Category: This, That, & the Other
This, That, & the Other: 11/28-12/04/2021

This, That, & the Other: 11/28-12/04/2021

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A Truth that is Impacting Me

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

John 15:4, Mark 4:20, Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

I have been thinking about “fruitfulness” a lot lately. Recently, I listened to a teaching on the fruit of the Spirit in which the teacher mentioned all the fruits listed in Galatians 5 should characterize a Christian’s life. All. You don’t get to select what fruits you have and which you can do without. Unlike specific spiritual gifts, the fruit of the Spirit is to be manifested in every believer’s life.

So often I focus too much on what I am doing rather than the kind of person I am. It is easier to keep a checklist of things you are doing or not doing than it is to honestly examine whether you are manifesting the fruit of the Spirit in your life or not. These qualities are not things we can force ourselves to do. They are the outcome of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. So the question is, how can you and I pursue the fruit of the Spirit?

In the verses above, Jesus gives us two answers to this question. The first principle is you and I cannot bear fruit apart from Him. In other words, you will not see the fruit of the Spirit manifest in your life if you are not abiding in Christ. What does this mean? If you are wandering from Christ, caught up into the things of the world, you will not see fruit in your life. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I meditate on Christ and His love for me? Or does my mind wander to earthly things when I get a spare moment?
  • Am I more excited about entertainment or pleasure or romance or (fill in the blank) than I am about Christ? Are my emotions bound to Christ and who He is?
  • Are my actions Christlike and consistent with what I know to be true about Jesus? Or am I acting out of my flesh or a worldview I acquired from the sinful culture around me?

Abiding in Christ means centering your mind, emotions, and will solely on Him and not letting them wander to lesser things.

The second principle Jesus gives is fruitfulness is an outcome of hearing God’s word and accepting it. You cannot hope to grow in the fruit of the Spirit if you are not growing in your knowledge of God’s word. But it is not enough just to read it: when Jesus talks about accepting the word, I think He means conforming your life to it. You can read “stay away from idols” but if you don’t actual prayerfully examine your life to see if there are idols you need to kill, then you are not fully “accepting” the word. Abiding in Christ and accepting His words are ways you can grow in your fruitfulness.

A Question for Reflection

Can you honestly say you are more Christlike this December than you were last December?

I love the end of the year because it is a time for reflection. In particular, there is no better time to take stock of where you are spiritually. And so looking back over the past year, have you grown in godliness? Do you better imitate and reflect Christ now than you did December 1, 2020? These are tough questions, and I don’t think with our limited knowledge we can answer them exhaustively. But there are barometers God gives us in His word that you and I can use to examine our lives.

As I discussed above, the fruit of the Spirit is one of the ways you can examine your life this past year. But there are others:

  • Do you delight in God’s word more than you did last year?
  • Is Christ and His sacrifice more precious to you?
  • Do you love the local body God has put you in with a greater affection?
  • Have you become more generous and loving with the resources God has given you to steward (money, time, house, etc.)?

There are of course dozens of further questions you can ask. I would encourage you to spend this December reflecting back on this past year. Make time to pray, to journal, to do whatever you need to do to know if your life is trending towards greater godliness or if you need to repent of any sins that are holding you back. Then, you can prayerfully set goals for this coming year to “train yourself unto godliness.”

A Quote to Consider

There is no comfort, I find, in any enjoyment, without enjoying God, and being engaged in his service.

Jonathan Edwards in The Life and Diary of David Brainerd

A Sermon to Listen To

Joy Found Only in the Lord

A couple weeks ago my Pastor preached this very encouraging sermon on finding joy in the Lord. I personally think it was one of his best recent sermons. The message is timely, especially as we move into the holiday season into the New Year. Take some time to listen to this sermon to be reminded that you can have joy regardless of your circumstances.

This post is part of an ongoing series “This, That, & the Other.” For other tools I have created to aid you in Bible Study and Church life, visit the “Tools” page. If you found this post helpful, share it below and subscribe to get resources like this delivered into your inbox. Follow The Average Churchman on Instagram to get more curated resources.
This, That, & the Other: 11/14-11/20/2021

This, That, & the Other: 11/14-11/20/2021

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A Truth that is Impacting Me

Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

Ecclesiastes 7:10, ESV

What I find interesting is this verse is not concerned with whether the former days were objectively better than the present day. The verse is instead focused on your perspective and whether it is wise or not. I think all of us can look back to some kind of “golden season” of life where everything was easy and enjoyable. The Preacher in Ecclesiastes 7:10 is not saying that your “golden season” and the times of great difficulty are the same. Rather, the Preacher is concerned with an unwise attitude that is always comparing the present to some “better past” or the “good ole days.”

