has his own page with lots of New Book Reviews – click here.

Official BIS Logo

Get your Tickets Now!! Michael Card’s Biblical Imagination Conference Returns to Christ Church in Normal in April.
Singer/songwriter, Bible teacher and author Michael Card will bring the Biblical Imagination Conference Matthew: The Gospel of Identity, to Christ Church (PCA) in Normal, Illinois April 25-26, 2014. The Sunday night concert will be held at East White Oak Bible Church, so that we can accommodate more people (as the 2012 concert filled our sanctuary).
You can purchase conference tickets (which includes the concert) at: http://store.michaelcard.com/conference.aspx
You can purchase concert only tickets at: http://store.michaelcard.com/concerttickets.aspx
Conference (includes the concert) tickets are now $48; after February 25, $58. Tickets for the concert only are now $13; after February 25, $18.
If you are coming from out of town, we are excited to offer special conference hotel rates at the Hilton DoubleTree hotel. Just mention the Biblical Imagination Conference and you will get a $79 rate on a standard room, which includes their breakfast buffet. Reservations need to be made by April 18 to receive this rate. (309-664-6446)
More information about the Biblical Imagination Conference can be found at the conference site at http://biblicalimagination.com/#/conferences/normal-il-425-27
Additional Biblical Imagination Conference and Michael Card resources can be found at: http://coramdeotheblog.com/biblical-imagination-conference-on-matthew/
We hope you can join us for the conference and/or concert. Please pass this information along to others you feel may have an interest. If you have any questions at all, please contact me at bntpence@msn.com or at (309) 452-5438.

This and That
• Join the Duck Commander family on January 15 at 9:00pm on A&E for the Season 5 premiere of Duck Dynasty. These two new episodes promise to be filled with lots of laughter, lots of fun, and more of the crazy stuff you have come to know and love from the Robertson’s. We will get to meet Rebecca Robertson as she makes her debut and then there is a surprise family member we’re going to meet. Could it be Mrs. Si? Who knows?

• Fernando Ortega has been invited to sing with guest speaker Ravi Zacharias at the Mormon Tabernacle. Tickets are sold out but you can watch the event live on the internet. The event is this Saturday, January 18th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. MST. You can watch it here.

• Next Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30pm, Dr. Sproul will be live online via video answering your theological questions. You will be able to submit questions to him in real-time or in advance by using #AskRC on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. Check out more at http://www.ligonier.org/blog/askrc-live-tuesday-january-21/

• Ligonier Ministries is offering the e-book version of R.C. Sproul’s commentary on the Gospel of John free during the month of January. Read this article for more information: http://www.ligonier.org/blog/rc-sprouls-commentary-john-free-ebook/

• Each month Christianaudio offers a free audio book download. This month they are offering the ESV Hear the Word Audio Bible, a great choice and the translation of the Bible that I have used since it was introduced in 2001. Download your free copy here.

• 12 Years as a Slave and American Hustle were big winners at the January 12 Golden Globe Awards. One of my favorite new television shows Brooklyn Nine-Nine also was a surprise winner. Read more here: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/01/12/list-winners-at-71st-annual-golden-globe-awards/

• In a recent interview with Marie Claire Magazine, pop star Katy Perry, a former contemporary Christian artist, announced that she no longer believes in Heaven or Hell nor professes to be a Christian. Read more here: http://christiannews.net/2013/12/29/former-ccm-singer-turned-secular-pop-star-katy-perry-i-dont-believe-in-heaven-or-hell/

• At least two more Christian publishers are investigating concerns of plagiarism regarding Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. Read this article from World Magazine here: http://www.worldmag.com/2014/01/more_publishers_investigate_driscoll

• John Piper writes “Since 2007, millions of people have read books and taken inventories designed to find our strengths. These are useful for positioning people in places of maximum effectiveness.” Read his article “Don’t Waste Your Weaknesses in 2014” here: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/don-t-waste-your-weaknesses-in-2014

