Thanks to all who joined me at Sing! for the launch of From the Rising of the Sun and “Rise with the Sun.” If you haven’t got it yet, please consider doing so. Buy the book and the documentary is free!
Westminster Books has a deal this week on a pair of books meant to combat biblical illiteracy.
Today’s Kindle deals include a book on getting unstuck, a book for those who may be struggling with body image, and a few other good picks. Also, if you missed some of yesterday’s deals (that was my fault) they are there as well.
Holy Ambitions, Large and Small
Derek Rishmawy: “I think that was the hope for many men my age going into seminary or early career pastoral jobs. Many of us had this vision of ministry that was a mix of millennial optimism (we’re gonna change the world), evangelical pragmatic entrepreneurialism (if you build it shiny and hip, they will come), and revivalist celebrityism (if they come because of your anointing or talent, this reveals you are blessed by the Spirit). And in the middle of it were some godly desires to see people come to Jesus, have his name lifted high, and see the church flourish.”
The Global Church Needs More Than American Worship Songs
Trevin Wax explains why the global church needs more than American worship songs. “The best way to display the church’s global nature isn’t by flattening differences into one Western soundtrack but by highlighting the distinct gifts of each culture. We need each other. We can inspire each other. We can share our songs of joy and sorrow, giving each other new words and melodies to celebrate the old, old story.”
Are You Correctable?
It’s actually a very good question to ask yourself: Am I correctable? And who has blanket permission to speak correction into my life?
Gossip Is No Longer Just Local – It’s Global
Indeed, it is. “In a world where language and speech are often abused; where ‘misinformation’ is passed on as lies, and truth is condemned as misinformation; it is especially important that we offer a better word. And that we take on board the many teachings in Scripture about how, where and when we speak.”
Baptizing Bradley
This is a neat and moving account of baptizing Bradley. “This past Sunday we baptized four individuals. The first three were baptized just as I’ve described, but the fourth was different.”
Biblical Counsellors Are There to Facilitate, Not Fix
It’s important to know what the role of the biblical counsellor is and is not. And that means it’s doubly important to know that the biblical counsellor’s task is not to fix problems.
Flashback: Have We Finally Hit Peak Attractional?
I feel sorry for the pastor who knows that to keep his congregation, he has to keep coming up with bigger and more shocking ideas. He knows that as soon as the fun stops or the place down the street offers something better, the seats will empty, the budget will decline, the church will collapse.