5 top Christian blog posts of the week—posts on motivation, masturbation, preaching and more by, Kevin Carson, Kevin DeYoung, Brad Hambrick, and more.
What Does the Bible Teach About Masturbation?
Pastor Kevin Carson is writing a mini-series on what the Bible teaches about sex. Part 15 is a candid, open, honest biblical exploration of the question: What Does the Bible Teach About Masturbation?
How a Worship Song Is Fueling Pro-Democracy Protests in Hong Kong
In the 1970s, Shirley and I used to sing the very simple yet meaningful praise song Sing Hallelujah to the Lord. Now, a generation later, that song is being sung at the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Learn about the protests and the worship song in: How a Worship Song Is Fueling Pro-Democracy Protests in Hong Kong.
Why Do We Do the Things We Do?
Dr. Tim Lane explores what motivates our actions in Motivations: Getting Below the Surface. Read his post to hear his answer to the question, How do we begin to determine why we respond in unproductive and ungodly ways to our circumstances?
Preaching Resources
Pastor Kevin DeYoung asked a number of his pastor friends what book(s) they recommend to keep growing as a preacher of God’s Word. These are not books for beginning preachers, but rather more advanced books. Here’s one example from my former pastor.
Steve DeWitt: I’d recommend The Joy of Preaching by Phillip Brooks. Brooks’s book is as relevant today as ever (circa 1800s). He writes as a master-preacher passing on his wisdom to all who will hear and heed his humble example. The church needs more Brooks-style ancient-modern sermons proclaimed and heard with joy.
Read dozens of suggestions from experienced pastors at Preaching Resources.
Speaking of Christ and the Gospel as a Licensed Counselor
Brad Hambrick doesn’t share shallow posts. He goes deep. Such is the case again in today’s post. So, let’s say you are a trained Christian biblical counselor. And let’s say you are also a state licensed counselor. How can you be an ambassador for Christ in this situation and setting? While not all biblical counselors will agree with Brad’s nuanced conclusions, they are well-worth reading and pondering—and then being a good “Berean Christian” who comes to your own biblical convictions on this issue. Read and assess Brad’s thoughts at Speaking of Christ and the Gospel as a Licensed Counselor.
Bonus Post: At Your Death, What Will People Say?
Returning from the memorial service for Dr. David Powlison, Pastor Kevin Carson was reflective…
“As I fly home from David Powlison’s memorial service, this is the question on my mind. ‘What will people say when I die?’ I pass it on to you. What will people say when you die?
Ponder Kevin’s reflections here: At Your Death, What Will People Say?
Join the Conversation
Which post impacted you the most? Why and how?
What additional blog posts from the past week do you recommend?
Kevin Carson’s blog on what people will say at your death became a woman’s Bible study for my wife this week. I personally did not know David Powlison but I feel like I did as I have read and reread his many posts, books, and articles in CCEF journal. His article “Is the Adonis Complex in Your Bible?” is classic. I have learned much of what I know from Powlison and credit his work in my change from integration to Biblical counseling.