This Week’s Good Reads

Here are some of my favorite articles from around the web this week:

1) “Screwtape on the Southern Baptist Convention” by Trevin Wax

Picking up where C.S. Lewis left-off, Wax offers a fictional account of a conversation between two demons regarding how to best discourage and distract the SBC. It’s not just witty, it’s a good reminder to my friends in the convention, and to all of us in the church, to pursue repentance, humility, and resolve to focus on the gospel and the mission.

2) “How You Can Help Relieve Theological Famine Around the World” by Bill Walsh

I am very excited about the new initiative at The Gospel Coalition to help churches and Christians around the globe have the same kind of access to good theological writing that we have here in the states. In this short introduction the Director of International Outreach for TGC encourages us to get behind the initiative. Be sure to check out all the attached links in the piece too.

3) “Why Do Pastors and Theologians Pick On Worship Songwriters?” by Bobby Gilles

It’s hard to be a worship songwriter, I suspect. Music is a key part of our worship and because of that there are a lot of expectations placed on worship songs. It must be singable, engaging, and yet theologically sound. That’s not as easy a combination as it may seem. In this piece songwriter Bobby Gilles discusses some critiques people have offered of his songs, how worship songwriters need to deal with that, and some important issues for all of us to keep in mind. Check it out if you’re a worship songwriter or just a worshipper.

4) “The Resurrection of the Dead” by Keith Mathison

An accessible and yet thorough exposition of 1 Corinthians 15. What did the resurrection of Christ accomplish for his people? This is a great study.

5) “My Cancer Scares” by Matt Rawlings

Please pray for our senior pastor as he awaits some tests to determine if he has cancer. Also pray that regardless of the results he is able to run to God for hope and help.

6) “How Were The Books of the New Testament Chosen?” by Timothy Paul Jones

One of my former professors has written a helpful piece explaining how we our New Testament was compiled. What part did humans play in the choosing of our New Testament books? Jones gives us some solid explanations here.