May the Lord be with you and bless you today. I hope you’ll enjoy today’s selection of articles which, in my opinion, is one of the strongest I’ve ever collected in a single day!
Today’s Kindle deals include a brand new book (Luke Cawley’s Somethingism), an almost new book (Schreiner’s The Justice and Goodness of God), and much else.
(Yesterday on the blog: What God Forbids You To Judge)
Radicalised Loneliness
I highly recommend this article that reflects on the popular show Adolescence. “We must not bury or undermine men’s natural instinct for competition, aggression and adventure, else it will resurface in ugly places, or create a generation of lonely, purposeless boys who do not give all they can offer to this world. Quelling male appetite through ersatz alternatives like pornography and video games creates hollow shells of men who can be made puppets by stronger wills. Instead, we must affirm the goodness of maleness, encourage deep and lasting relationships in the Church between older and younger men, and channel male energy into the task of building God’s Kingdom on earth.”
There is No Christian Defense of Pornography
Samuel James: “Internet pornography is one of the most powerful, most formative, and most influential artifacts of modern societies today. And I’m convinced something else follows: Christians who are concerned about the physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of their neighbors, inside the church and outside, ought to be vigorously supportive of laws that suppress, restrict, and eliminate access to online porn.”
The Myth of the ‘Irreligious World’
James Eglinton explains why secularism is a distinctly Western phenomenon (and a waning one). He also shows how Reformed theology offers a particularly compelling explanation as to mankind’s inveterate religiosity.
The Problem with Idols of the Heart
If you’ve ever grappled with the whole notion of heart idolatry, you’ll benefit from reading Alan’s thoughts on the matter. “Perhaps one of the best strategies for identifying idols in your life is identifying your giftings. Rightly seeing yourself is critical in life. God has given you certain abilities and talents. What are they? Because whatever they are, they are likely going to be the source of your greatest temptation.”
Fear Not Fatherhood: The Glory and Strength of Young Dads
“In my pre-parenting days, devoting two hours daily to reading, meditating, reflecting, and going on prayer walks in the woods was practically nonnegotiable. Today, with toddlers, it is practically unimaginable.” This is how Andrew Ballard begins a sweet and convicting reflection on fatherhood.
Serving the God Who Served Us First
“What’s your warning light? What is the emotion that, when it surfaces, you know it’s alerting you that maintenance is required? It’s the blinking light on the dashboard of your soul that tells you there’s a problem under the hood. It’s the feeling that says, ‘Danger is ahead if you don’t stop soon.’” Jen shares hers and explains how to respond to it.
Flashback: It’s Submission, Not Subjection
Submission is a tricky concept made all the more difficult by our naturally sinful rebellion to the very notion of it. Submission is simply acknowledging sources of authority and arranging ourselves accordingly.
The louder Satan roars, the more proof you shall have of Christ’s love.
—C.H. Spurgeon
