Blogs
How was Christ Administered in the Old Testament?
Looks like the beginning of a helpful series.
“We believe that the saving work of Christ was truly administered or dispensed to the faithful in the Old Testament through the Promise of the Seed, the Promise of the Land, through Circumcision, the Sacrifices, the Law itself, and through Prophecy; and these were all “sufficient and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation”.”
12 Steps to Ministry Burnout
“In my 20+ years of studying churches in North America, I’ve watched far too many pastors and church leaders burn out, sometimes leading to moral failure. Based on my interviews with others who’ve walked this path, here are some steps to move in that direction if you want to become that next burned out leader.”
Embracing the Quiet Life
“Make it your aspiration to showcase the gospel in your quiet restfulness.”
Thoughts for Pastors Who Are Considering Quitting
“If you are a pastor who has not considered quitting, you are likely in the minority. And certainly there are times when we should leave. But, if your desire to quit is the result of the typical challenges of pastoring, allow me to share nine thoughts that may lead you to reconsider.”
The Digital Sermon
“People have often asked how many hours of sermon prep I do every week. I don’t particularly like answering that question on account of the fact that the past 16 years have served as a sort of unceasing sermon preparation time for me. Everything that I’ve read, every experience that I’ve had and every sermon or lecture to which I’ve listened have become part of weekly sermon prep.”
Are Unhappy Christians a Poor Witness?
Mike takes on the suggestions that sad Christians are bad Christians
“I’m arguing that there is a type of robust faith that sits upon the ash heap of one like Job. Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, was not a poor witness. Nor was King David and the other Psalmists of whom God used to give us a song book filled with lament. These are not miserable witnesses or poor recommendations of the gospel but beacons—though shrouded in darkness—of the redeeming Christ.”
How Katy Perry’s Mother Praises God Through the Pain
This is a painful article to read and a bit mixed up at points but I thought this was a beautiful response from Katy Perry’s mother.
I asked Mary what counsel she has for parents who have children who have left their Christian faith behind. She believes unconditional love and support is essential—not judgment, anger or estrangement. “It’s only the love of God that will bring them back,” she says. “Don’t cut them off. You have to rise above your feelings. You must stay in communication.”"
No Cause for Shame: Understanding Anxiety Disorders
This is a super-helpful article for distinguishing between anxiety that is rooted in a physical cause and anxiety that is a spiritual cause.
New Book
Learning About the Old Testament by Allan Harman.
Kindle Books
For your non-Kindle book buying needs please consider using Reformation Heritage Books in the USA and Reformed Book Services in Canada. Good value prices and shipping.
Fighting Satan: Knowing His Weaknesses, Strategies, and Defeat by Joel Beeke $2.99.
The Gospel Commission: Recovering God’s Strategy for Making Disciples by Michael Horton $2.39.
Couples of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study to Draw You Closer to God and Each Other by Robert and Bobbie Wolgemuth $1.99.
God’s Battle Plan for the Mind: The Puritan Practice of Biblical Meditation by David Saxton $4.99.