In fact, a few verses later, the Preacher in Ecclesiastes makes a complementary point:

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:14, ESV

Notice the perspective here: God has sovereignty ordained both days of prosperity and days of adversity for your life. But God’s purpose in ordaining these days is not always clear to you. Therefore, to ask “why are these present days worse than the former days?” is unwise for two reasons:

  • You end up forgetting God is sovereign over all days and all seasons of life. Therefore, He has a purpose for your present
  • You are asking a question that is impossible to answer in this life. To spend time asking and/or trying to figure out why “former days were better” ends up wasting your time and emotional energy.

So what is the wise response? When God does lead you through a time of joy and peace and pleasure, enjoy it and give Him the glory and thanks for it. But when you are in a darker, more difficult place, remind yourself God is sovereign and trust Him to guide you through it. Sitting around and asking questions God never promises to answer ends up taking you away from simply trusting Him. Instead, embrace the present season God has given you and pray He would empower you to live faithfully.

A Question for Reflection

What good things in your life are you using as a distraction?

Once when I was in college, a Professor said something I will never forget. He looked at us up-and-coming Engineers and said “In your life, family, and career, the hardest decisions you will make won’t be between the good and the bad. The hardest decisions will be choosing between the good and the great.” I would venture to say this quote is true not just in the big life decisions you make. Every day you choose between good things, and great or more important things.

Furthermore, even the good things you have in your life can end up distracting you from better things or more important things. For example, you might have an amazing job you love. That is a good thing. But perhaps you use that job as a way to distract yourself from dealing with difficult things at home. Or maybe there is a TV show you enjoy watching. But if you choose to watch that TV show instead of performing other necessary responsibilities, you are using a good thing as a distraction.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking just because something is enjoyable that it is the right think to be doing. A common way of avoiding difficult things or keeping ourselves from honest reflection is distraction. Constant busyness. Using good gifts from the Lord to excuse ourselves from doing hard things He calls us to. Take stock of your life and examine whether you are using any good gifts as distractions from things you need to get done.

An Article to Read

Deacons: Shock-Absorbers and Servants

I recently taught a Sunday School on the role of Deacons in the Church. This article was helpful both when I first became a Deacon and as I was preparing to teach on the subject. Jamie Dunlop conveys a lot of wisdom in a very short article and the titles “shock absorber” and “servant” are memorable and thought-provoking. Give it a read to remind yourself about this important but often misunderstood Church office.

A Quote to Consider

In all other matters I will yield to any man whatsoever; but I have neither the power nor the will to deny the Word of God.

Martin Luther from “On Christian Liberty”

A Product to Buy

How Do You Read the Bible? By J. C. Ryle

This new release from the Banner of Truth is actually an excerpt from the longer J. C. Ryle book “Practical Religion”. That said, having a separate volume on this topic is a great idea and it makes a perfect gift for loved ones this Christmas. J. C. Ryle is without a doubt my favorite Christian thinker to read. He has a gift for communicating profound truth in a memorable way. You and anyone else you give this book to will be both challenged and blessed with it’s contents.

This post is part of an ongoing series “This, That, & the Other.” For other tools I have created to aid you in Bible Study and Church life, visit the “Tools” page. If you found this post helpful, share it below and subscribe to get resources like this delivered into your inbox. Follow The Average Churchman on Instagram to get more curated resources.
This, That, & the Other: 11/7-11/13/2021

This, That, & the Other: 11/7-11/13/2021

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An Article to Read

10 Visualizations Every Data Scientist Should Know

This is one of the many articles I had to read for one of my Master’s classes. The visual display of data is a very interesting topic and this article gives an interesting overview of different visualization methods. A very interesting read and, as I have written about before, Christians would do well to learn some general ideas about data analysis since the field connects with hermeneutics.

A Teaching to Listen To

The States of Christ by R. C. Sproul

This systematic theology series put out by Ligioner is incredible. This teaching, in particular, focuses on Christ’s glory and humiliation at different points throughout His ministry. Sproul, as always, is an amazing teacher, and this teaching deals with a topic I have not heard discussed frequently. I recommend you purchase the entire series and listen to this excellent meditation on the glories of Jesus.

