As the Ligonier Ministries web site puts it: "John Calvin is often reviled as a humorless doctrinarian who preached an austere theology that twisted Scripture. In John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology, Burk Parsons and a cadre of godly pastors and scholars seek to set the record straight in honor of the 500th observance of John Calvin’s birth in 1509. The book’s nineteen succinct chapters explore aspects of Calvin’s life, ministry, and teachings, and establish his importance even for the twenty-first-century church. Contributors, in addition to Parsons, include some of the most gifted and godly Reformed leaders alive today: Derek W. H. Thomas, Sinclair B. Ferguson, D. G. Hart, Harry L. Reeder, Steven J. Lawson, W. Robert Godfrey, Phillip R. Johnson, Eric J. Alexander, Thabiti Anyabwile, John MacArthur, Richard D. Phillips, Thomas K. Ascol, Keith A. Mathison, Jay E. Adams, Philip Graham Ryken, Michael Horton, Jerry Bridges, and Joel R. Beeke. The foreword is by Iain H. Murray. Indexes of Scripture passages, subjects and names, and theological terms make the book helpful for those who want to delve into specific topics. John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology is a winsome portrait that dashes stereotypes about Calvin and the theological system that bears his name."
Burk Parsons holds a degree in biblical studies from Trinity College and the master of divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary . He is also the editor of "Assured By God: Living in the Fullness of God’s Grace" published by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers . He and his wife Amber live in Longwood, Florida, with their children.
Co-hosting this broadcast is Pastor Jim Capo of the Massapequa Church of God on Long Island, NY. . .
JOSEPH TKACH, JR. & J. MICHAEL FEAZELL, the President & Vice President of the Worldwide Church of God , will comtinue to address the theme: "THE LIBERATION OF THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD: The Remarkable Story of a Cult's Journey from Deception to Truth" (Part Two).
Earlier this month, the Worldwide Church of God changed its name in the United States to Grace Communion International. The group's leadership believes this name better reflects who they now are and what they now teach. For the press release, click here.
During this live, call-in interview, Joseph Tkach, Jr. and J. Michael Feazell will also address the themes of the books chronicling the amazing story of their former cult's journey into the grace of Calvary's cross, "TRANSFORMED BY TRUTH" by Dr. Tkach and "THE LIBERATION OF THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD" by Dr. Feazel.
You don't want to miss hearing this remarkable story of one of the most monumental events in modern-day Christendom!
KENNETH R. SAMPLES, former co-host of "The Bible Answer Man" broadcast and Senior Research Scholar at Reasons To Believe, will address the theme: "PUTTING CHRISTIAN TRUTH-CLAIMS TO THE WORLDVIEW TEST".
Kenneth Samples switched from pursuing a career in professional baseball to voraciously studying Christian philosophy and theology when his thirst for purpose found relief in the Bible. He earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy and social science from Concordia University and his M.A. in theological studies from Talbot School of Theology . For seven years, Kenneth worked as Senior Research Consultant and Correspondence Editor at the Christian Research Institute (CRI) and regularly co-hosted popular call-in radio program, The Bible Answer Man, with Dr.Walter Martin and Hank Hanegraaff.
As a youth, Kenneth wrestled with "unsettling feelings of meaninglessness and boredom," driving him to seek answers to life’s "big questions." An encounter with Christian philosophy in Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis led Kenneth to examine the New Testament and "finally believe that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, the Lord and Savior of the world." From then on, he pursued an intellectually satisfying faith.
An avid speaker and debater, Kenneth has appeared on numerous radio programs such as "Religion on the Line", "Voice America Radio", "Newsmakers", "Talk New York", and "Issues Etc", as well as participated in debates and dialogues on topics relating to Christian doctrine and apologetics. He currently lectures for the Master of Arts program in Christian Apologetics at Biola University . Kenneth also teaches adult classes at Christ Reformed Church in Southern California .
Over the years Kenneth has held memberships in the American Philosophical Association, the Evangelical Philosophical Society, the Evangelical Theological Society, and the Evangelical Press Association.
He lives in Southern California with his wife, Joan, and their three children.
JEANETTE VECCHIONE, a 24-year-old soprano from New York, will address the theme: "A CHRISTIAN IN THE OPERA WORLD: An Update on Her European Audition Tour".