• On January 1, Desiring God revealed their redesigned website. Check out the article announcing the upgrade here: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/18d8042386b79e2c279fd162df0205c8

• Check out this article from The New York Times about the current Calvinist revival: http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/01/04/us/a-calvinist-revival-for-evangelicals.html?_r=0

• Kevin DeYoung recently posted “10 Questions for the New Year”. Read that helpful article here: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2014/01/01/ten-questions-for-the-new-year/

• Ligonier Ministries recently compiled the best articles from their blog from 2013. Read the articles here: http://www.ligonier.org/blog/best-2013-ligonier-blog/

• John Piper was one of the speakers at the new Cross conference, a new Missions conference for students. The below article captures some of the best quotes from the conference, as well as a video of one of Piper’s messages “The Chief End of Missions: The Supremacy of God in the Joy of All Peoples”: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-best-quotes-from-cross

• Desiring God recently compiled their best videos of 2013. You can view them at this article: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/our-top-videos-of-2013

• Desiring God also revealed their top 13 posts of the year. You can read them here: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/our-top-13-posts-of-2013

• Collin Hansen recently compiled the Gospel Coalition’s Editor Choices for 2013. Check them out at this article: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2013/12/30/editors-choice-the-best-of-2013/

• Ed Stetzer recently published this article on the 10 best church signs of 2013. Check them out here.

• Tim Tebow has been hired by ESPN as an analyst on their new SEC Network. Read more here: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/blogs/college-gridiron-365/os-tim-tebow-espn-sec-network-20131230,0,1744921.post

• Needtobreathe will release Wasteland, their follow-up to 2011’s excellent The Reckoning, on April 15.

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Happy New Year!

Are you thinking about spending your hard earned dollar to go to the movies?  Check out these movie reviews first: http://coramdeotheblog.com/movie-and-dvd-reviews/

The Secret Life of Walter MittyThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty, rated PG

American Hustle, rated RAmerican Hustle

New Tim Keller Book Reviews ~ http://coramdeotheblog.com/book-reviews/tim-keller-book-reviews/
• Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering
• The Two Advocates (The Encounters with Jesus Series)
• The Obedient Master (The Encounters with Jesus Series)

This and That:
• Season 4 of Downton Abbey premieres on Sunday, January 5 on PBS: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/
• Blogger Tim Challies recently posted his top 10 articles for 2013. Read what they were here: http://www.challies.com/articles/my-top-articles-of-2013
• Desirae Ball plays basketball on the St. Louis University Women’s basketball team and Jake Barnett on the Men’s team. They are engaged to be married. Both are Christians, active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, go to church together and do Bible study together. Read this article about them: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/slu/love-and-basketball-barnett-and-ball-bond-at-slu/article_1f897415-7614-5154-b9ac-670315bf7bc6.html

~ 2013 Favorites~

Here are my favorites in a number of different categories. Note: the criteria for books is that they had to be reviewed in Coram Deo or Coram Deo the Blog during 2013, even though they may have been released prior to 2013.

Podcast
Top Pick: Andy Stanley Leadership podcast
Others:
• The Briefing with Albert Mohler
• Timothy Keller podcast
• And many more.

Television Program
Top Pick: Duck Dynasty
Others:
• Blacklist
• Castle
• Downton Abbey

Books
Top Picks (tie)
• Gospel Transformation Bible
• Walking with God through Pain and Suffering – Timothy Keller
Honorable Mention:
• One Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World – Tullian Tchividjian
• Name Above All Names – Alistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson
• Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship – John MacArthur
Others:
• David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants – Malcolm Gladwell
• Follow Me: A Call to Die. A Call to Live – David Platt.
• Center Church: Doing Balanced Gospel Centered Ministry in Your City – Timothy Keller
• Little Black Sheep: A Memoir – Ashley Cleveland
• Judges for You – Tim Keller
• Matthew: St. Andrews Expositional Commentary Series – R.C. Sproul
• C. S. Lewis – A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet – Alister McGrath
• Sensing Jesus: Life and Ministry as a Human Being – Zack Ewsine
• Killing Jesus: A History – Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
• Crazy Busy: A Mercifully Short Book About a (Really) Big Problem – Kevin DeYoung
• Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism – R.C. Sproul
• 7 Men: And Their Secret of Greatness – Eric Metaxas
• To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain – Matt Chandler with Jared C. Wilson.
• Matthew: The Gospel of Identity – Michael Card
• The Promises of God: Discovering the One Who Keeps His Word – R. C. Sproul.
• The Encounters with Jesus (10 e-books) – Tim Keller
• Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors: Reading an Old Story in a New Way – Voddie Baucham Jr.