A Quote to Consider

When there’s something in the Word of God that I don’t like, the problem is not with the Word of God. It’s with me.

R. C. Sproul

A Product to Buy

Banner Board Book Set

As a new parent, I have found myself in possession of dozens of board books. “Goodnight Moon” and “Curious George” don’t contain much spiritually profitable discussion, however, so I was overjoyed when my parents purchased a board book about Martin Lloyd-Jones. This entire set is a welcome addition for parents who want to read books that aren’t merely cartoon animals doing random things. This would be a perfect Christmas gift for a young family that you know.

A Recipe to Try

Sweet Potato and Sausage Hash

I don’t know why sweet potatoes and chorizo is such a delicious combination, but it is. This recipe is perfect for brunch but is equally delicious as a dinner. The fried eggs at the end are optional, but they are a tasty touch to a recipe that is already jam packed with flavor. I highly recommend you give this one a try.

A Question for Reflection

How are you investing your money into people?

I have been reading through the Gospel of Luke concurrently with a book on personal finance. What has struck me lately is how often Jesus in Luke teaches and instructs those around Him on proper and improper uses for money. And the primary investment Jesus recommends: people.

This stands in stark contrast with the financial advice you see in most personal finance books. Their focus is on growing your wealth, not on spending it for the benefits of others. In fact, spending money on others according to secular finance books is an expense or a loss, not an investment. But Jesus paints a different picture in Luke:

But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.

Luke 14:13-14, ESV emphasis added

Investing in stocks and other assets requires a long-term perspective. But Biblically, there is a longer-term perspective a Christian must have with money: eternity.

You must invest your money into others not because it will make you wealthier in this life. Rather, you invest in others because Jesus promises you will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just.

So, how is your investment portfolio taking into account what Jesus says in Luke? I recommend reading through the Gospel and underlining every time Jesus talks about money. For Christians are called to be faithful with their money, as Jesus says: “If you have not been faithful with unrighteous money, who will trust you with what is genuine?” (Luke 16:11)

A Truth that is Impacting Me

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Luke 12:15-21, ESV emphasis added

Every time I read this parable I am struck by how counter-cultural Jesus words are in modern day America. I would argue our entire society is built open the idea that your life does consist in the abundance of possessions. And if you need evidence of this, just observe what happens to our society as it approaches Christmas.

Consumerism is not just an aspect of our modern culture; it is one of it’s defining features.

And consumerism promises the same exact thing the rich man wants: relaxation. An easy life. Pleasure. The rich man in the parable is spending all his time and resources making his life easier. Again, is that not our modern obsession? Everyone wants to retire early or get rich or have a life of non-stop pleasure. What is the problem with this according to Jesus? It is a short-sighted perspective.

The rich man laid up all sorts of treasure for himself but failed to remember he lived in a world where God exists and death is a certainty. The realities of God and death cast a new light on the values of the rich man. I think Jesus’ implication here is your life should be about glorifying and serving God, not in building up more and more possessions for yourself.

There are two mutually exclusive worldviews in this parable: worship and serving self, or worshiping and serving God.

Now, what convicts me in this parable is how easy it is for my own heart to fall into the traps of the rich man. To focus on getting more and more for myself rather than giving more and more of myself to God. Is the goal of my life day to day to “relax, eat, drink, be merry” or to be rich towards God? Let us heed Christ’s warning in these verses and live for the Lord, not for ourselves. Because as tempting as consumerism and hedonism are, in the end, they lead to death.

This post is part of an ongoing series “This, That, & the Other.” For other tools I have created to aid you in Bible Study and Church life, visit the “Tools” page. If you found this post helpful, share it below and subscribe to get resources like this delivered into your inbox. Follow The Average Churchman on Instagram to get more curated resources.
This, That, & the Other: 10/17-10/23/2021

This, That, & the Other: 10/17-10/23/2021

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An article to read

Six Short Rules for Young Believers From Brownlow North

Looking for a quick read to encourage your walk with Christ? This short exert from the writings of Brownlow North is for you. North lays out six incredibly practical and thought provoking “rules” for young believers to follow. Each of them, however, is just as relevant for the old saint as it is for the young convert. These six rules are some of the best condensed teaching on Christian practical theology that I have ever read. If every Christian simply put these rules into practice, much of our problems would disappear.

