As you no doubt have heard, Blockbuster video is calling it quits. There is no business model to support bricks-and-mortar stores that supply movie rentals. The delivery systems for media consumption have changed so radically over the last decade, and Blockbuster has failed to keep up. The reasons for its demise are obvious. But still, it’s remarkable that it’s gone. Blockbuster was once so ubiquitous in America. It was the 800 pound gorilla gobbling up all the mom and pop rental stores around the country. It was unstoppable. Until it got stopped. And now it is no more. There has to be some kind of a life-lesson here—certainly a sermon…
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Interview about “What Is the Meaning of Sex”
A couple of weeks ago, I sat for an interview with Southern Seminary’s Towers magazine about What is the Meaning of Sex? The questions I answered include the following: 1. Why is your book necessary? 2. What’s your book saying that’s unique compared to other books on the topic? 3. What role should natural law play in a Christian’s arguments when discussing sexual ethics issues? 4. What role does hermeneutics play in sexual ethics? 5. What challenges do the new sexual norms present for Christians and for the church? 6. Why should a pastor care about these issues? 7. What is the meaning of sex? 8. What do you hope…
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Lawmakers cite Pope Francis in support of gay marriage
As you no doubt have heard by now, lawmakers voted last week to make gay marriage legal in the state of Illinois. The law will go into effect on June 1, and it will make Illinois the 15th state to sanction such unions. What you may not have heard is the religious justifications that lawmakers gave for favoring the bill. The Chicago Tribune reports that some lawmakers quoted recent remarks by Pope Francis as the basis for their vote. The Tribune reports:
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The weekly task of pastoral ministry
“The weekly task of pastoral ministry: read yourself full, write yourself clear, pray yourself hot, preach yourself empty.” –Kevin DeYoung
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Reviews of “What Is the Meaning of Sex”
I am very grateful this week for two reviews of What Is the Meaning of Sex? I have no illusions that reviews would be uniformly favorable. The subject matter is far too controversial for that. But I am very grateful for the positive reception from Tim Challies and Matt Damico. Click the links below to read their reviews: Tim Challies, Review of What is the Meaning of Sex? by Denny Burk, Challies.com (November 5, 2013). Matt Damico, Review of What Is the Meaning of Sex? by Denny Burk, Towers 12.4 (2013): 11.
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Have the New Testament charismatic gifts ceased?
Last night, James White moderated a debate between Sam Waldron and Michael Brown about this question: “Have the New Testament charismatic gifts ceased?” You can watch the video of the debate above.
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N. T. Wright says Christians should support national healthcare
Speaking of N. T. Wright, Michael Kruger points to an interview with Wright earlier this year in which Wright chastises American Christians who oppose national healthcare (i.e., Obamacare). In Wright’s own words:
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Doug Moo’s review of N.T. Wright’s Pauline Theology
Last week I bought N. T. Wright’s magisterial 2-volume work on Paul, Paul and the Faithfulness of God. It’s over 1,500 pages. Needless to say, I haven’t finished it yet. But apparently Doug Moo has, and he has a very helpful review posted at The Gospel Coalition website. In light of previous controversies, one particular passage in Moo’s review caught my attention. And you probably won’t be surprised that it has to do with justification. Here’s the excerpt: [Wright] also continues to stress a future justification that will be “according to the fullness of the life that has been led”… or “on the basis of the totality of the life…
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Interview with Russell Moore about “What Is the Meaning of Sex”
Russell Moore recently interviewed me about What Is the Meaning of Sex, and the audio is now available online. I am very grateful for this interview, and I have to say that it is unlike almost any other that I’ve done so far. Dr. Moore was careful to probe the pastoral and practical implications of this book, and he does so with his customary wit and humor. The conversation is about 15 minutes long, and it’s available on the website of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. You can also listen to it below or download it here.
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The books from panel discussion with SBTS authors
Albert Mohler interviewed several SBTS profs today about their recent books. The panel included Tom Schreiner, Tom Nettles, Jim Hamilton, Heath Lambert, and yours truly. You can watch the discussion above. The books are linked below.