This year’s conference includes translation into chinese.
Check out the link for free downloads.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/conferences/2011-media#chinese
Gospel Coalition
Reply
Category Archives: Resources
Motivations for a teacher
As a Christian and as a teacher, WHY do you teach?
I hope as you read this that you will evaluate why you teach, what are your motivations and point you towards right motivations. As teachers we recognize that the word of God is not only information but there is power in the word for transformation.
That is why Paul says in 1 Cor 13:1-2 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge… but do not love, I am nothing.
We have more than just information, but in Christ, we have something transformational. But Paul also recognize that some teach out of selfish motives.
Philippians 1:15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
Some people do it out of selfish motives, they want the limelight, influence or have power over others, or have a large following.
God desires to transform not only our students, but our hearts as well. I know we all have selfish motives. We want to be somebody, we want to be noticed and wanting to look smart.
But God sees us. God knows our hearts. God knows our deepest desires. But he also desires for us to know him, and to worship him, and to bring all things under him.
So one characteristic of teachers with the right motivation who seek after God is humility. Teachers who seek God’s glory, desire the transformation for themselves and their students, seeking the good of others, motivated to help others are humble teachers.
So what are your motivations? Are you trying to seek the glory of God, to see people transformed through preaching and teaching of the word, to see your heart being renewed? Or do you want to look good, want to be a rockstar with a large following?
What are your motivations? I hope you it is love for God and his people.
___
For more info on teaching check out: Come Teach With Me
Writing on the heart
Our hearts, then, are the destination of God’s revelation. In us, the process of communication reaches its terminus. In our hearts we receive God’s personal words to us in such a profound way that they become the foundation of all our thinking and living. We look forward to the consummation of this knowledge in the last day, when God will tear away from us our sinful inclinations to disobey and devalue this wonderful word. God has accompanied his word through all the vicissitudes of history, the problems of Scripture, and the spiritual battles of our lives, so that we might receive it with joy. And he will continue to accompany it until he receives us into glory. – John Frame Doctrine of the Word of God (44)
Desiring God Ministries in Chinese
John Piper’s Desiring God Ministries has now a simplified Chinese translation to their site. A wonderful resource for the Chinese. Please share with your friends:
The Robert Morrison Project
Been updated with the Robert Morrison Project. They have a bunch of translation projects to translate Christian books into Chinese. There are a bunch of other sources but not legally translated material.
Prodigal God
Been listening to the Tim Keller audios from The Prodigal God. He talks about a new community and how when we turn away from God, we are actually breaking fellowship and community. There’s a nice twist to the well known parable by looking at it from the point of view of community/family/society…
Equipping families to do discipleship
Desiring God is having a conference on Children Desiring God. One of the topics is on family worship and family church. Thought this was an interesting quote. Been looking to do family church in our home and bring about a time where Christ is consecrated and worshiped.
Jonathan Edwards declared, “Every Christian family ought to be as it were a little church, consecrated to Christ, and wholly influenced and governed by His rules. Family education and order are some of the chief means of grace. If these fail, all other means are likely to prove ineffectual.” It’s still true! If discipleship is occurring in the homes of your church’s members, all other means of grace will become more effective. This seminar will equip you to train families in your church to be, to play, to learn, and to serve together in ways that will strengthen your entire congregation.
The Gospel Coalition
Been listening to some of the messages from the TGC. I am again reminded that the Gospel is moving people from worshipping idols to worshipping God. There are many functional gods in our lives. Stuff from money, to family, to kids, to work, relationships, etc. Tim Keller’s message was hit it right on the head, not only for ministers, but also for people needing the message.
People who hear the sermons are people who struggle and are tempted to worship idols. Things that act as a god but offer nothing in return except sin and misery. Sermons that are faithful to the word and preach the gospel offers hope in the power and work of Jesus Christ.
It is my continued prayer to see men and women come into a relationship with Christ and follow him.
Driscoll’s talk was one of a father to a son. He gave very practical advice for ministers in dealing with people. I think I will benefit in listening to it again.
Related posts:
Introduction to the Gospel Coalition
How to Preach through Adversity
China Horizon
China Horizon continues to grow and offer more classes this year. Prominent Chinese author and teacher, Rev. Samuel Ling continues to travel the world teaching theology and directing most of his efforts towards China. Updated is their website, Chinahorizon.org, you can now register and learn more about classes offered through this unique website.
This ministry continues to build up and train servant leaders that influence the Chinese church both in China and abroad.
For more information about it’s belief and values you can visit their site.
Christianity Sweeping China
Christianity Sweeping China Chicago Tribune.
This is a good summary of the changes happening in China. Many of the photos are from the PBS documentary mentioned in a previous blog.
The Beijing’s Haidian Church was one I visited many years ago but has grown and expanded much, much more. Located near Beijing University, it caters to many of the student and young adult population. May God continue to bless His people in China.