A teaching to listen to

The Hope of God’s Sovereign Election

This past Sunday evening, I had the privilege of preaching at my Church’s evening service. The text I chose was 1 Kings 19 with particular emphasis on verses 14 and 18. I will post the sermon in written form on this website in the near future, but for now I thought I would provide the link. What I found most encouraging from 1 Kings 19 is the way in which God encourages Elijah when he is depressed. God doesn’t change Elijah’s circumstances, but God reminds Elijah that He is sovereignly working to save people for His glory, even in the darkest of cultures.

A quote to consider

Remember children are born with a decided bias towards evil, and therefore if you let them choose for themselves, they are certain to choose wrong.

J. C. Ryle in “The Duties of Parents”

A product to buy

A Guide to Biblical Manhood by Randy Stinson & Dan Dumas

My Elders decided to give this book out to the men who attended my Church’s men’s retreat. At first, I didn’t know what to expect from this thin volume, but now I can say it is one of the most practical and helpful books on Biblical manhood I have read. I have been constantly looking for good resources on Biblical manhood, especially books on the topic. My list of recommended books on the Biblical manhood is short, but this guide is definitely on the list. As you might expect from a book dealing with such a topic, I don’t necessarily agree with every conclusion or practical instruction the author’s come to. But this book is full of wisdom and if you are a man, I recommend you make time to consume it.

A recipe to try

Sheet Pan Greek Nachos

Having a 2 month old and working towards a Master’s degree has caused me to cook more and more frequently with sheet pans during the weeknights. And let me tell you, there are a lot of interesting and delicious sheet pan recipes out there to try! My wife and I tried this one this past week and it was delicious. The recipe was a little more labor intensive than some sheet pan meals, but the fresh salad and chicken on top of crisp pita chips made it all worth it.

A question for reflection

What issues in your life could be solved by taking a long-term perspective?

When responsibilities pile up, I can easily get overwhelmed. And when I get overwhelmed, it seems like the weight of the world is crashing on me. What does this lead to? I end up imagining problems where there are none and thinking I need to solve every little thing that is bothering me in the present. But a lot of the “issues” you and I feel in life come from having the wrong perspective. I think that is why in Scripture, the Apostles are constantly calling believers to change their perspective during suffering or difficulty:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

James 1:2-3, Hebrews 12:11, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV

People have called this having an “eternal” perspective. In other words, instead of looking at the suffering in the present, you look past the suffering to the effect the suffering will have on your life through God’s sovereign will. Christians are called to have a long term perspective, rather than always focusing on the here and now. This means in times of stress, difficulty, or suffering, Christians are patient because they entrust themselves to the God who “works all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

So the question today is how can you shift your mindset from short-term to long-term? What would this change of perspective solve? Most good things in life require effort over a long period of time. Sometimes, because we are impatient, we can have a short term perspective of “this needs to be fixed now with no delay.” But long term perspective says “this isn’t going to be solved overnight, but I will work towards this big thing one day at a time.” Changing your perspective might help you deal with issues you face this week or cause them to disappear altogether.

A truth that is impacting me

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.

Luke 7:47 ESV

Every time I set out to read Acts, I feel like I need to read through the Gospel of Luke first. Each time I read it, Luke is the most convicting Gospel for me. This wonderful passage in which Jesus forgives a woman who comes to Him while correcting the attitude of His Pharisee host is both encouraging and incredibly convicting.

It is encouraging in that you get to see the character of Christ. He does not cast the woman out and forgives this woman’s sins. But the verse above is where the conviction appears. It is in the section where Jesus corrects the Pharisee hosting Him. Jesus connects how much someone loves Him with how much they have been forgiven.

Now, I find this passage interesting because, from a theological perspective, each of us is totally depraved and incapable of doing anything but evil before Christ saves us. So in that sense, aren’t we all “forgiven much?” But as I read the passage this time, I think Jesus is giving an incredibly practical principle for believers: The more aware you are of how much you were forgiven, the more you will love Jesus, the one who forgave you.

It is easy to think to yourself that you weren’t all that bad before coming to Christ. You forget how hopeless and helpless you were before Christ came into your life and raised you from spiritual death to life. When you forget what Christ saved you from, loving Christ can become an afterthought rather than your focus.

I think an implication of the point Jesus makes here is if you find your heart cold towards Christ, remind yourself of who you were and what you deserved before salvation. Recount what you were and who you were before Christ, remember what Scripture says you deserved for your sin, then see what glorious grace and hope and future you get instead.

