Happy Monday – Juneteenth!
Today’s First Read:
The Stages of Spiritual Maturity: Introduction
I really like this article and am very curious about where they will go with it. Christian maturity is something that many overlook, especially pastors looking out for their congregation. I know this to be true because I did the exact thing, equating literacy with maturity in the Christian walk. You may see more of these Spiritual Maturity articles here as the weeks pass.
What is Juneteenth?
While an unofficial holiday for many spanning generations, Juneteenth is a relatively new federal holiday (maybe the newest, I’m not sure). So, I’ve linked an article from the Smithsonian to give some history to this historic holiday.
The SBC in the Big Easy
Denny Burk gives a great rundown of what happened in the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in New Orleans. It was impactful.
Rick Warren’s Four Fallacies of Faithless Fraternity
Tom Nettles is a guy who makes you think every time he speaks, writes, or really does anything. Your thinking is for the better, and it is equally true in this article regarding Rick Warren and his desire to have an authority over the church that is not Scripture. This article really hits the nail on the head with the wrong ideas that Rick Warrens wants, or at least the ideas that his words and actions show…
When You Do Not Dare To Go Alone
“So may it be for you when the night of death comes. So may it be for you when your friends cannot accompany you. So may it be for you when you do not dare to go alone.” I get goosebumps when I read this article. Tim Challies is a gem. Thank you for this awesome soul-shaking article.
Your Gender Is God’s Design
“When the Son of God took on a human nature, he underlined forever the dignity and value of human embodiment, because he shared it—and still does. He did not leave his human nature behind; he is still fully human and fully God, seated at the right hand of the Father. Additionally, he affirms sexed human embodiment—that is, being female or male. Jesus did not appear in his resurrection as an androgynous being but as he had been in his earthly life: as a male.
The Pastor As Wizard
“Gandalf goes about his work at a whisper. He cloaks his power in the unassuming guise of an old man with his signature hat and staff, hanging out at Bag End and puffing a pipe with Bilbo. All the while, the wheels are turning behind those bushy brows, but he rarely shows himself openly. Rather, he wishes that his presence might go unnoticed.“
What One Psalm-Singing Presbyterian Learned at an SBC Seminary
This is a great article that really shows the true fellowship of believers. Just because we differ on doctrine and how we do church (I know, that is a loaded statement) doesn’t mean we are not brothers/sisters in the Lord. Read this article with an open mind and be glad that a hard-core Presbyterian can have such grace and humility, and pray for those same qualities in your life.