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Bits & Pieces (8/14/12)

  • The Science of Prayer – “As one has said, ‘Prayer is not about overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of his willingness.’ Perhaps the best studies in prayer are in the lives of those who see that its power lies wholly in the one in whom we pray.


  • The Holiness of God and the Existence of Hell – “The question of hell is first and foremost a question about the character of God. Here’s the thing: If there is a hell, we know that it cannot exist outside of the knowledge and the will of God. If God is who he says he is, if he really is all-knowing and all-powerful, then people cannot be there outside of his decree. And so any question about the existence of hell is really a question about God himself.” So Tim Challies starts a series of posts tackling this question.


  • Getting Past the “One Thing” – “Distance, age difference, physical appearance, a person’s level of education or career, a health problem, a person’s family: There are many areas where our expectations for a life partner can shatter. And for some reason, when our list of expectations is challenged, it can be very unnerving.”



  • Showing Hospitality Despite Our Messes  – “[W}e need to be freed from our hospitality obstacles by looking at our Lord’s hospitality that welcomes us freely as his children. Then we can be set free from our selfish objections so that we can readily open up our homes, our families, and our lives to those around us for the glory of God and the good of others.”
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Bits & Pieces (8/13/12)

  • A Book Review, A Publisher’s Response & A Lesson – Randy Alcorn recently wrote a post about a book he had read with which he had several theological concerns. In addition to writing his review, he also contacted the publisher for their response and then wrote a subsequent post with their assertions as well as his response to them. While I think there is a lot to be learned from Mr. Alcorn’s post and the importance he ascribes to theological accuracy, I think there is also a lesson to be learned from his approach to the whole situation.


  • Ravenous Sheep  – R.C. Sproul, Jr. acquired and raised some sheep, and learned an important lesson about shepherding in the process.


  • Distinctly Christian Modesty – Gloria Furman reviews as new book that ponders an important question – what does it mean to be modest not only in terms of what we wear, but in our speech and behavior too?


  • Before You Phone Your Preacher – We are often quick to turn to those around us for affirmation guised as requests for help, but have we first sought God and His direction?


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