Whether you realize it or not, you were forgiven much. Your soul cost the blood of the eternal Son of God. So remember who you were before Christ so that you can rejoice in Jesus’ mercy towards you.

This post is part of an ongoing series “This, That, & the Other.” For other tools I have created to aid you in Bible Study and Church life, visit the “Tools” page. If you found this post helpful, share it below and subscribe to get resources like this delivered into your inbox. Follow The Average Churchman on Instagram to get more curated resources.
This, That, & the Other: 9/26-10/2/2021

This, That, & the Other: 9/26-10/2/2021

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An article to read

Peaceful and Quiet Living by Kyle Borg

Tabletalk’s September 2021 issue is a gold mine of helpful articles. This one by Kyle Borg explains what 1 Thessalonians 4:11 means when it says “aspire to live a quiet life.” It is an incredibly helpful and practical explanation of the text. I especially appreciated Borg’s contrasting the way of life 1 Thessalonians 4:11 presents with the typical lifestyle of our modern culture. If you want a reminder of what a Biblical lifestyle is, take 15 minutes to read and consider this excellent article.

A teaching to listen to

Healing of the Man at the Gate Beautiful by Martin Lloyd-Jones

If you have never taken the time to listen to this sermon by Lloyd-Jones, make time this week. In a powerful exposition and evangelistic call, Lloyd-Jones explains how this miracle in Acts 3:6 is a perfect picture of the Gospel. I also appreciate how clearly Lloyd-Jones explains what the Church and her mission is (and what heris not). This is a sermon I always think back to when I need encouragement or a reminder of the central truths of the Gospel.

A quote to consider

For a close, remember this, that your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure; therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and heaven shall make amends for all.

Thomas Brooks

A product to buy

One Sheet Eats: 100+ Delicious Recipes All Made on a Baking Sheet

I have written before about recipes to make when practicing hospitality. In that post, I said the best recipes for serving to larger groups are easily scalable, require cheap ingredients, and have a broad appeal. A friend recommended this cookbook to my wife and me a couple weeks ago and it includes tons of recipes that meet these criteria. Sheet pan cooking is incredibly simple too: you make the whole meal on a single baking sheet. The recipes themselves are delicious. You should purchase this cookbook if you need a set of recipes to pull from when hosting.

A recipe to try

Five Spice Chicken Thighs with Apples and Sweet Potatoes

This is one of the recipes from the above cook book that my wife and I tried. I love sweet potatoes, and by combining sweet potatoes with apples, this easy dish becomes the perfect “fall” meal. I used cubed chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs, but the result was still excellent. I haven’t used Chinese five spice before and I was pleasantly surprised by it’s sweetness and subtle licorice flavor. Give this recipe a try if you want to test out a “One Sheet Eats” recipe.

A question for reflection

What is one thing in your life right now that is distracting you from focusing on your hope of eternal life in Christ?

Sunday morning worship is always a high point of my week. Yet, every week I am amazed at how quickly my perspective can shift from focusing on heavenly things to getting tangled up in the cares of the world. I leave Sunday morning with my heart filled with joy in the gospel only to find myself struggling to find time to study God’s word by Wednesday.

Distractions are some of the biggest causes of this loss of focus on Christ. These distractions can take many forms: busyness, laziness, too much entertainment, your own emotions, even things that are good in and of themselves can distract you. So how can you deal with these distractions and get your mind “set on things above, not on the things of the earth”?

The first step to dealing with distractions is first asking yourself what those distractions are. What is keeping you from focusing on Christ fully today? Is it a difficult relationship? Perhaps an unexpected circumstance? Is there a sin you are neglecting to repent of? Are you letting your emotions control your mind?

By asking these diagnostic questions, you can figure out what specifically to pray to the Lord for help in. Rather than asking “God, help me to focus on you today” you can instead say “Lord, I have not been controlling my emotions this week and they are distracting me from focusing on you and on Christ. Please calm my mind and heart. Strengthen me to focus on Christ and the joy set before me.” Take time this week to reflect on what distracts you spiritually and then spend time asking the Lord to aid you in combating these distractions.

A truth that is impacting me

…as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

Philippians 3:6-8 ESV, emphasis added

This week, I have been reading through Philippians and there have been many truths that have stood out to me. What stood out to me most in the passage above is the contrast Paul makes between his own “righteousness” that he had through the law and the righteousness of Christ. I realized I don’t often think of the surpassing value of Christ’s righteousness like Paul does.

