Church History

The Wilberforce Test: Preaching and the Public Square

By Owen Strachan | 9Marks Journal: Vanishing Church? | 11.18.2014

The pastor who preaches for the transformation of his people is equipping them for service in this life that will echo into eternity.

Colonial America and How (Not) to Pray Against Cultural Decline

By Thomas S. Kidd | 9Marks Journal: Vanishing Church? | 10.31.2014

There is an overwhelming sense among Christians in the West that we are not only in a time of cultural decline, but that it is gaining pace. If that’s true, how should Christians pray?

400-Year-Old Lessons from English Baptists and Persecution

By Michael A. G. Haykin | 9Marks Journal: Vanishing Church? | 10.30.2014

May these persevering lives in the midst of persecution and suffering instruct us, as perhaps even now we endure, or are preparing to endure.

Complementarianism & Cultural Engagement

By M. Dever, O. Strachan | 10.23.2014

Mark Dever interviews CBMW President Owen Strachan on Chuck Colson, Carl F. H. Henry, and the state of the complementarian debate.

The American Jeremiad: A Bit of Perspective on the Rhetoric of Decline

By Matt McCullough | 9Marks Journal: Vanishing Church? | 10.23.2014

We must guard against responses to cultural decline that appeal to a past that never existed or a future God hasn’t promised.

Book Review: The Twilight of the American Enlightenment, by George Marsden

Review by Matt McCullough | 09.16.2014

George Marsden offers us a window into a lost world and, to some extent, the story of how that world was lost.

How to Survive a Cultural Crisis—7 Principles from Mark Dever

With Mark Dever | 08.21.2014

Each nation and age has a unique way to express its depravity, to attack God. But none will succeed any more than the crucifixion succeeded in defeating Jesus.

Book Review: Prepared by Grace, For Grace, by Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley

Review by Kevin Wilkening | 9Marks Journal: Biblical Theology: Guardian and Guide of the Church | 08.20.2014

The Puritan doctrine of preparation underscores the central truth of conversion, which is that God saves guilty sinners by Christ alone.

Book Review: All Things for Good, by Thomas Watson

Review by Joey Cochran | 9Marks Journal: Biblical Theology: Guardian and Guide of the Church | 08.20.2014

All Things For Good was written nearly four centuries ago, but remains as relevant as if it were written yesterday.

Book Review: God’s Forever Family, by Larry Eskridge

Review by Jonathan Baer | 08.06.2014

The Jesus People helped the church evangelize young people and make peace with aspects of American culture, but their heritage is a mixed blessing that requires critical discernment.

This Paedobaptist Agrees with Mark

By R. Scott Clark | 06.13.2014

I’m quite convinced that the Baptists are wrong, but Mark is right that it’s sinful to remain unbaptized.

Reflections on Roger Nicole

By Mark Dever | 06.11.2014

In God’s Word we are repeatedly told to give thanks to God. So when God calls people home whom He has used in marked ways in our lives, it’s time … keep reading…

Book Review: An Anxious Age, by Joseph Bottum

Review by Matt McCullough | 03.25.2014

An Anxious Age is an enjoyable and engaging read, thought provoking even where it isn’t fully convincing.

Book Review: Antinomianism, by Mark Jones

Review by Justin Dillehay | 02.20.2014

Few questions are as pressing for Christians as “Does God’s love for me change when I disobey?”

Book Review: Embracing Shared Ministry, by Joseph Hellerman

Review by Kevin McFadden | 9Marks Journal: Prosperity Gospel | 01.15.2014

This book fails to explain clearly Paul’s theology and its implications for the church.