Curated content for Christians
Principles to Guide Your Giving – Jesse Johnson says that according to the Bible, “giving is a basic discipline of godliness and the New Testament teaches fundamental principles that should guide how we give.” In this article he lays out ten of those principles. A Family Culture – This looks like a promising series from…
Cigar Smoking and Grace – I really appreciate the big point of this article from Jared Wilson. “When we think of accountability relationships (or accountability “partners”), we often think of all the ways someone might keep a weaker brother responsible for his actions. We rarely talk about how the one being held accountable might live…
Background Information – Andy Naselli takes on this question: “Is ‘Background Information’ Ever Necessary to Understand the Bible?” “My answer is a cautious yes: ‘background information’ (which I prefer to call the historical context) is sometimes necessary for understanding the Bible accurately.” Why is the Charismatic Movement Thriving in Africa? – Conrad Mbewe: “I think…
Christians In a Surveillance State – I appreciate this article from Ed Stetzer as he discusses Christian responsibility in what has become a surveillance state. “For Christians, this is an important conversation because it involves biblical issues such as the dignity of all persons, a healthy view of human depravity, and our belief in Christian…
Capturing the Moment – “And as much as I think we’re getting more comfortable being ourselves online, there’s still a difference between the self you’re willing to share publicly and the self you’re willing to share when only a handful of people are watching. This is a distinction that Facebook — and now, by association,…
Beautiful Churches – This is an excellent article! “We stepped inside and beauty stirred my heart. Worship seemed the only appropriate response. It was clear that an artist had spent months, even years, with tools that chiselled, adorned, and beautified. Each detail, lovingly and carefully carved. In that room, the light glimmered and shone, reflecting…
Christians Are Not Called to Have Amazing Sex – There is some wisdom in this article at Relevant magazine: “While the movement is great at detailing–and exaggerating–the benefits of saving sex for marriage, it is dishonest about the challenges abstinence presents to couples who eventually tie the knot.” Worst Phone Call of My Life –…
Power of Prayer – Here’s the story behind a wonderful photograph. “Moments before I was to walk down the aisle my soon to be mother in law came in the dressing room where my bridesmaids and I were all gushing with giggles and fluttering about finishing last minute details. ‘Sweetheart, your groom has called for…
Who Is the Hero of Your Sermon? – That’s a great question to ask of your sermon. Greg Breazeale explains why. Friday Five – I enjoyed reading this interview with Philip Ryken. They talk to him “about moving from the pastorate to the academy, the future of Christian higher education, and how pastors and scholars…
The Affairs of Pastors – Chad Hall: “This past Sunday the pastor of the church where I came to know Christ resigned after admitting he’d been involved in an extra-marital affair. His wife and children suffer while the members of the church wonder how this could happen again – that’s right, in the past 30…
Does College Cause Young Adults to Lose Their Faith? – Glenn Stanton: “Do the years and experiences of college actually contribute to our young people losing or walking away from their faith? The answer – and the reasons for it – might surprise you.” How the Court Could Rule – The New York Times looks…
The Evolution of the Swimsuit – This is a very interesting video that traces the history of women’s swimsuits and advocates something better than today’s bikinis. (There is nothing in the video that is alluring or inappropriate.) Who Am I? – “We live in an era where personal identity is of great importance to us.…
How to Read a Book – “Reading a book seems like a pretty straightforward task, doesn’t it? And in some cases, it is. If you’re reading purely for entertainment or leisure, it certainly can be that easy. There’s another kind of reading, though, in which we at least attempt to glean something of value from…
The Incredible Disappearing Evangelist – Smithsonian magazine tells an interesting story from days gone by. “Aimee Semple McPherson, evangelist, faith-healer, founder of the Foursquare Gospel Church and builder of the Angelus Temple, was believed to have disappeared during a swim on May 18, 1926. In the hours that followed, rescuers were sparing no effort to…
The Power of Stories – I enjoyed this interview with Mark Gilbert. He wrote a book titled Stepping out in Faith which is a compilation of stories from people who have left the Roman Catholic church as they’ve sought to follow Jesus. An Exceptional Dad – This is a good one: “I don’t want to…
7 Ways Fathers Provoke Their Children – “The Bible tells fathers to do two things: bring children up in the ways of the Lord and do not provoke them. How can a father avoid provoking his child?” Here are 7 ways dads may provoke their children. F-35 – Here’s an interesting article on the long-awaited,…
A Guide to Metadata – The NSA scandal has often involved the word “metadata.” This article at the Guardian shows you what kind of information can be stored every time you send an email, snap a photo, and so on. A Story Already Told – “I listened to that friend describe utter heartbreak and, in…
Three Buzzwords – “When writing and speaking about Christian themes, it can be easy to adopt the popular language associated with an idea without realizing the implications of the words we use to describe, teach, or communicate these concepts. It’s important for us to think through the way we talk and grasp the influence that…
Filled with Frogs – Mark Altrogge: “If Pittsburgh were overrun by frogs, and even the Steelers had frogs in their bedrooms, I don’t think I’d forget that. But God knows our tendency to forget, so he warned Israel about forgetting his mighty deliverance. And you know what? They forgot.” The Sufficiency of Scripture – The…
Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before Seminary – “When I started seminary in 2009, I didn’t know anybody who had done it before and was too thick-skulled to ask for advice. So while I think the following advice is worthwhile for anyone considering or already in seminary, I was slower to learn most…