Here are some interesting pieces from around the web, perhaps you’ll find one that interests you too:
1. “Relationships Are More Important Than Ambition” by Emily Esfahani Smith
This beautiful piece interacts with author Rod Dreher, whose pursuit of a career in journalism was disrupted by the illness of his younger sister. Over the 19 months of his sisters battle with cancer Dreher came to see the real value of community over and above his own ambitions. The author then interacts with a number of sociological studies that provide interesting data to suggest that maybe ambition isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Those of us in the church ought to understand the value of community, but we need good reminders from time to time.
2. “Why A Triune God is Better Than Any Other” by Michael Reeves
The most recent issue of Credo Magazine focuses on the significance of the Trinity for the Christian life. By far the best article in it is Michael Reeves’ piece. In his piece he interacts particularly with the distinctive quality of God’s trinitarian nature as it relates to his ability to express love. He compares Christian theology proper with a Muslim concept of Allah, showing how only the God of Christianity can truly be said to possess and express love. It’s a great piece rich in theology and yet very accessible to the average reader.
3. “Exposing the Lies of Pornography and Counseling the Men Who Believe Them” by Alasdair Groves
Sadly you have to purchase this article from the current issue of The Journal of Biblical Counseling, but it is worth it men. This is such a theologically solid and practical piece on the most frequent issue I counsel men about. It is well worth the $1.50.
4. “Why You Should Work From A Coffee Shop, Even When You Have an Office” by Wesley Verhoeve
I have found many of the reasons listed in this piece to be true in my own life and look forward to finding a nice coffee shop in the metro area to do some work out of every so often. Ultimately the author says that this is a great way to keep up inspiration, creativity, and motivation.
5. “Counseling in Community: Equipping the Ground Troops” by Garrett Higbee
This is a fantastic article! Higbee, Executive Director of Harvest Bible Chapel’s Biblical Soul Care Ministry, has provided a reasoned argument for the need to train Biblical counselors in the church. It is a compelling article from a seasoned leader in Biblical counseling training. If you on the fence about the value of Biblical counseling in your church I strongly encourage you to read this piece. Ministry is what the church does, and is not the sole responsibility of the “professionals.”
6. “Carey Grant’s Timeless Style Advice” by Scott Christian
I have always enjoyed Carey Grant, both as an actor and a sartorial coach. GQ features his advice here for the modern man and I find it still applicable today.
7. “A Christian Nation In Need of Christ” by Charles Bota and Dennis Roberts
A fascinating read on the growth and advancement of a strong Reformed theology in Zambia.
8. “Millennials Don’t Worry About Online Privacy” by Hadley Malcolm
According to several authors younger generations have set the trend for a new Participation Economy that is shaping the future of not just online privacy, but digital marketing. It’s hard to know what all the ramifications of this are going to be, but it’s worth hearing and thinking about.
9. “A Response to Boston” by Ed Welch
Welch lists a variety of responses to the events of the Boston Marathon bombing and how those responses can point us to God. He touches particularly on anger, compassion, fear, and rest and comfort.
10. “The Coolest Small Businesses in Detroit” by Mariana Simoes and Max Rosenberg
Business Insider lists 23 of the coolest small businesses in the Motor City. It’s just encouraging to see exciting new entrepreneurs in this city.
11. “Vanhoozer’s 10 Rules for Cultural Interpretation” by Derek Rishmawy
A short list compiled from Vanhoozer’s book Everyday Theology which offers some guidelines worthy of thoughtful reflection, and should draw more readers to this fine book. Much thanks to Derek for compiling and condensing this list.
12. “Are Small Groups Dividing Your Church” by Mike Mack
It’s important for small groups to be full of friends, but Mack reminds us that the danger is becoming unwilling to allow new people into our community. Closed cliques are disastrous to the health of both small groups and the church at large. Fight against it Small Group leaders!
13. “Why Is a Famous Evangelical Pastor Defending Slavery?” by Morgan Guyton
I absolutely disagree with this author’s understanding of inerrancy. I think it betrays a common caricature and not an honest interaction with inerrancy or Evangelicalism. That being said, I am not fan of Doug Wilson. His recurring defense of slavery is a stain on popular Evangelicalism and the continual appreciation bestowed upon him by other key leaders within the Neo-Reformed community is outrageous! And, as Anthony Bradley has said, because conservatives are not standing up on this issue the Liberal community is now rightly mocking us for it.
14. “Weekly Wrap & Church Signs of the Week: Let’s Get Physical” by Ed Stetzer
Stetzer’s weekly collection of church signs is particularly wild this week as each addresses the body in a weird, spiritualized, way. If you need a good laugh, check these out.
15. “Longevity in the City: The City Resource” by Freddy T.
This a great piece for urban church planters, but it’s practical for all of us as it addresses key issues like taking a Sabbath, prioritizing time with God, and being willing to learn from your city.
15. In addition to these articles I would also HIGHLY recommend Tim Keller’s sermon on Spiritual Warfare. It is full of practical tools to help us fight off demonic influence in our own life and to orient ourselves towards the gospel of Jesus Christ. You can find the audio at the link above, or if you have the Redeemer app on your phone it is listed under Podcasts.
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 