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Sermon SUPPLEMENTS
Want to dig deeper? Here are some resources that you'll find helpful in studying the passages and topics preached on Sunday. Difference between the 3 bad soils and the good soil in Mark 4
When describing the seed in the bad soils, Jesus uses the singular word “other” in verses 4, 5, and 7. But in verse 8, it says “others” or other seeds (plural) fell into the good soil and bore fruit. The change from singular to plural is intentional to imply a difference between the two kinds of soil (good and bad). That’s when Jesus tells the parable. When Jesus explains the parable, in verses 15-19, those who hear the Word are said to do so with an aorist tense in Greek, in this case, depicting a superficial hearing. But, in verse 20, when we read about the good soil, Jesus changes the tense and uses a present tense for the hearing, implying an ongoing hearing of God’s Word, as opposed to a careless hearing. If any of the other 3 soils were picturing a believer, the present tense would’ve been used, but that is only reserved for the 4th soil. There are subtle changes like that which show that the first 3 soils are in a different category from the 4th soil. 
Mark 4: Why are you good soil?
The Doctrine of Election
Still Sovereign: Contemporary Perspectives on Election, Foreknowledge, and Grace edited by Schreiner and Ware
Probably the best and most comprehensive book on election. It also answers questions about prayer, evangelism, and God's sovereignty.
Chosen for Life: The Case for Divine Election by Sam Storms
Also an excellent book. It covers both sides of the argument, has an appendix that addresses "problem passages" and answers many questions people have about election.
Why I Am Not an Arminian by Robert A. Peterson
Why I Am Not a Calvinist by Jerry L. Walls
Debating Calvinism: Five Points, Two Views by Dave Hunt and James White
Predestination & Free Will: Four Views of Divine Sovereignty & Human Freedom edited by
David Basinger and Randall Basinger. I suggest you not waste time reading Reichenbach and Pinnock. Their views are clearly unbiblical. It's worth reading Feiberg's and Geisler's essays.
For more advanced reading:
Perspectives on Election: 5 Views edited by Chad Brand
The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation (Foundations of Evangelical Theology) by Bruce Demarest and John S. Feinberg
Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: Biblical Perspective in Tension by D. A. Carson
Mark 2:23-3:6: The Sabbath
Recommended Resources:
From Sabbath to Lord’s Day: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Investigation, ed. D. A. Carson
Words from the Fire by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
How Jesus Transforms the Ten Commandments by Edmund Clowney
The Ten Commandments: Ethics for the Twenty-First Century by Mark Rooker in the NAC Studies in Bible and Theology Series
Written in Stone by Philip Graham Ryken
Perspectives on the Sabbath: Four Views, edited by Christopher John Donato
Continuity and Discontinuity: Perspectives on the Relationship between the Old and New Testaments edited by John S. Feinberg. The article by Douglas Moo in this book is worth the price alone.
Five Views on Law and Gospel edited by Gundry. Pros and cons of each perspective is presented. They report - you decide.
The Law and the New Covenant
An excellent, thorough article on this topic. It also includes Pastor Steve's book recommendations on how Christians relate to the Law (or see below).
Jesus and the Law
A scholarly article for the more advanced on what the Gospels say about the Law of Moses and how Christians relate to it. The author, Douglas Moo, has written extensively on this topic. He is one of the featured authors in the counterpoint series book, Five Views on Law and Gospel. This is a must-read for those who want to understand the debate and importance of how Christians apply the Old Testament.
Paul and the Law
A scholarly article by Frank Thielman (for the more advanced) on what Paul's letters say about the Law of Moses and how Christians relate to it. Thielman also wrote an excellent book on this subject called Paul and the Law. For a different view, see The Law and Its Fulfillment: A Pauline Theology of Law by Thomas R. Schreiner.
