Can Someone Love Jesus But Not The Church?

We have all heard from someone, whether directly or indirectly, that they love Jesus, but not the church. Can a Christian truly love Jesus without loving His church? Thabiti Anyabwile answers that question in this video:



Recommended Reading:

To Love Jesus Is To Also Love The Church

What Is a Healthy Church Member? by Thabiti Anyabwile

Thabiti Anyabwile's Sermon on Galatians 5 from TGC 2017

Around The Web-May 16, 2014

The almost forgotten, always misunderstood, all-consuming sin of gluttony by Joe Carter

Are We Christians Good Neighbors? by Thabiti Anyabwile

Atheist TV: Coming soon to a television near you

The Church Needs More Tattoos by Russell Moore

Ten Reasons to Memorize Big Chunks of the Bible by Jon Bloom

Jeff Vanderstelt giving a clear definition on evangelism.

Book Review: Captivated by Thabiti M. Anyabwile

Many Christians have reserved the teaching of the death and resurrection of Jesus for Easter Sunday just as many reserved the birth of Christ for Christmas. I truly believe that many Christians have lost the wonder of the resurrection that when Easter comes around they have no joy because of what God has done through Jesus. I also believe that many Christians have lost the amazement of the resurrection that they cannot share it with those who do not believe.

I love reading books on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and the deep theological teaching that goes with it. Reasons are to remind me of what God has done through the finished work of Jesus on the cross and to teach me that what Jesus went through was not just to die for our sins but to take on the punishment for our sins. Thabiti A Anyabwile has written an engaging book called, Captivated: Beholding The Mystery of Jesus' Death and Resurrection, which were based on a series of Easter sermons his church, First Baptist Church, Grand Cayman on the Cayman Islands. This book has only five chapters which is packed with Biblical truth regarding the crucifixion and resurrection that even a lost person can pick up and read.

Chapter one is about Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane asking the Father if there is another way, lets do it, if not I will do your will. Anyabwile goes on to say why there Jesus is the only way for our sins to be atoned for which was through Jesus' death on the cross. Chapter two is about the agony Jesus experienced on the cross as he cried out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Anyabwile talks about the difficult teaching as to why Jesus had to experience such a separation for the Father that He never experienced before.

Chapter three addresses that Jesus conquered death by dying in our place on the cross. Anyabwile said, "(The)death of Jesus Christ means the death of death itself...the death of death in the death of Jesus Christ also means victory over death for those who trust in Christ as their God and Savior. Death is dead. We have won" (pg. 42). Chapter four is about the resurrections and the importance of it for Christians to embrace it. Compared to all false messiahs the world has place their faith in, they are dead but Jesus is alive. The final chapter is simply asking the question, "Do You Not Know These Things?" In this chapter, Anyabwile shared the gospel and the importance of believing Jesus is who the Bible claims Him to be. Anyabwile also teaches on the importance of Jesus coming in the flesh and why we cannot deny it.

I have always loved Thabiti Anyabwile's writings. So when the opportunity came to review this book, I did not hesitate. If you are a new believer, this book will benefit you and all your lost friends. If you are a maturing believer, you will also benefit from this book that will stir your affections for Jesus. I encourage all Christians to read this book, then get a copy for a lost person and read it with them.

Thanks Reformation Heritage Books for letting me review this book.

The Main Sessions of 9 Marks At Southeastern 2013

These six videos are the main session from the 9 Marks conference on Evangelism that was held at Southeaster Seminary this past September featuring Danny Akin, Peter Williams, Mark Dever, Thabiti Anyabwile, John Folman, and J.D. Greear.

Who Governs The Church?

Ligon Duncan and Thabiti Anyabwile talk about their denominational differences on who governs the church:

Messages from the 9 Marks & Desiring God Conferences

9 Marks and Desiring God had conferences going on in the same weekend which for many people they can either attend one of the other. Thankfully, those conferences are available online for all to listen:


Thabiti Anyabwile's blog has all six messages from the 9 Marks conference at Southeastern Seminary.


The Desiring God National Conference had a series of messages on sanctification

Book Review: The Life of God in the Soul of the Church by Thabiti Anyabwile

Thabiti Anyabwile was inspired by Henry Scougal's classic book, The Life of God in the Soul of Man, to talk about the church. Anyabwile said that a Christian's union with Jesus is not individualistic, but should be shared in the life of the local church.

This book was based on a series of sermons that Anyabwile preached at his church, First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), back in 2008. He goes on to say, "The burden of the sermon series was to impress upon the saints of First Baptist Church a particular vision of spiritual fellowship centered not on external activities and programs but on our shared life of spiritual union with Jesus the Son of God...Specifically, I wanted us to see that our life together was both rooted in God the Son and grows up into the full resemblance of the Son. Our union with Jesus is both the root and fruit of spiritual fellowship."

This book is divided into 2 parts. The first talking about the foundation of our spiritual fellowship which is union with Christ. The second part deals with applying our union with Christ in the context of the local church. Chapters 3-12 deals with a variety of topics from loving one another to forgiving one another. Anyabwile also deals with worship, suffering, and partnership in the gospel.

As I am reading this book, I couldn't help but think this book should be given to new believers as it discusses the church. This book is perfect to be used in a doctrinal study of the church. Every church leaders needs to read this book as well those who love the church.

Thanks Christian Focus for letting me review this book.

T4G 2012 Sermons

I was unable to attend Together for the Gospel this year in Louisville, but from what I seen via Twitter and Facebook, it was amazing. I excited that they were able to get the sermons from the general sessions online. All those sermons are now available on video with the exception of John Piper's, which is available on audio at this time. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. I have not got to listen to Piper's yet, but I know it will be as good as the other ones.

The Power of the Articulated Gospel from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.

Spirit-Powered, Gospel-Driven, Faith-Fueled Effort. from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.

False Conversions: The Suicide of the Church from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.

Divine Sovereignty: The Fuel of Death-Defying Missions from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.

Will Your Gospel Transform a Terrorist? from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.

The Story of Thabiti Anyabwile

I love hearing stories of people coming to faith in Christ. I love it people from other religions come to faith in Christ because they have embraced the gospel. Recently, Crossway shared on their blog the testimony of Thabiti Anyabwile, who converted from Islam and now serves as a pastor. He has written a few books as well contributed to a few. His story has been divided in four parts:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4