Today’s post is sponsored by BJU Seminary and written by Stuart Scott, professor of biblical counseling and ACBC Fellow. BJU Seminary equips Christian leaders through an educational and ministry experience that is biblically shaped, theologically rich, historically significant, and evangelistically robust.

Ever since Adam ate of the tree in the garden, every man and woman has inherited a nature of sin. Running its course, sin leads to hopeless slavery. However, if we are believers, sin no longer holds us hopelessly captive because God has justified us, has broken that slavery, and is progressively sanctifying us. But we can still become temporarily and routinely entangled in sin—a sign that something is very wrong or missing in our Christian walk.
Scripture is clear that sin habits are incongruous with a redeemed lifestyle: “we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die” (Rom. 8:12–13a). In other words, a person who continues a life of sin without any real desire or efforts to change has no legitimate claim of redemption.
Consequently, God calls us to mortify the sin in our lives: “but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:13b). As we pursue holiness and rest on Christ’s finished work on the cross, by grace we aggressively strive against sin in our lives.  Pursuing holiness Christ’s way will weaken a sin habit, until its power and predominance is subdued and practically destroyed.
But mortifying our sin is not accomplished by our own efforts to break sinful habits. To mortify sin, we must aggressively strive toward a growing walk of faith with Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
So, the call to mortify our sin is really a call to vivify our faith in Christ and His gospel, first of all and ongoing. To vivify something, we endue it with life and effectuate it. Vivifying is not just about doing something; it is about possessing or personally embracing something from the inside out—for the glory it brings to God and the eternal life it expresses in us.
To vivify our faith in Christ, we must vivify true worship of Christ alone. Turning from competing pursuits and truly seeing Christ and His radical love for what it is will breed radical love, trust, and obedience (with delight) in us.
This vivifying of our faith in Christ includes vivifying faith in the gospel truths of Christ, daily. Turning to the power of Christ in us, His forgiveness, our hope of heaven, and all God’s promises will greatly impact our thinking and our actions. We must especially vivify or exercise our faith in the moments of trial and battle. Specifically in times of temptation, choosing to put faith in what we need to will empower us to resist sin and then grow our faith even more.
Vivifying faith effectually vivifies a walk in the Spirit. As we turn and submit to the truth of God and depend on the Spirit who dwells in us, through prayer, God and His Word can influence us. God’s Word, active faith, and the indwelling Spirit combined, in tandem with other saints, assures a walk in the Spirit.
With the vivification of our faith, we must then focus not on our habit of sin, but on Christ’s specific, righteous alternatives to our sin. Aggressively pursuing the Christlike characteristic corresponding to sin with real faith and dependence effectively works to mortify sin habits.
Replacing our sin habits with the help of the Holy Spirit is necessarily an intensive practice. It involves addressing personal hindrances such as laziness, apathy, and misplaced priorities. It involves personal, periodic examination with confession, and it involves any needed radical amputation of facilitators—all in response to Christ’s radical love.
This vivifying of our faith in the practical putting off sin and putting on righteousness is an ongoing Christian endeavor with Christ. Everything about our Christian walk and mortifying sin is inextricably linked to exercising our faith in a worthy and sacrificial Savior.
A fuller treatment of the cycle of sin habits, and of hope to mortify them, can be found in the book Killing Sin Habits: Conquering Sin with Radical Faith, written by Stuart Scott with Zondra Scott.

You can only imagine what Joseph’s family thought. You can only imagine what the townsfolk thought. You can only imagine what the religious leaders thought. You can only imagine the laughter and the mocking, the rumors and the gossip, the scolding and the censure. And maybe we should imagine it.

