I’m so grateful to BJU for sponsoring the blog this week to tell you how to Hate More and Kill Better. Sponsors play a key role in allowing this site to carry on.

(Yesterday on the blog: Facing the Last Enemy)
Putting down roots: a call to young people
Here’s a timely call to young people to consider really trying to put down roots in a local church.
Every Nightmare Starts As A Dream
“Over the last couple of decades of ministry, I’ve listened to people utter words like these as they suffer from the fresh and painful wounds of self-inflicted sin. Building a fulfilling life takes a million tiny decisions, but only one bad choice can wreck it.” Erik reflects on the way every nightmare begins as a dream.
‘O Lord, Let Our Community Flourish’
“I once heard Martyn Lloyd-Jones say that ‘the greatest enemy of the Christian faith has always been the Christian church.’ I was a little taken aback, but a few moments thought was enough to feel that he had a point.”
For the Mom Dropping Her Student Off at College
This is a couple of weeks too late for us, but still timely.
Overcoming Disagreement For God’s Glory
“Even our very best plans often meet with significant snags. Many variables can conspire to derail our plans, but one in particular often proves a great help or hindrance in our efforts: people. Planning would be so easy if it weren’t for other people with other opinions!”
Concealed and Then Revealed
“A Christian reading of Scripture affirms that the biblical authors do not tell us everything everywhere all at once. Things build, and that takes time. The doctrine of Scripture includes the teaching of progressive revelation.” That’s a key concept to understand.
Flashback: The Best Day You’ve Ever Had
The pleasures of this present world are pleasurable indeed. But the greatest of them must pale in comparison to the least pleasures of the world to come.

God’s Word is a light to guide us, and we must follow. It is water to wash us, and we must bathe. It is a mirror to show us our blemishes, and we must be honest…We don’t just look at the Word to learn the Word; we must live by the Word. —Warren Wiersbe

I was so sorry to hear of the sudden death of Rev. Harry Reeder on Thursday. (See also this news story) Also in the realm of sad news, Tim Keller’s family just shared the news that he has been discharged from the hospital to receive hospice care at home. I’m sure we will all be in prayer for both families and churches.

Today you’ll find a good discount at Westminster Books on a resource meant as a systematic theology for beginners.
I’m So Glad It’s You
This is such an encouraging article for those who are suffering.
Don’t Give Up Too Quickly
Erik Raymond reminds us that we cannot give up too quickly when we pray.
Get Acquainted with a Forgotten Treasure
Although William Burkitt is not well-known in our day, he was known and acclaimed in days past as an especially brilliant expositor and commentator. His Expository Notes, with Practical Observations, on the New Testament is being reprinted and Derek Thomas says, “Generations to come will now profit from his exceptionally good comments.” (Sponsored)
Did Hannah Manipulate God?
“‘God, if You get me out of this alive, I swear I’ll turn my life around. No more drinking. No more women. I’ll fly straight from now on, I promise.’ Meanwhile, bombs and grenades explode all around this terrified soldier, terrified for his life. You’re probably familiar with this movie trope in which the desperate protagonist tries to cut a deal with God in return for sparing his life. But it doesn’t happen just on the big screen…”
Is the NIV Missing Verses? (Video)
I enjoy Mark Ward’s growing collection of videos that take on common issues related to KJV-onlyism (which is not to be confused with a simple honor, respect, or preference for the KJV).
Abortion to Prevent Premature Death
Should it be morally permissible to abort your child if that child will die shortly after birth? That’s the question at the heart of this article.
Flashback: In the Name of Jesus
…when we obey him by uttering the precious phrase “In Jesus’ name,” far be it from us to do so lightly, to do so tritely, to do so without due honor, due worship, due reverence.

Often our friends…can sympathize with us when we are in trouble, but they have no power to deliver us from it. But Christ is almighty. He is never in the position of wishing He could help but not having the power to do so. —J.C. Ryle

Good morning from Kitwe, Zambia, where I’ve settled in for what should be a great weekend of listening to stories and attempting to describe just some of what God is up to in this part of the world.

Westminster Books is offering a deep discount on the Lungaard trilogy. If you haven’t read a lot of John Owen, Lundgaard’s works are a great gateway. You may also want to tune in for season 4 of their podcast The Afterword.
It has been just a bit of a slow stretch for Kindle deals but I continue to add them as I find them.
What’s the Big Deal about a New Papyrus with Sayings of Jesus?
What’s the big deal with that new papyrus we’ve been hearing about? Text & Canon explains.
We Are Repaganizing
This article is not written by a Christian but still shares an interesting perspective on what society will lose as it turns from its Christian roots back to paganism.
Selflessness and Sorrow: The Unknown Life of Joseph Scriven
Even if you don’t know Joseph Scriven’s name, I expect you know his most famous song. His story is worth reading.
What does it look like to glorify God?
What does it look like to glorify God? Steven Lawson gives his perspective in this brief video.
But Joy Comes With the Morning
Brianna reminds us that as we endure through the night we can know joy comes in the morning.
Understanding India’s Fascination with Prosperity Gospel Teachers
Arvind Balaram shares an interesting insider’s perspective on why India has a fascination with the prosperity gospel.
Flashback: The Ministry of Being a Little Bit Further Along
No church can remain healthy when it falls to the elders to give and the members to consume. Rather, the work of ministry within a local church is the privilege and responsibility of each of the people who makes that church their own.

Of one thing I am perfectly sure: Gods story never ends with ashes. —Elisabeth Elliot