Wow, it’s been too long. A lot has happened, so, Lord willing, you can read about it soon on my blog. Many changes, moves, and new beginnings. But for now, some of what I’ve been reading this week online…
My Top Pick (For now!)
O Beard, Where Are Thou?
This is a most excellent article about the Biblical history, and a bit of theology, behind the growing of beards. My wife told me about it, and it’s a great read! She told me about it in response to my telling her that I almost shaved my beard off today…
Is Double Predestination Biblical?
Talk about a question for the ages….and here’s a quote from this Ask Pastor John episode to ponder, “Human beings are morally accountable, even though they do not have ultimate self-determination.“
10 Symptoms of Porn Addiction Withdrawal
I know that addictions to substances have massive neurological effects on a person, but I would have never thought that an addiction to porn could have a lot of the same withdrawal symptoms as drugs. This is a good and helpful read, especially so if you know someone going through this struggle in their lives.
Bible Talk Podcast on Deuteronomy 31-34 – The End of the Torah
The 9Marks Bible Talk podcast has long been one of my favorites as they walk (and talk!) through Scripture. Having begun in Genesis 1, they finally made it through the Torah. If you haven’t listened to them before, click on this link, then go back to the first episode in Genesis an go on from there!
How to Avoid Social Exhaustion and Still Be a Good Friend
This article isn’t for you…it’s for me. Still, it’s a good, common sense read.
Elder Rule Polity to Elder Led Congregationalism
“Put simply, because Jesus said so. Five words compelled us to make the shift: “tell it to the church” (Matt. 18:17). The context of Jesus’ command is unrepentant sin in the church. He gives three steps to address the sin, and the final step is to tell the church and regard the unrepentant sinner as a pagan and tax collector. In other words, treat them as one who is no longer in the covenant community.“
Where’d All These Calvinists Come From?
This article is an oldie but a goody. Read it all in one sitting, and read it well.