Archives: david-starling

A conversation with John Piper

Thought

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David Starling: I want to begin by saying thank you for your books and your sermons, and for making the trip out here to Sydney. We really appreciate all that’s involved in coming across the world to see us. (more…)

The gospel according to Piper

Thought

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Like the eagerly-awaited visit of Apollos to Corinth (1 Cor 16), John Piper’s visit to Sydney in August brought great excitement to many local Christians. David Starling examines Piper’s theology to see what kind of fruit this visit may bear. (more…)

The very practical doctrine of total depravity

Thought

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Hearing that we’re all sinners may not be music to our ears, but, as David Starling argues, nothing could be more practical.

There’s an old 19th-century American joke about the woman who, when asked what she thought of the doctrine of total depravity, replied that it was “a very good doctrine if people would only live up to it”.1 The joke epitomizes the bad press that the doctrine of total depravity has suffered over the years: instead of providing inspiration and uplift—something to “live up to”—it is a doctrine that depresses and deflates; instead of making us feel good about ourselves, it is a doctrine that makes us feel wretched. (more…)

Thinking theologically about glory and gospel ministry

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An address given at the AIM ‘Thinking Theologically’ conference held at Moore Theological College in June 2002.

Thinking theologically

I take it that the reason you have paid good money to be at this conference is not because theology happens to be a hobby of yours, like birdwatching or classical music or stamp collecting. Instead, it is because you are involved in some way in the work of the gospel, in the pastoring of God’s people and in the evangelizing of Sydney and the world.

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