Brian G. Hedges's Blog, page 3
April 21, 2016
Why Read the Puritans?
The Puritans were the 16th century English Protestants and their successors in 16th-17th century New England, whose concern for church reform and spiritual renewal earned them the originally derogatory epithet, “puritan.” Unfortunately, when most people hear the word “puritan” they remember Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and associate the term with legalism, self-righteousness,
January 21, 2016
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson (Book Review)
What does a Scottish theological controversy from three hundred years ago have to teach believers today? A lot. And Sinclair Ferguson (perhaps my favorite living theologian) shows its relevance to the church today in his new book, The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, & Gospel Assurance - Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters.
I am torn between giving this book three or four stars.
I am torn between giving this book three or four stars.
January 6, 2016
Best of 2015: Books
Lists are a staple in the diet of any blogger. Lists of books, albums, and films make regular appearances, especially around New Years. I'm late to the game this year, with most people's lists already read and probably forgotten.
And, honestly, I had to pause, after reading Mark Jones' challenge regarding the motivation and value in writing such lists for others to see. He heads his post
And, honestly, I had to pause, after reading Mark Jones' challenge regarding the motivation and value in writing such lists for others to see. He heads his post
December 30, 2015
15 Ways to Feed on the Word in the New Year
Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every
word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4), and
the prophet Jeremiah wrote,
“Your words were found, and I ate
them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O LORD, God of hosts.” (Jer. 15:16)
And yet, believers often struggle to regularly and
word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4), and
the prophet Jeremiah wrote,
“Your words were found, and I ate
them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O LORD, God of hosts.” (Jer. 15:16)
And yet, believers often struggle to regularly and
November 28, 2015
How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest.
Dear Name, the Rock on which I build,
My Shield and Hiding Place,
My never failing treasury, filled
With boundless stores of grace!
By
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest.
Dear Name, the Rock on which I build,
My Shield and Hiding Place,
My never failing treasury, filled
With boundless stores of grace!
By
November 4, 2015
Four Books I'd Like to Write
Today I'm going to try a little experiment.
This post is about books I'd like to write. As someone who has been teaching and preaching for over twenty years, I've accumulated thousands of pages of content and lots of ideas for books. I always have a list of books I'd like to write, along with raw material filling up Word docs and Evernote. Some of these books will eventually be written,
This post is about books I'd like to write. As someone who has been teaching and preaching for over twenty years, I've accumulated thousands of pages of content and lots of ideas for books. I always have a list of books I'd like to write, along with raw material filling up Word docs and Evernote. Some of these books will eventually be written,
October 31, 2015
John Owen's (Surprising) Counsel to Struggling, Doubting Believers
In his masterful exposition of Psalm 130, the seventeenth-century Puritan John Owen gave the church one of the most comprehensive theological and pastoral treatments of forgiveness of sin and assurance ever written. This is one of my favorite of Owen's books and one that I return to over and again.
Near the end of his exposition, Owen includes a wonderfully encouraging chapter for saints
Near the end of his exposition, Owen includes a wonderfully encouraging chapter for saints
John Owen's Counsel to Struggling, Doubting Believers
In his masterful exposition of Psalm 130, the seventeenth-century Puritan John Owen gave the church one of the most comprehensive theological and pastoral treatments of forgiveness of sin and assurance ever written. This is one of my favorite of Owen's books and one that I return to over and again.
Near the end of his exposition, Owen includes a wonderfully encouraging chapter for saints
Near the end of his exposition, Owen includes a wonderfully encouraging chapter for saints
October 27, 2015
Eight Principles of Biblical Friendship
"Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.” So wrote the Roman philosopher Cicero in the first century B.C. But while all people long for friendship, genuine friends are hard to come by.
Many factors contribute to the dearth of friendship. The increasing mobility of our culture has made lifelong friends a rare commodity. Even when
Many factors contribute to the dearth of friendship. The increasing mobility of our culture has made lifelong friends a rare commodity. Even when
October 26, 2015
Conference Messages on Sanctification
Several months ago, I had the wonderful opportunity of speaking on the doctrine of sanctification for an annual conference at Reformed Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They have posted these talks and handouts online. Here are the links for anyone interested:
Session 1 - Sanctified by the Trinity
Session 2 - Sanctified in the Son
Session 3 - Sanctified in the World
Session 4 -
Session 1 - Sanctified by the Trinity
Session 2 - Sanctified in the Son
Session 3 - Sanctified in the World
Session 4 -
