Blogs by Phil Ryken

"From infirmity of purpose, from want of earnest care and interest, from the sluggishness of indolence, and the slackness of indifference, and from all spiritual deadness of heart;      Save us and help us, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord."... continue

"Let me have my own way in exactly everything and a sunnier and pleasanter creature does not exist." -- Thomas Carlyle. For comparison, see 1 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Timothy 3:2; etc.... continue

. . . are now available on the Internet.  This is very good news, indeed.  With his customary humility, Rev. Alexander has been somewhat reticent to broadcast his sermons more widely than his own former church (St. George's Tron, Glasgow) or... continue

From weakness of judgment, from the indecision that can make no choice, and the irresolution that carries no choice into act, strengthen our eye to see and our will to choose the right; and from losing opportunities and perplexing our... continue

Makoto Fujimura has opened a solo exhibit entitled "Olana-Psalms of Ascent" at Philadelphia's White Stone Gallery (in Manayunk).  The exhibit features new devotional works that have not previously been displayed in public.  There is a public reception this Friday, April... continue

"From moral weakness of spirit, from timidity, from hesitation, from fear of men and dread of responsibility, strengthen us with courage to speak the truth as our ministry requires, with the strength that can yet speak in love and self-control;... continue

I am very high on the latest book by Steve Nichols, with Eric Brandt: Ancient Word, Changing Worlds.  Simply put, it is the best, clearest, and most reliable historical overview of the doctrine of Scripture for a contemporary audience. ... continue

The Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College currently features a show of art by the contemporary Chinese artist He Qi (pronounced huh-chee).  He Qi's vibrant paintings (color on paper) feature scenes from the stories of the Old and New Testament. ... continue

For those who haven't seen it yet, David Van Biema has a piece in the latest issue of Time magazine about the resurgence of Calvinism as a culture-shaping theology.  Despite a few caricatures (Calvin's God is not only "utterly sovereign,"... continue

"O Lord, strengthen our infirmities, especially those which hinder our ministry beyond our control; give us nerve to overcome the shyness that fetters utterance, and ease for awkwardness of address; turn us from our sensitive consciousness of ourselves, that we... continue