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Church Planter by Darrin Patrick (video trailer)
Posted September 1, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Church Planting
Tags: Church Planting, Darrin Patrick, Church Planter
We need church planters who will love Jesus with abandon
Posted August 31, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Church Planting, Jesus
Tags: Church Planting, Gospel, Jesus, Scotty Smith
A quote followed by some prayers (via Twitter) by Scotty Smith, pastor of Christ Community Church (Nashville) for all you church planters out there:
“There is no commitment we will make as church planters of greater importance than living close to Jesus. For church planting can become an idol factory; a prostitution ring; a cruel taskmaster; a breeding ground for addictions… we need church planters who will love Jesus with abandon, and who cultivate a lifestyle of growing in His grace and knowledge. Until you know yourself to be slow of heart to believe the gospel, you will never cultivate a burning heart for the gospel. Churches planted with the DNA of the gospel will be led by those who live a life of gospel astonishment.”
Jesus, we thank you for hard-soil church planters who labor so hard with little observable fruit. Increase their tribe.
Jesus, free church planters to be more committed to faithfulness that obsessed with fruitfulness. You will grow your church.
Jesus, may the marriages of church planters thrive not dive because of everything involved in this costly calling.
Jesus, free church planters from the Peter syndrome, “What about John?” Death by comparison.
Jesus, infect the current & coming generations of church planters with an incurable case of gospel astonishment.
Father, help church planters be less proud of their creative strategies and more prostrate before your exalted Son.
Jesus, may new church plants swell by conversion growth, not just by disgruntled transfer growth.
Jesus, raise up church planters who see you everywhere in the Bible and lost people everywhere in the community.
Jesus, give church planters the thick skin and big hearts they’ll need to serve you with abandon today.
Jesus, help church planters in the same city be notorious for mutual encouragement and gospelicious cross pollinating.
Jesus, may the gospel be so real in the homes of church planters the kids will never wish their parents did anything else.
What’s Next for Francis Chan?
Posted August 30, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Missional
Tags: The Gospel Coalition, Francis Chan
Mark Driscoll and Joshua Harris ask Francis Chan why he stepped down as senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California, and what he plans to do next. When Chan announced in the Spring of this year of his departure, it caught many (if not all) people by surprise. Listen to Chan as he shares why and how God led him to make this incredible move.
HT :: Collin Hansen
Church Planter by Darrin Patrick
Posted August 27, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Book Reviews, Church Planting
Tags: Church Planting, Darrin Patrick, Church Planter
One of the most important books on church planting for my generation has just been released by Crossway. Church Planter: The Man, the Message, the Mission written by Darrin Patrick is a book not only for church planters but for anyone called to gospel ministry. I will be explaining its importance and giving a lengthy review next week. Over at PLNTD, I will review the book by sections: the Man (Monday), the Message (Wednesday), and the Mission (Friday), and we will be giving away copies of the book via Twitter.
The Bible Is NOT About You
Posted August 26, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Biblical Theology, Jesus, Preaching
Tags: Jesus, Gospel, Tim Keller, Biblical Theology, Preaching, Christ-Centered Preaching
For the past seven weeks, I have been leading a group of men in our church through Tim Keller and Ed Clowney’s class on Preaching Christ in a Postmodern World. The 35 MP3′s are available for free on RTS iTunesU, and a PDF of the class notes are available as well. I have also been supplementing the men with articles, chapters, and essays on Christ-centered preaching from Chapell to Greidanus to Goldsworthy to Spurgeon. It has really be a lot of fun to learn together how to expound Christ, apply Christ, and adore Christ in our preaching.
Below is a video which is a good summary of what Tim Keller means by Christ-centered preaching, followed by a summary transcript of the audio excerpt. Do you, preacher, make your message all about Him? Are you, Christian, satisfied with Christ-less messages?
