Excerpt taken from Streams of Mercy: Prayers of Confession and Celebration

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Kim

Here is an excerpt taken from Streams of Mercy: Prayers of Confession and Celebration by Barbara R. Duguid and edited by Iain M. Duguid.

A SHELTER IN THE STORM

CALL TO CONFESSION: PSALM 46:1–3

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Infinitely wise God,

Your wisdom is unsearchable and infinite; your arm is powerful and mighty; your will is sovereign throughout this universe; your patience and love for fallen sinners like us defy our understanding. Lord, we can do nothing but sin, and each new day demonstrates that we are lovers of darkness, covenant breakers, and full of fear. We have received unfathomable mercy and abundant grace, yet we frequently trample on your beloved Son by cherishing anxious thoughts and living in fear of those around us. Instead of believing that you are a secure refuge in whom we can hide, we imagine a thousand scenarios of pain and loss. Instead of trusting that you are a present help who will defend us, we pursue our own revenge against those who have hurt us. We harbor bitterness toward you in our hearts over our problems, real and imagined, and we punish others in a variety of sinful ways for hurting us: by coldness and silence, by malice and slander, by rehearsing our grievances and nurturing our grudges. O God, forgive us for the overwhelming fear that dwells in our hearts and damages our relationship with you and with others.

Lord Jesus, without your righteousness we would be perpetually undone. We cannot imagine the beauty of your sinless heart when you prayed for the forgiveness of those who were killing you, but we thank you for it. We cannot fathom the depth of your trust in your heavenly Father, even as he turned his face away from you at the cross. Your blood washes us clean, and your obedience covers our endless record of disobedience. Thank you for the deep love and mercy that led you to pity us and to give your own life to save ours.

Holy Spirit, lead us to repentance and save us from despair. Give us grace to see our sin clearly and to come to you renouncing ourselves, hating our sin, and hoping fully in the forgiveness that flows even to us, the chiefs of sinners. Drive the joy of our salvation deep into our hearts, until trusting you feels like the only thing we can do. Give us hearts that seek reconciliation and peace with those who have hurt us, even when doing so is costly and painful to us. Help us to turn away from evil and to repay it with love and kindness; help us to love as we have been loved in Christ. Taking refuge in Jesus’ strong name, we pray: amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON: PSALM 46:4–11

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come, behold the works of the Lord,

how he has brought desolations on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the chariots with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

HYMNS

“Abide with Me”

“A Mighty Fortress”

Author Interview with Sara Wallace

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Kim

This week’s author interview is with Sara Wallace. She is the author of For the Love of Discipline: When the Gospel Meets Tantrums and Time-Outs.

Question #1—Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you’re from, family, job, personal interests, unique hobbies, what you do in your spare time, etc.

I’m originally from California, where I met my husband at The Master’s University. My dad has been a pastor in northern California for almost thirty years. Now I live in Idaho with my husband and our five little boys. We homeschool and help with our church plant. I’m a homebody. I love to cook for my family, decorate, and organize our home. As the kids get older and we are moving past the baby phase, we are exploring the world of camping and sports. I tag along for the snacks.

Question #2—Which writers inspire you?

I am the most inspired by Elisabeth Elliot and Charles Spurgeon. They wrote from the heart. They understood how practical our relationship with Christ is – that it doesn’t just get us into heaven, but it impacts the way we look at everything in our lives.

Question #3—What inspired you to write this book, about this topic?

For the Love of Discipline: When the Gospel Meets Tantrums and Time-Outs. With five little boys, ages 8 and under, discipline consumes my life right now. I was desperate to investigate how the hope of the gospel relates to this specific stage. I was not disappointed. The more I studied the more I found that discipline is so much more than surviving the early years of parenthood. It’s about showing our kids the Savior. I wanted to put a book into the hands of moms that would help them trade quick-fixes and behavior modifications for discipline that yields eternal results.

Question #4—What book are you reading now?

In All Things, a study on the book of Philippians by Melissa Kruger.

Question #5—Do you have a favorite quote? What is it and why?

I love quotes that instantly reorient my thinking onto the gospel. Here are a few of my favorites:

“For every look you take at yourself, take ten looks at Christ.” —Robert Murray McCheyne

“’Run, John, Run!’ – the law demands, but gives me neither feet nor hands. What better hope the gospel brings – it bids me fly, then gives me wings.” —John Bunyan

“When the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: ‘I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God.” —Martin Luther

Question #6—What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Writing is a progression. Start with writing for yourself. It should be enjoyable and therapeutic. Then write for close friends and family. Focus on what would be a blessing to them. From there, if your writing is enjoyable to yourself and those closest to you, branch out and see what happens.