“Does he really expect us to believe that he wasn’t the one who got Mary pregnant?” “I’ve heard lots of excuses in my time, but never ‘I was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit.’” “I heard that it wasn’t her first time, either.” “I heard she got attacked when she was out drawing water.”
The fact is, those people would be no more likely to believe her explanation than we would be if someone fed it to us today. And those people would have been no less eager to propose some more likely explanations. Those people weren’t so different from us, though they may have lived at a very different time and in a very different context.
We can hardly blame Joseph for wanting to walk away—to walk away from the mocking, from the gossip, from the shame. We can hardly blame him for resolving to divorce her. We can hardly blame him for wanting to extricate himself from betrothal to a woman who was clearly no virgin. He, after all, was a just man and an innocent one. So at least he planned to do it quietly.
It took nothing less than divine intervention to get him to stay. “An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit’” (Matthew 1:20). When Joseph awoke he remembered the dream, he accepted it as God’s own revelation, and he received it as God’s own instruction. He set aside all thought of divorce, he took Mary as his wife, and he raised her son as his own.
Imagine Mary’s joy, Mary’s relief, Mary’s sense of comfort and well-being when Joseph told her he loved her, he believed her, and he accepted her. Imagine Mary’s gratitude when Joseph stood beside her and said “My wife,” when he took that baby in his arms and said, “My son.” Imagine how his obedience impacted Mary, how his faith blessed his wife, how his love made all the difference.
We can be certain the gossip did not end the day Joseph declared, “I believe her.” We can be certain people were no more convinced by his dream than her visitation. The gossip did not turn to acceptance simply because he added his testimony to hers. Rather, I suspect it increased all the more. “I can’t believe he’s so naive.” “I guess he can’t come up with a better explanation than a dream.” “If this isn’t proof that he’s the one who got her pregnant I don’t know what is!”
But Joseph was a man of faith, a man who chose to believe God’s word and obey God’s direction, a man whose decision to accept Mary was also a decision to share her shame. But he knew that God had spoken, he knew what God had spoken, and nothing would dissuade him, nothing would compel him to reject what God had made abundantly clear.
And as I listened to this familiar passage during my morning devotions, a passage I’ve heard hundreds or even thousands of times, I found myself praying, “God, thank you for Joseph. And please give me the faith of Joseph. Give me the faith to listen attentively to your Word, give me the faith to believe it even when it cuts hard against my presuppositions, give me the faith to apply it even when it’s especially difficult. Let me be like Joseph. Give me a faith like his.”

Good morning from South Korea. In just a few moments I’ll be heading eastbound and back to my home. If all goes well, I’ll be there by bedtime.

Today’s Kindle deals include some good picks from Crossway.
(Yesterday on the blog: Should We Exercise “Pronoun Hospitality?”)
Why’d The Pigs Have to Die?
Yeah, that’s a good question: why did all those pigs have to die?
No One Who Abides In Him Keeps On Sinning
Justin addresses a sobering passage. “John is not condemning the one who is seeking to overcome sin, but the one who habitually gives into sin without repenting. John purposefully describes here the one who is (or is not) continually sinning (as is evident from the ‘linear present’, or continuing action, of the verbs in the original language).”
“A Distant Shore”
You may enjoy this new poem titled “A Distant Shore.”
Criticism Can Be a Blessing
Though criticism usually doesn’t seem so at the beginning, it can often prove a blessing in the long run. Barbara tells how that is true.
Warring with All of Creation
“I have been in a cosmic battle with principalities and squirrels. I’m not kidding—it has begun to feel like creation has a vendetta against me. It’s an ongoing conspiracy.”
Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With?
It is perhaps one of the most contentious of all Christian beliefs (and always has been): that God cares who we sleeps with. This article from TGC Africa explains why God cares so much.
Flashback: Foster Your Friendships
Friendship is a great gift of God. Spiritual friendship, friendship shared in Christ, is an even greater gift. Spiritual friendship with other godly men is one of life’s greatest privileges and highest joys.

If a man could see sin as it is, he would no more embrace it than he would embrace a leper. —De Witt Talmage

It’s a question each of us will have to face if we haven’t already—should I use another person’s preferred pronouns? For some the question will come up in a context that is innocuous, and the decision may involve no negative repercussions. But for some the question will come up in a context in which they stand to lose something as substantial as respect, a job, or even a relationship with a child. The authors of the book The Gender Revolution speak to the subject of so-called “pronoun hospitality” along with the pressure to tell others your own preferred pronouns and provide their guidance.

