Are You Keeping Track of Your Church’s Culture?
This week the blog is sponsored by The Gospel Coalition. You’re Not Crazy is a practical guide designed to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture into every aspect of their churches. They remind us that while we’re quick to assert what the gospel says, we’re often too slow to admit what the gospel should do for our churches: reflect Christ’s beauty through a godly, grace-filled culture. Visit the TGC store to purchase this encouraging guide that will help church leaders like you to build a culture of honesty, honor, Christ-filled preaching, and gentle leadership in your church.
Like many people, I use an app to keep track of my health. I make notes of my sleep quality, weight, exercise, and (if I’m really being diligent) my caloric intake. I can see all this at a glance and measure the trends from week to week. It’s been useful. I live with Crohn’s disease, and these metrics give me a basic sense of how I’m doing. The trouble is, of course, all those metrics I need to track for Crohn’s could be going well but I could still be seriously unwell. After all, there’s more than one way to be sick.
The same is true of our churches. I’ve had the great privilege of being in theologically careful churches the whole of my Christian life. I don’t take this for granted. At each of these churches, the Bible’s authority drove our ministries and teaching. In each case, the congregations were encouraged to listen to preaching with their Bibles open and to make certain what was taught lined up with what is in the text. Teachers were always open to correction, and I continue to rejoice in the blessing of the many years I sat under their faithful exposition.
But there’s more than one way to be unhealthy. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul wrote, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives . . . he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” In that line, Paul makes a declaration I missed for many years. I’d always seen denying the faith as a theological failure, but here we see it’s also possible to deny the faith by what we do (or fail to do). It’s possible for someone who has never strayed theologically to deny the faith practically by failing to embody it.
We humans are culture-creators. How we are with each other always takes on a particular relational dynamic, shared personality, or noticeable tone. It’s true of friendship groups, workplaces, families, and churches. We shape one another in many complex ways, and a resulting culture always emerges. The question is, How fully does a church’s culture align with its doctrine? That’s why Ray Ortlund and I wrote the book You’re Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches.
We’re longing for the beauty of Christ to shape every aspect of our churches—not only the content of our teaching but also the quality and flavor of our relationships. We believe that the culture of our churches, empowered by the doctrine of our churches, can make the presence of the risen Jesus a felt reality in this generation. Our hope is that this book can be the app that helps you track and improve your church’s cultural health, that it will be a catalyst for faithfulness so that the truth of Christ shapes your creeds and sermons and the beauty of Christ adorns your life together. When this is true, we believe our churches will be a prophetic presence in today’s world.
Find out more about You’re Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches in the TGC store.
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A La Carte (August 3)
Truth for Life (Alistair Begg) is featuring Seasons of Sorrow this month. You can purchase it for just $7 or get it free with a donation of any amount. It has never been easier to get a copy to read for yourself or to give away.
Logos users will want to take a look at this back-to-school sale as well as this month’s free and nearly free books. You’ll also find lots of good discounts on books from Baker Publishing.
There’s once again a nice little list of Kindle deals.
When You Hate Your Body: The Standard of Self-Worth
“When I was growing up, there was a code I lived by: if you have beauty, you have everything. Physical beauty represented inner worth. Even as an adult, I sometimes still believe there is a standard, represented by beauty, which determines my worth as a person. And in my disappointment and despair of not reaching that standard, I tend to eat. For me, body image and food are bound together in a vicious cycle. One represents striving and self-loathing. The other represents self-soothing, desperate for comfort.”
The Secret Meaning of YHWH
Mark Ward responds to those who say there’s a secret meaning behind YHWH (or other secret codes in the Bible).
One of The Weirdest Articles I’ve Ever Written
And while dealing with silly ways of interpreting the Bible, Mike Leake explains why we need to be careful with the way we translate words.
Technology-Mediated Ministry: How Far Is Too Far?
“The church has always employed technology for the advancement of our Great Commission task. From the Apostle Paul’s use of letter writing to the technological marvel of the expansive first-century Roman system of roads to the Reformation’s use of Johann Gutenberg’s printing press, the church has always leveraged the prevailing technology of the day for ministry effectiveness.” Here’s a look at the local church and technology-mediated ministry.
Of the Danger of Embracing Culture
“Sometimes Christians are tempted to compromise as they hope for popularity. The feeling is that, if we can just get folks to think we are a helpful part of our community and we do not cause trouble, we will become the place people in town want to be.”
Joy and Enjoyment
“Christians recognize that our joy is in another world. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t experience and enjoy good things in this world. The presence of good things in this life testifies to the reality of a God who exists and is himself the supreme source of joy. We worship God as we delight in the good blessings his gives and as we allow them to direct our affections to Him.”