Shai Linne Breaks It Down on the Atonement
Posted August 25, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Gospel, Justification
Tags: Atonement, Hip Hop Catechesis, Lyrical Theology, Shai Linne
I’m a big fan of Shai Linne. This brother puts out lyrical theology unlike any other guy around. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, here are the lyrics (in catechesis form) of a song on the doctrine of the atonement . . .
Verse 1
Who is God? God is the universe’s Creator
And Sustainer plus the only Savior, there is no one greater
He triune, holy, omnipotent, omniscient, absolute
Loving, sovereign and righteous are a few of His attributes
How do we know this? Well, we know this from the Bible
Where God has revealed Himself- anything else is just an idol
What’s the Bible about? Man’s complete ruin in sin
And what God has done in Christ to bring us to Him again
What is sin? Sin is the breaking of God’s law
Plus our condition, which means from birth we all got flaws
What’s the result? The result is by nature we’re God’s enemies
And must pay the penalty unless God provides the remedy
What the remedy? The remedy is the cross of Christ
Where He suffered all the strikes for the lawless type
I’ve been rescued by the Lamb, I’m convinced that He’s risen
And blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven!
Chorus
Just fall back, and with the eyes of faith
Behold the beauty of surprising grace
Because the Lamb has died, third day He had to rise
He’s magnified- God’s wrath is satisfied
Just fall back- there’s an atonement now
The cross of Christ is holy ground
Because the Lamb has died, third day He had to rise
He’s magnified- God’s wrath is satisfied
Verse 2
Regeneration- the Holy Spirit’s true work in His love
To the elect, who receive new birth from above
Expiation- expiation means God’s removed my filthiness
The old testament type was the goat into the wilderness
Redemption- we’ve been freed from slavery to sin
And His very own blood is the price He paid, my friend
Propitiation- Propitiation means since the Lamb has died
His work is finished- God’s wrath is satisfied
Adoption- adoption means God is now my Father
I got the hottest Poppa and by the Spirit holler Abba
Reconciliation means there’s no more enmity
God is now a friend to me, we’re no longer enemies
Justification- God declares us righteous
Sanctification- we’re being made into His likeness
Glorification- that’s what happens at the finish
When God conforms believers perfectly to Christ’s image!
Verse 3
God’s grace is magnificent, He slayed His innocent
Son- through faith and repentance we get the benefits
What is faith? Faith is a gift from God- when we receive this
We trust and treasure the person and finished work of Jesus
Repentance? Repentance is turning from your sin
And trusting Christ as the Spirit cleanses you within
What is grace? Oh, grace is unmerited favor
Our inheritance major ‘cause we cherish the Savior
Right, and if I may quote again, we were doomed with Satan
But believers get Jesus’ righteousness through imputation
Imputation? God takes Jesus’ righteousness amount
Through faith He credits it into the Christian’s account
Anything else? Well, I guess this overview must suffice
But none of this is possible apart from union with Christ
And finally, once you know the ways of the Lord than the
only thing that you can say is Soli Deo Gloria!
The Gospel Song
Posted August 24, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Gospel, worship
Tags: Animation, Bob Kauflin, Gospel, The Gospel Song
One of our favorite family worship songs is “The Gospel Song.” I believe it was the first song my 2 year-old son memorized and sang word-for-word. Tonight was a special treat, thanks to Bob Kauflin who made us aware of an animation that had just come out. Check it out.
The guy who made that animation has several previous ones that I have found gripping, not the least of which is this one called “The Prodigal.”
Word and Spirit: The Kingdom
Posted August 23, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Word and Spirit
Tags: Jesus, Kingdom, Word and Spirit
Monday morning meditation on the instrumentality of the Word and agency of the Holy Spirit as it relates to the kingdom of God.
Jesus inaugurates the kingdom by His coming to earth as the Word made flesh (John 1:14). He was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:18), anointed (Matt. 3:16; 12:18; Luke 4:18) and empowered by the Holy Spirit, through which He gave commands (words) to His disciples (Acts 1:1-2). The kingdom has come precise because of the mighty works performed by Spirit-anointed Messiah (Matt. 12:28) who utters the words of God as one who has received the Spirit without measure (John 3:34).
