CHURCH
When unanimity is the enemy of unity (Tim Challies): I have often wondered if much of our division stems from a confusion between unity and unanimity. I have often wondered if we demand unanimity where unity would be not only sufficient but also superior. I have often wondered if unanimity is the enemy of Christian unity. Allow me to explain. Read more at Challies.
Want your church to enjoy unity? Let the gospel do its dividing work (William Farley): The gospel is inherently divisive. It affects both unbelievers and saints. Believers respond with joy. Others respond with anger, condescension, disgust, or apathy. Sometimes, unbelieving visitors will walk out in the middle of your Sunday sermon. Sometimes, professing Christians will, too. Read more at 9 Marks.
5 types of church members who will not return after the quarantine (Thom Rainer): It is one of the most common questions we get from church leaders: When will all the church members return to in-person services? Leaders do not like my response: Never. It is a reality church leaders and members are hesitant to accept. For most churches, not all the church members who were attending before the pandemic will return. In fact, our anecdotal conversations with church members and church leaders indicate somewhere between 20 percent and 30 percent of the members will not return to your church. Read more at Baptist Press.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Intimacy comes through trembling: The surprising path to more of God (Jon Bloom): To be intimate with God is to know his mercy, grace, patience, love, faithfulness, and forgiveness, and it is to know God’s severity and wrath against sin. In response to this experience of greater nearness, “Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped” (Exodus 34:8). This friend of God got on his face in reverent fear. Read more at Desiring God.
Images of the invisible God (David Mathis): In the image of God — it may be one of the most often invoked, and yet least understood, catchphrases among Christians today. Whether defending the unborn, or protesting injustice, or advocating for the elderly and disabled, Christian voices often appeal for common ground, across other differences, by declaring that all humans are “in the image of God.” And so they are; we’re right to remember it. But what does it mean to be made “in God’s image”? Rarely is that explained, and when it is, the answers can be quite speculative. Read more at Desiring God.
Alone against the mob: Crowds, cancel culture, and courage (Greg Morse): In a time of uncertainty, fear, anger, and corruption, we can take some solace in the realization that there is nothing new under the sun. Today’s issues, as real as they are (and can grow to be), were first yesterday’s issues. That makes it an unspeakable blessing to own a Bible. Its solutions never expire. Read more at Desiring God.