From Baptist Bible Seminary yesterday: Congratulations! I am very excited to inform you that the Ph.D. Admissions Committee has granted approval for you to enter the Skills Assessment Phase of the Doctor of Philosophy degree program at Baptist Bible Seminary. You have embarked on a potentially life-changing experience! Assuming I pass the four entrance exams … More Ph.D. News
Some of you may know that we have spent this past year seeking the Lord’s leading for our next season of life. We are deeply grateful to those of you who have prayed for wisdom and direction. It has been a difficult process, but earlier this week we made a decision. I have accepted TMC’s … More What We’re Doing Next
At 4:04pm I received an email from The Master’s Seminary announcing that Mildred Rosscup went home to be with the Lord today (or whatever “today” means when you’re with the Lord). Mildred was the precious wife of half-retired Bible Exposition Professor Jim Rosscup. She suffered greatly throughout her latter years, and Dr. Rosscup cared for … More Men at Best: Thoughts on the Death of Mildred Rosscup
I have loved, led, and served the Oak Manor & Cornerstone dormitory at The Master’s College for the past four years. Living and ministering at the OMC has been a highlight of our lives and an experience we will always cherish. Tonight at 10:30pm I broke the news to my guys that all OMC students … More Remembering the OMC
I attended the annual Shepherds’ Conference this week at Grace Community Church (Pastor John MacArthur). One of the more famous traditions among perennial attendees is the free book binge at lunchtime on Thursday. Fifteen or twenty Christian publishing companies are invited to the conference with the requirement that they hand out at least one free … More Shepherds’ Conference Books
I didn’t have it in me tonight (time, topic, or motivation) to write any kind of extended reflection, but I wanted to post at least something. I realize that this is a dangerous combination. But here are a number of quite disconnected thoughts either from various recent experiences or that simply jumped to mind as I … More Some Thoughts
Usually our battles against pride are individual battles, because we know our own hearts (hopefully) and we know how much we need to fight. But in the last several years I’ve grown increasingly nauseated by some of the institutional, corporate, community pride that seems to thrive in some Christian circles. Relentless criticism of other organizations, … More Institutional Pride: Thoughts on Corporate Arrogance
Most Christians are familiar with the powerful Pauline phrase, “you were bought with a price.” It renders a hammer-blow to our constant notions of personal rights and privileges and reminds us quite forcefully that we belong to Christ and not to ourselves. You were bought with a price, and this purchase has implications. In 1 … More Bought with a Price
As I mentioned in the previous post, D. A. Carson spoke three times at the recent Bethlehem Conference for Pastors. The theme was “The Pastor as Father and Son.” Carson is a masterful biblical theologian and acute exegete with a keen grasp on virtually every subject that surrounds theology. And he speaks with the heart and practicality of a pastor. Here … More 2008 Bethlehem Conference for Pastors: D. A. Carson
I just returned from the 2008 Bethlehem Conference for Pastors in Minneapolis. The title of the conference was “The Pastor as Father and Son.” My dad graciously paid my way and we enjoyed three intense days of biblical preaching, singing, and fellowship. D. A. Carson was the keynote speaker and spoke three times on biblical themes of fatherhood and … More 2008 Bethlehem Conference for Pastors: Greg Livingstone
The beginning of the spring semester always brings formal personal evaluations among the people I serve with. “Formal” not in the sense that the conversations are cold and businesslike — they’re actually warm and friendly — but “formal” in the sense that we have set forms of questions that we answer as we reflect on the fall and … More Thoughts on Being Corrected
This list was handed out at a TMS graduation luncheon a year or two ago. It may be helpful or thought-provoking for some, both pastors and others. It’s interesting how each mistake has a universal principle behind it that can apply to anyone. Attempting to out-MacArthur MacArthur — going beyond reasonable extremes set by John. … More “The Most Common Mistakes Made by TMS Graduates in Their First Ministry After Seminary Graduation”
One week ago today I attended a very insightful Q&A session with John MacArthur, James MacDonald, and David Wells at The Master’s College’s annual Truth & Life Conference. I brought my laptop and took detailed notes, so I’ll try to give you my best paraphrase of the best answers. The questions are in bold. When … More Q & A at the Truth & Life Conference
I just finished my 2008 Winterim class on the letter of James taught by Douglas Moo of Wheaton Graduate School. Although the class was very good, I won’t be doing an extended series on the class like I did last year. But I thought it would be appropriate to celebrate the one-year anniversary of last year’s Winterim by … More Wit and Wisdom from John Hannah (16)
Tonight I read the second chapter of John Piper’s The Hidden Smile of God entitled “Insanity and Spiritual Songs in the Life of William Cowper.” There are some precious quotes from the chapter, some on poetry because Cowper and Piper are poets, some on despair because Cowper’s was chronic, and some on John Newton because he was … More Precious Lessons from John Piper, William Cowper, and John Newton
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