Music
Top Pick: Church Clothes 2 – Lecrae
Honorable mention:
• Inland – Jars of Clay
• Burning Lights – Chris Tomlin
• Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song – Amos Lee
• Your Grace Finds Me – Matt Redman
• New – Paul McCartney
Others:
• Sing Like Never Before: The Essential Collection – Matt Redman
• Deep Roots – Steven Curtis Chapman
• The Glorious Unfolding – Steven Curtis Chapman
• Restart –Newsboys
• Let the Future Begin – Passion
• All This for a King: The Essential Collection – the David Crowder Band
• Live at the Artist’s Den – Amos Lee
• Precious Memories Volume II – Alan Jackson
• The Struggle – Tenth Avenue North
• Heroes for Sale – Andy Mineo
• Matthew: The Penultimate Question – Michael Card
• Wrote a Song for Everyone – John Fogerty
• Live at the Gospel Coalition – Keith and Kristyn Getty

Top Song
Top Pick: Jesus, Only Jesus – Matt Redman
Others:
• Believe – Lecrae
• Hairy Christmas – The Robertsons featuring Luke Bryan
• Ragin’ Cajun Reckneck Christmas – The Robertsons
• Awake My Soul – Chris Tomlin with Lecrae
• Reckless Forgiver – Jars of Clay
• Lift High the Name of Jesus – Keith and Kristyn Getty
• Go Find Out What This Means – Michael Card with Ashley Cleveland
• Chill in the Air – Amos Lee
• Mystic Highway – John Fogerty
• Your Grace Finds Me – Matt Redman
• Fall Asleep – Jars of Clay
• Ordinary Love – U2

Concerts
Top Pick: Paul McCartney in Indianapolis
Other:
• Miracle Tour, featuring Third Day, Josh Wilson and Colton Dixon at the UC Cellular Coliseum

Movies:
Best:
Top Pick: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Honorable Mention:
• Fruitvale Station
• Captain Phillips
Others:
• The Book Thief
• Saving Mr. Banks
• Philomena
• Thor: The Dark World
• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
• Gravity
• Despicable Me 2
• All is Lost
• Frozen
• Now You See Me
• Les Miserables
• Prisoners
• Zero Dark Thirty
• Quartet
• 42
• Life of Pi
• The Company You Keep
• The Great Gatsby
• Mud
• Star Trek: Into Darkness
• Iron Man 3
• Undefeated
• The Butler
Worst:
Top Pick: Promised Land
Dishonorable mention:
• A Madea Christmas
• Man of Steel
• Jobs

Best Actor:
• Christian Bale

Best Actress:
• Jennifer Lawrence

Sports Event
Top Pick: St. Louis Cardinals playing in the World Series for the 4th time in 10 years – priceless!

A New Year’s Benediction from Charles Spurgeon (“Spurgy”) ~

I wish, my brothers and sisters, that during this year you may live nearer to Christ than you have ever done before. Depend upon it, it is when we think much of Christ that we think little of ourselves, little of our troubles, and little of the doubts and fears that surround us.


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How about a Hibernation Day?

Yep – just stay in your PJ’s, turn on “Hibernation Day” by Jars of Clay, and read CoramDeoTheBlog!
cartoon

This and That

• Here’s a new song – “Good Shepherd of My Soul” – from Keith and Kristyn Getty, a Christmas gift to their fans. Take a listen: http://www.gettymusic.com/hymns-goodshepherd.aspx?