Question #7—How do you deal with writer’s block?

I pray. I know that God has given me the abilities and the opportunities for this, so he will give me the words, too. Sometimes I have to take a break and step away for a little while. That’s hard to do, but it’s better than forcing it. Lots of chocolate also helps.

Question #8—The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia? Why?

Chronicles of Narnia. As a classroom teacher and now as a mom, this has always been one of my favorite creative ways to help kids understand the gospel. This and “Pilgrim’s Progress.”

Question #9—What famous person (living or dead) would you like to meet and why?

My favorite famous person that I actually did have the pleasure of meeting was Kristyn Getty. Getty music has been a huge blessing to my family and my church. I love Kristyn’s heart for the gospel and I respect how she juggles motherhood and ministry.

Question #10—If you have a favorite book of the Bible, what is it and why?

The book I come back to the most often is Psalms. I love how personal it is. The book of Psalms helps me process everything else I read in the Bible. It helps me pray through God’s word and apply it to my life.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

Website: gospelcenteredmom.com
Facebook Page: The Gospel-Centered Mom – Sara Wallace

Daily Excerpt taken from The Story by Jon Nielson

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Kim

The Story guides teenagers and young adults through God’s grand story of redemption with a year of daily Bible readings and reflections that illuminate the unity and purpose of God’s Word.

Act 4: Exile to Jesus

DAY 220

Jeremiah 31:31–40

I love duct tape. When I was younger, it seemed like duct tape fixed everything! But toys, sports equipment, and tools that are broken don’t need duct tape to be fixed; they need a lasting solution. As wonderful as duct tape is, it will never get to the heart of the issue!

In Jeremiah 31, the prophet looks far ahead to a new day for God’s people. There will come a day, he says, when—after judgment—God will bring a lasting solution to the problems, sin, and rebellion of his people. Someday, Jeremiah says, God will finally deal with his people’s sin and enable them to live with and for him in a lasting way. No more duct tape; this will be final.

The way Jeremiah describes this future day is in terms of a new covenant. This new covenant will be similar to the old covenant with Abraham, but will have a finality and a permanence to it. God will write his law on the hearts of the people. No longer will God’s people need to tell and teach one another about God and his ways, because everyone will know him in the community of God’s people. There will be final forgiveness for sin; God says he will remember their iniquities no more. We find too that this will be a final situation—rebellion, idolatry, or exile will never again turn God’s people away from him. Jeremiah turns our eyes forward to a wonderful day—a day when God will deal with his people’s sins forever, when people will have God’s Word on their hearts, not just in their ears!

You don’t hear the words “new covenant” again for a while in the Bible. Then, years later, they jump off the page at us. In an upper room with his disciples, Jesus speaks those same words as he prepares to go to the cross to die. As he pours out wine for his disciples at the Last Supper, Jesus tells them that the cup is the “new covenant in [his] blood” (Luke 22:20). What will be the lasting solution for God’s people? What will be the sacrifice that covers their sins forever and pays the penalty of death for them? The blood of Jesus.

We need to be daily returning to the basis and foundation of God’s new covenant with us—sealed by the blood of his own Son, Jesus. In him we find forgiveness, salvation, eternal life, and lasting righteousness before a holy God. Today, thank God for the great promise we have in him—written in the blood of the very Son of God.

Two New Releases

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Kim

We have 2 new books that released last week.

1. Theological English: An Advanced ESL Text for Students of Theology by Pierce Taylor Hibbs with Megan Reiley

Trim: 8 1/2 x 11 | Pages: 376 | List Price: $49.99 | Hardcover | SAMPLE CHAPTER

About

Are you a non-native English speaker who plans to study theology in English at an advanced level? With thirty lessons covering the major genres of theology (apologetics, biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, and practical theology), Theological English invites you to develop your English skills while actively putting them to use.

Build your skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing English
Reinforce your skills through relevant tasks and activities
Explore answers to important biblical and theological questions

Drawing on the latest language-acquisition research, Theological English provides practical and effective activities in a Reformed theological context. Shaped and validated by student feedback over years of use, it is a sure guide to a complex subject—and one that will take you far in your studies.

Endorsements

“This book both helps to pioneer a field where few resources currently exist and sets a very high standard for other future efforts.”

—Will Bankston, Editor, Thinking Theologically about Language Teaching

“A compelling introduction to theology that effectively builds the reader’s mastery of the English language. Though marvelously useful for non-native English speakers, any budding student of theology will profit significantly from the language skills absorbed along this reverent theological pilgrimage.”

