(Author: Tyler Kenney)

Jonathan Edwards says that a lack of external expression in worship can actually destroy Christian community and devotion.

Some bodily worship is necessary to give liberty to our own devotion; yea though in secret, so more when with others . . . 'Tis necessary that there should be something bodily and visible in the worship of a congregation; otherwise, there can be no communion at all. (From Miscellanies #101)

Read his rationale for thinking this way.

(Author: Tyler Kenney)

Recently, in partnership with Christian Focus Publications, we were able to create a 12-week study guide for use with John Piper's book about what it means to be born again, Finally Alive.

With the restart of Bible studies, small groups and Sunday schools this month, you might want to consider this as a guide and supplement to a group study of the book. Or, if not in a group, you may want to use it to enhance your own individual study.

Download the study guide (PDF). And if you don't already have a copy,...

(Author: Tyler Kenney)

This is the last question from the Ask Pastor John Live session we recorded earlier this year. Due to Pastor John's leave, we will not be rolling out any more new episodes for at least the rest of this year. Search all previous episodes.

Podcast subscribers, stay tuned for more information about our forthcoming "Everything Video" podcast.

John Piper says you don't have to be ordained to be a minister. Watch or listen to him explain. Scroll down to read an edited transcript.

The following is an edited transcript of the audio.

Would there be any...

The Myth: Exercise Is For the Overweight

Most of my patients that I see for suspected heart disease are truly clueless about exercise, and I bet you may be too. Here is a quick question to check your exercise IQ:

True or false? Overweight people who are physically fit (defined below) are better off than thin people who rarely or never exercise.

If you are like my patients, you think this statement is false. Sorry, but that big guy riding his bike to work every day is lapping you if your idea of exercise is turning off the TV by hand...

Could it be that Satan wants to make things more complicated?  As I teach my three young children gospel truths, I’m reminded how those simple answers are what my soul desperately needs, as well.  "Sunday School answers" are sometimes the best answers. 

Sunday School Answers

A believer experiences an unexpected break-up, and a friend responds, “God works all things for good.”  Another Christian expresses struggles with his future job prospects, and his brother answers, “Trust in the Lord.”  The discouraged disciple becomes frustrated.  He looks at his Christian friend and says, “Well, I know that.  Give me something that helps.” ...

The Tired Leader

Through the years I have come to some general conclusions about people, ministry, and leaders. One of them is that most people, in general, and leaders, in particular, try to do too much and work too many hours. An article in the Seattle Times by Shirleen Holt read,

Nearly ten million Americans worked more than sixty hours a week last year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics found. We’ve outpaced the famously productive Japanese in hours worked. We’re the only developed nation without mandatory vacation time. And, according to the Expedia.com’s annual vacation poll, one-third...

My blog is now being hosted at The Gospel Coalition website. Here's the address:

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/

If you have BTW on your blogroll, it'd be a help if you would adjust your link accordingly.

You'll have to subscribe to the new feed, as this current one will no longer be updated.

In my inaugural post at the new site I explain why I'm happy to have BTW associated with TGC. Hope to see you over there!

Randy Alcorn's new big book on the problem of evil and suffering is now available: If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil (Multnomah).

You can read the table of contents and some excerpts at EPM's page, read an interview that Andy Naselli did with Randy here at Between Two Worlds, or read a review of the book by Tim Challies.

WTS Books is offering Mike Horton's new book, The Gospel-Driven Life: Being Good News People in a Bad News World (Baker), for 45% off. The offer is good for the next week and a half.

This book is a sequel to Christless Christianity, moving from "the crisis to solutions, in the hope that we will see a new reformation in the faith, practice, and witness of contemporary Christianity."

Horton explains his purpose in the opening words of...

Not too long ago I came across the work of Chris Powers, who put together an animated video of one of our songs, The Prodigal. I was moved by the way he used simple animation to illustrate the song in a powerful way. Recently Chris told me he had animated another one of our songs, The [...]

I just finished reading The Invisible Gorilla: And Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us, by Christopher Chablis and Daniel Simons. No, it’s not a Christian book, nor is it a book for people responsible for leading congregational worship (the target audience of my blog). But I think it’s relevant to both. The book was named for [...]

A while back I received an email from Paul asking: One of the central roles of a worship band is to help the congregation to sing. Do you have advice on how a worship band can best cue the congregation? What kinds of things could I tell my instrumentalists and singers to do to help the [...]

11:00 a.m. Happy Birthday MJ

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You'll find us right back here on Monday.  Take Care!
Janelle
for Carolyn, Nicole, and Kristin

--from the archives

10:02 a.m. Chad's Midnight Snack

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If there is one thing that rebelutionaries are good at it, it’s supporting the efforts of their fellow rebelutionaries. Here’s a chance to do that. Watch this video. Seriously. Georgia-based rebelutionary Andrew Cunningham needs to finish in the Top 5 (in total views) in the 104.7 The Fish Opening Act contest on YouTube. If he [...]

Thank you all for your support of our family after the passing of our mother. We have been overwhelmed by the love, prayers, and stories of lives changed by God’s grace through our mom’s faithfulness. Please, keep them coming! By God’s grace, we are doing well — inexplicably well, apart from hope in Christ. The weekend [...]

Abby Enck is only eight-years-old, but her story provides an excellent blueprint for rebelutionaries on how to make a difference. This shy girl found a cause close to home (supporting her brother who has cerebral palsy) and took one small step to meet that need (raising $4.50 selling lemonade to buy crayons). Once she had [...]