I just want to reiterate, as I do from time to time, what a blessing it is to have access to so many great blogs and websites. We are spoiled to have so many people who are willing to put in the effort of writing and allow us to read it for free. It is a joy to collect some of the best of it day by day.
The highlight of today’s Kindle deals is Kris Lundgaard’s tremendous trio of books The Enemy Within, The Devoted Mind, and The Glorious Christ. Each is highly recommended (though if you get just one, make it The Enemy Within).
(Yesterday on the blog: Unqualified and Unwilling)

Andrew and Christian Walker have some helpful guidance here on talking with your kids about sexuality. (This is related to their excellent new book What Do I Say When…? which I plan to review later this week.)

Jake Meador looks at the recent charges of “weird” being leveled at J.D. Vance and shows that they may not mean what you think they mean. “The right to autonomy is the sacrosanct right in American life. Thus practicing that right in a way that doesn’t harm anyone is not ‘weird’; what is “weird” is infringing on someone else’s autonomy. So if a biologically male nuclear engineer wants to dress as a woman, the attitude of most Americans will be ‘hey, you do you.’ That isn’t ‘weird’ in their eyes.”

Kevin DeYoung offers 20 biblical motivations for pursuing holiness.

I appreciate this one from Andrea Mathews. I also appreciate the work of Christian teachers in public schools. “Brothers and sisters, it’s true public schools can be dark places. But our Savior is described as a light that darkness cannot overcome. As his ambassadors, may we resolve to fan the flames of our brothers and sisters carrying Christ’s light in their classrooms so many may believe in him and behold his glory.”

Are there ever times we should speak directly to the devil? John Piper provides a helpful answer here. “May the Lord give us wisdom not to overemphasize the presence and danger of the devil and demons, and not to underemphasize the presence and the danger of devils and demons. That’s what I’m going to try to do — strike that balance…”

Brooks Buser celebrates some ordinary heroes. “I sat in the back with the pastors and some families of these missionary candidates. Speakers got up and talked through hostage and kidnapping policies, the stress that is coming on the children in the coming days as they land overseas, and the great price that will be extracted from them to see the gospel to the ends of the earth.”

We read to discover that prize. We read to learn, and we read to live.

It is not our eye on him which is our great protection, but his eye on us.
—C.H. Spurgeon

Logos’ March Matchups is down to its final pairing, so you should go and vote one more time.

Yes, there are once again some new Kindle deals.
(Yesterday on the blog: On Being the Main Character in Your Own Sermon)
The Honorable, Shameful Service of True Leaders
This article offers some wisdom for leaders. “The balance that Jesus models so well for us is one in which leaders are honored, but they respond to this honoring by embracing sacrificial and costly service. This service in turn generates more respect, and that respect spurs on more lowly service, in a dance of sorts of mutual submission.”
Should Youth Groups Baptize or Celebrate the Lord’s Supper?
“Student ministries sometimes celebrate Baptism and the Lord’s Supper at camps, youth group, and small groups. This practice is seen as a meaningful way to follow God’s commands in an environment that is comfortable for students. While often well-intentioned, is this the most helpful way to think about the ordinances?” No! As Will Standridge explains.
What Matt Walsh Should Have Said to Joe Rogan (Video)
This is a helpful way to respond to a fairly common question.
Kevin DeYoung @RMC23 “What Isn’t The Misson of The Church?”
Looking through a Biblical framework at how we define “missions”. In an age where everything is missions, what isn’t missions and why are so many good things in that category? In this video from RMC22, Kevin DeYoung walks through why church planting should be the primary focus of missions. Join us in June for The Radius Conference 23 (Sponsored Link)
Marriage Isn’t Rehab for Sexual Sin
Rutledge Etheridge: “But doesn’t the apostle Paul tell Christians that if they can’t control their sexual desires, it’s ‘better to marry than to burn’ (1 Cor. 7:9)? Isn’t marriage, then, God’s prescription for dealing with sexual sin? Though this rehab view of marriage is pervasive, it distorts 1 Corinthians 7 and creates an unsafe situation for spouses.”
Struggling with the Struggle
Melissa considers how God works in our hard times. “Sanctification often hurts. We don’t have to hate ourselves for saying ouch. We do, after all, have a Savior who can identify with our weaknesses. He understands pain. He understands disappointment, heartache, and struggle. We can trust Him with this process, and we can trust Him with our feelings about this process.”
The World’s Most Popular Bible: A History of the New International Version (NIV)
You may enjoy reading this history of the NIV.
Flashback: 8 Ways God Works Suffering for Our Good
Suffering never comes our way apart from the purpose and providence of God and for that reason, suffering is always significant, never meaningless. Here are some ways that God brings good from our suffering.