Flashback: The Utter Devastation of Sin
What we find as we examine sin and its consequences is that sin leaves a trail behind it…Sin isn’t here for a moment and then gone. No, sin is so evil that it leaves its lingering scent behind.If I am fully known and not rejected by God, how much more ought I to extend grace to my neighbor, whom I know only in part? —Jen Wilkin
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A La Carte (February 1)
Today—the first day of a new month—is an ideal opportunity to pause for just a moment to consider: That right now, at this very second, God is reigning from his throne. All will be well.
Today’s Kindle deals include a collection of books that will be on sale until the end of the month. (I should have those listed on my site by 6:30 AM EST or so.)
(Yesterday on the blog: When God Gives Us a Platform)“Marriage has fallen on hard times in our society. Apparently, things weren’t all that different for the original audience of Hebrews in the 1st century, but writing in the 21st, I feel like this command was given especially for us. Everywhere we turn today, marriage is, in one way or another, slammed, insulted, or otherwise maligned. A simple way for followers of Christ to swim against the cultural current is simply to obey this command to honor marriage. Here are a few ideas on how to do that.”
I really enjoyed this ESPN article about a special photographer. “The football team’s leadership group called Nash Pils, a 17-year-old junior with Down syndrome, to the gym floor. A naturally gifted photographer, Nash has become the documentarian of a small town’s sports programs, and in turn, the football team has become his champion.”
Rosia Li, a college student, has a letter to her senior pastor that is meant to help him understand her generation. “I would like to suggest a crucial role that the church can play in helping Gen Z rise above this digital domination. This relational problem requires a relational solution. Contrary to popular belief, my generation is actually incredibly eager to glean wisdom from those who have lived a little (to many more) years than us. It’s just that at times, we are just a little shy to make the first move.”
Ligon Duncan offers a few thoughts about remaining faithful in the current cultural climate.
Rob Ventura has an interview about a book that has turned into a series—the Expository Outlines and Observations Commentary. (Sponsored)
“Early on in my paralysis — and almost by accident — I unearthed an unexpected treasure. I opened the word of God and discovered a mine shaft. I dug my paralyzed fingers into a weight of incomprehensible glory, a sweetness with Jesus that made my paralysis pale in comparison. In my great joy, I went out and sold everything, trading in my resentment and self-pity to buy the ugly field nobody else would want. And I struck gold.”
Wisely, Brett McCracken warns parents that vetting their kids’ entertainment isn’t a one-and-done task.
…you always need to respect the power and deceptiveness of sin, and you always need to acknowledge your weakness and proneness to depravity. For your soul to survive and thrive in this world, you need to learn to flee.
The real you is worth letting out if the real you is dead to sin and alive in Christ Jesus.
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New and Notable Christian Books for January 2024
New year, new books! As a new year begins, publishers have been hard at work with new releases. I sorted through the many options and arrived at this list of new and notables. In each case, I’ve provided the editorial description to give you a sense of what it’s all about. I hope there’s something here that’s of interest to you!
How to Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire Books by Andrew M. Davis. “Andrew M. Davis helps readers commit to extended Scripture memorization so they may grow in holiness, resist temptation, and share the gospel with others. In this brief guide, he offers an accessible, time-tested pattern for studying Scripture that includes simple daily procedures and tips for long-term retention. By building up a storehouse of biblical truth in their hearts, readers will strengthen their prayer life and intimacy with Christ as they prepare to share God’s truth with others.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Just Be Honest: How to Worship Through Tears and Pray Without Pretending by Clint Watkins. “Suffering often causes deep spiritual agony. You might be left thinking, “Where is God? Why is he allowing this? Why doesn’t he do something?” And then guilt whispers to your soul, ‘Am I allowed to say these things? Shouldn’t I trust God without hesitation? Am I just a faithless Christian?’ This honest, warm and personal book shows us that we don’t need to wrap up our stories of suffering with lessons and silver linings or suppress our pain. Being honest with God, and with others, about our heartache is not only “allowed” but encouraged in the Scriptures. In fact, lament is authorized by God as an act of worship. Weaving in his own story of pain and loss with biblical reflections, Clint Watkins shows us how lament is permitted by Jesus, shaped by Scripture, fueled by grace and filled with hope. And when we lament as communities through worship and testimony, we minister hope to a hurting world.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Pascha to Pentecost by Jonathan Gibson. “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded by Jonathan Gibson presents a 48-day devotional liturgy to help readers effectively prepare their hearts from Pascha to Pentecost. Following the same format as Be Thou My Vision, each daily reading includes applicable Scripture readings, hymns, prayers, creeds, and prompts for petition and confession to enrich personal meditation and family worship. This devotional will help individuals and families establish a posture of remembrance and gratitude as they reflect on what Christ has done for us through his temptations, life, trial, passion, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Following Jesus in an Age of Quitters: The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards for Today by John D. Gillespie. “In 1722, an 18–year–old Jonathan Edwards began setting down seventy resolutions, personal statements of intent, to which, by the grace of God, he held himself accountable for the rest of his life. He read them prayerfully once a week until his death in 1758. John Gillespie here examines each resolution in the light of scripture and encourages modern readers to meditate on how they could apply Edwards’ resolutions to their own lives. Each of the 70 short readings begins with the resolution in question and a passage from the Bible, and ends with a verse or quote to meditate on. The devotionals expound on Edwards’ words and call 21st century Christians to think about how they could apply his resolutions to their lives today.