“A Rountable Discussion on the Church”
by 9Marks
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Audios
This page contains the resources that I have found useful in my personal and professional life. Admittedly, it is an eclectic list. It contains everything from quotes and books that I like to podcasts, videos, and slideshows.
If you don’t want to scroll through the entire list, you can click on one of the links below and filter the resources by specific category.
I will update this list as I discover new resources. If you have a resource you think I should add, please email me.
“Where Did All These Calvinists Come From?”
by Mark Dever
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Back in 2007 the Southern Baptist Convention was at war with itself over the issue of Calvinism. It was during this time that Mark Dever offered a brilliant series of blog posts considering ten factors that contributed to the rise of Reformed theology among younger evangelicals.
Last week Dever reworked his blog series into an hour long lecture entitled, “Where Did All These Calvinists Come From?” This reworking finds Dever offering the following twelve factors motivating the rise of Reformed theology in America (timestamps included):
- Charles Spurgeon (10:39)
- Martyn Lloyd-Jones (14:43)
- The Banner of Truth Trust (23:03)
- Evangelism Explosion (27:15)
- The inerrancy controversy (34:08)
- Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) (37:50)
- J. I. Packer (40:50)
- John MacArthur and R. C. Sproul (43:52)
- John Piper (46:41)
- Reformed rap (51:46)
- Influential parachurch ministries (57:37)
The twelfth, and final, reason is a new one and it is oh so profound. Special thanks to Matt Smethurst for his work at transcribing Dever’s thoughtful analysis . . .
12. The rise of secularism and decline of Christian nominalism (59:36)
“There’s no reason my Arminian friends should disagree about the effect of any of the previous 11 influences I’ve noted,” Dever contends. Number 12, however, is another story.
This final two-pronged factor has served to “shape a theological climate in which weaker, more pale versions of Christianity fade and in which more uncut, vigorous versions thrive.” Arminian theology, Dever fears, is too frail to be helpful. “In a nominally Christian culture, Arminianism may appear to be a satisfying explanation of the problem of evil,” he admits. “But as the acids of modernity have eaten away at more and more of the Bible’s teachings and even presuppositions about God, that explanation has proven woefully insufficient to more radical critics.”
Dever’s conclusion is worth quoting at length:
This world’s increasingly open and categorical denials of God and his power will likely be met not by retreats, compromises, edits, and revisions, but by awakenings and rediscoveries of the majesty and power of the true God, who reveals himself in the Bible, the God who made us and who will judge us, the God who in love pursued us even to the depths of the incarnation and the humiliation of the cross. This is Christianity straight and undiluted, and the questing, probing spirit of the rising generation has, by God’s grace, found this rock.
“Taking Aim at Everyone”
by 9Marks
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Carl Trueman is one of my favorite voices related to our current “all things ‘gospel-centered'” movement. His historical training and English heritage means he offers a unique view; a view that is usually critical, but still worth your consideration. For example, at Together for the Gospel in 2012 Trueman said in a breakout session, “The gospel is not enough.” In context, I think he was absolutely right, but the statement might give you quick insight into what you can expect from the good Englishman.
A few months ago Mark Dever sat down with Trueman for a 9Marks Interview that covers holocaust denial, secularization, “no creed but the Bible,” and just about everything else under the sun. Love him or hate him, Trueman’s clarity will challenge your thinking.
If you enjoy this interview make sure to listen to the first interview Dever had with Trueman several years ago. Here’s how 9Marks describes that conversation: “Was the reformation a mistake? What are some differences between American and British evangelicals? How is our reason affected by the fall, and how should that impact our evangelism? From the value of incorporating the Psalms in our corporate worship to the dangers of privately administering baptism and the Lord’s Supper, this conversation is sweeping!”
“‘A Neglected Grace: Family Worship in the Christian Home’ Interview”
by Christ the Center
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My favorite podcast, hands down, is “Christ the Center” from the guys over at Reformed Forum. Christ the Center has a stockpile of episodes (they will soon pass 300 total) for your encouragement and edification.
One of my favorite recent episodes was with Jason Helopoulos, author of A Neglected Grace: Family Worship in the Christian Home. His book is my favorite on the topic and one of the most useful books published in 2013.
Be aware that listening to this episode of CTC will probably result in you doing two things (if you haven’t already): 1) subscribing to the CTC podcast, and 2) purchasing a copy of Helopoulos’ book. Two things that, I’m sure, will bless your mind and heart.
Case in point: Back in 2004 Dever lead a round table discussion with Matt Schmucker, Greg Gilbert, and Paul Alexander surveying the theological and philosophical landscape of evangelical churches. I think you find their conversation both edifying and engaging.
Although the interview took place almost ten years ago, the evangelical landscape is not too terribly different. Tolle audite!