The use of preferred pronouns and ‘neopronouns’ (such as ‘ze’ and ‘zir’) is highly contentious, even among like-minded Christians who agree about other aspects of this issue. Some see it as a matter of courtesy to accede to the use of a person’s preferred pronouns and to state your own. This is based on a belief that even if you disagree with the ideology driving the use of alternate pronouns, a willingness to use them can be a way of preserving a relationship and avoiding unnecessary offence. Christian psychologist Mark Yarhouse says, “It is an act of respect, even if we disagree, to let the person determine what they want to be called. If we can’t grant them that, it’s going to be next to impossible to establish any sort of relationship with them.
Preston Sprinkle calls this approach “pronoun hospitality”, and believes that “using the pronouns a person identifies with should be a matter of common courtesy, not a legal demand”.
Others would take the opposite view, seeing the use of pronouns as evidence that you agree with, and are a willing participant in, transgender ideology’s underlying assumptions about gender. By signalling this acceptance, you become complicit in the ideology’s regressive belief system, thereby helping to legitimize and promote it. While other concessions could be made to avoid offence and to preserve relationships, speaking something that is untrue by calling a woman ‘he’ or ‘him’, or a man ‘she’ or ‘her’, is a bridge too far for many. As Andrew Doyle, author of the book The New Puritans, points out: “When you ask someone to declare pronouns, you are doing one of two things. You are either saying that you are having trouble identifying this person’s sex, or you are saying that you believe in the notion of gender identity and expect others to do the same.”
We do not recommend the use of preferred pronouns—either in personal discourse, or when speaking to others about someone who has requested new pronouns. In our view, it is not compassionate because it reinforces a falsehood. We recommend that when communicating with someone who has changed their identity, you avoid using pronouns and instead use their name all the time. (We do not object to using a person’s preferred name—[something they cover later on in the book].) So, instead of saying ‘he’ or ‘she’,‘zhi’ or ‘zher’, we recommend constantly saying ‘John’ or ‘Jane’. This may make communication more difficult and awkward—but, in a sense, that’s the point. Adopting a transgender identity doesn’t make anything better; it only makes things worse.
In offering this advice, we are disagreeing with Mark Yarhouse and Preston Sprinkle, who are both faithful Christians and thoughtful contributors to the larger conversation. … [They then recommend reading those authors’ rationales to ensure they have been fairly presented.]
But what about situations in which you are asked to provide your pronouns?
Choosing to share your pronouns is one thing. Being required to state your pronouns is far from an innocuous act. It is an implicit endorsement of transgender ideology and its erasure of the significance of biological sex. Biologist Colin Wright is correct: “Coercing people into publicly stating their pronouns in the name of ‘inclusion’ is a Trojan horse that empowers gender ideology and expands its reach”.
He also suggests that the forced use of the word ‘cisgender’ (a person who is not transgender) fits into this same category and has the same effect.
The Sex Matters website has a range of useful advice on dealing with this issue. In particular, they offer this helpful summary of what to do when asked to share your pronouns:
The simplest thing to do is to politely decline. Refrain from putting pronouns in your biography or your email signature and don’t announce them at meetings. If invited to, say “No thank you” and if asked why, say something bland like “It is not a practice I follow”.

My thanks goes to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for sponsoring the blog this week. They invite you to join Matthew Barrett for free to study the foundational elements of Christian Theology through For The Church Institute at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College.

