Today in Blogworld 1.21.11

Justin Taylor gives us the good news and bad news about Michael Horton’s new systematic theology.  I’m not going to buy this until either I have to have it for a class or I graduate seminary, but it looks really good.

Scott Klusendorf considers Pro-Life Apologetics for the Next Generation

Follow this discussion at 9Marks on sending missionaries.

JT on Roe v. Wade.

The Danger of Following Men Instead of Christ.

Johnny Cash impersonating Elvis:

(HT: 22 Words)

9 Lessons on Courage from the Prince of Preachers.

Hopefully this is not helpful to anyone in my current church:  How to Search for a Pastor.

Win a Free Book.

Do you have Church Fatigue?

I’m excited that John Newton is starting to get so much more press.  CJ Mahaney and Tony Reinke will be reading his mail on Friday’s and providing us with insights they find.  Should be interesting.

I think Piper is right.  (Duh).  Saying what you believe is easier than saying that you are a Calvinist.

The Local Church and the Great Commission

In case you wondering, here is how to solve the Rubik’s Cube in 20 moves or less.

See it done really fast:

Trueman on the Fallacy of America as a Christian Nation

In his book on Histories and Fallacies Carl Trueman has this to say about America as a Christian nation.  In context he is discussing the Genetic Fallacy.  A great example of this, writes Trueman, is the myth of America as a Christian nation:

Many readers might well be thinking at this point that this fallacy is so obviously problematic that it cannot possibly have much force within the writing of history today.  True, its flaws are obvious; but, in fact, it does enjoy considerable vogue in some quarters.  Take, for example, the most radical wings of the Christian America movement where the argument is that America was founded by men motivated by and large by their commitment to the Christian faith and their desire to build a Christian nation.  Thus, America was and is—or at least, ought to be—a Christian nation, and her founding documents embody Christian virtues.  This leads to interpretations of the present that can engage simply in anachronistic value judgments on actions and events; or, perhaps in a more sinister way, connect America to events in biblical prophecy, God’s providential plans for the world, etc.  (Trueman, Histories and Fallacies, p159)

I may be reviewing this book later this week, but I’m not sure yet since it’s probably only meant for history nerds like myself.  But if you are a fan of history, or are considering writing history, this book is worthy of purchasing.  You can get the E-book for only 7.99

Today in Blogworld 1.20.11

The Kingdom of God explained to a 15 year old.

Trevin Wax is asking “what counterfeit gospels are most prevalent today?”

Don’t forget to register to win a free book.

Challies comments on the strange phenomenon of nerdy white pastors bobbing to rap music.

Related to that, Piper interviews Lecrae:

Andy Naselli samples Trueman’s new book The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind.

9 Lessons on Casting Vision from the Bearded One.

John Calvin on the Pursuit of Success

I appreciate Dave Miller’s Open Letter to the Baptist Press.

Adam Winters is being honest…he probably wouldn’t have supported MLK.

Driscoll is offering a free chapter of Vintage Church.

Justin Buzzard offers a few things to do with the gospel.

I went to college with John, great to hear his story:

Confession and Discipleship

…a proper confession of Jesus involves a new understanding of discipleship.  When believers confess who Jesus is, they also and inevitably confess what they must become.  Jesus is not an objective datum that, like a rock under a microscope, can be observed and examined in supposed neutrality.  The statement, ‘you are the Christ,’ imposes a claim on the one who says it.  The Son of Man calls those who would know him to follow him.  (James Edwards, Pillar NT Commentary on Mark, p261)