Blogs by Phil Ryken

I am also reading The Faithful Preacher this week, a book by Thabiti Anyabwile that presents selections from Lemuel Haynes, Daniel Payne, and Francis Grimke, three African-American pastors from the Reformed tradition.  The African American church generally is not associated... continue

With a road trip this week, I have finally had the opportunity to read The Jesus Gospel by my friend Liam Goligher, who preaches at the historical Duke Street Richmond Church in London.  Liam wrote this book out of a... continue

James MacDonald (Harvest Bible Chapel, Rolling Meadows, IL) gave us this zinger at The Gospel Coalition this week: "Sometimes our presentation of the gospel is so watered down that even the non-elect can't reject it."... continue

Like Ligon, I am spending most of the week at the Pastor's Colloquium sponsored by The Gospel Coalition -- 40+ pastors from across the country who are committed to evangelical essentials and who gather once a year to encourage one... continue

I'm grateful for Ligon's reminder of Ezra 7:10 as providing an ABC for basic discipleship (study, live, teach) -- especially since this is one of my life verses for ministry.  To take the thought one step farther, it is only the grace... continue

Recent rumors to the contrary, Ligon Duncan is still a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church in America.  I can vouch for him, having recently heard him referred to in the Philadelphia Presbytery as one of the "modern-day... continue

The body of my friend Tim Eimer is weakened by what may be a fatal cancer.  His spirit is finding strength in the gospel.  Recently he wrote this practical exhortation: "In recent years, God has taught me not to hold... continue

In a March 18 report, Christian Aid reports that nearly 5000 Buddhist monks (location undisclosed) have recently turned to Christ.  A worker reports: "It appears that the Holy Spirit had urged these monks and nuns to call our evangelists to... continue

"That the scriptures are brim full of hustlers, murderers, cowards, adulterers and mercenaries used to shock me; now it is a source of great comfort" (U2's Bono, in his introduction to Selections from the Book of Psalms [New York: Grove... continue

The newest volume in Crossway's Preaching the Word commentary series is David Helm's 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.  I expect most preachers will know this series of expositional commentaries, which is edited by Kent Hughes.  David Helm is one... continue