• Desiring God recently released the top 10 books of 2013 as voted by their readers. I’ve read six of the ten. See the below article for details:
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/top-10-books-of-the-year-chosen-by-you

• Ligonier Ministries recently announced the update of RefNet (Reformation Network – RefNet 2.0. Read about the enhancements in the below article: http://www.ligonier.org/blog/refnet-2-is-here/

• Kevin DeYoung, one of my favorite bloggers, has published his top books of 2013. Check them out here: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2013/12/17/top-ten-books-of-2013/

• Apple recently announced their top downloaded apps for 2013. Find out what they were in the below story:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/12/17/top-apple-downloads-of-the-year/4042057/
Son of God
• We saw a preview of a film entitled Son of God over the weekend. It will be released in theatres February 28. The film is based on Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s 10-hour miniseries The Bible. The film will feature selections of the miniseries as well as deleted scenes not featured during the telecast. The film’s official site is http://www.sonofgodmovie.com.

New Michael photo
• Michael Card and his team will be returning to Christ Church in Normal for the Biblical Imagination Conference on Matthew – April 25-26. Michael’s Sunday night, April 27 concert will be held at East White Oak Bible Church to accommodate more people, as the 2012 concert at Christ Church filled the building! Tickets are available in the store at http://www.michaelcard.com/ and from me. Just contact me at bntpence@msn.com or at (309) 452-5438. Tickets for the conference and concert are now $48; after February 25, $58. Tickets for the concert only are now $13; after February 27, $18

• Upcoming concerts that you may be interested in include:
The Winter Jam 2014 tour featuring the Newsboys, Lecrae and many others. The tour will stop at the State Farm Center in Champaign on January 25 and the Peoria Civic Center the next evening. The tour will also stop at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates March 29. All shows start at 6:00pm. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at the door.

~ Third Day and Skillet will be at the iWireless Center in Moline for a 7:00pm concert on March 9.

~ Scott Stapp, former lead singer of Creed, will be in concert at the House of Blues in Chicago March 26.

• Upcoming music releases you might be interested in include:
~ Switchfoot will release Fading West on January 14.
~ Bruce Springsteen will release High Hopes on January 14.
~ Casting Crowns will release Thrive on January 28.
~ Crowder (David Crowder) will release Neon Steeple on February 18.

Third Day
• Third Day went into the legendary Capitol Studios in Hollywood and spent the day recording their own iTunes Sessions album. This album consists of re-imagined acoustic versions of some of their biggest hits and favorite tracks – all recorded live in one day. They also put their own spin on a cover of Genesis’ “Land of Confusion.” This album is available only at iTunes.

Paul McCartney
• Paul McCartney’s latest album “New” was voted the fourth best album of the year by Rolling Stone magazine.
John Fogerty
Another one of my favorite artists – John Fogerty – came on at #10 with “Wrote a Song for Everyone”. Congrats to the old guys!

Phil-Osophy
• Yet another Duck Dynasty/Duck Commander book is scheduled for release (there are an incredible 8 such books in the top 100 Sports Kindle books as I write this), with two additional books scheduled for 2014 not charting here). Phil-Osophy: My C+ Perspective on Life by Phil Robertson is due to be published September 2.

• Interesting USA Today article – http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/12/19/duck-dynasty-bible-religion-palin-robertson-column/4124181/

Lujack
• On December 19, I woke to the news that Larry “Superjock” Lujack had died at age 73 of esophageal cancer. “Uncle Lar” was a big part of my life from the late 60’s into the 80’s during his time on WLS “The Big 89” and WCFL in Chicago. He was known for “Animal Stories”, “Police Beat”, “The Klunk Letter of the Day”, and “The Cheap Trashy Showbiz Report”. I remember being in my bedroom hearing him introduce “Lady Madonna” by the Beatles for the first time, mistakingly indicating that Ringo Starr was singing lead. I loved it when he really liked a song and played it again, with a big “Woooo! I read his 1975 autobiography Superjock: The loud, frantic, nonstop world of a rock radio DJ. In a word, Lujack was “cool”. Below is the story of his death from the Chicago Tribune: http://www.suntimes.com/24467978-761/legendary-superjock-larry-lujack-dies-at-73.html
And here’s a video clip of him being interviewed back around 1980: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXs9_QLNCmE