Jesus establishes His kingdom in the hearts of men as people are born again by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-8) and brought to faith through hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:22-25). It is the Spirit who gives life (John 6:63), and it is the Word which is able to make one wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 3;15). Sinners are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13) and therefore experience the reign and rule of King Jesus through submission to His Word, illumining our paths (Psalm 119:105), as well as submission to His Spirit, who leads us in ways that are pleasing to the King (Gal. 5:18-25).
Jesus advances His kingdom as He empowers His people with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) to proclaim the word of God. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), and the Spirit who applies this gospel word to the hearts of men brings resurrection life (Rom. 8:11) to those dead in their trespasses and sins. When God’s people are filled with the Spirit, there is gospel utterance (Acts 2:4; 4:8; 4:31). Those who are set apart and sent by the Spirit (Acts 13:2-4) continue in what Jesus said and did (Acts 1:2) as His representatives on earth.
Jesus displays His kingdom on earth through a new community formed by the Word of God and animated by the Spirit of God. As the Word works, the Spirit yields His fruit (Gal. 5:22-23); as the community abides in the Word (John 15:1-8), the Spirit works to conform us to the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18) and reflect the character of God.
Jesus consummates His kingdom as the Spirit brings the gospel word through citizens of the kingdom unto all the peoples of the earth (Matt. 24:14) so that His church would be built, His name worshiped, and His glory manifested among every nation, tongue, and tribe (Rev. 5:9). As the Word goes out and does not return void (Isaiah 55:10-11), the Spirit goes out to gather in the Bride, who together call out to the King, “Come Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20)
What Others Are Saying About PLNTD
Posted August 18, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Church Planting, Compilations
Tags: Church Planting, PLNTD
It has been a little over two months since we went public with the PLNTD Church Planting Network. As you can see, my marginal time usually spent blogging has been severely limited due to increased responsibilities both on the church and network front. I hope to resume blogging somewhat regularly in the near future, but for the time being I wanted to post some links for you to check out what others are saying about PLNTD.
Here are 16 “shout outs” recently posted on the PLNTD website (more forthcoming). Check them out:
Danny Akin
Trevin Wax
Donald Whitney
Owen Strachan
Bruce Ashford
Jonathan McIntosh
Steve Childers
Jared Wilson
Alvin Reid
Tony Merida
Bill Streger
George Robinson
Nathan Finn
Micah Fries
Phil Newton
Tom Ascol
To keep up with the latest with PLNTD, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also subscribe to our e-newsletter for future developments.
What Is Profoundly Stupid
Posted August 5, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Excerpts, Gospel
Tags: Gospel, Jared Wilson
Jared Wilson:
What is profoundly stupid is the sheer amount of innovation, creativity, energy, ambition, and astounding levels of human wherewithal that go into crafting the most amazing worship experiences Americans have ever seen inside churches where the gospel isn’t preached. I can say this because there’s only one thing we hold that the New Testament calls “power,” and that’s the gospel.
Because He Is Good
Posted August 3, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Gospel
Tags: Matt Chandler, Human Depravity, God's Grace
A sermon jam based on Matt Chandler’s preaching. Check it.
Ministries of Mercy – Free Audiobook for August
Posted August 2, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Mercy Ministries, Resources, Social Reform
Tags: Tim Keller, Christian Audio, Ministries of Mercy, Audio Book
Christian Audio announced yesterday that their monthly free download for August is Tim Keller’s Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road. The second edition of this book was recently released, and I consider this early work by Keller to be among his more important (and more controversial) books. Whether you agree with him or not, I strongly encourage you to read Keller’s take on the Christian’s call to show compassion to the needy, to love the poor, and display the gospel through deeds of mercy. Remember to use the coupon code “AUG2010″ when checking out.
