An Antidote to Rev. Wright - Thabiti Anyabwile

Thabiti Anyabwile is senior pastor at First Baptist Church, Grand Cayman Islands. He is himself an outstanding preacher in the reformed tradition. He writes in this book about three African-American pastors who were faithful in life and doctrine. They were faithful to their call and promoted the gospel, not some watered down, Afro-centric, liberal mumbo jumbo like Rev. Wright. This is one of the books from T4G. I confess to having it already and it was an eye opening book to read. It broadened my understanding of and appreciation for rhe African-American church. You can order it through the Westminster Seminary Bookstore. Just click on their link. Pastor Anyabwilie has his own blog Pure Church.

J. I. Packer

J. I. Packer, noted author and theologian, has left the Anglican Church of Canada. You can read about it here. We wish him well.

My Reading

This is the first of the T4G books I've set out to read. I'm into chapter 6 right now. My immediate response so far is that "the more we learn about the emerging church, the harder it is t swallow." (p.23) Double talk and ambiguity are two words I would use to characterize this group. Two other words are neo-modernism and theological jello. (OK, that's three words!) More when I've completed the book.

Presbytery

Our PCA Presbytery met last Thursday in Alamogordo, NM. It was a good meeting. We conducted the normal business, including recognizing two newly organised churches, one each in AZ and NM. We also had the unhappy, but necessary, task of deposing a minister. That last issue is probably passing strange for many, yet considered to be one of the three marks of a true church by John Calvin and others. The other marks are the preaching of the Word and the right administration of the Sacraments.

A new blog partner

I met Tim at T4G after reading his comments at WORLDMagBlog. He has his own blog to which I am posting a link here and over on the left.

Many Books

When I was in seminary, eons ago, we used to quote what we called the seminary student's verse from Ecclesiastes 12:12b, "Of the making of many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh (ESV). At Together for the Gospel 2008 hereafter (T4G) we were given 15 books - probably wholesaling for the amount of our registration fee - a real treat. As I read each one I'll be posting a short review. With about 5500 in attendance and 15 books apiece that is about 82,500 books. WOW! Here is a list of the books:

Why We're Not Emergent, Moody

If You Could Ask God One Question, The Good Book Co.

Preaching the Cross, Crossway

The Gospel & Personal Evangelism, Crossway

Pierced for Our Transgressions, Crossway

Worship Matters, Crossway

The Future of Justification, Crossway

In My Place Condemned He Stood, Crossway

The Faithful Preacher, Crossway

ESV Bible, Crossway

Culture Shift, Multnomah

The Gospel According to Jesus, Zondervan

Christ & Culture Revisited, Eerdmans

The Courage to be Protestant, Eerdmans

The Truth of the Cross, Reformation Trust

Great Preaching

Here is the link to the sermons from the Together for the Gospel '08 Conference. You will find a feast for your souls. Enjoy! T4G Sermons