Posts by Todd Pruitt

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"The best book in a minister's library"

Todd Pruitt
May 16, 2012
"I am afraid that all the grace that I have got of my comfortable and easy times and happy hours, might almost lie on a penny. But the good that I have received from my sorrows, and pains, and griefs, is altogether incalculable ... Affliction is the best bit of furniture in my house. It is the best...

Church Discipline And The Means of Grace

Todd Pruitt
May 16, 2012
From Carl Trueman : Apparently, a church in Oregon is suing a former member and her daughter for defamation on a blog. Apart from the difficulty of mounting a successful suit for defamation under the US's admirably lax defamation laws (where not only factual error but deliberate malice must be...

"What is that difference?"

Todd Pruitt
May 16, 2012
Kevin DeYoung has written one of the most insightful posts I have read in a while concerning the problem of what he calls "squishy evangelicalism." And it describes far too many churches accurately. The audience I have in mind are those Christians, pastors, and churches that continue to affirm the...

Al Mohler discusses gay marriage

Todd Pruitt
May 15, 2012
[vimeo 41796801 w=400 h=300]

Taking God into the pulpit...

Todd Pruitt
May 15, 2012
From Carl Trueman : This last Friday, I had the privilege of being in Vancouver to give Dr. James I. Packer an honorary doctorate and to interview him for the Westminster website. The interview will be posted on the Westminster site in the next week or two. Suffice it to say that, if I had known...

Stick With Your Work

Todd Pruitt
May 14, 2012
Great words for pastors.

Sidelined by distraction...

Todd Pruitt
May 14, 2012
One of the things I love about the Basics Conference at Parkside Church is that the theme never really changes. Each year the focus is on some aspect of the pastor's role as preacher. It is refreshingly non-innovative. Alistair Begg preached the first message this year. His text was Acts 6:1-7: Now...

He's Always Been Faithful To Me

Todd Pruitt
May 13, 2012
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTLfQ05Otk0&w=460&h=264]So , the video is only a single picture. The song, however, is amazing.

Paul was a meanie

Todd Pruitt
May 13, 2012
I have the privilege once again to attend the Basics Conference . Basics is the annual pastor's conference at Parkside Church outside Cleveland. I have been attending this conference for nine years and it is always a restful and challenging time. One of the helpful elements of the week is that I...

Preaching Through Adversity...

Todd Pruitt
May 12, 2012
I do not know where I would be were it not for the clear evidence of God's grace in the lives of so many preachers before me. Charles Spurgeon is one of those men who have most captivated my attention because of the volume of his work and the honesty with which he wrote about his heart-breaks. I...

Bearing False Witness Against Christ...

Todd Pruitt
May 10, 2012
From Joe Carter : The Blasphemy of Barak Obama Mr. President, Earlier today you made a statement that will go down in history as one of the most audacious ever made by a sitting President. And no, I’m not talking about your admission that you supports gay marriage. The only thing surprising about...

A Place To Stand

Todd Pruitt
May 10, 2012
Today, President Obama, looking strangely uncomfortable, announced his support for homosexuals to marry . Given the deadly combination of pragmatism and biblical illiteracy so common within evangelicalism, confusion on moral issues is sure to abound. Michael Yussef has written a timely call for...

"The Word did it all"

Todd Pruitt
May 9, 2012
"Take me, for example. I opposed indulgences and all papists, but never by force. I simply taught, preached, wrote God's Word: otherwise I did nothing. And then, while I slept or drank Wittenberg beer with my Philip of Amsdorf the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that never a prince or emperor...

"Honor such men"

Todd Pruitt
May 7, 2012
From Carl Trueman: It makes sense that, if the enemies of the church, human and spiritual, wish to destroy her, they will subvert her from the inside. Persecution from outside usually has the opposite effect, strengthening the church and fostering growth. Modern China is the great example of this...

Sunday's Sermon

Todd Pruitt
May 7, 2012
On Sunday I preached part 16 of our current series through Philippians. It is entitled "Rejoice In The Lord" and can be listened to or downloaded HERE .

The Heavy Ballast of Humiliation

Todd Pruitt
May 5, 2012
From an excellent message by John Piper on the life, afflictions, and legacy of Charles Simeon: Simeon was utterly unlike most of us today who think that we should get rid once and for all of feelings of vileness and unworthiness as soon as we can. For him, adoration only grew in the freshly plowed...

Science and the Authority of the Bible

Todd Pruitt
May 4, 2012
[vimeo 41386833 w=400 h=300] From Justin Taylor : You can watch the full 1 hour and 15 minute discussion here , with Michael Horton, Stephen Meyer, R.C. Sproul Jr., and Del Tackett joining R.C. Sproul to answer questions about the Christian mind, science, old and new earth, and more. For those...