The Law of Moses and the Christian
Written by David Dorsey, an excellent Old Testament scholar. His article details a variety of views and shows decisively that the Mosaic Law was not designed to be timeless. His articles details dozens of Laws which could only be obeyed in the Land of Israel. Skip over some of this technical language and you'll still get a lot out of it. I (Pastor Steve) was not familiar with some of his terms, but found the article very helpful. His book, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament is a modern-day classic.
What is Dispensationalism?
A great article called, "Am I a Dispensationalist?" lays out the rationale for the distinction between Israel and the Church, and the future restoration of Israel. A must-read to understand this sermon series (and do NOT skip the footnotes).
Mark 2:18-22: Fasting
A Summary of what the Bible Says about the Reasons for Fasting
A Personal Guide to Fasting by Bill Bright
Recommend reading: A Hunger for God by John Piper and The Beginner’s Guide to Fasting by Elmer Towns.
A free online version of Piper's book on fasting, Hunger for God is here.
The Gospel according to Mark, 1:29-34 - the demonic
Twilight and the Demonic
Harry Potter
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/harrypotter.html
Note the many other articles at the end of this one.
Movie: Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQGU5nZpiUY)
http://www.christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/2001/harrypotterwitchcraftrepackaged.html
Is the Bible Really True?
The Case for Christ/Faith/a Creator by Lee Strobel
A Ready Defense by Josh McDowell
Reasons We Believe by Nathan Busenit
Examine the Evidence by Ralph Muncaster
The Stones Cry Out by Randall Price
Archaeology and Bible History by Free and Vos
Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible by Erwin Lutzer
The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Norman Geisler
The Transforming Word by Tony Evans
http://www.biblearchaeology.org/
www.biblicalarchaeology.org
http://www.antiquities.org.il/
The Doctrine of Election (Colossians 3:12)
Still Sovereign: Contemporary Perspectives on Election, Foreknowledge, and Grace edited by Schreiner and Ware
Probably the best and most comprehensive book on election. It also answers questions about prayer, evangelism, and God's sovereignty.
Chosen for Life: The Case for Divine Election by Sam Storms
Also an excellent book. It covers both sides of the argument, has an appendix that addresses problem passages and answers many questions people have about election.
Why I Am Not an Arminian by Robert A. Peterson
Why I Am Not a Calvinist by Jerry L. Walls
Debating Calvinism: Five Points, Two Views by Dave Hunt and James White
Predestination & Free Will: Four Views of Divine Sovereignty & Human Freedom edited by
David Basinger and Randall Basinger. I suggest you not waste time reading Reichenbach and Pinnock. Their views are clearly unbiblical. It's worth reading Feiberg's and Geisler's essays.
For more advanced reading:
Perspectives on Election: 5 Views edited by Chad Brand
The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation (Foundations of Evangelical Theology) by Bruce Demarest and John S. Feinberg
Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: Biblical Perspective in Tension by D. A. Carson
Putting Sin to Death (Colossians 3:5-11)
John Owen's The Mortification of Sin, 2 page summary
John Owen's The Mortification of Sin, 12 page summary
See also Overcoming Sin and Temptation edited by Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor
This includes The Mortifcation of Sin and two of Owen's other works with commentary on them.
Teaching Your Children Wisdom
What the Bible Says about Parenting by John MacArthur
Friends, Foes, and Fools by James Merritt
Active Spirituality (on Proverbs) by Chuck Swindoll
Proverbs for Parenting: A Topical Guide for Child Raising from the Book of Proverbs by Barbara Decker
Date Setting, Deceptions, and Doctrine
Understanding End Times Prophecy by Paul Benware
The Best is Yet to Come by Tony Evans
Charting the End Times: A Visual Guide to Understanding Bible Prophecy
Three Views on the Rapture by Reiter, Feinberg, Archer, Moo
Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond edited by Darrell Bock
Basis Bible Interpretation by Roy Zuck
Protestant Biblical Interpretation by Bernard Ramm
The Second Coming by John MacArthur
The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns
Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem and Jeff Purswell
Good Friday Sermon
Did Jesus ever go to @#!*% ? Where did Jesus go after He died?