How much do you value Christ’s righteousness? Do you imagine this righteousness is a slightly-more-perfect version of your own? How much more righteous and perfect and holy is Jesus than you and I? These were the questions I found myself asking. Paul, when he thought of Christ’s righteousness, looked at his own righteousness and said “this is garbage!” Why? Because of the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.”

When you value Christ’s righteousness as infinite, that puts quite a few things in perspective. In my own life, I often fall into the false thinking that Jesus “fills in the gaps” of my own righteousness. But this could not be further from the truth: Christ’s righteousness is as far from your righteousness as the farthest star is from the earth. You and I don’t even fully have concept of the greatness of Jesus’ righteousness. But we need to see the value of Christ’s righteousness to the extent Paul does in Philippians to see our desperate need of Jesus.

Jesus is not extra. He is everything.

This post is part of an ongoing series “This, That, & the Other.” For other tools I have created to aid you in Bible Study and Church life, visit the “Tools” page. If you found this post helpful, share it below and subscribe to get resources like this delivered into your inbox. Follow The Average Churchman on Instagram to get more curated resources.
This, That, & the Other: 9/19-9/25/2021

This, That, & the Other: 9/19-9/25/2021

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An article to read

The Tech Industry’s War on Kids by Richard Freed

One of my good friends sent me this article the other day. It is a longer read, but I appreciate the article’s honest analysis of the tech industry’s use of psychology to create addicting social media platforms, video games, and advertising. This article is a must read for any parent since it is your kids who are most targeted by these efforts. I recommend using this article to jump start a family conversation about technology and it’s role in a Christian household.

A teaching to listen to

The Preaching Class by John Piper

This is a set of 10 teachings that recently came out. I appreciate Piper’s perspective on preaching and his book “Expository Exultation” is my second favorite preaching book after “Preaching and Preachers” by Lloyd-Jones. So you can imagine my excitement when these videos dropped. If you find yourself preaching or teaching at Church, take 10 minutes each day to work through these videos. Even if you disagree with Piper’s conclusions, it is a thought provoking study which will cause you to ask “what is preaching and how do I do it well to the glory of God?”

A quote to consider

Guard your thoughts, and there will be little fear about your actions.

J. C. Ryle

A product to buy

Essential Works of Charles Spurgeon

To say Spurgeon was a prolific writer is an understatement; the man wrote and preached like there was no tomorrow. Unless you want 50 volumes of Spurgeon’s works on your shelf, this single volume is an amazing resource. It contains an excellent sample of Spurgeon’s works including selected sermons & chunks of his autobiography. Unfortunately, it looks like the physical book is out of print, but if you can find the volume on eBay or purchase the eBook version, you will be blessed. Hands down the best single volume of Spurgeon’s works I have found.

A recipe to try

Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

I always struggle to find good recipes with ground beef. Sure you can do hamburgers, tacos, or some sort of Chili-type dish, but I’m always on the hunt for novel recipes which feature ground beef. This recipe is one of my favorites. The sweet, savory, and spicy flavor combination of the noodles makes for a delicious dinner. The leftovers are amazing for work the next day, and most of the ingredients you already have in your pantry. Give this recipe a try when you find yourself with ground beef and you don’t want to have taco night again.

A question for reflection

Are you treating the Bible like a work of art that you admire or is it a mirror which shows you your need of Christ?

This question came to mind while talking with my sister. As someone who grew up in a Christian home, I was constantly exposed to the Bible’s truth. My parents raised me to accept the Bible is true, important, valuable and so on. But throughout my childhood, the Bible never impacted me or changed me or convicted me. Why is that? Because although I would verbally affirm the Bible is true and could explain clearly what the Gospel was, my heart was still not convicted by the truth or responsive to the truth.

See, if you treat the Bible like an art museum, you read the text and affirm it and maybe even admire it. But Scripture and the Gospel are not meant to merely be admired. It is only when Scripture becomes a mirror which shows you your sin and your need of Christ that the Bible begins truly changing you. This happened to me later on in high school: the Gospel was no longer a set of true statements, it was my only source of hope in the world.

As you read your Bible, don’t stop merely affirm it’s truth. That is good, but there is more to it than that. Ask that the Lord would use the text of Scripture to reveal the depths of your sin, the heights of His glory, the lengths to which Christ went to provide a way of salvation, and the eternity of the hope you have in Him.

