Passion Points

On October 19, 2013December 6, 2014 By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Do People Bark? – John Starke (Gospel Coalition)
Christians base the dignity of a “person” on the imago Dei. Created in the image of God, humans have been given status and dignity above all other creatures in this world. We’ve been given the ability to make sense of the world and make something of it.

A Friend of Sinners and No Friend of Sin – Kevin DeYoung
The gospel–if we are talking about the true gospel–works through repentance and relationships. We need both. Jesus had relationships with sinners and tax collectors. And through those relationships what did he call them to do? He didn’t say call them to self-expression, or invite them to despise religious people, or summon them to eat, drink, and be merry (in our language: eat, drink, and be tolerant). He called them to repentance. One commentator says, “Jesus neither condoned sin, left people in their sin, nor communicated any disdain for sinners.”

The Loving Intolerance of God – Melissa Kruger (Gospel Coalition)
The cross demonstrates God’s character in all its complexity. It shows his love, kindness, and mercy united with his justice, holiness, and wrath. It perfectly demonstrates a God who surpasses understanding. The Lord is giving us a glimpse into the immensity of his love for us. The love of God is not a tolerant love. It is much better. It is a redemptive love.

What Makes A Full Atonement Full? – Mike Wittmer (Gospel Coalition)
The cross isn’t an act of love without penal substitution, because love is only love if it does something. If the cross isn’t necessary for God to forgive us, then what would be the point? If the cross is merely God expressing his solidarity with sinners, then why didn’t he simply use his outdoor voice and say, “Attention, people of Earth! I love you and I’m on your side!” The Father was silent when his Son begged for any other way, which proves that God believes the cross was necessary to defeat sin, death, and Satan.

Light Eternal, Shine in My Heart – Alcuin of York, 735-804 A.D. (via Trevin Wax)
Give me, O Lord, I ask You, firm faith, unwavering hope, perfect charity…

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day celebrating our great God and Savior!

Passion Ethics

On October 16, 2013 By BrianIn Current Collection8 Comments

So a federal judge may overturn Michigan’s state constitution defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Maybe it is time to think about so called same-sex marriage some more:

The Case for Marriage – Brief video by Iona Institute (via Kevin DeYoung)

The New Purpose of Marriage – Collin Hansen (Gospel Coalition)

Three More Thoughts on the Gay Marriage Debate – Kevin DeYoung

The Myth of a Grand Bargain on Marriage – Robert George (via Kevin DeYoung)

Ministry Monday

On October 14, 2013November 13, 2014 By BrianIn Ministry Moments

Here are some good posts on preaching:

The Preacher at His Best – Kevin DeYoung
The best preacher is the preacher who is at his best when he is closest to the text.

John Stott’s 8 Keys to Preaching with Authority – Nicholas McDonald

5 Types of Sermon Illustrations and How to Use Them – Eric McKiddie (Gospel Coalition)

Nicholas McDonald

Passion Points

On October 12, 2013 By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Temptation Is Not the Same as Sin – Kevin DeYoung

20 Tips for Devotions in the Digital Age – David Murray

The Practice of Meditation – Tim Challies

Thank You, Lord – Charles Swindoll (via Trevin Wax)

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Passion Ethics

On October 9, 2013 By BrianIn Current Collection1 Comment

Homosexuality is the ethical question of our culture today. Here are some helpful posts on being a Christian and struggling with homosexuality:

Compelling Conversion – Mike Wittmer

Letter to a Struggling Gay Christian – Augustus Nicodemus Gomes Lopes (Gospel Coalition)

A Different Kind of Coming Out – Christianity

How Can the Gospel Be Good News to Gays? – Sam Allberry (Gospel Coalition)

Ministry Monday

On October 7, 2013November 13, 2014 By BrianIn Ministry Moments

Here are some helpful thoughts on visiting the sick and conducting funerals:

What Are 10 Practical Tools to Hospital Visitation – Practical Shepherding

What Should We Do When We Visit the Sick – Kevin DeYoung

5 Things You Should Never Say or Do at a Funeral – John Pond (Gospel Coalition)

Missions Focus

On October 4, 2013March 26, 2016 By BrianIn Missions Collection

Here are some good posts on missions to ponder:

You Can’t Avoid the Missionary Implications of Our Faith – John Stott via Trevin Wax

How Much Is Left to Do in the Great Commission? – John Piper (Desiring God)

Answering 7 Common Objections to Long-Term Missions – Ben Stevens (Gospel Coalition)

Why Less Is More in Missions – Matt Smethurst (Gospel Coalition)

Ministry Monday

On September 30, 2013November 13, 2014 By BrianIn Ministry Moments

Here are some helpful posts on preaching:

How to Preach Like D.A. Carson Without Sounding Like Him – Pastoralized

Don’t Pack Too Much in Your Sermons – Erik Raymond (Gospel Coalition)

The Top Mistakes I Make in Preaching – Julian Freeman

Passion Ethics

On September 25, 2013 By BrianIn Current Collection

This week: a step in the right direction for the home-schooling parental rights story I featured a few weeks ago, abortion as a failure to love, and a religious freedom story that is really more and needs our prayers.

Wunderlich Children Returned on Condition of School Attendance – HSLDA

Abortion and the Negation of Love – Joe Carter (Gospel Coalition)

Free Saeed: A Wife’s plea to Iran’s President – Nahgmeh Abedini (Desiring God)
An Open Letter from Billy Graham – Samaritan’s Purse
As Graham’s letter notes, Saeed is a U.S. citizen, which raises not only religious freedom issues, but also international relations issues, and the ethical question of why our government isn’t doing more to bring Saeed home.