Commonplace Monday

 "Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it is necessary for obedience."


Sam Allberry, Why bother with church?, pg 51

Comments

Post a Comment

Subscribe to the Stopping to Think newsletter:

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Reforming Joy by Chester

Image
Reforming Joy: A Conversation Between Paul, the Reformers, and the Church Today by Tim Chester My rating: 5 of 5 stars This really is a marvelous little book. Chester manages in 100 pages to give a clear taste of Pauline theology, some core tenants of the reformation, and practical application for your 21st century life. Though I’m not sure this was Chester’s goal, he’s really written a first-rate introduction to Christianity. I plan to buy more copies to give away to believers whose faith could use strengthening, unbelievers to introduce them to the heart of Christianity, and anyone who needs more joy in their life. This book is that good. View all my reviews
Read more

My Top 10 Books of 2021

Image
I like to read books, and people like to read Top 10 lists. In celebration of these two facts, here is my annual Top Books list for 2021. (previous lists: 2020 , 2019 , 2018 , 2015  ... yes, I missed a few years) Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self - I feel like a parody of myself for putting this book at the top of my list. Oh well, it's that important. Carl Trueman traces the modern conception of the self, beginning with Rousseau (a starting point he admits is mostly a function of having to start somewhere). He has a shorter and more popular-level version forthcoming . I will probably buy that to give to some folks, but if you want to contemplate how unusual our plastic understanding of personhood is, then pick up the original. The material is dense, but Trueman is an excellent writer, so reading through is an achievable task.  Hearers & Doers  - In this book, Kevin Vanhoozer gives pastors and church leaders a vision for building disciples fit for following Christ ...
Read more

Why do We Need the Bible?

Image
Introduction: Knowing who God is, and responding appropriately, is the most important thing in our lives. Proverbs 1:7 says, “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” [1] You might even question if there is a God. I'll be honest with you, we aren't even going to grapple with that question, and here's why: “18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20  For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21  For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22  Claiming to be wise, they ...
Read more