See what our Crossway authors have been blogging about these past couple weeks:
Scott Klusendorf, author of The Case for Life, is a model for how to participate in the pro-life conversation with both grace and solid logic and argumentation.
In this longer video (about 40 minutes) from The Students for Life of America Conference, Scott gives practical examples and tips for engaging the culture in this conversation.
Modified from Truth Endures by John MacArthur:
There are four elements from John 8:21–30 that show how a person can die in his sin:
Be Self-Righteous:
The first way to guarantee that you will die in your sin is to be convinced that you don’t need to be saved, that you are spiritually all right. Satan is clever. When he puts together a phony system based on human achievement and works‑righteousness, he does it in such a complex and supposedly biblical way that it is tremendously deceiving. People become captivated in cults and falsely assume they can gain righteousness by what they do. But no one ever comes to Christ who doesn’t see Him as a Savior who takes away sin and himself as a sinner who needs his sin taken away.
Be Earth-Bound:
In John 8:23 Jesus says, “I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.” He tells the Pharisees that they are part of the world system of which He is not. The term “world” simply refers to the invisible spiritual realm of evil. You could characterize the system in this way: it is materialistic and humanistic, believing that man is going to solve his problems by himself and rule his own fate; it is lost in preoccupation with sex; it is plagued by carnal ambition, pride, greed, jealousy, envy, self‑pleasure and selfish desire, murder, and so on. Its opinions are wrong, its aims are selfish, its pleasures are sinful, its influences are demoralizing, its politics are corrupt, its honors are empty, its smiles are phony, and its love is fickle. Furthermore, it is in the process of dissolution; according to 1 John 2:17, “the world is passing away.” It will self‑destruct.
Be Unbelieving:
In John 8:24 Jesus says, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” So the third way to guarantee you will die in your sins is to be unbelieving of the gospel. You don’t have to go out and kill someone and be bad to go to hell, because hell is not just for criminals, it is for everyone and anyone who refuses Christ.It isn’t enough to believe that Jesus is the One you think He is; you must believe that He is the One He claimed to be—“I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), “he who believes in Me will never thirst” (6:35), “I am the Light of the world” (8:12), “I am the good shepherd” (10:11), “I am the door” (10:9), “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (14:6). Because Jesus was identifying Himself with God, saving faith not only becomes a question of turning from sin, but trusting the Son as well. It’s a question of believing Jesus is who He claimed to be.
Be Willfully Ignorant:
When someone hears a speech about Christ, but doesn’t let it register, that person is willfully ignorant. The Jewish leaders had enough evidence about Christ, they just refused to believe, and in their chosen ignorance, even mocked Him. They were willfully ignorant of Christ’s identity: “So they were saying to Him, ‘Who are You?’” (John 8:25). Far from being an honest question, this could be paraphrased, “Who do you think you are, fella? These are some pretty ridiculous things you are saying, telling us that we’re going to die in our sin.
Learn more about Truth Endures by John MacArthur
We recently announced our new rewards program we’re calling Crossway Impact. This effort gives you an opportunity to make a difference with every book you buy. In addition to the benefits you receive as a member, Crossway sends 5% of everything you spend to a ministry of your choice—ministries that are working to plant and build healthy churches, equip Christians for life and ministry, and working around the world for the sake of the gospel.
We’re excited about what God’s doing through these ministries—through their faithful teaching and resources. Over the coming weeks we’re going to share some of the exciting work they’re doing domestically and around the world.
Introducing 9Marks:
“At 9Marks, we are seeking, by God’s grace, to invest whatever resources we have to proclaim the Gospel in every corner of the world and equip believers everywhere with a biblical vision and practical resources for displaying God’s glory through healthy local churches,” explains Marcus Glover. “Matt Schmucker’s recent trip to Uganda represents part of this global vision.”
Sowing Gospel Seeds in Uganda:
Matt Schmucker, vice president of 9Marks, recently traveled to Uganda to take part in an amazing opportunity to equip and encourage thousands of African believers. Matt was invited to speak at the International Bible Conference, an event held annually in Uganda. Along with other speakers, Matt had the opportunity to teach to about 24,000 Christians from many regions of Africa who are eager to grow in Christ, yet often subjected to a plethora of false teachers.
You can read his story here.
Learn more about the ministry of 9Marks or sign up for Crossway Impact—Rewards with a Mission.
Russell Moore, dean of the School of Theology at Southern Seminary and author of Adopted for Life, speaks with Dennis Rainy and Bob Lepine on FamilyLife Today about thinking rightly about adoption and caring for the needs of orphans. Tune in to their three segments below:
Learn more about Adopted for Life or read a sample chapter.
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