EVANGELISM
They will listen: Evangelistic confidence in a cynical age (Paul Billings at 9Marks): Paul, the defendant, delivers a verdict. He tells them their rejection actually fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy (28:25–27). Then he says, “Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen” ( Acts 28:28). They will listen. In those three words, I’ve found a powerful prescription to fight the cynicism and discouragement I often feel in personal evangelism. Paul knew, no matter the present opposition, God’s gospel would find an audience.
LEADERSHIP
10 leadership lessons I learned as a young leader (Chuck Lawless): This week I am speaking to college leaders on our campus of Southeastern Seminary, and my assigned topic is, “Leadership Lessons I Learned as a Young Leader.” I started pastoring full-time at age 20, so I had MUCH to learn then. Here are some of those lessons I at least began learning then (though some I’m still learning to this day)
PRAYER
How to draw near to God: Learning prayer from the Puritans (Jeremy Walker at Desiring God): The Puritans, at their best, cultivated a communion with the living God that flowed naturally into prayer. Moreover, as Christlike pastors, they prayed Christlike prayers, reflecting the desires and priorities of their Savior for his people.
PREACHING
10 reasons some folks didn’t listen to your preaching or teaching this past weekend (Chuck Lawless): We who preach or teach are kidding ourselves if we believe everyone is listening to us when we speak. Somebody’s not listening (and, if we’re honest, we can identify some of those folks by just watching them while we’re speaking). Here are some of the reasons folks weren’t listening this past weekend:
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Five fears of old age: Finishing our race by future grace (John Piper at Desiring God): Dear older saint, I need to join you in the fight against the fears of aging, and to do so by faith in future grace. There are five fears that we will likely walk through together. God has given us antidotes for each in his word. These antidotes work through faith, and without faith they won’t work. But by faith they will work, and fear will be overcome, and we will go to be with Jesus in due time without walking in fear during our last season. That’s my confidence.
How holy are you? (Stephen Kneale at Building Jerusalem): Have you ever wondered about the state of your holiness? Have you ever been concerned you are simply not as holy as you ought to be? Then perhaps you would be helped by taking my little quiz:
The best is still yet to be (Randy Alcorn at Eternal Perspective Ministries): In the ages to come, we’ll remember past happiness and its cause (God) and look forward to future happiness and its cause (God). So if you’re not happy today, or if your happiness isn’t as deep as you wish, relax. Take a deep breath. You’re not missing your only opportunity to be happy! The time is coming when there will be nothing you can do except be happy. And that time will never end!
BIBLE INSIGHT
Life without Romans 8:28 (Tim Challies): The verse says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” It is for good reason that this is one of the most familiar verses in the entire Bible and for good reason that so many have memorized it. And I wonder if you have ever paused to consider a world without Romans 8:28?