A truth that is impacting me

And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters),[b] and they called together the whole battalion.[c] 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Mark 14:65, 15:16-18, 15:29-32, 1 Peter 2:21-24 ESV, emphasis added

I recently finished reading through the Gospel of Mark and the last few chapters really impacted me this time through. What stood out to me in particular is how everyone around Jesus mocked Him before and during His crucifixion. The religious leaders mocked Him, the Roman guards mocked Him, the people who witnessed His crucifixion mocked Him, and even those who were being crucified next to Jesus mocked Him.

Did Jesus deserve this ridicule? These insults? This humiliation? No, not in the slightest: He was bearing it to deliver His people from their sins. Think about the times in your life you have been made fun of. Personally, when I feel mocked, I get angry very quickly and immediately want to retaliate. Yet Jesus, when He was reviled, did not respond in such a way. He was silent and 1 Peter says He entrusted Himself to the God who judges justly.

Two thoughts came to my mind after meditating on these passages:

  1. What love Jesus has for me to silently bear all that undeserved humiliation! He deserved none of it, yet He willingly and lovingly took it so that I might “die to sin and live to righteousness.”
  2. Is there any better example of patience or trust in the Lord than Jesus? Everyone around Him, Jews & Gentiles, leaders & common people, disrespected Him in every way. Yet what was His response? He silently trusted the Ultimate Judge.

I love how Scripture not only interprets Scripture; Scripture also applies Scripture. 1 Peter 2 explicitly states that Jesus’ behavior in suffering is worthy of the Church’s imitation. So let us reflect the love and patience of our Lord, knowing that there is no suffering, insult, or annoyance we can endure that compares with what Jesus endured for our souls’ sake.

This post is part of an ongoing series “This, That, & the Other.” For other tools I have created to aid you in Bible Study and Church life, visit the “Tools” page. If you found this post helpful, share it below and subscribe to get resources like this delivered into your inbox. Follow The Average Churchman on Instagram to get more curated resources.
This, That, & the Other: 9/12-9/18/2021

This, That, & the Other: 9/12-9/18/2021

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An article to read

Serving Hostile Authorities by Grant R. Castleberry

Make time to read this article. Seriously, it is that good. I have written before about the need for the Church to teach more on how believers are to work in their vocation. This post hits the nail on the head. Biblical, consumable, practical; this article is everything I could want. I was particularly encouraged by Castleberry’s call to prayerfully consider why God has you working where you are and in the time in which you live. In modern culture, it is easier to complain about your current situation than it is to work with integrity and diligence where God has you. Do yourself a favor and be encouraged by this well-written piece.

A teaching to listen to

English Puritan Theology by J. I. Packer

A couple years ago, I listened through this series on my commutes into work. I highly recommend you listen to this excellent set of lectures by Packer on the Puritans. Although some lectures can get pretty technical, the series as a whole leaves you with a profound sense of the seriousness with which the Puritans approached life and their faith. Equal parts convicting and encouraging, this series is the best introduction to Puritan thought and theology that I have come across as of yet.

A quote to consider

True wisdom consists in two things: Knowledge of God and Knowledge of Self.

John Calvin

A product to buy

Evangelistic Sermons at Aberavon by D. M. Lloyd-Jones

This book has been a blessing in my life for the past couple years. Each sermon is an exposition of a couple verses of Scripture, often from the Gospels, with an emphasis on how one can be saved. Lloyd-Jones always seems to get at the heart of the issue and give new insights to truths you already know as a Christian. If you are like me and need a constant reminder of the Gospel, pick up this volume. It is perfect for devotional reading or for times when you need some encouragement.

A recipe to try

Diplomatico Cake

What if I told you there was a chocolate mousse filled cake which required no baking and minimal effort? A cake that tastes delicious and is also an impressive dessert to serve to guests or at your next Church potluck? Look no further than this gem of a recipe by Giuliano Hazan (who actually got it from his mother). I recently made it for my Church’s annual picnic and it was quite a hit. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for when you need an easy but effective dessert and never let anyone know how easy it is to make.

A question for reflection

What ordinary activities do you do throughout the week that could be turned into evangelistic or discipling opportunities?

My wife and I have been trying to get to know our unsaved neighbors for a while now. The other day, I came back from a workout and was talking with a certain neighbor before coming back inside to my wife. Once I was in, my wife asked me a very helpful question “why don’t you invite (this neighbor) to workout with you next time?” It was like a light bulb went off. It got me thinking, what other opportunities are there for evangelizing and discipling others that involve simply inviting another person to do a normal activity with you? All of us are busy and want to make more time for evangelism and discipleship. So what if you just started inviting people to participate in things we normally do each week?

