Blogs

Pastors and Time in Sermon Preparation
Significant increase over last ten years. Thom Rainer comments:

I am encouraged. In past studies, I have found a correlative relationship between time in sermon preparation and church health metrics. The greater the time in sermon preparation, the more likely the church is to be evangelistically effective, have a higher retention rate of members, and have a higher weekly per capita giving. Simply stated, when the pastor spends more time in the Word, the church tends to be healthier.

Not Your Average Paedobaptism – The Gospel Coalition
“No way will anyone pour water on my kid’s head,” my recently converted dad said to our seminary-trained pastor. As this opening line suggests, Jared Oliphant takes a different approach to an old debate.

Serving, Struggling, and Thriving as a Pastor’s Wife – The Gospel Coalition
TGC/Crossway partnership produces a brief but helpful interview with Gloria Furman about her new book.

People Over Profit: Easier Said Than Done | Her.meneutics | Christianitytoday.com
A review of a book that presents seven principles the author believes all companies should adopt: people matter, truth wins, transparency frees, authenticity attracts, quality speaks, generosity returns, and courage sustains.

An Anchor in Unfamiliar Place – Borrowed Light
Mike is on the move and finds a reliable anchor in the midst of change.

How Should Christians View World History? by R.C. Sproul | Ligonier Ministries Blog

8 Lessons Learned from a Long Battle with Spiritual Depression | The Gospel Coalition
NB: It says “spiritual” depression.

Culture

Are Christians Really the Arrogant Ones? | Canon Fodder

Can Gays And Christians Coexist In America? Part II: Slavery
Important series (Part I)

Could Facebook Be Helping to Reduce Abortions? – The Gospel Coalition

Researchers Say They’ve Cracked The Code To Being Happy « CBS New York
Among some rather predictable findings is this one: “One of the biggest hindrances to being happy is too much thinking about one’s self.”

The Commencement Speech as Cultural Barometer | TGC

Kindle Books

The Book that Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization $0.99.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Linked to Bible Verses) $0.99.

I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference by Thom Rainer $3.50.

Recommended New Book

The Korean Pentecost and the Sufferings Which Followed $2.95. (NEW EDITION)

Video

God Wrote A Book