Continue reading →


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Monday, December 16, 2013

This and That

  • You want a good tear-jerker story that shows sacrificial love and will warm the cockles of your heart?  Click on this link http://www.wimp.com/footballplayers/.  CBS News reports on the touching story of the Olivet Eagles’ homecoming game. The entire team, without the knowledge of their coaches, plots to do something remarkable for a deserving member of their team.
  • Don’t forget to take advantage of ChristianAudio’s Twice Yearly sale of audiobook downloads, most of which are available for only $7.49. The sale ends December 20. Read more here: http://www.christianaudio.com/twice-yearly/?utm_source=HomePage&utm_medium=InternalBanner&utm_campaign=TY1213
  • Duck Dynasty fans get ready! The 5th season starts on January 15!  Fans may notice a few changes to the show, including some new cast members. One of these cast members will be Rebecca, the daughter of Willie and Korie Robertson. Rebecca has been away at school, but is now home and ready to be part of the show (and maybe cash in on the family’s 15 minutes of fame and fortune). Viewers can expect to see a few more new faces this season as well.
  • Christianity Today has published their 2014 Book Awards. Check them out in this article:  http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/january-february/2014-christianity-today-book-awards.html
  • Read this from MLJ Trust about a rare 1970 Television Interview of Dr. Lloyd-Jones by Dame Joan Bakewell. A link to the interview is also included.

We have some very exciting news about a project that we have been working on for many years now. After his retirement from Westminster Chapel in 1968, Dr. Lloyd-Jones was involved with three television programs, two of which we have had on our YouTube page (http://www.youtube.com/user/MLJTrust ) for nearly three years now (a documentary on George Whitefield and a biographical interview).

The third program, however, was an interview by television personality Joan Bakewell, and so the television company told us, quite fairly, that we would need her permission in addition to their permission, but we thought that we would probably be unlikely to obtain it, as she is still actively involved in making television programs. Well, I am pleased to say that I was wrong! We applied for permission through her agents, and within 24 hours received permission!

We have now made the standard edits required by the television broadcaster (none of which involved removing any questions or answers, just credits and music) and received their permission as well, and so you can now view this interview at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vbydx95tVQ.

The context for this interview is interesting. The program was one of a series made by the television company concerned in which Joan Bakewell interviewed public figures of all stripes who were trying to change society in some form or other, and so it was not religious programming – It had a broader mandate. As a result, this interview is an articulation by Dr. Lloyd-Jones of what the evangelical Christian message is, and why it is so important for humankind to change and be reconciled to God.

The final reason we are so grateful to obtain permission to air this program is that as there are very few pictures of Dr. Lloyd-Jones smiling, it is a treat for those of us who were in his family to be able to share a video that shows him smiling and being very respectful to his host without giving an inch in his beliefs! It is also a nostalgic reminder from the pre-cable days of television of two people who obviously have different points of view being courteous and polite and not interrupting!

 

BLOG UPDATES ~

Tim Keller has his very own section in Book Reviews where you can choose one of his great books to read on a cold winter’s night.  We’ll soon be giving John Maxwell his own space in the Leadership Books section, and we’ll be adding lots of other Leadership book reviews for you to peruse.

In our Movie Reviews section, we have one movie to run from (A Madea Christmas) and one movie that’s worth $15.00 per ticket to run see it on the IMAX 3D in Peoria (The Hobbit).


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16 More Days until Christmas ~ Get out in the cold & wind and shop til you drop!