Jeannette Vecchione, daughter of Pastor Tony & Christine Vecchione of Ridge Full Gospel Christian Church in Eastern Suffolk County, Long Island, returns to "Iron Sharpens Iron" for the second time after her very recent exciting European audition tour. Hosting the program again is PASTOR JIM CAPO of the Massapequa Church of God on Long Island, who is thoroughly knowledgeable on the subject of opera. Pastor Tony Vecchione also joins the conversation.
Jeanette will also make her operatic debut at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis this summer as the role of Florestine in John Corigliano's Ghosts of Versailles. In 2011, Jeanette will sing the Queen of the Night in Mozart's Magic Flute at Vienna State Opera , the Theatre des Champs Elysees , and Oper Cologne. In 2012, Jeanette will sing a new production of Mozart's Abduction of the Seraglio as the role of Constanza at Oper Cologne.
Jeanette graduated from The Juilliard School in May 2006 and was reaccepted into the Master’s Program on full scholarship. She studies under the tutelage of Marlena Malas. Jeanette was involved in many operas at The Juilliard School as well as the Chautauqua Institution . Some of these roles include Madame Herz in Mozart’s Impresario, Olympia in Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos, Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflote, Clorinda in Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda, Despina in Cosi fan tutte, Barbarina in Le Nozze di Figaro, and covered the role of Le Comtesse in Le Comte Ory and the title role in Le Rossignol.
Jeanette had the honors of coaching Die Zauberflote with the late Walter Toussig at The Metropolitan Opera in 2002. Jeanette sang and coached with Luciano Pavarotti in September 2005. She recently won 2nd place in the National Opera Association , 1st place in the Mario Lanza Competition of Philadelphia, an encouragement award in the Opera Index Competition and in the prestigious George London competition, 1st place in the Gerda Lissner Competition, 1st place in the National Bel Canto Competition, 4th place in the National Palm Beach Opera Competition, 2 time prize winner of the Licia-Albanese Puccini Competition, 2nd place in the International Giulio Gari Competition, a finalist in the International Mario Lanza Competition of Katia Ricciarelli in Filignano, Italy won 3rd place at the International Opera Competition of Riccardo Zandonai in Riva del Garda, Italy and also won a special prize to return to Italy to participate in the masterclasses with Riva del Garda's Music Festival Director Mietta Sighele.
Jeanette graduated from The Juilliard School in May 2008 then went off to sing at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. She had only begun singing opera 5 months before auditioning for The Juilliard School. Alongside her singing, Jeanette, who was known at the time as “Jeanette Baxter,” was a 3 time all-league, all-county, all-tournament player and was noted as one of the best basketball players in New York State. She received letters of intent from many National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I colleges from around the country including Georgetown University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Tennessee, and many other great women’s basketball schools.
Jeanette was also a top New York State shotput and discus thrower in track and field. She was “discovered” as an opera singer by her chorus teacher, Ellen Levine who heard her joking around after class. Ms. Levine encouraged Jeanette to continue singing and so she did with auditioning and being accepted into The Juilliard School on full scholarship. This story was recognized by NBC’s "The Today Show", CBS News , and ESPN’s "Cold Pizza".
JOSEPH TKACH, JR. & J. MICHAEL FEAZELL, the President & Vice President of the Worldwide Church of God , will address the theme: "THE LIBERATION OF THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD: The Remarkable Story of a Cult's Journey from Deception to Truth".
Earlier this month, the Worldwide Church of God changed its name in the United States to Grace Communion International. The group's leadership believes this name better reflects who they now are and what they now teach. For the press release, click here.
During this live, call-in interview, Joseph Tkach, Jr. and J. Michael Feazell will also address the themes of the books chronicling the amazing story of their former cult's journey into the grace of Calvary's cross, "TRANSFORMED BY TRUTH" by Dr. Tkach and "THE LIBERATION OF THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD" by Dr. Feazel.
You don't want to miss hearing this remarkable story of one of the most monumental events in modern-day Christendom!
Who were Jupiter Hammon, Lemuel Haynes and Daniel Alexander Payne? And what do they have in common with Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman and James Cone? All of these were African American Christian theologians, yet their theologies are, in many ways, worlds apart.
During today's interview, Thabiti Anyabwile offers a challenging and provocative assessment of the history of African American Christian theology, from its earliest beginnings to the present. He argues trenchantly that the modern fruit of African American theology has fallen far from the tree of its early predecessors. In doing so, Thabiti closely examines the theological commitments of prominent African American theologians throughout American history. In Thabiti's book, "The Decline of African American Theology", he traces, chapter by chapter, what he sees as the theological decline of African American theology from one generation to the next, concluding with an unflinching examination of several contemporary figures. Replete with primary texts and illustrations, this book is a gold mine for any reader interested in the history of African American Christianity.
