2 Great Reading Lists

Here are two great reading lists compiled by Mark Dever of Capitol Hill Baptist and 9Marks Ministries. 9Marks' purpose is to "to help local churches re-establish their biblical bearings and re-think their ministry methods." Layman's Reading List Pastor's Reading List

Sin - Part 2

Psalm 51:5 "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me."

Some very interesting articles, Blogs, and surveys have come out in recent weeks on the issue of sin. Here is a short summary/reaction by Dr. Mohler with some very good points!

First, we do not find out what acts are sinful by asking our neighbors. Christians believe that God alone has the right to determine sin, and that the ultimate authority for determining sin is the Bible -- not a poll.

Second, these data seem to indicate that Americans think of sin only in terms of what we do, not in terms of who we are. The Bible reveals sin to be what we are as fallen humanity, not merely the acts we commit or fail to commit.

Third, Christians understand that sin is, most importantly, an act of rebellion and disobedience against God himself. Surveys like this point to the fact that most Americans think of sin as acts against other humans or acts against the self (as in gluttony). When sin is seen only in this perspective, all that remains is a negotiable social etiquette.

Fourth, this report reminds us of the evangelistic challenge we now face. The loss of a deeper sense of sin means that many (if not most) Americans see themselves in no need of salvation. As a previous generation of Christians knew so well, we have to communicate the "sin word" Before we can explain the "grace word" in evangelism.

Has the Notion of Sin Disappeared?
Sin by Survey? Americans Say What they Think
"What is the definition of sin?"
"How can I know if something is a sin?"

Romans 8:5-10 "5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. 9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness."

What's On Your Bookshelf?

It has been said you can tell alot about someone by what they read. I love reading, and especially enjoyed reading for fun when I was younger. My reading time is now consumed with books from Seminary, but I enjoy them all (well, most of them...). Anyhow, I just figured out a cool feature of Facebook where I can share books I have read, am reading, or want to read. Maybe it will be helpful to someone who wants to dig in a little deeper to a certain issue or concern from a Biblical standpoint...

If you do not have Facebook, you might want to give it a try. It is not perfect (advertisements), but it is unique in its ability to connect you to people you haven't talked to in years...

Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."

Proverbs 4:5-7 "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."