Blogs
7 Steps for Enduring a Lifetime of Ministry
“In ministry we’re often at head of the line for suffering and joy, as we share in the ups and downs of our congregation. We must be especially prepared, then, to suffer well, so that we might run the race marked out for us in joy (Heb. 12:1). Toward that end, here are seven steps to endure for a lifetime in ministry, finding inspiration in Scripture and in examples from church history featured in the new book 12 Faithful Men: Portraits of Courageous Endurance in Pastoral Ministry.”
Making Space for Rest: A Q&A with Jeff Vanderstelt
This looks like a worthwhile Bible Study for stressed and burned out Christians who want to live more Christ-like lives.
“Pastor and author Jeff Vanderstelt cares about Sabbath rest. As the pastor of a church, the executive director and founder of Saturate, and an author, he’s certainly busy, but he’s also learned to make space for what matters most. That’s the crux of his latest Bible study, released earlier this year. Called Making Space, this study delves into the book of Proverbs and the life of Jesus to help Christians center their lives on God’s priorities. Among these priorities is the principle of rest.”
The 50% Lie | The Cripplegate
Ever heard that 50% of marriages end in divorce. Here’s a blog that debunks that lie:
“Researchers have shown that a mindset of futility toward marriage has an adverse effect on persevering in marriage or desiring to marry. The 50% lie has done more damage than we might suspect, but it can only be remedied with the truth.”
5 Ways to Misuse a Commentary
A list of the top five ways to misuse a commentary (and suggestions for how to use them better).
Gender Dysphoria and the Gospel
Here’s a resource that may help Christians understand and minister to people with gender dysphoria.
“If you are interacting with someone who is experiencing the distress of not feeling “at home” with their biological gender or if you have that experience yourself, it can be a very confusing and frightening time. An acquaintance of mine recently let me know about his struggles with transgenderism and the ways that Jesus has met and delivered him. He has done the great service of recording many of his own struggles and lessons at Jesus and the Transgender. The blog isn’t intended to be a full-scale training resource but genuine encouragement from someone who loves Jesus and those suffering from gender dysphoria as well. It includes frank but appropriate discussion of his own past, as well as the ongoing struggles Jesus is helping him meet. You can read about the mission of the blog, as well as the wise limitations the author uses, here. I commend the resource to you. We as a church need to learn how to love and care for those wading through this struggle. We need to become places where hope and healing can happen in the context of gospel friendships”
Books
Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story. This book is strongly recommended by Rosaria Butterfield. The negative reviews are the result of a concerted campaign by those opposed to its biblical message.
What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care?: Answers to the Big Questions of Life $0.99.
When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself $1.59.
Lifting up Our Hearts: 150 Selected Prayers from John Calvin $4.99.
Complete in Him: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the Gospel $2.99.