This and That
• ChristianAudio’s twice yearly sale is back! Most of their audiobook downloads are only $7.49. The sale goes until December 20. See below:
This is truly a special time of the year. It happens only twice. Yes, The Twice-Yearly Sale is BACK! Almost all audiobook downloads on christianaudio are on sale for the amazing price of only $7.49 each; that’s an average discount of 30-70% on your favorite, bestselling authors. Hurry though, this limited time Sale ends December 20th. And remember, you can send any download as a gift to be delivered on Christmas morning! See one you like? Give it as a gift & get it for yourself! They’re only $7.49 each!
http://christianaudio.com/catalogsearch/advanced/result/?limit=75&mode=grid&p=2&price%5Bfrom%5D=7.48&price%5Bto%5D=7.50&release_date%5Bfrom%5D=01%2F01%2F13&release_date%5Bto%5D=

Nashville Indie Spotlight
• Jars of Clay has a new song “Ghost in the Moon”, the new Nashville Indie Spotlight album available on iTunes. The collection features 30 songs for just $7.99.

 

 
u2
• “Ordinary Love”, the new U2 song written for the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, is now available from iTunes. You can download it as a single track or as an immediate download when you pre-order the official movie soundtrack, which will be released next December 9.

 
Here to Stay
• John Hiatt has released Here to Stay – Best Of 2000-2012. The album features two songs from each of his 8 albums released since 2000, and includes the previously unreleased track “Here to Stay,” featuring Joe Bonamassa.

 

 
Duck Dynasty
• Two stars of the popular A&E television series Duck Dynasty will make their big screen debut in the Spring of 2014. Willie Robertson and his wife, Korie, are featured in the new movie God’s Not Dead. Read more below:
http://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/duck-dynasty-stars-coming-big-screen.html?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Movieguide%C2%AE%20Newsletter&utm_content=

A fresh music review of “Duck the Halls” has been posted to the blog (since you just can’t get enough of them there Duck Dynasty Robertsons!), http://coramdeotheblog.com/musicandconcert-reviews/
as well as a review of the movie, “Out of the Furnace”.http://coramdeotheblog.com/movie-and-dvd-reviews/

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Guest Blogger, Tammy Pence


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This and That ~ and everything in between

TSA
• Christianaudio’s free audiobook of the month is Leadership Secrets of the Salvation Army by Robert Watson and Ben Brown. To download, go to http://christianaudio.com/free/

• Check out this poem/video from John Piper. It is titled “The Calvinist”. Piper said he wrote the poem to capture a glimpse of God’s sovereign intersection with the life of a sinful man. It features the voices of D.A. Carson, R.C. Sproul, Alistair Begg, Thabiti Anyabwile, Matt Chandler, and Sinclair Ferguson. http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-calvinist-verse-video-vision-for-all-of-life

• My favorite Contemporary Christian music artist of all time was Steve Taylor. He’s been making films (The Second Chance, Blue Like Jazz) and hasn’t made an album in 20 years. He’s recently formed a new band – The Perfect Foil – and has started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a new album. The band includes Peter Furler, Jimmy Abegg and John Mark Painter. See below for more information. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2128223578/steve-taylor-and-the-perfect-foil-new-album-really

Check out two new book reviews in the Leadership Library ~
• Making Vision Stick by Andy Stanley
• Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn by John C. Maxwell

Also three good new movie reviews ~ http://coramdeotheblog.com/movie-and-dvd-reviews/
• Black Nativity
• The Book Thief
• Frozen

And finally, be sure to go to the final print edition of Coram Deo, The Magazine, http://www.christchurchpca.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/December-2013-Coram-Deo.pdf to read:
~ Articles by Christ Church’s own Pastor Bob and elders
~ About upcoming events and concerts, more ‘This and That’, 2013 Editor’s Picks
~ A review of new music by LeCrae – Church Clothes 2

The final issue includes the following book reviews:
Seven Men by Eric Metaxas
David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
Strange Fire by John MacArthur
American Triumvirate by James Dodson
Robert Griffin III by Ted Kluck

And the following movie reviews:
The Christmas Candle
Delivery Man
All is Lost
Thor: The Dark World
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Since Andy Williams tells us “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, then do what Burl Ives says and, “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas”!