Bits & Pieces (10/11/12)

Flying Nones – Michael Horton shares his thought on the recent Pew Research Center report that showed a rise in those who identify “none” as their religious affiliation. Dr. Russell Moore also gave his take on the report here. One money line from Dr. Moore – “Frankly, we should be more concerned about the loss of a Christian majority in the Protestant churches than about the loss of a Protestant majority in the United States.”

 

Christianity & Celebrities –  This is an intriguing post about our response when a “celebrity” identifies themselves as a Christian and our acute response to such news. As the author concludes, “From Denzel to doormen, janitors to jazz musicians, Tebow to truckers, God is less interested in his people doing “extraordinary” things (as the world would define them) and more interested in his people doing ordinary things with extraordinary faithfulness and obedience.”

 

A Good Dad is Hard to Find – I’m so grateful that I had a good dad, but this post is a poignant reminder that many people don’t. This post helps us remember why the fact that a good earthly dad may be difficult to come by is important to keep in mind when we share the Gospel.

 

The Gospel for Misfits – “But the gospel isn’t about misfits finding a safe niche. It’s about the unfit being made fit to enter the presence of God.”

 

The Importance of Repentance  – “The importance of repentance cannot be overestimated for true biblical religion. There is no gospel, there is no heaven, and there is no Christianity without the call to repent.”

 

Desiring Happiness – “So there are two ways to speak of seeking happiness. One is to say we seek theexperience of happiness. Another is to say we seek what will give us that experience. If you keep this in mind, you will not call someone an idolater who wants happiness above all experiences. But you will know what to ask him next.”

 

 

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Bits & Pieces (10/10/12)

The Wisdom of What God Doesn’t Say – “God speaks with clarity and preciseness everything that is required to redeem his people and make them holy throughout the generations. He’s clear on every commandment to be obeyed and every promise to be trusted. But regarding secondary or administrative things, he leaves much to our figuring out. He loves to answer our prayers for guidance in these areas, but he almost always answers indirectly. He does not want us to make an idol out of what is only meant to be helpful.”

 

Leading Worship in Song When You’re Not A Musician – This post contains some practical tips for those who may have the opportunity to fulfill this capacity, but I think the most important point is contained in the first paragraph – “leading corporate worship is pastoral function before it’s a musical one.”

 

Seven Reasons Why Evangelism Should be A Priority – Why should congregations be passionate about going out from their weekly meeting together and reaching people for Christ? Here are seven good reasons.

 

10 Questions to Ask Your Wife – This is a good list. I’m thinking there probably needs to be a corresponding one for wives.

 

The Anxiety-Killing Power of Creation – “The next time you’re outside, particularly if cares are weighing you down, look around you at God’s creation. Thank him that the tree or bird or insect that you see was created by him, and is now being sustained and held together by his mighty hand. Praise him for the wisdom on display in creation, the theatre to his glory. And then recognize this: the same God who made the grandeurs of the universe is watching over your life with the same infinite care.”

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