As well as reading a lot of books, I also read a ton of articles every week. Here are some of the articles that I’ve read recently and have found interesting, helpful, challenging and encouraging. I hope that they will be the same for you, my dear readers…
J. I. Packer (1926–2020)
J. I. Packer went to be with the Lord yesterday, the Lord that he loved and served so diligently for many years. Packer has made an impact on and influenced so many Christians. He wrote some great books, taught wonderful theology, but most importantly he pointed people to Jesus. Here’s an article about his life.
3 Questions to Ask Before Critiquing Your Pastor
Everyone has opinions on everything and everyone has a right to question whether something is being done properly. However, the manner in which that question comes, or the background of a critique is very important. Too often it seems that other Christians are just gunning for pastors. Here are three helpful questions to ask before you speak, write that email or send that text.
How is giving people books they don’t really understand fulfiling our pastoral responsibility?
A conversation was happening over the last few days on Twitter about books, specifically Grudem’s Systematic Theology and Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics, and their accessibility. Here’s a challenging article on the role of pastors and how they care for the flock.
Reading, Accessibility and Discipleship… books and a recent conversation
– Do all Christians have to read books?
– Should we make books accessible?
– Do books equal discipleship?
Made in the Image of God
This come across my timeline the other day and I’ve but scratched the surface. Listen to H.B. Charles Jr., Sinclair Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Steven Lawson, John MacArthur, Stephen Nichols, Burk Parsons, Michael Reeves, and Derek Thomas explore the truth of us being made in the image of God and our God-given calling to serve well in our families, vocations, churches, and communities.
Respectable Sins of the Reformed World
– Suspicion
– Gossip
– Slander
– Meddling
– Idelness
– Impugning
Three Warnings for Those Who Preach the Word
“I want to articulate three dangers that threaten my own soul as a preacher who is desirous to fulfill his ministry. I pray for myself and my readers that the One who is able to keep us from stumbling will preserve us in this high and holy calling.”
What does good feedback look and feel like?
I give a lot of feedback; feedback on sermons, Bible studies, general church work and so on. One of the key things for everyone to think about it how to give (and receive) feedback. This is a helpful article for that discussion.
Pastoral PTSD
A helpful and honest article by Medders that I’d recommend for pastors and church members to read.
When Callings Clash
“How are we as believers to navigate the waters of submission when we find ourselves in a clash of callings? What are we to do when our obedience to God or the betterment of his people collides with the call to submit to our husbands, churches, or governments?”
Chalmers' Blog 