A truth that is impacting me

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:42-45, ESV emphasis added

I have been reading through the Gospel of Mark during my quiet time in the morning. Mark 10 in particular I have found incredibly convicting. The quote above in particular confronts our culture’s view of greatness and leadership. The idea that true greatness is in imitation of Jesus’ giving of Himself for others confronts the concept of leadership which puffs up self. A call to leadership is a call to service and the greater the leadership, the greater the sacrifice.

How hard it is to live out what Jesus says in Mark 10! Your flesh will fight against any attempt to sacrifice yourself for others, whether small or large. The question I asked myself after reading this passage is “am I pursuing the type of self-sacrificial leadership Jesus expounds here?” It is easy to want other people and the world around you at large to exist solely for your own benefit. It takes a completely different mindset to ask “how can I sacrifice more of myself for the benefit of other people today?”

This post is part of an ongoing series “This, That, & the Other.” For other tools I have created to aid you in Bible Study and Church life, visit the “Tools” page. If you found this post helpful, share it below and subscribe to get resources like this delivered into your inbox. Follow The Average Churchman on Instagram to get more curated resources.
This, That, & the Other: 9/5-9/11/21

This, That, & the Other: 9/5-9/11/21

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An article to read

7 Characteristics of Good Bible Teachers

If you teach at any level in your local Church, you should give this post a read. Don’t treat every point in this article as a non-negotiable law, but these 7 principles are helpful to keep in mind when preparing a teaching. I especially agreed with the point that teaching is more concerned with clarity than showing off your knowledge. This not only makes for better teaching: it also keeps you from giving into intellectual pride as you teach.

A teaching to listen to

Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology-The Creation of Man

I have been listening to “Foundations” series from Ligonier Ministries on my morning commute for the past few months. Many of the teachings have been excellent, but this one in particular is worth highlighting. In it, R. C. Sproul talks about what it means to be made in the image of God and shows the doctrine of mankind’s creation is essential to the Christian faith. One of the best parts shows how the Christian view of creation is sharply distinct from the evolutionary naturalism believed by most of the culture.

A quote to consider

The ultimate test of our spirituality is the measure of our amazement at the grace of God.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Reformation and Revival Journal, v. 13, n. 3, p. 173

A product to buy

The People of God-Children’s Book

Since the birth of my son, I have been on the hunt for any good resources to teach children the truth of Scripture. I recently ordered this excellent book from “The Daily Grace Co.” The local Church is incredibly important to me. It is why I originally started this blog: to serve the local Church. So I was overjoyed to find a kid’s book that emphasized what the Bible teaches about the local Church. I can’t wait to read this with my son.

A recipe to try

Absolutely Deep Dark Chocolate Fudge Cookies

With some of my time off for parental leave, I have taken the time to try out some new recipes. In particular, I have tried to bake a bit more. This cookie recipe is delicious: one cookie will satisfy your chocolate cravings. Be sure to give some away, they are quite rich and I doubt you want all three dozen of these sitting around your house. Highly recommended for all chocolate lovers.

A question for reflection

How much of last Sunday’s sermon do you remember off the top of your head?

It is easy to get halfway through the week and completely forget what your Pastor preached on during Sunday service. But if you stop remembering and putting into practice what God allowed you to hear, how do you expect to grow in godliness week to week? I designed a tool to help you better internalize your Pastor’s sermon, but if all else fails, take time during the middle of the week to listen to last Sunday’s sermon a second time. I guarantee you will notice things you missed the first time through.

A truth that is impacting me

The wise of heart will receive commandments,

    but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

Proverbs 10:8 ESV

I have been trying to get into the habit of memorizing Proverbs. It is consistently amazing how relevant and insightful they are. This Proverb has gotten me thinking about “teachability.” Am I quick to recieve wisdom and instruction from others? Or do I pridefully think I have all the answers? A teachable heart truly is a gift from the Lord, and is a good antidote to pride and self-satisfaction.

This post is part of an ongoing series “This, That, & the Other.” For other tools I have created to aid you in Bible Study and Church life, visit the “Tools” page. If you found this post helpful, share it below and subscribe to get resources like this delivered into your inbox. Follow The Average Churchman on Instagram to get more curated resources.