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(Yesterday on the blog: The Collected Best Christian Books of 2018)
Shelter in the Shame Storm
Samuel James: “At some point people like me who grew up with the internet are going to have to reckon with the spiritual powers that are embedded into the technology we put in our pocket. We’re going to have to determine to understand (a dangerous resolution!) how and why it is that the avatar-ization of our thoughts and names creates on-ramps in our hearts for delighting in the suffering of people whose only crime is disagreeing with us, or being friends with somebody who does. ”
Should Married Couples Separate?
In this one Steve Cornell navigates some real complexities. “The complexities and pain of troubled marriages can be overwhelming. A significant part of the problem is that most couples don’t look for help until things become seemingly unbearable. When a marriage is holding by thin threads, it’s unwise to wait too long before seeking help. The longer a couple a waits, the more challenging it becomes to restore a relationship.”
Do the Gospels Borrow from Pagan Myths?
Here’s a myth that needs to be dispelled. “When these claims are compared carefully with the New Testament Gospels, the distinction between Jesus and the supposed pagan parallels becomes quite distinct, for at least two reasons: (1) the pagan parallels aren’t as parallel as the proponents claims, and (2) many of the supposed parallels confuse later Christian practices with the actual affirmations in the New Testament Gospels.”
The Christmas Miracle of the Extra Calvinisticum
“When we put our minds long to the idea of Jesus being one hundred percent God and simultaneously one hundred percent man, they naturally feel overwhelmed. The orthodox doctrine of the Incarnation is compelling, beautiful, biblically sensible, and salvifically necessary, but it is nevertheless utterly inscrutable. And that’s okay. In the end, the Incarnation is not for analysis but for worship.”
Dying Well This Christmas
We need to think about dying from time to time. “It was John Wesley who said, “Our people die well.” It is a privilege to be able to see the truth of that. Being with saints who are dying well is to see how true are the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:13. When those who are about to fall asleep confidently and joyfully recount the goodness of God throughout their lives and confidently and joyfully anticipate what is to come, those of us who are left behind are encouraged to be confident and joyful too. We do not grieve as others do, for we have hope!”
Two Reasons to Consider Video Preaching
“To wit: I, a Presbyterian—a pastor who subscribes to a Confession written in the 1600’s, whose favourite store is a fountain pen shop, whose church still uses bulletins to convey worship lyrics, and whose congregation only raises their hands once a year to approve a budget—would use video services. Here are two reasons why.” This is a good and balanced perspective from someone who wouldn’t come to the position naturally.
The Rise of 20 Hour-Long Flights (Video)
I spent a lot of time on planes this year and am glad that didn’t include any 20-hour monsters.
Flashback: The Gossip Rag of the Reformed World
As I have considered when I can or should speak, I have gone searching for help and have discovered five godly desires I should have when it comes to speaking about other people.
Christianity preaches the infinite worth of that which is seemingly worthless and the infinite worthlessness of that which is seemingly so valued. —Dietrich Bonhoeffer