If we do not believe in hell—if we think the only justice and retribution to be had is in this life—then we must take revenge into our own hands. Without hell, justice must be forcibly executed by us, or it will not be executed at all. —Dane Ortlund

It is surprisingly difficult to find a list of Christian books that have been released in any given month—especially if you want that list to be filtered by books released through particular publishers. That’s one of the reasons why I close each month by coming up with my list of New and Notable books. I comb through what I’ve received in the past month (and scour all the publishers’ websites) to come up with a list of titles that are interesting to me—and may just be interesting to you. Here are my picks for July. In each case I’ve included the publisher’s description.

Grace at Work: Redeeming the Grind and the Glory of Your Job by Bryan Chapell. “For many people, their job is merely ‘the daily grind’ needed to provide for family or pay the bills. Yet our work is a vital means for fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives and displaying his grace to those around us. In this book, author and pastor Bryan Chapell shares this biblical perspective of vocation, explaining how God gives purpose to our work by making it an instrument of his grace to our own hearts, as well as a way of bringing his goodness and glory into our world. Chapell explains how we can worship God by our work, rising above drudgery, duty, or self-interest with the understanding that our jobs are unique callings for displaying God’s character and care. Our work is worship when we see the glory beyond the grind, the mission in the mundane, and the grace at work.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Give Me Understanding That I May Live: Situating Our Suffering within God’s Redemptive Plan by Mark Talbot. “Since creation’s fall, suffering has been part of earthly life. At times, it can feel overwhelming, even for believers who trust in the Lord. The Suffering and the Christian Life series provides help and hope from Scripture for those who are suffering. In volume 2 of this series, Mark Talbot explores Scripture’s account of the origin, spread, and eventual end of suffering, giving Christians the perspective they need to get through life’s difficult times. He encourages readers to see themselves within the Bible’s storyline (creation, rebellion, redemption, and consummation), finding the courage to endure and taking comfort that God is at work for their good.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
God’s Secret Listener by John Butterworth. “Berti Dosti faced a terrible but intriguing dilemma. He was an Albanian army captain and his job as a radio specialist was to listen into the world’s airwaves … As he idly twiddled the radio dials, he heard a voice saying: ‘If you want to find out more about God we will meet again tomorrow.’ 1980s Albania. The world’s most isolated country and ‘the first atheistic state’. Captain Dosti knows that by secretly listening to a Christian radio station he could put his life and the life of his whole family at risk. And yet, he cannot resist. This is the story of Berti’s journey from Captain Dosti to Pastor Dosti. It’s the story of the explosive growth of the early Albanian church after nearly half a decade of repressive atheism. And it’s the story of the of the untiring efforts of Trans World Radio to broadcast the Christian message across closed borders to Albanians, who for most of their life had been told there was no God.” (Buy it at Amazon)
40 Lives in 40 Days: Experiencing God’s Grace Through the Bible’s Most Compelling Characters by John MacArthur. “Have you ever wondered why God uses ordinary people to accomplish His work and to spread the good news? Join bestselling author and Bible teacher John MacArthur as he takes a closer look at the everyday lives of the men and women that God trusted to carry His message and lead His people. 40 Lives in 40 Days is a brand-new devotional compilation of MacArthur’s extensive studies of the Bible characters who show us that we don’t have to be perfect to do God’s work. From the twelve disciples to the Samaritan woman, MacArthur shares that Jesus chose average people–fishermen, tax collectors, doubters, political zealots–and gave them a remarkable mission. These encouraging stories, based in Scripture, help shed light on these real men and women who endured struggle, pain, and heartache, just like us. They were perfectly ordinary sinners–living proof of God’s kindness–who went on to serve an extraordinary purpose in spreading the gospel. By tracing the lives of these unlikely heroes, MacArthur shows us that the difficulties and temptations that they lived through are the same trials that modern believers face today.