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.

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.

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.

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.