A Very American Religion

Todd Pruitt
May 4, 2012
Dr. Brian Lee, pastor of Christ Reformed Church in Washington D.C. asks, "What's wrong with Joel Osteen?" He writes: Osteen is the latest embodiment of the American Religion — Revivalism. For centuries now, preachers have known how to fill stadiums or circus tents and send people home with hope in...

Trueman at T4G

Todd Pruitt
May 4, 2012
Carl Trueman's breakout session at Together For The Gospel was excellent. The theme was the continuing relevance of the Reformation. I would encourage you to take time to listen to the audio HERE . He offers important wisdom (and warnings) for the contemporary church. Trueman has a gift for...

Sunday's Sermon

Todd Pruitt
May 4, 2012
On Sunday I preached part 15 of our current series through Philippians. It is entitled "Worthy Ministers" and can be listened to or downloaded HERE .

The High Cost of Pragmatism

Todd Pruitt
May 3, 2012
From a helpful post by Johnathan Leeman: The question I want to think about can be posed like this : is there something endemic not just to megachurches, but to post-1950s-evangelicalism as a whole that, over time, tends to undermine the very doctrinal convictions which makes us evangelicals? More...

You are not Jesus...

Todd Pruitt
May 3, 2012
I know this idea of "being Jesus to someone" makes us feel important and can help create a catchy song lyric but is it biblical? [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_Jpd_zI7g0] HT: Justin Taylor

"A microcosm of the church"?

Todd Pruitt
May 1, 2012
Denny Burk has linked to the sermon to which Al Mohler refers in his latest article . In the sermon, Stanley told the story of a husband who left his wife for another man. At the end of the story, the wife, her new boyfriend, their children, and the new homosexual couple all end up attending a...

When growing a church costs too much OR Is the day of the mega-church coming to an end?

Todd Pruitt
May 1, 2012
Historically, the mega-church was almost the sole property of conservative evangelicalism. While theological liberalism was rising and then dying in the 20th century, conservative churches began growing. The full flower of this growth happened through the 70's, 80's, and early 90's. But things...

The Constant Reader

Todd Pruitt
Apr 30, 2012
P&R Publishing will soon be releasing a new title dealing with the trustworthiness of Scripture. It is entitled Did God Really Say? Affirming The Truthfulness and Trustworthiness of Scripture . The book is edited by Dr. David Garner who is also a contributor. "Current discussion about the...

If we must offend, let it be for the right reasons...

Todd Pruitt
Apr 30, 2012
I have posted before ( here & here ) about my concern over claims made by some that they died, went to heaven, and were miraculously returned to earth. Evangelicals love this stuff. A recent article in The New York Times by Maud Newton, although misguided in many ways, illustrates the heart of...

What Pastors Ought To Be Doing

Todd Pruitt
Apr 28, 2012
Great counsel from Doug Sweeney on how pastors can best serve God's people: 1. Our churches and our world desperately need pastors to lead and teach theologically. We clearly can't rely on families to raise their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (though a minority of them are...

The Church by Mark Dever

Todd Pruitt
Apr 28, 2012
The first chapter of Mark Dever's important book The Church is available on-line HERE . "I’m not sure that I know anyone who has read more on ecclesiology, from the whole breadth of Christian tradition, than Mark Dever. So, his exegesis is not done in isolation but in conversation with twenty...

A Church "Rescue" Plan

Todd Pruitt
Apr 27, 2012
Ray Ortlund offers a sure fire way to "rescue" your church in only three weeks: Week One: Walk into church this Sunday and think about how long you’ve been a member, how much you’ve sacrificed, how under-appreciated you are. Take note of every way you’re dissatisfied with your church now. Take note...

The Constant Reader

Todd Pruitt
Apr 26, 2012
P&R Publishing has a proven track record of publishing great books. Recently I spent time in three of their newer titles . Giving Up Gimmicks: Reclaiming Youth Ministry An Entertainment Culture by Brian Cosby Giving Up Gimmicks is a celebration of the ordinary yet powerful means God has given...

Why the Bible will not allow me to say, "God simply allows..."

Todd Pruitt
Apr 25, 2012
From an excellent post by Kevin DeYoung on the meaning of God's providence: The God of the Old Testament (and the New Testament for that matter) is a God with absolute power and sovereign sway over all things. “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the people” ( Psalm...

Where Pastors Need To Grow

Todd Pruitt
Apr 25, 2012
Excellent post from Brian Croft over at Practical Shepherding : What are 5 areas in which a pastor should be growing each year? Pastors are instructed to be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). The pastor can feel a bit overwhelmed when considering the implications of that instruction. Because of...

