My gratitude goes to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for sponsoring the blog this week. They wanted to be sure you know about their Church Institute which offers free theological training for the local church.
There are, once again, some new Kindle deals to consider today.
(Yesterday on the blog: A Field Guide on Gender and Sexuality)
The Wedding of the Century
“Last week what has been dubbed the ‘wedding of the century’ took place in Indiaas the children of two of the richest men in the world married. It is said that the marriage of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant has cost over $600m, though given the groom’s father is worth $120bn it represents less than 0.5% of his wealth.” There is something we can learn from this extravagance.
Where Loss Leads: Why Grieving People Need a Theology of Giving
Pierce Taylor Hibbs: “The world offers us a plethora of options to numb the sharp pangs of loss—ranging from the physical to the material, the psychological to the relational. We chase after dopamine hits and oxytocin boosts from sex—the flights of feeling. We buy fine leather and woven cotton—adornments for our fading frames. We drown our tastebuds with sugar and spice and everything nice—delightful distractions to daze the soul. We chase what we can touch and feel and taste.”
Yes, God Really Does Desire Your Happiness in Him
“Somewhere along the way, I concluded that God Himself did not want me happy. Or if I was to be happy, I must only be meant to find happiness in prayer, worship, Bible reading, and obedience to clear commands, but if I tried to enjoy some other activity for a minute, God would probably be mad and smash me for it. He was the cosmic-killjoy. He was the chain locked box and handcuffs; I was the struggling escape artist.” Charlene explains how she came to change this conclusion.
The Vital Connection between Sincere Love and Hospitality in the Church
“Hospitality is vital to the life of the church. How we treat someone, whether they’re a visitor or longtime member, may affect their involvement within a church. It may also impact their decision to continue attending a church.”
Real Life Is a Better Teacher
Writing for World, where hopefully you still have a free article available, Anne Kennedy tells why real life is a better teacher. Better, that is, than social media.
Hobbits and Third-Culture Kids
Chances are good that you know some third-culture kids. This article is meant to help you better understand some of their unique challenges.
Flashback: Have You Tasted Heaven?
…though I do not know exactly where that place is, and though I cannot yet reach it, I see undeniable evidence that it exists.
Always stand to it that your creed must bend to the Bible, and not the Bible to your creed.
—C.H. Spurgeon