Today’s Kindle deals include a good little selection of titles.
(Yesterday on the blog: The Gender Revolution)
The House of Mourning Is Good for the Soul
“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.” How can this possibly be the case?
Why My LDS Friend Isn’t Trying to Convert Me to Mormonism
“I was shocked. It was the second time my Latter-day Saint friend told me he wasn’t interested in converting me.” Why wouldn’t Mormons be interested in converting Christians? This article explains.
Our Microwave Culture
“In a culture where you can have a baked potato in eight minutes, a 15-minute potato feels like an eternity. And once we’ve grown accustomed to eight minute expectations, our tolerance for things that take longer lengths of time is diminished. And boy does it show.”
In Our Chaotic Age, Some Atheists Are Rethinking Secularism
Carl Trueman: “What is emerging among some erstwhile left-wing intellectuals today is the realization that atheism, while an interesting theoretical position, offers nothing to address the deeper questions of life.”
Encouragement for Suffering Saints
“Throughout the Bible and church history, we see that God uses suffering to prepare and equip His servants for usefulness in ministry. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 is the norm, not the exception, for those who would serve the Suffering Servant. Suffering is never a pointless evil, but a necessary tool the Lord uses to refine, mature, and prepare us for fruitful service in His kingdom.”
The Good Pastor: A Man Who Changed My Life
You’ll enjoy this biographical article by Ajith Fernando.
Flashback: How God Speaks To Us Today
God can speak and has spoken however he wishes. But today the one way he absolutely promises you can always hear his voice is in his Word.

I remind myself and my church that a message of grace may attract people, but a culture of grace will keep them. —Jared C. Wilson

For the Church Institute is a resource from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College. It is an online platform that provides free and accessible theological training to equip, encourage, and edify local churches. These courses may be taken as a self-paced individual or as group within your local church. 

Two winners will receive a book bundle from MBTS faculty OR two tickets to the For The Church National Conference on September 11-12 in Kansas City, MO.
Faculty Book Bundle
40 Questions About Biblical Theology
By Jason DeRouchie, Oren Martin, and Andy Naselli
40 Questions About Biblical Theology provides resources to answer key questions about biblical theology in order to guide readers in their own study and practice of biblical theology. Other vital topics the authors address include how to understand typology, key themes in biblical theology, and how Christians should relate to Old Testament promises.
Gospel-Driven Ministry: An Introduction to the Calling and Work of a Pastor
By Jared C. Wilson
In Gospel-Driven Ministry, Jared Wilson looks at the qualifications for the pastorate, addressing the notion of a call to ministry and how to identify the marks of maturity and affirm a call. In addition, he unpacks the eight core practices of pastoral ministry and offers guidance to prepare pastors for long-term, healthy ministry.
Historical Theology for the Church
Edited by Jason G. Duesing and Nathan A. Finn
In Historical Theology for the Church, editors Jason Duesing and Nathan Finn survey key doctrinal developments from four periods of church history: the Patristic (AD 100-500), Medieval (AD 500-1500), Reformation (AD 1500-1700), and Modern (AD 1700-2000) eras.
Spurgeon the Pastor: Recovering a Biblical and Theological Vision for Ministry
By Geoffrey Chang
In Spurgeon the Pastor, Geoff Chang, director of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Seminary, shows how Spurgeon models a theological vision of ministry in preaching, baptism and the Lord’s supper, meaningful church membership, biblical church leadership, leadership development, and more.
The Church as a Culture of Care: Finding Hope in Biblical Community
By T. Dale Johnson Jr.
We all know people in our world are struggling—eating disorders, addictions, depression, sexual issues, marital problems—the list goes on and on. Can the church help or is that an outdated concept that no longer fits modern problems? In The Church as a Culture of Care, biblical counselor Dale Johnson explains that the church is still the primary place where those who struggle can receive lasting hope and healing.
The Mission of the Triune God: A Theology of Acts
By Patrick Schreiner
In The Mission of the Triune God, author Patrick Schreiner argues that Luke’s theology stems from the order of his narrative. He shows how the major themes in Acts, including the formation of the church, salvation offered to all flesh, and the prolific spread of the gospel, connect. Through Schreiner’s clear presentation and helpful graphics, readers follow the early church as it grows “all under the plan of God, centered on King Jesus, and empowered by the Spirit.”
The Reformation as Renewal: Retrieving the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church
By Matthew Barrett
A holistic, eye-opening history of one of the most significant turning points in Christianity, The Reformation as Renewal demonstrates that the Reformation was at its core a renewal of evangelical catholicity.
Turnaround: The Remarkable Story of an Institutional Transformation and the 10 Essential Principles and Practices that Made It Happen
By Jason K. Allen
In this book, Dr. Allen shares the leadership principles he learned through the turnaround of Midwestern Seminary—principles you’ll be able to apply in whatever area God has called you to lead.