Did Jesus have to usher Old Testament saints from sheol to heaven after His death? Click HERE
The Problem of Evil (Part 1 Transcript)
If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil (or the abridged version, The Goodness of God) by Randy Alcorn
God in the Shadows by Brian Morley
When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson Tada and Steven Estes
Suffering and the Sovereignty of God edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor
Hard Questions, Real Answers by William Lane Craig
The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel
Fasting - Matthew 6:16-18
A Personal Guide to Fasting by Bill Bright
Recommend reading: A Hunger for God by John Piper and The Beginner’s Guide to Fasting by Elmer Towns.
A free online version of Piper's book on fasting, Hunger for God is here.
Knowing God's Will
God's Will of Decree and Desire
Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Friesen
For a summary of this excellent book, click here. This is also where the teaching on Romans 1 and 15 is (at the end).
Here is Friesen's reviews of all the major books written on God's will and decision making. While over 30 resources are examined, one only needs to read a few reviews (one or two from each section).
Decision Making by the Book by Haddon Robinson (excellent and succinct)
Just Do Something: How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.
by Kevin DeYoung
Decisions, Decisions: How (And How Not) to Make Them by David Swavely
Finding the Will of God by Bruce Waltke
For two different perspectives, see James MacDonald's preaching series called "The Way of Wisdom" from http://www.walkintheword.com/. You can listen to this free through their podcast or order the CD series here: Way of Wisdom. He presents the "wisdom" view. God does not have a specific will for you regarding certain matters, but calls you to make wise decisions by applying His Word and grants believers freedom or liberty in any matters. I strongly recommend this series. It is engaging and insightful.
Robert Jeffress has a series entitiled, "Discovering God's Will" and he presents a different view. He believes God has a specific will for every decision in your life. You can listen to the audio for free, here: http://www.ptv.org/discovering_the_will_of_god.php
The Kingdom of God
What is Dispensationalism?
A great article called, "Am I a Dispensationalist?" lays out the rationale for the distinction between Israel and the Church, and the future restoration of Israel from the Bible. A must-read to understand this sermon series (and do NOT skip the footnotes - that's some of the best stuff in the article).
Book Recommendation:
To read an excellent book that summarizes the story of the Bible, explains the connections between the covenants, how the church is a form of the kingdom of God, and explains the strengths of Dispensational and Covenantal views, yet still maintains the distinction of and future of Israel, see Progressive Dispensationalism by Blaising and Bock. Don't let the title "scare" you. It is one of the best books I've ever read as far as summarizing the Bible, and explaining the history of redemption.
Parenting Part 3: Discipline
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman
Remember, that Proverbs 29:17 speaks about verbal correction, so physical discipline (i.e. spanking) is not the only form of discipline endorsed in the Bible. These books address the how, what ages, what to say, how discipline is to be edifying, can point to Christ and the need for forgiveness, and how to focus more on the heart and the Gospel and the need for God's grace and Spirit than mere outward behavior. See our book recommendations page for other parenting books and children's resources.
Marriage and Divorce (Matt. 5:31-32)
God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas Kostenberger
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
Divorce And Remarriage in the Church by David Instone-Brewer
see http://www.divorce-remarriage.com/
Summary article
Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context by David Instone-Brewer
Divorce by John Murray
Remarriage after Divorce in Today's Church: 3 Views edited by Mark L. Strauss. Contributors: Gordon Wenham, William A. Heth, and Craig S. Keener
From our Book Recommendations page:
Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires the Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage by Dave Harvey
The First Five Years of Marriage: Launching a Lifelong, Successful Relationship by Phillip J. Swihart and Wilford Wooten
Divorce-Proof Your Marriage by Gary Rosberg and Barbara Rosberg
The 5 Love Needs of Men and Women by Gary Rosberg
The Marriage Builder, Men and Woman, or Inside Out by Larry Crabb
Starting Your Marriage Right, or The Christian Husband by Dennis Rainey
How to Deal with Sexual Temptation (Matt. 5:27-30)
John Piper's Biblical Strategies for Fighting Sexual Sin
Strategies to Keep from Falling by Randy Alcorn
Counting the Cost of Sexual Sin by Randy Alcorn - a must-read
Internet Pornography Filters
www.bsecure.com
There are also tools that can be used for mobile phones. For instance, there is an app for the iPhone called Mobicip that works very well. Bsecure (formerly Bsafe) has an app for the iPhone as does Safe Eyes.
