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