Enter Here
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Enter your name and email address in the form below, which will add you to Midwestern’s mailing list.
Complete the 2 self-paced units of What is Theology? with Matthew Barrett before August 21 as a first-time learner with FTC Institute.

There are times when I receive a new book and find myself saying “I don’t think we need a new book on that.” After all, some topics have been covered so skillfully, repeatedly, and exhaustively that yet another book on the subject could only be overkill. Yet sometimes I receive a new book and find myself saying, “I’m so glad someone has written a book on that!” There are some topics that may not have been covered sufficiently or that may reflect such new realities that we are still awaiting good analyses.

The Gender Revolution falls squarely in the second category. This is a book that has been written to provide a biblical, biological, and compassionate response to the modern day gender ideology that has been flooding our world and sweeping away so many victims. It is written by a fascinating combination of authors: Patricia Weerakoon who is a now-retired medical doctor, counsellor, sex therapist, speaker, writer and academic; Kamal Weerakoon (Patricia’s son) who is a missions director at a Presbyterian church; and Robert Smith who is a long-time lecturer in theology, ethics and music ministry at Sydney Missionary & Bible College.
So why have they teamed up to write this book? The introduction makes it clear:
Sometimes a particular cultural moment calls not only for clear statements of the truth, but also for a strong rebuttal of false and dangerous ideologies that oppose the truth. This is not only part of loving our neighbours and promoting social good, but also part of the gospel call to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). There are moments, then, when the only way to love others truly is to speak the truth with clarity.
In our judgement, this is such a moment. This is partly because of the aggression and vehemence with which many transgender ideologues argue their position. It is also because this flawed ideology is taking hold of too many hearts and minds. But mostly it is because hurting and vulnerable people, especially children, are being left damaged and scarred (in more ways than one) by this ideology. This is not the moment to be silent or to put our heads in the sand.
Indeed, it is not. This errant worldview needs to be countered and this book is their attempt to do so. Yet they make it clear that their protest is not against people—especially the mostly-young people who are falling victim—but against ideology. Their goal is to promote the health and well-being of all people, and especially those who are so vulnerable and so susceptible to damage.
The book begins by explaining today’s sexual and gender ideology. They offer the analogy of a tree to describe a model of sexuality that features four distinct elements: biological sex; gendered behaviours or expressions; sexual orientation; and gender identity. Some readers may be concerned that they cede too much ideological territory in using terminology like “gender identity,” but they do defend the decision and broker no compromise with their understanding of sexuality.
In the following chapter they explain that their interest in this book is defending “how science has affirmed, and continues to affirm, the goodness of our given biological sex.” Hence they rely on Scripture to guide and shape them, but are especially eager to show how God’s natural revelation demonstrates the goodness of the biblical view of sexuality. Not only that, but they also want to show how modern gender ideology, and transgender ideology in particular, has absolutely no scientific basis to commend it. It is, in fact, ideological and anti-scientific.
As the book continues, the authors cover a host of important issues: harmony and disharmony between inner feelings and biological reality, the binary nature of human sexuality, gendered behavior and what it has to do with being men and women, and the nature of desire, whether that desire is for someone of the opposite sex or the same sex. It concludes with a pair of lengthy chapters meant to help Christians live well and to live without compromise. How should we respond to young people in our churches if they express gender confusion, and perhaps especially in a context like Canada or Australia where to even have the conversation is to risk falling afoul of the law? Should we grant a person who claims to be transgendered their newly-chosen opposite-gender name? What should we do if asked to provide our pronouns at work or school? They answer these questions and many more and do so in very satisfying ways.
In the book’s opening pages there is a warning that helps explain why a book like this is so urgent. It says, “At the time of publication, in some jurisdictions (such as the Australian state of Victoria) it can be legally problematic to discuss with someone their sexual orientation or gender identity, even if that person is open to the discussion or requests the discussion. We urge readers to know the legal framework that applies to them and to exercise wisdom and discretion.” In other words, to offer this book to certain people or to even discuss its contents in certain contexts is to risk severe consequences. Yet as people who are committed to honoring God’s truth and people who are committed to loving others even at great cost to ourselves, we must know why modern gender ideology is so very wrong, we must know the beauty and order of God’s creation, and we must be prepared with answers and explanations. This book, written by people with particular expertise in the area and people who have a great love for the vulnerable, is a tremendous resource for parents, pastors, and anyone else. I highly recommend it.
(The Gender Revolution is published by Matthias Media, an Australian publisher, which makes it a bit tricky to track down. You can try Amazon (Print), Amazon (Kindle), or direct from the publisher.)
Buy from Amazon

