Good morning from chilly North Bay, Ontario. I am here to lead a funeral for a dear friend of the family, and am pondering this: “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, since that is the end of all mankind, and the living should take it to heart.”
If you’re interested in one of the new ESV Heirloom Edition Bibles, Westminster Books has them at 50% off.
Today’s Kindle deals include an excellent explanation of practical complementarianism. There are other options as well, of course.
(Yesterday on the blog: The Best Complete Commentary Set for any Christian)
How a Christian Worldview Animates Jane Austen’s Fiction
I enjoyed this explanation of how, to understand Jane Austen’s fiction, you need to understand Jane Austen’s faith.
How Should Christians Understand the “Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit”? (Video)
There is no question I receive from readers more often than this one: Have I blasphemed the Holy Spirit? This video offers a good answer to those who are concerned.
The Great Commission Advances When the Church Trains Its Own Pastors
Across the world, churches that once depended on missionaries are now sending them. This transformation begins with faithful pastoral training. Through The Master’s Academy International (TMAI), indigenous pastors are being equipped to preach God’s Word, strengthen their churches, and raise up others to carry the gospel into nearby villages, unreached peoples, and restricted regions. Supporting TMAI student scholarships helps sustain this work and advance the Great Commission through the local church. Learn more and please consider partnering. (Sponsored)
The Rising Tide of Islam
Alan Shlemon offers his explanation for the rise of Islam. “You might be wondering if I’ve bought into a conspiracy theory or become Islamophobic. On the contrary, I’m offering a sober but alarming assessment precisely because I’ve studied Islam for decades, monitored Muslim activity, and interacted with Muslims.”
Living Life With a Constant Musical Soundtrack
I think this is worth considering, especially if you are the kind of person who keeps AirPods perpetually in your ears.
Neither Shall They Learn War Anymore
“No generation has ever experienced life without war. Sure, some eras are relatively peaceful for some people in some nations. However, wars and threats of war are a constant feature of the human experience. Calls for ‘world peace’ manifest utopian illusions. To be human is to know war.”
Should Everyone Write?
Should everyone form the habit of writing? Probably not, but those who do will certainly benefit from it! “One of the best ways to stay sane and enrich our souls is to learn how to write. At least, that’s what I’m telling my students. Most of them may not heed the advice and opt for ChatGPT, moving into jobs where AI does half of their workload anyway.”t
Flashback: 32 Random Thoughts About the Local Church
Few people want to be part of a church that doesn’t pray, but few people want to attend a prayer meeting. You should ponder this conundrum.
The wise believer never apologizes for God or for any of his attributes.
—D.A. Carson
