Read Pastor John Piper’s response to the question, “If singleness is such a blessing, why would I want to be married?” in his recent sermon “Single in Christ: A Name Better Than Sons and Daughters“. (You can also download the sermon mp3 or video)

Falling birthrates worldwide continue to have a huge impact on society. But there is one subset of the population that is producing a larger percentage of the world’s children. In this brief article, Dr. Albert Mohler tells us who that is and what it means.

Wow… John Stott is retiring. His work has probably shaped my understanding of atonement much more than I even know it! Wish I could hear him speak in person before its too late..

Before you read this, if you have not had your quiet time with the LORD of Lords yet, please come back later. I don’t want you to read my blog if you have not done your devos yet. Seriously. “If we are to be Spirit-filled as we engage others in online dialogue, discussion, and debate — we need to first immerse ourselves in prayer and in the Word.” (Nathan Busenitz)

Having said that, the Holy Ghosted led me earlier to Titus 3:9 where Paul exhorts his young disciple to, “avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”

I just read and commented on Challies’ intriguing article which asked, “Is Error in Doctrine Always Sin?” I never truly wrestled with this tough question, but I am now. And yet at the same time, I am also reminded of the nature of the conversations that I have with others in the blogsphere–some Christians, some not; some are Calvinists, some are not; some go regularly to a church, some go to a church that some evangelicals would not call a church.

Quite frankly, I do not find myself engaging in enough discussions about the things that matter to me–namely, theology and doctrine. There is much discussions going in the Reformed blogsphere that I have not joined in on–like here and here! (Though, I know some of you have already skipped reading this post ’cause of how boring this jibber-jabber seems!)

Reflecting on this, I am somewhat disappointed at my day-to-day schedule which does not allow me to read enough Scripture, not enough Christian books (let alone finish my shelf-full and bedside table full of books I have not finished or started), and not enough time to listen to mp3 sermons and seminary classes that were taught last year! As much as am I do participate in conversations on my blog and respond to posts on other blogs, I still wish I could read & respond to more so that my mind could be sharpened more. Those of you who are reading my blog, and especially those of you who have made comments, have indeed helped me in sharpening my mind of biblical discernment.

“Doth that man love his Lord who would be willing to see Jesus wearing a crown of thorns, while for himself he craves a chaplet of laurel? Shall Jesus ascend to his throne by the cross, and do we expect to be carried there on the shoulders of applauding crowds? Be not so vain in your imagination. Count you the cost, and if you are not willing to bear Christ’s cross, go away to your farm and to your merchandise, and make the most of them; only let me whisper in your ear, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”

-C.H. Spurgeon

Voddie Baucham is a prolific blogger! I just realized this after I came across his blog at his ministry’s website. I don’t know why I missed this for so long, but Voddie is quite the solid blogger! He doesn’t blog that regularly, but when he has, it’s been typical Voddie all the way!

(It’s interesting to note that I haven’t seen much permalinks to his blog flying around the Reformed blogsphere; he writes about some very pertinent ministry issues affecting our day & age and I would’ve thought more people would be talking about what he’s written.)

Nevertheless, Dr. Baucham (author, Bible teacher, professor, & pastor) explains in Oct.18 post why he objects to the contemporary Youth Ministry model. Voddie isn’t doing any more youth events as he calls for the abolishment of segregated “youth” ministry, contending that

• there is no clear biblical mandate for the current approach,
• the current approach may actually work against the biblical practice of family discipleship,
• the current approach isn’t working.