The Justice Department estimates that 9 of 10 children between the ages of 8 and 16 have been exposed to pornography online. Software company Symantec found that 47 percent of school-age children receive pornographic spam on a daily basis. And representatives from the pornography industry told Congress's COPA (Child Online Protection Act) Commission that as much as 20 to 30 percent of the traffic to some pornographic websites is children.
Current Statistics on Internet Pornography
Reconciliation (Matt. 5:21-26)
The Peacemaker's Pledge: A Guide to Conflict Resolution
Jesus, the Old Testament, and You (Matt. 5:17-20)
Deuteronomy 6 Notes
A few pages of notes to help you with the 5-step process. There are about 2 1/2 pages of basic notes which should be enough, and then about 5 more pages for those who want a detailed analysis (optional).
Applying the Old Testament Law Today
One of the best articles, written by a seminary professor and popular author who has grappled with this issue for decades. Concise, simple, and practical.
The Law and the New Covenant
An excellent, thorough article on this topic. It also includes Pastor Steve's book recommendations on how Christians relate to the Law (or see below).
Jesus and the Law
A scholarly article for the more advanced on what the Gospels say about the Law of Moses and how Christians relate to it. The author, Douglas Moo, has written extensively on this topic. He is one of the featured authors in the counterpoint series book, Five Views on Law and Gospel. This is a must-read for those who want to understand the debate and importance of how Christians apply the Old Testament.
Paul and the Law
A scholarly article by Frank Thielman (for the more advanced) on what Paul's letters say about the Law of Moses and how Christians relate to it. Thielman also wrote an excellent book on this subject called Paul and the Law. For a different view, see The Law and Its Fulfillment: A Pauline Theology of Law by Thomas R. Schreiner.
The Law of Moses and the Christian
Written by David Dorsey, an excellent Old Testament scholar. His article details a variety of views and shows decisively that the Mosaic Law was not designed to be timeless. His articles details dozens of Laws which could only be obeyed in the Land of Israel. Skip over some of this technical language and you'll still get a lot out of it. I (Pastor Steve) was not familiar with some of his terms, but found the article very helpful. His book, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament is a modern-day classic.
What is Dispensationalism?
A great article called, "Am I a Dispensationalist?" lays out the rationale for the distinction between Israel and the Church, and the future restoration of Israel. A must-read to understand this sermon series (and do NOT skip the footnotes).
Recommended Resources:
Continuity and Discontinuity: Perspectives on the Relationship between the Old and New Testaments edited by John S. Feinberg. The article by Douglas Moo in this book is worth the price alone.
Five Views on Law and Gospel edited by Gundry. Pros and cons of each perspective is presented. They report - you decide.
Progressive Dispensationalism by Craig Blaising and Darrell Bock. A wonderful treatment on how the covenants work together, and how the Christian relates to the Law. Don't let the title turn you off. It is one of the best summaries of the entire Bible and explanation of how each part contributes to the whole.
Grasping God's Word by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays or the abridged version: Journey into God's Word. The Bible Study Methods class and podcast is based on these books. You can listen to more about how to interpret the Old Testament in Lessons 10-12 of the Bible Study class (audio is on the sermon audio page or in the podcast).
Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God by Gordon Fee.
The strength of this book is that in less than 90 pages, all of the major Bible passages on parenting are covered. It's designed for busy parents. This is based on a 3-part series on parenting that is available in the media center.