Thabiti Anyabwile is a native of Lexington, North Carolina. He is the happy husband of Kristie and the adoring father of two daughters, Afiya and Eden, and son, Titus. He began serving as elder/senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman in August 2006. He served previously as an elder/assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, and as an elder at Church on the Rock in Raleigh, NC. Thabiti holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in psychology from North Carolina State University .
Thabiti was a featured speaker at Ligonier Ministries National Conference in March, 2009, where he addressed the theme: "Cosmic Treason: Sin and the Holiness of God".
Who were Jupiter Hammon, Lemuel Haynes and Daniel Alexander Payne? And what do they have in common with Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman and James Cone? All of these were African American Christian theologians, yet their theologies are, in many ways, worlds apart.
During today's interview, Thabiti Anyabwile offers a challenging and provocative assessment of the history of African American Christian theology, from its earliest beginnings to the present. He argues trenchantly that the modern fruit of African American theology has fallen far from the tree of its early predecessors. In doing so, Thabiti closely examines the theological commitments of prominent African American theologians throughout American history. In Thabiti's book, "The Decline of African American Theology", he traces, chapter by chapter, what he sees as the theological decline of African American theology from one generation to the next, concluding with an unflinching examination of several contemporary figures. Replete with primary texts and illustrations, this book is a gold mine for any reader interested in the history of African American Christianity.
Thabiti Anyabwile is a native of Lexington, North Carolina. He is the happy husband of Kristie and the adoring father of two daughters, Afiya and Eden, and son, Titus. He began serving as elder/senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman in August 2006. He served previously as an elder/assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, and as an elder at Church on the Rock in Raleigh, NC. Thabiti holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in psychology from North Carolina State University .
Thabiti was a featured speaker at Ligonier Ministries National Conference in March, 2009, where he addressed the theme: "Cosmic Treason: Sin and the Holiness of God".
In this modern world of pushing the limits, Christians today find themselves up against tantalizing, subtly alluring, and a fiercely ensnaring sexual pull that is all around us. "Spiritual Living in a Sexual World" leads the reader to the Divine and Omniscient guidance of God. During this interview, our guest Scott Kraniak also addresses his own former enslavement to pornography and how God freed him from this bondage.
Scott Kraniak's deep love and devotion to the Lord shines through! The Lord has used him to bless so many of us through his writings, his sermons, and by his example. He loves and is devoted to his family: wife Julie, and 2 boys, Jacob and Aaron. He and his wife lovingly homeschool their boys. In addition to being pastor of Centereach Bible Church, he serves as a chaplain with Racing With Jesus Ministries at the very popular Riverhead Raceway on Long Island.
Co-hosting this broadcast is BOBBY LLYOD, also formerly enslaved to pornography and now freed from this bondage, who is currently the Executive Director of Long Island Citizens for Community Values. You can hear another broadcast of an "Iron Sharpens Iron" interview on this topic with Bobby Lloyd on FREE downloadable MP3 by clicking here.
PASTOR SCOTT KRANIAK invites everyone to a seminar featuring a well known Baptist evangelist with Cerebral Palsy named JUSTIN PETERS being conducted at CENTEREACH BIBLE CHURCH on Long Island June 19-21, 2009, on the theme: "A CALL FOR DISCERNMENT: A Biblical Critique of the Word of Faith Movement". You can hear a previously aired "Iron Sharpens Iron" interview on this topic with Justin Peters on FREE downloadable MP3 by clicking here.
Chris Arnzen did the narration for this video trailer for Latayne C. Scott's book, Latter-day Cipher(Moody, 2009).
When rebellious Utah socialite Kirsten Young is found murdered in Provo Canyon with strange markings carved into her flesh and a note written in a 19th Century code, questions arise about the old laws of the Mormon Church. Journalist Selonnah Zee is assigned the story—which quickly takes on a life of its own. Even before the first murder is solved several more victims appear, each one more mysterious than the last.
Adding to a slew of other distractions, Selonnah’s cousin, Roger, has recently converted and is now a public spokesperson for the Mormon faith. But paradoxically, Roger's wife Eliza is struggling to hold onto the Mormon beliefs of her childhood. If something is really from God, she wonders, why does it need to be constantly revised? And could the murderer be asking the same questions?