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage by Eric Schumacher. “This 31-day devotional gives biblical comfort and practical support to men processing miscarriage. The loss of a baby in the womb can leave the father reeling, as well as the mother. He may feel confused, helpless, lonely, deeply sad, or just numb. As readers draw alongside Jesus in the pages of Luke’s Gospel, they’ll find help to process their grief and to address questions they may be too afraid to ask. There’s also lots of practical help on how to care both for themselves and for their family in the aftermath of miscarriage. Eric Schumacher writes with sympathy and compassion as someone who has experienced the grief of multiple pregnancy losses making this book a great way to reach out to men who are suffering in this way. Includes foreword by Paul David Tripp and contributions from Nate and Lore Wilbert, Jenn Hesse, and Brian Croft. There is also space for journaling.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Sowable Word: Helping Ordinary People Learn to Lead Bible Studies by Peter Krol. “When the word of Christ falls on good soil, the results will astound. That’s why there’s a surprising glory in leading a group of ordinary people to simply open their Bibles, read what’s on the page, and discuss how God might use these words to change the world. Yet too many small group leaders hesitate to try such a method without professional guidance from a curriculum or study guide. This book will inspire and equip believers in Christ to lead fruitful and engaging small groups where God’s Word is read, discussed, and put to direct use to transform lives. This book will equip leaders to open the valve on this living water so thirsty souls can drink their fill. This book will serve lay leaders and Bible teachers who have any degree of experience. Some will gain confidence to lead their first Bible study that brings a neighbor to Christ. Others will learn to draw more deeply on the power of interaction, thereby overcoming their penchant for dominating conversations. All will discover the surprising glory and astounding fruit borne from leading a group of ordinary people to open their Bibles, read what’s on the page, and discuss how God might use these words to change the world.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Cultural Identity and the Purposes of God: A Biblical Theology of Ethnicity, Nationality, and Race by Steven M. Bryan. “Humanity’s diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and races were intended to be a blessing from God. However, due to sin and rebellion, these differences often result in alienation, hatred, and even violence, becoming one of the most urgent problems facing the world. Cultural divisions are unfortunately common in the church, too. How can Christians embrace God’s purposes for diversity and experience renewal and unity as his people? Steven Bryan presents a biblical framework for thinking about cultural identity and experiencing cultural diversity as a positive good that God intended. Writing from more than 20 years of experience in cross-cultural mission work in Ethiopia, Bryan examines historical and political aspects of nationality, ethnicity, and race.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
On Worship: A Short Guide to Understanding, Participating In, and Leading Corporate Worship by HB Charles Jr. “What does it mean to worship–especially in spirit and truth? Christians hear the word ‘worship’ a lot. From singing hymns and choruses to receiving ‘calls to worship,’ on a Sunday morning, we’re certainly familiar with the term. But do we really have a grasp on what it means for the believer? For the Church as a whole? On Worship casts a vision for the biblical principles and practices of worship. Pastors and other church leaders will learn what the Bible teaches about worship and why it is so important to get this topic right. You’ll learn how to think practically through preparing and executing corporate worship services so that you can lead your congregation to worship wholeheartedly in spirit and truth. In this companion title to On Preaching and On Pastoring, H. B. Charles draws from over thirty years of planning and leading worship for local churches of varying denominations, traditions, and cultural backgrounds.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)