Excellent Stuff From 9Marks

Todd Pruitt
Apr 24, 2012
WTSBooks is running a special on some excellent new resources from 9Marks . Anyone interested in the health of the church, elders, pastors, and ministry leaders particularly would benefit from these resources. First, there are the 9Marks "Building Healthy Churches" booklets. These are brief books...

Sunday's Sermon

Todd Pruitt
Apr 23, 2012
On Sunday I preached part 14 in our current series through Philippians. You can listen to or download it HERE .

Spurgeon's response to slander

Todd Pruitt
Apr 22, 2012
From a letter to his father in 1855 responding to public criticism of his ministry: DEAR FATHER,—DO not be grieved at the slanderous libel in this week's Express. Of course, it is all a lie, without an atom of foundation; and while the whole of London is talking of me, and thousands are unable to...

Piper on Spurgeon

Todd Pruitt
Apr 21, 2012
When you get a chance, listen to this excellent address on the life and ministry of Charles Spurgeon delivered by John Piper in 1995. If you are a pastor you absolutely must listen and read the manuscript. If you are not a pastor but would like to better understand your pastor and be edified...

PCRT 4

Todd Pruitt
Apr 21, 2012
Ligon Duncan: “The Gospel Preaching of the Cross” Ligon Duncan is one of my favorite preachers and it is not just because of his amazing voice. Dr. Duncan has a peculiar gift of combining exegetical precision, doctrinal depth, and pastoral warmth in all his preaching. His message at Together For...

PCRT 3 - "The Gospel Power of God"

Todd Pruitt
Apr 21, 2012
Sinclair Ferguson... Romans 1:16-17 : For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by...

PCRT 2 - The Gospel Remedy For Bad News

Todd Pruitt
Apr 21, 2012
Harry Reeder, the pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama was the speaker for the morning session. I was immediately struck by his deep southern accent. Quite a contrast to Dr. Ferguson's Scottish brogue. Romans 3:9-26: What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all...

PCRT 1 - The Gospel of Great Joy

Todd Pruitt
Apr 21, 2012
For this boy from Houston, Texas, raised in a contemporary Southern Baptist mega-church, it is a moving experience to enter the beautiful old sanctuary of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia to the sound of trumpet, horn, and organ reverberating through those grand arches. The theme of the...

PCRT

Todd Pruitt
Apr 20, 2012
I have been asked by the Alliance Of Confessing Evangelicals to live blog the Philadelphia Conference On Reformed Theology . The conference begins this evening with a message from Sinclair Ferguson. More to come...

Levon...

Todd Pruitt
Apr 20, 2012
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RjqcTsxx-8&w=460&h=264]

So you are interested in dating my daughter...

Todd Pruitt
Apr 20, 2012
Absolute brilliance from Jared Wilson : 1. You must love Jesus. I don't care if you're a "good Christian boy." I was one of those too. So I know the tricks. I'm going to ask you specific, heart-testing questions about your spiritual affections, your daily devotional life, your idols, your...

More Helpful Books on the Doctrine of Scripture

Todd Pruitt
Apr 19, 2012
Last week I posted a list of books dealing with the Scripture's inerrancy. Here are a few more titles that are quite helpful: Understanding Scripture , Grudem, Collins, & Schreiner editors How To Read The Bible Through The Jesus Lens by Michael Williams Canon Revisited by Michael Kruger...

The Best Sermon On Missions I Have Ever Heard

Todd Pruitt
Apr 18, 2012
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48CZ5F9bnJM&w=460&h=264]

Any Discouraged Pastors Out There?

Todd Pruitt
Apr 17, 2012
I so appreciated Ligon Duncan's message at T4G. His text was 1 Kings 19 which describes Elijah's seemingly inexplicable fear and despair after seeing God's mighty work on Mount Carmel. How easily we give in to discouragement and fear! Take time to listen to this wonderful sermon: [youtube http://...

The Constant Reader

Todd Pruitt
Apr 15, 2012
This month, Eerdmans is set to release a book attacking the doctrine of the Scripture's inerrancy . It is surely well written and accessible to the well-read layman. If the author holds to the positions in his previous book and articles for Biologos (all of which attacked the trustworthiness of the...

Together For The Gospel

Todd Pruitt
Apr 15, 2012
I was blessed to attend Together For The Gospel once again (Thank you Church of the Saviour!). The content was outstanding. Check out the messages HERE . All of them are well worth hearing. I was particularly helped by those messages from Ligon Duncan, Mark Dever, Kevin DeYoung, and David Platt. I...

Listening to Lloyd-Jones

Todd Pruitt
Apr 14, 2012
Great news from the Martyn Lloyd-Jones Recording Trust . It was announced at T4G that the good folks at the MLJ Recording Trust will now be making some 1,600 sermons from "the Doctor" available free of charge.

See What A Morning

Todd Pruitt
Apr 8, 2012
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18_PDY22Sck&w=460&h=342]