Dallas Willard is a professor of Philosophy at USC and a practitioner of Christian “spiritual formation.” In his landmark book Renovation of the Heart, Willard advocates a radical reorientation of the Christian life. Contrasting the predominant evangelical theology of “sin management,” Willard develops a theology of joy in Jesus and personal responsibility. Willard’s message that the Christian life involves practicing the spiritual disciplines has been received by hundreds of thousands of Christians the world over.
Archive for April, 2006
1st Chapters Podcast | Ep. 04 “Renovation Of The Heart”
Monday, April 24th, 2006Tony Campolo | Ep. 05 “Commitment: Getting Beyond Good Intentions”
Monday, April 24th, 2006Jesus asked his followers to follow him. Tony points out that commitment requires the giving of one’s self. Commitment, he contends, is the basis for establishing our identity and giving our lives meaning.
Devotional Classics | Ep. 03 “The Greatest Thing In The World Part 01”
Monday, April 24th, 2006Henry Drummond has encouraged thousands of Christians for more than a century. Even D. L. Moody tells how he was especially blessed by a message he heard from Drummond. The message was simple, love is the supreme good and only comes from God. This is an insight that others have brought to believers in written and spoken words throughout Church History. And yet rarely has the message of God’s love been more eloquently spoken than in Drummond’s homily The Greatest Thing in the World.
Devotional Classics | Ep. 02 “How To Pray Part 02”
Monday, April 17th, 2006R. A. Torrey is perhaps best known for his leadership at The Moody Bible Institute after the turn of the twentieth century and his defense of traditional Christianity during that same time. In addition to his apologetic work, however, Torrey was committed to the devotional life of the Christian faith. Perhaps in his best element writing on topics of spiritual formation, Torrey’s short work How to Pray is an example of simple truths that offer deep insight. Thoughtful and practical at once, this devotional classic will offer encouragement on many levels.
Tony Campolo | Ep. 04 “Tradition: The Key to a Close Knit Family”
Monday, April 17th, 2006There is an attempt to spell out how family rituals can create a cohesiveness in family life. Family rituals and traditions can help parents educate their children concerning the ultimate values of life and give to all the family a sense of emotional well being. For those who are interested in building family solidarity, this sermon is a must.
1st Chapters Podcast | Ep. 03 “Desiring God”
Monday, April 17th, 2006John Piper is a pastor-theologian in the tradition of Jonathan Edwards. Like Edwards’ magna opus The Religious Affection, Pipe’s great work Desiring God rethinks the conventions of the Christian life. Piper believes that the Christian’s greatest tack on earth is to enjoy God. So there is such a person as a “Christian Hedonist.” In fact, the Christian Hedonist who enjoys God above all else is the most mature of Christians. Radically different than hell fire and brimstone notions of fear and loathing, Piper’s appreciation of God’s majesty and sovereignty leads to his hopeful perspective of love and joy. Desiring God is a modern classic in Christian publishing and a valuable addition for all Christians seeking to learn how to love God.
Tony Campolo | Ep. 03 “Discipleship: Living the Life to the Nth Degree”
Monday, April 10th, 2006Tony tries to spell out how we can live life “abundantly.” He puts a special emphasis on how service to others can bring personal fulfillment and engender joy.
Devotional Classics | Ep. 01 “How To Pray Part 01”
Monday, April 10th, 2006R. A. Torrey is perhaps best known for his leadership at The Moody Bible Institute after the turn of the twentieth century and his defense of traditional Christianity during that same time. In addition to his apologetic work, however, Torrey was committed to the devotional life of the Christian faith. Perhaps in his best element writing on topics of spiritual formation, Torrey’s short work How to Pray is an example of simple truths that offer deep insight. Thoughtful and practical at once, this devotional classic will offer encouragement on many levels.
1st Chapters Podcast | Ep. 02 “A New Kind Of Christian”
Monday, April 10th, 2006A New Kind Of Christian by Brian McLaren hit the Chirstian book market like a bombshell. It was seen as a harbinger of promise for disgruntled evangelicals. Evangelicals satisfied with the way they traditionally practiced their faith questioned whether McLaren went too far in challenging accepted evangelical norms. No matter what your opinion of McLaren’s challenge, A New Kind Of Christian has become a must-read book for any thoughtful Christian wanting to address a post-modern culture with a relevant faith.
Tony Campolo | Ep. 02 “If I Had to Live it Over Again”
Monday, April 3rd, 2006Based on a study done of 50 people over the age of 95 who were asked what they would do differently if they had life to live over again. They responded by focusing on the following:
a. They would risk more.
b. They would reflect more.
c. They would do more things that would live on after they were dead.
Tony shows how those responses can provide direction for how we should live life.