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Our Radiant Redeemer: Lent Devotions on the Transfiguration of Jesus by Tim Chester. “This devotional looks at the transfiguration of Jesus in depth, giving readers a glorious lens through which to view Jesus during Lent and Easter. Tim Chester says: “The transfiguration is a light that illuminates the meaning of the cross and resurrection. As we look deeper, we’ll discover that it’s not just Jesus who is transfigured. His promise is that we, too, can be transfigured by the light he brings to our lives.” As we see Jesus in all his glory, we will be reminded of how marvellous he is and how brilliant our future with him will be. We will be moved to worship Jesus with our whole lives, giving thanks for all that he is and all that he has done. Each of the devotions includes prompts to reflect and pray.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The God Who Draws Near: Life with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by Michael A G Haykin. “The God Who Draws Near seeks to retrieve the key elements of a biblical spirituality and what they mean for our daily lives. Spirituality is very much a positive buzz word today; but in so many of the ways that it is used, it muddies the waters as to the nature of true spirituality. By going back to the sources, as the sixteenth-century Reformers would advise, namely, the Scriptures, this book draws together the main threads of a biblical spirituality and provides foundations for believers to anchor their lives in truth, love, and a growing relationship with the living God–that very God who has drawn near to us in love and grace through Jesus Christ. May these pages help you to draw near to him.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Incomparable: 50 Days with Jesus by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. “Get to know this Jesus by joining beloved author and Bible teacher Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth on a fifty-day journey, inspired by J. Oswald Sanders’ classic volume, The Incomparable Christ, to explore His one-of-a-kind story. From heaven to earth. From birth to death. From resurrection to right this minute. From before time to all time. In these meditations, you’ll spend time reflecting on the person of Christ—His humanity, divinity, childhood, adulthood, and more. You’ll consider the work and words of Christ. And you’ll contemplate His preexistence, prayer life, majestic silence, anguish, atoning work, post-resurrection ministry, and promised second coming. Find in Jesus—fully God and fully Man—everything you will ever need. He alone is able to save you to the end and understands you to the core. Able to forgive and befriend you, challenge and change you. This book can be used at any time of the year but serves as an ideal devotional companion for the season leading up to and immediately following Easter. As you walk through these days, you will be reminded that there is no one else like Jesus. He is quite simply . . . Incomparable.” (Buy it at Amazon)
More to the Story: Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships by Jennifer Kvamme. “What does the Bible really say about identity and gender, dating and sex? Are its teachings out of date and repressive? Or are they the way to joy and contentment? Long-time youth worker Jennifer Kvamme knows teens are grappling with these questions. In this book she helps readers cut through the cultural confusion and find answers to questions like: Why does God care what I do with my body (if I’m not hurting anyone)? Why does it matter what pronouns I use? Why is sex ‘good’ in marriage but “bad” before it? Isn’t love love? Is the Bible really against gay marriage? Rather than listing dos and don’ts, this book looks at the whole story of God’s love for us to give readers an essential backdrop for the Bible’s teachings on sexuality. It will help you navigate wisely complex issues around dating, sex and gender. You’ll not only learn how to honor Jesus in this area of life, but why he can be trusted to bring the kind of lasting joy and contentment that “sexual freedom” can’t. You’ll discover there’s hope even if your experience of sexuality has been painful, complicated or filled with shame.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Tinker’s Progress: The Life and Times of John Bunyan by Jacob Tanner. “Known primarily for his allegorical work, The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan was also a preacher, a gifted theologian and interpreter of Scripture. Academically, he was not a learned man, but when it came to practical and experiential mastery of the Scriptures and their theology, he was as gifted as anyone. His writings have a beauty and practicality not often found. He teaches that the greater the Christian’s understanding of truth, the stronger their own passion for Jesus will be, and the greater their worship and doxology will become. Jacob Tanner’s enlightening biography traces Bunyan’s life from his humble beginnings to his calling home to the Celestial City. From his debaucherous youth to glimpses of grace and eventual calling to ministry. There are lessons here for any twenty–first century Christian. He can teach men to be mature, fathers to be loving, husbands to be faithful, pastors to be tender, saints to suffer well, Christians to be steadfast. One of his greatest lessons to modern Christians is how to live faithfully for Christ in a world that is antagonistic to God.” (Buy it at Amazon)
