Douglas Moo is one of the bright lights of evangelical biblical scholarship. Countless pastors and teachers have come to know him through his important 1996 commentary on Paul’s letter to the Romans. Seventeen years later, that commentary still stands as one of the finest expositions of Romans available. Indeed, many of us have become students of Paul’s theology and writings through Moo’s careful and faithful scholarship. That is why I was thrilled to see the release of Moo’s new commentary on Galatians for the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Moo has been marinating in Paul’s writings for decades, and this commentary reflects the depth of his long scholarship…
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One last toast for the Doolittle Raiders
The story of the Doolittle Raiders is one for the ages. After Japan succeeded in a vicious attack on American forces at Pearl Harbor, the United States hatched a plan for an immediate retaliation. The plan called for pilots to fly a secret mission over Tokyo to drop bombs on strategic targets. The only problem was that in those days bombers could take off from the carrier but they could not land. It would be a one way mission in which pilots would have to drop their payload in Tokyo and then try to land in China and escape to safety. It was high stakes and very dangerous. The mission…
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A Eulogy for Blockbuster Video
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…