Jesus didn’t have to die despite God’s love; he had to die because of God’s love. And it had to be this way because all life-changing love is substitutionary sacrifice. Think about it. If you love a person whose life is all put together and has no major needs, it costs you nothing. It’s delightful. There are probably four or five people like that where you live. You ought to find them and become their friend. But if you ever try to love somebody who has needs, someone who is in trouble or who is persecuted or emotionally wounded, it’s going to cost you. You can’t love them without taking a hit yourself. A transfer of some kind is required, so that somehow their troubles, their problems, transfer to you. (Timothy Keller, King’s Cross)

by Richard Shin

Here we go:

• For those who may or may not be interested, here‘s a Bethlehem Baptist Church ministry update concerning John Piper’s transition.
• Justin Taylor writes on the fear of being wrong about not baptizing children.
• Jonathan Leeman encourages us to consider the church in our life planning.
• As a member of the labor force, I find this post on motivations for working by Matt Perman to be remarkably refreshing.
• Philip Jensen speaks about the mistakes he has made over the years in hist ministry. Pay close attention to the one about arguing too much.
• Paul Tautges has seven thoughts on the sin of anxiety. I think they’re worth reading.
• Ray Ortlund shares a short one (as his usually are) on putting Christ first.

The weather has been a bit funky recently. Stay warm and glorify God this weekend, folks!

Coram Deo