“This is why we need our faculties trained by Scripture to discern the difference between the apparently spiritual and the truth of the gospel. A regular diet of biblical teaching helps to develop in us an instinctive wisdom. And thus discernment protects us from ‘super-spiritual’ teaching that attributes its own wisdom to God, and in the process confuses others, sometimes creating in them a painful sense of guilt and uncertainty. So, growing in spiritual discernment is an essential element in spiritual maturity. Our lives are shaped in part by our ability to persevere in the important but unspectacular exercises that build Christian character—the ministry and study of the word, worship and fellowship, prayer, and serving the Lord day by day in all the ordinariness of life. This is what forms Christian character. So if we want to become mature Christians we must set our hearts on long-term goals and devote ourselves privately and steadfastly to their accomplishment.“ (Sinclair Ferguson, Maturity: Growing Up and Going On In the Christian Life)
by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz
Feliz Friday! Short and sweet, just like you like it! Here are this week’s links!
- What are some common temptations women face? Sheologians posted a great podcast on that early this week. Check it out!
- John Piper is interviewed this week on The Crossway Podcast. He talks about some of the verses that has changed his life and ministry.
- Greg Koukl was interviewed on his book Tactics and asked questions on how to engage in conversations with unbelievers about spiritual topics. This is definitely worth taking notes.
- David Powlison’s influence is still being felt since his being with the Lord. If you haven’t seen the memorial service, you can watch it here. Crossway posted an article from him on four ways to read the Bible for personal application. Kyle Johnston writes of Powlison’s impact on biblical counseling in South Africa. Steve Midgley writes about his influence in the UK. Sacha Mendes writes of Powlison’s influence in Brazil.
- Denny Burk has been posting some good stuff lately. He responds to a New York Times article critiquing purity culture, and a bit of historical background and theological clarification of the word complementarianism.
- Shona Murray writes five myths about leisure that I’m sure some of us have no doubt believed at some point in our lives.
- Families, how should you pray when preparing for a family vacation? This is something I know some families are currently planning, so you may want to check out this post from Andreas & Margaret Köstenberger.
- What are the requirements to be an elder? Glad you asked! Justin Taylor provides a list from the ESV Study Bible.
- Joe Carter writes an excellent post of an FAQ about what Christians should know about vaccines.
- Tim Keesee gave an excellent talk at the 2019 TGC National Conference earlier this year on the unstoppable, global gospel. Definitely worth a listen!
That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer, as some of us are attending the IBCD Summer Conference this weekend. See you all on Sunday!
Soli Deo Gloria