—David B. Garner, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary

“Students of theology around the world will benefit from access to this volume, which brings language and content together in ways that help students navigate the linguistic challenges of theological works and provides an introduction to a range of topics.”

—Cheri Pierson, Associate Professor of TESOL Intercultural Studies, Wheaton College Graduate School

The Authors

Pierce Taylor Hibbs (MAR, ThM, Westminster Theological Seminary) is associate director for theological curriculum and instruction in the Theological English Department at Westminster Theological Seminary.

Megan Reiley (MA in Linguistics, University of Pittsburgh) is Westminster Theological Seminary’s theological English instructor, as well as an adjunct ESL instructor at the University of Pittsburgh.

2. “King of Israel” and “Do Not Fear, Daughter of Zion”: The Use of Zephaniah 3 in John 12 by Christopher S. Tachick

Pages: 312 | List Price: $49.99 | Series: Reformed Academic Dissertations | SAMPLE CHAPTER

About

This thoroughly researched, groundbreaking examination of John 12:13–15 demonstrates the seminal role that Zephaniah 3:14–15 plays in John’s portrayal of Jesus as the King of Israel, the Lord whose return Zephaniah prophesied, the righteous King who brings salvation to Jew and Gentile and whose presence teaches us not to fear.

Endorsements

“Tachick’s exploration of the evocative use of Zephaniah 3 in the triumphal entry account in John’s Gospel exemplifies best practices in intracanonical, intertextual studies. It is thoroughly researched, cogently argued, and keenly sensitive to the broader literary-theological contexts.”

—Dennis E. Johnson, Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California

“Makes important contributions to our understanding the Fourth Gospel’s use of the Old Testament and of the book of Zephaniah alike. The author’s expertise in discourse linguistics lends methodological clarity and nuance to his exegesis, which interacts capably with an impressive range of scholarship. Together with his keen theological eye, this makes it an excellent example of solidly grounded whole-Bible interpretation.”

—Daniel C. Timmer, Professor of Biblical Studies, Doctoral Program, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“Tachick’s methodology is sound, his research is thorough, and his argumentation is careful. He makes a compelling case for his ‘Zephaniah proposal’ and at the same time provides important insights into the study of both Zephaniah and John’s Gospel.”

—E. Ray Clendenon, Senior Editor of Bible and Reference Publishing, B&H Publishing Group

“In this thoroughly researched and well-written study, the author makes a very plausible case for the use of Zephaniah 3 in John 12. Tachick clearly articulates and capably defends his thesis, excelling in both in-depth analysis and theological synthesis.”

—Andreas J. Köstenberger, Senior Research Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

The Author

Christopher S. Tachick (M.A., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; Th.M., Bethlehem College & Seminary) is a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators serving as a translation consultant with Seed Company.

BOOK HIGHLIGHT — Princeton Seminary (1812–1929): Its Leaders’ Lives and Works by Gary Steward

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Kim

Princeton Seminary (1812–1929): Its Leaders’ Lives and Works by Gary Steward

336 pages | $15.99 | SAMPLE CHAPTER | Kindle: $9.99 | iTunes: $9.99

Currently 70% off (only $4.80!) from wtsbooks.com, click HERE.

About

Many of the key ideas of the modern era, and Christian responses to them, were formulated at the time of “Old Princeton.” Gary Steward introduces us to the great men of Princeton Theological Seminary from its founding to the early twentieth century, together with some of their most important writings. While commemorating the legacy of Old Princeton, this book also places the seminary in its historical and theological contexts.

Endorsements

“Brilliantly resurrects the theologians of Old Princeton for today’s layman. Certainly, Steward’s engaging, accessible, and eloquent work is the new go-to book for the reader unacquainted with the giants of Old Princeton.”

—Matthew Barrett, Associate Professor of Christian Studies, California Baptist University, Riverside, California

“The quality and achievement of Princeton Seminary’s leaders for its first hundred years was outstanding, and Steward tells their story well. Reading this book does the heart good.”

—J. I. Packer, Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia

“Gary Steward is to be commended for providing an intelligent and edifying introduction to the theology and leaders of Old Princeton. . . . The tone is warm and balanced, the content rich and accessible, the historical work careful and illuminating. I hope pastors, students, and anyone else interested in good theology and heartfelt piety will ‘take a few classes’ at Old Princeton.”

—Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church (PCA), East Lansing, Michigan

About The Author

Gary Steward (BA, South Dakota State University; Cert., The Bethlehem Institute; MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; ThM, Westminster Theological Seminary) is an adjunct faculty member at California Baptist University in Riverside, California, and at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, from 2004 to 2011, and is currently pursuing a PhD in church history and historical theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.