Andy Naselli

Thoughts on Theology

5 Baptist Distinctives

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BaptistThree Baptist historians recently teamed up to write a textbook on Baptist history:

Anthony L. Chute, Nathan A. Finn, and Michael A. G. Haykin. The Baptist Story: From English Sect to Global Movement. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2015. 46-page PDF sample.

In the final chapter they unpack five Baptist distinctives:

  1. Regenerate church membership
  2. Believer’s baptism
  3. Congregational polity
  4. Local church autonomy
  5. Religious freedom

Here’s a six-minute interview with the authors:

See also Jason Duesing’s review.

The Ology: A New Systematic Theology for Kids

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the_ology_bookThis new systematic theology for kids just released:

Marty Machowski. The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New.   Illustrated by Andy McGuire. Greensboro, NC: New Growth, 2015. 257 pp. 9-page sample PDF.

You can read 16 endorsements here.

Here’s mine: “This well-illustrated book clearly and logically introduces theology for children.” [Read more…] about The Ology: A New Systematic Theology for Kids

Why and How to Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible

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I recently spent about sixteen months memorizing 1 Corinthians and then recited it as a sermon to my church (Vimeo):

I just wrote two posts for The Gospel Coalition that share some lessons I’ve learned along the way regarding both why and how to memorize an entire book of the Bible:

Update (5/28/2017): I recited Romans to my church.

Update (1/2/2019): You Can Memorize Scripture This Year

Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision: A Case for Costly Discipleship and Life Together

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houseI anticipated that this book would be good, and it didn’t disappoint me:

Paul R. House. Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision: A Case for Costly Discipleship and Life Together. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2015. 32-page PDF sample.

After I read this book last May, I wrote this on the title page:

Very good book. It made me even more grateful that I get to train future pastors at Bethlehem College & Seminary in an environment that’s ideal for doing what Paul House advocates.

Some excerpts (#8 is a zinger): [Read more…] about Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision: A Case for Costly Discipleship and Life Together

Doug Wilson’s New Film: The Free Speech Apocalypse

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Last night Jenni and I watched Doug Wilson’s new 90-minute film: The Free Speech Apocalypse (Amazon). Then I listened to it again this afternoon.

It releases in November. Doug Wilson blogged about it two days ago.

Here’s a 3-minute preview:

Some thoughts: [Read more…] about Doug Wilson’s New Film: The Free Speech Apocalypse

John Piper’s Tribute to Tom Steller

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StellerPiperIn this picture from September 1, 2015, John Piper has his arm around Tom Steller. They are in a staff meeting for Bethlehem Baptist Church, and John Piper is praising God for Tom Steller’s serving Bethlehem for 35 years. Here’s a transcript of what Piper said:

I taught Bible at Bethel for six years, 1974–1980. Tom took six of my courses, four in Greek and two exegesis courses. (I know that because it’s in my journal.) And at the end of those six courses the die was cast for a lifetime of partnership in Christian Hedonism, and the Piper-Steller fabric began to be woven. We have loved and praised and served the same glorious God on the same basis of glorious Scripture for 40 years together. [Read more…] about John Piper’s Tribute to Tom Steller