Also, for the month of August, you can get Ministries of Mercy for half price ($6.49) at Westminster Bookstore. Get it.
Get Entire Essential Edwards Collection 50% Off
Posted July 27, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Books, Resources
Tags: Essential Edwards, Jonathan Edwards, Owen Strachan
For those well-acquainted with Jonathan Edwards and those who have not ready any of his works, the Essential Edwards collection is a must-read. These five books, written by Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeney are excellent pieces devotional in nature and sure to challenge you in your affectionate pursuit of Christ and understanding of His truth.
For the next week, you can get all five books for 50% off the retail price ($44.95) through Westminster Bookstore. That is all five books for $22.50. The five books are:
For an overview of this series, check out the following videos. Remember, the 50% sale ends August 2, so be sure to take advantage of it when you can!
Gospel Presuppositions
Posted July 22, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Gospel, Renewal
Tags: Gospel, Graeme Goldsworthy, Gospel Presuppositions, Epistemological Sanctification, Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics
In his book, Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics, Graeme Goldsworthy talks about the presuppositions of the gospel which make up the “material priority of the Scriptures.” These presuppositions are prior truths without which the gospel could not be the gospel. He lists them as the following:
* The God who is there is the God of the Bible, who is (among other things) Creator, Savior, and Communicator
* Human beings were created in his image, which involves us as those with whom God communicates
* The truth of God is evident in all creation
* Sin means the human declaration of independence from God, and the suppression of his truth
* Grace means that God mercifully provides special revelation that informs, redeems and makes God present to us
* This redemptive revelation, the word of God, is focused on Jesus Christ
Goldsworthy goes on to say that “Christian theism maintains that these presuppositions of the gospel are foundational truths that stand the test of having explanatory power for all human experience and having rational consistency.” The gospel, then, is not only the message that transforms sinners into saints but also the medium through which we rightly understand all human experience.
These gospel presuppositions are important because, outside of Christ, the world has alternative presuppositions about life that are shaped by the Fall in Genesis 3, which Goldsworthy summarizes as:
* If God is there, he does not communicate the truth
* We do not need God to reveal the rational framework for understanding reality
* Human reason is autonomous, and the ultimate arbiter of truth and falsity, right and wrong
According to Paul, we have been given the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16)–a mind that is spiritual and shaped by the gospel (person and work of Christ). Jesus is not only the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24) but has become to us wisdom from God (1 Cor. 1:30). Jesus is not only the substance of the wisdom of God, but He is also the source of it as well. So what happens in the Spirit’s work of renewal is a rewiring from presuppositions of the Fall to the presuppositions of the Gospel. This is what Goldsworthy calls “episteomological sanctification.”
In summary, the gospel is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16), and the more we appreciate the truths of the gospel (presuppositions) and so have our experienced grounded in it, the more we appropriate the mind of Christ. The gospel is the message that transforms our minds (“achieves noetic salvation for us” – epistemological redemption), and the gospel is the medium through which our minds are daily being renewed as we behold the brilliance of Christ, who has become to us wisdom from God (“the ongoing process through which our thinking is conformed more and more to the truth that is in Jesus – epistemological sanctification).
To read Goldsworthy’s arguments in detail, read chapter 3 of Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics on the presuppositions of the gospel and the subsequent section on noetic salvation (58-62).
New Edition of Operation World Coming This October
Posted July 20, 2010 by Timmy BristerCategories: Missions, Prayer, Resources
Tags: Missions, Operation World, Prayer
I first caught wind of this while breezing through Twitter updates and confirmed it on Amazon. Operation World is coming out with a new edition this October. While I have been grateful for the directional prayer this book has offered in years past, I have become especially fond of it since coming to Grace as I have share with our congregation each week ways to pray for a particular nation and the work of the gospel among the people groups. It is so important that Christians in the West have a global mindset and guard against myopic vision that we can easily succumb to. I look forward to picking up this 7th edition of one of the most significant tools for gospel advance in the world today.
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