John Owen On Preaching and the Spirit

Here is a quote that I have found helpful on the work of the Spirit in the conversion of sinners. I think that it is easy for preachers to think that if people are not immediately responding to their sermons, it must mean that something is wrong with their delivery. Owen provides a helpful reminder...

...The real effectiveness of preaching does not lie in the clever oratorical ability of men, nor in the ability to back up the preaching by doing miracles. It lies in the following two things. Firstly, the preaching must have been instituted by God. He has appointed the preaching of his Word to be the only outward means for the conversion of the souls of men (1 Cor 1:17-20 Mark 16:15, 16; Rom 1:16). Secondly, the power that makes preaching effective in the hearts of men for their salvation is in God’s hands alone. To some, preaching is made effective for salvation, to others for damnation. God also gives his appointed preachers special spiritual gifts and abilities to preach his Word (Eph 4:11-13). So the power to persuade a person to repent and believe the gospel by preaching lies in the sovereign will of God.

You can read the entire thing here.

Defining The Gospel In A Single Statement

In article about the simplicity and the complexity of the gospel, Tim Keller provides a helpful single sentence definition of the gospel. Listed below is his summary of the gospel.

Through the person and work of Jesus Christ, God fully accomplishes salvation for us, rescuing us from judgment for sin into fellowship with him, and then restores the creation in which we can enjoy our new life together with him forever.

Obama And Stem Cell Research

As the Obama presidency continues, it is becoming clear that he will continue to promote is pro-choice agenda. The editors of the National Review have posted an article about the recent changes that the President has made to promote his pro-choice ideology.

The Public Discourse

Today I heard an interview with Robert George, one of the clearest thinkers on the pro-life debate. He contributes to a website, The Public Discourse, which discusses ethics, law, and the common good.

Married Families, American Culture, And The President

Mona Charen has written an important article discussing the impact that married families have on society and the need for President Obama to support the nuclear family.

The John Birch Society

I have become quite concerned with the current political climate in America.  However, I have been introduced to the John Birch Society recently and I have been pleased with their views and mission.  Listed below is their mission statement.

To bring about less government, more responsibility, and -- with God's help -- a better world by providing leadership, education, and organized volunteer action in accordance with moral and Constitutional principles.  

Obama's Commitment To Infanticide

Senator Barack Obama not only supports abortion, but he also supports infanticide, which is the killing of a born baby's life.  Jill Stanek, who has followed this story for some time, lists ten reasons that Senator Obama has given for supporting infanticide.  Bornalivetruth.org is a site that has information regarding Obama's voting track record against the lives of the born.  Stanek, in February, provided links to several articles that show the Senator's commitment to infanticide.  

HT: JT & PLB