About the Author: Latayne C. Scott is a former Mormon and the author of 12 books including the best-selling The Mormon Mirage. Latayne has been a frequent speaker on national radio and television programs and in seminar settings all over North America. She has been honored by Pepperdine University with its “Distinguished Christian Service Award for Creative Christian Writing.”
BILL LUSSENHEIDE, popular California conservative talk radio host and candidate for United States Congress, will address the theme: "THE GOALS OF CHRISTIAN PATRIOTISM IN THE THIRD MILLENNIUM: What Should They Be?"
Bill Lussenheide has a vision for America, promoting God, Family and Country, with limited Constitutional Government as was created by the Founding Fathers. Bill proclaims he is 100% commited to Life, Liberty and Limited Government, and proclaims to be faithful to these goals:
1.) Stop undeclared wars which are daily costing American lives and billions of tax dollars.
2.) Stop reckless spending, including foreign aid, and take care of America's domestic needs.
3.) End debt financing of both Federal and State governments. Terminate the Federal income tax and restore a tariff based revenue system.
4.) Immediately end international trade agreements such as NAFTA, WTO, and the proposed FTAA.
5.) Totally and Completely Secure Our Nations Borders
6.) Defend America's moral values; keep God in the pledge of allegiance and on our nations currency and coinage.
7.) Fully protect the right to life of the innocent unborn.
8.) Support high standards in education, including school vouchers, private schools and home schooling.
9.) Encourage revitalized domestic oil production and nuclear power generation.
10.) Defend Second Amendment Rights.
11.) Restore a Constitutional, asset based money system.
12.) Uphold traditional marriage and family values.
Bill is a successful businessman and a talk show host on several large California conservative radio stations. He is a Constitutional candidate for US Congress from California in the 49th district in 2010 under the AIP banner. Bill is also a speaker and lecturer at various churches and fellowships. Bill is the Treasurer for Abundant Living Ministries, a humanitarian, fully volunteer charity, that has no paid staff and uses 100% of its contributions for direct aid to the street children of Vinogradov, Ukraine (see this link).
BILL LUSSENHEIDE, popular California conservative talk radio host and candidate for United States Congress, will address the theme: "THE GOALS OF CHRISTIAN PATRIOTISM IN THE THIRD MILLENNIUM: What Should They Be?"
Bill Lussenheide has a vision for America, promoting God, Family and Country, with limited Constitutional Government as was created by the Founding Fathers. Bill proclaims he is 100% commited to Life, Liberty and Limited Government, and proclaims to be faithful to these goals:
1.) Stop undeclared wars which are daily costing American lives and billions of tax dollars.
2.) Stop reckless spending, including foreign aid, and take care of America's domestic needs.
3.) End debt financing of both Federal and State governments. Terminate the Federal income tax and restore a tariff based revenue system.
4.) Immediately end international trade agreements such as NAFTA, WTO, and the proposed FTAA.
5.) Totally and Completely Secure Our Nations Borders
6.) Defend America's moral values; keep God in the pledge of allegiance and on our nations currency and coinage.
7.) Fully protect the right to life of the innocent unborn.
8.) Support high standards in education, including school vouchers, private schools and home schooling.
9.) Encourage revitalized domestic oil production and nuclear power generation.
10.) Defend Second Amendment Rights.
11.) Restore a Constitutional, asset based money system.
12.) Uphold traditional marriage and family values.
Bill is a successful businessman and a talk show host on several large California conservative radio stations. He is a Constitutional candidate for US Congress from California in the 49th district in 2010 under the AIP banner. Bill is also a speaker and lecturer at various churches and fellowships. Bill is the Treasurer for Abundant Living Ministries, a humanitarian, fully volunteer charity, that has no paid staff and uses 100% of its contributions for direct aid to the street children of Vinogradov, Ukraine (see this link).
According to the "Christless Christianity" web site: "Christians have always had their differences, but never in church history have there been so many statistics indicating that many Christians today are practicing what can only be described as "Christless Christianity."
Christless Christianity guides the reader to a greater understanding of a big problem within the American religious setting, namely the creeping fog of countless sermons in churches across the country that focus on moralistic concerns and personal transformation rather than the theology of the cross.
Michael Horton's analysis of the contemporary church points believers back to the power of a gospel that should never be assumed.
