Conversion

Hey Calvinist, Enough of Your Revivalism

By Michael Lawrence | 9Marks Journal: Ecclesiology for Calvinists | 02.04.2019

How do you grow your church? It’s a question every pastor or church leader asks, a question in which almost every Christian is interested.

Don’t Ignore the “Speed Limit”: How the Sufficiency of Scripture Should Make Us Patient

By Dave Comeau | 01.28.2019

The Bible’s speed limit signs are posted everywhere, but our focus on numbers and fast growth causes us to speed right by them.

Practice Charity, Pursue Credibility: How to Respond to a Child’s Profession of Faith

By C. Greggsen, S. Emadi | 01.07.2019

In every case, a church ought to be careful, weeding through words to attempt to discern the motivation behind a profession of faith―in other words, its credibility.

You Can’t Preach Christ Without Preaching Depravity

By Bradley Larson | 01.02.2019

If we aim to preach Christ in our churches, then we must preach about what he endured and overcame on the cross.

Best Books for Pastors 2018

Best Books for Pastors in 2018

By Alex Duke | 12.21.2018

We asked pastors from around the world a simple question: what books did you read in 2018 that helped you be a better pastor?

Book Review: Some Pastors and Teachers, by Sinclair Ferguson

Review by Mike McGregor | 11.30.2018

This excellent new book could rightly be called “The Collected Works of Sinclair Ferguson on Pastoral Ministry.”

Your Lord’s Day Might Be Someone Else’s Way of Escape

By Rosaria Butterfield | 11.14.2018

Have you ever thought that you, your house, and your time are not your own but rather God’s ordained way of escape for someone?

Book Review: No Quick Fix, by Andy Naselli

Review by Justin Harris | 09.17.2018

This book expertly exposes the dangers and errors of “higher life” theology.

How Calvinism Makes Fewer Burnt-Out Pastors

By Conrad Mbewe | 9Marks Journal: Pastoral Burnout: Its Causes & Cures | 07.17.2018

Instead of only giving pastors commonsense counsel about how to prevent burnout, let us go one step further and encourage them to regularly refresh themselves in the strong old Calvinistic doctrines.

Confession ≠ Repentance

By Ty Gooch | 07.16.2018

How many times have we seen confession happen without genuine and lasting change? Why does genuine transformation still evade us?

Book Review: The Essential Jonathan Edwards, by Owen Strachan and Douglas A. Sweeney

Review by Nate Pickowicz | 07.02.2018

Whether you’re new to Edwards or have long trusted him as a faithful friend, this volume will undoubtedly serve as a welcome companion.  

You Need More Than a Better You

You Need More Than a Better You

By Mark Dever | 05.17.2018

Mark Dever reflects on the uniquely biblical doctrine of conversion.

The Local Church as a Counterculture

By Brett McCracken | 9Marks Journal: Church Life: Our True Political Witness | 04.17.2018

The local church was never meant to be a cultural, comfortable, bourgeois social club that affirms people in their idolatry and helps them along on a journey to their “best life now.” It was meant to be a counterculture, a set-apart community embodying a radically different vision for human flourishing.

Understanding Our True Citizenship

By Sam Emadi | 9Marks Journal: Church Life: Our True Political Witness | 04.17.2018

According to Scripture, our conversion isn’t an isolated, private act. Conversion involves a change of citizenship from one kingdom to another.

Book Review: Perfect Sinners, by Matt Fuller

Review by Tim Chapman | 03.15.2018

Too many believers feel too often as though we’re living life on trial before God, uncertain of his verdict on us. This book should help Christians realize that’s not the case.