"Horton has ably helped us see the train wreck that is some much of popular Christianity...A more important and timely volume could not have been written."-Thabiti M. Anyabwile, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman
"His wide ranging carefully researched examples show how our churches and megachurches have pandered to the culture with...moralistic and self-help heresies bereft of the saving action of Jesus Christ." -Rt.Rev. Christopher FitzSimons Allison, Episcopal Bishop
Dr. Horton is author of more than 20 books, including Putting Amazing Back Into Grace, A Better Way: Rediscovering the Drama of God-Centered Worship, The Law of Perfect Freedom, Made in America, Where in the World is the Church, We Believe: Recovering the Essentials of the Apostle's Creed, Covenant and Eschatology, Lord and Servant, Covenant and Salvation, People and Place (forthcoming September 2008), God of Promise: Introducing Covenant Theology, Too Good to be True: Finding Hope in a World of Hype and many others (see a list of Dr. Horton's books here).
Dr. Horton is a minister in the United Reformed Churches of North America . He has served two churches in southern California and currently resides with his wife, Lisa and four children in Escondido, California.
In this modern world of pushing the limits, Christians today find themselves up against tantalizing, subtly alluring, and a fiercely ensnaring sexual pull that is all around us. "Spiritual Living in a Sexual World" leads the reader to the Divine and Omniscient guidance of God. During this interview, our guest Scott Kraniak also addresses his own former enslavement to pornography and how God freed him from this bondage.
Scott Kraniak's deep love and devotion to the Lord shines through! The Lord has used him to bless so many of us through his writings, his sermons, and by his example. He loves and is devoted to his family: wife Julie, and 2 boys, Jacob and Aaron. He and his wife lovingly homeschool their boys. In addition to being pastor of Centereach Bible Church, he serves as a chaplain with Racing With Jesus Ministries at the very popular Riverhead Raceway on Long Island.
Co-hosting this broadcast is BOBBY LLYOD, also formerly enslaved to pornography and now freed from this bondage, who is currently the Executive Director of Long Island Citizens for Community Values. You can hear another broadcast of an "Iron Sharpens Iron" interview on this topic with Bobby Lloyd on FREE downloadable MP3 by clicking here.
PASTOR SCOTT KRANIAK invites everyone to a seminar featuring a well known Baptist evangelist with Cerebral Palsy named JUSTIN PETERS being conducted at CENTEREACH BIBLE CHURCH on Long Island June 19-21, 2009, on the theme: "A CALL FOR DISCERNMENT: A Biblical Critique of the Word of Faith Movement". You can hear a previously aired "Iron Sharpens Iron" interview on this topic with Justin Peters on FREE downloadable MP3 by clicking here.
KENNETH R. SAMPLES, former co-host of "The Bible Answer Man" broadcast and Senior Research Scholar at Reasons To Believe, will address the theme: "PUTTING CHRISTIAN TRUTH-CLAIMS TO THE WORLDVIEW TEST".
Kenneth Samples switched from pursuing a career in professional baseball to voraciously studying Christian philosophy and theology when his thirst for purpose found relief in the Bible. He earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy and social science from Concordia University and his M.A. in theological studies from Talbot School of Theology . For seven years, Kenneth worked as Senior Research Consultant and Correspondence Editor at the Christian Research Institute (CRI) and regularly co-hosted popular call-in radio program, The Bible Answer Man, with Dr.Walter Martin and Hank Hanegraaff.
As a youth, Kenneth wrestled with "unsettling feelings of meaninglessness and boredom," driving him to seek answers to life’s "big questions." An encounter with Christian philosophy in Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis led Kenneth to examine the New Testament and "finally believe that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, the Lord and Savior of the world." From then on, he pursued an intellectually satisfying faith.
An avid speaker and debater, Kenneth has appeared on numerous radio programs such as "Religion on the Line", "Voice America Radio", "Newsmakers", "Talk New York", and "Issues Etc", as well as participated in debates and dialogues on topics relating to Christian doctrine and apologetics. He currently lectures for the Master of Arts program in Christian Apologetics at Biola University . Kenneth also teaches adult classes at Christ Reformed Church in Southern California .
Over the years Kenneth has held memberships in the American Philosophical Association, the Evangelical Philosophical Society, the Evangelical Theological Society, and the Evangelical Press Association.
He lives in Southern California with his wife, Joan, and their three children.
BURK PARSONS, co-pastor with Dr. R.C. Sproul at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, in Sanford, Florida, where he serves as minister of congregational life, and the editor of Tabletalk, the monthly Bible-study magazine of Ligonier Ministries (see http://www.ligonier.org/tt.php), will address the theme of the latest book he edited: "JOHN CALVIN: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine & Doxology".