May the Lord be with you and bless you on this fine day.

Westminster Books has the Family Worship Bible Guide on sale this week which offers a five-minute devotional on every chapter in the Bible. Then remember that 10ofThose has my two devotional books packaged up together.
It’s always a good day when CityAlight releases a new EP. And today’s just that kind of a day. You can find it at YouTube or wherever you get your music.
(Yesterday on the blog: New and Notable Christian Books for July 2023)
Gospel Irony: Prevailing in Unlikely Places
“What better symbol of Roman strength and power than the awe-inspiring Praetorian Guard. These were the Navy Seals of their day. These were the renowned Seal Team Six. So powerful were they that the Caesars feared a military coup by them at any time. Ironic, since the Praetorian Guard was established to serve as the personal protection team for the Caesars in the first place.”
Joy requires sacrifice
It is helpful to consider the way that joy requires sacrifice.
What is Theology?
Since God is the object of our knowledge, the source of our wisdom, and the fountain of our everlasting happiness, what greater endeavor could the Christian ever pursue than theology? Join Matthew Barrett for free to study the foundational elements of Christian Theology through For The Church Institute at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College. (Sponsored Link)
Being ready for Jesus’ return anytime
Simon van Bruchem: “Jesus calls his people to be ready for his return which will come at a time that we do not expect (Matt 24:44). Think about that. If we did know the time Jesus would return, we could just work hard in the days leading up to that date. It would be like those who cram for their exams, staying up late and hoping to peak at the right time.”
What Is God Up To?
Don’t we all wonder at times what God is up to in this world? “We are praying for something that God himself defines as good: the salvation of a loved one, the healing of someone in pain, or justice for a horrible situation. Often, prayers continue to spill out of our hearts, and yet there seems to be silence from above. What is God up to?”
Come
“Perhaps it was the diagnosis. The abandonment. The failure. Maybe it was that one great rejection. That loss that saps color from your life, wrapping you in its invisible shroud. You smile and laugh, performing like an Oscar is on the line. But the wound eats at your heart, reminding you of its presence; demanding to be fed.”
A Light to My Path
You’ll enjoy this meditation on Scripture. “When the sun streams into my kitchen window, it cheers my soul. Everything literally seems brighter. Its brilliance however, illuminates more than just the room. Particles of dust flicker through its rays, grandchildren’s sticky handprints on the window pane bother me, and tiny bits of red dirt speckle the floor. When the light shines into my room, I see things otherwise hidden.”
Flashback: Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit
We do well, then, to consider the magnitude of our offences against God that they could move him to such sorrow. Sins that bring disunity to the church also bring grief to the Holy Spirit.

There is no such thing as a small sin. They are all vast and stupendous, because they will all have to come under inspection in the day of judgment. —De Witt Talmage

As another month draws to its close, I want to make sure you’re up-to-date on some of the noteworthy new Christian books that released in July. In each case I have provided the editorial description so you can learn a little bit about it.

David Livingstone: Missionary, Explorer, Abolitionist by Vance Christie. “David Livingstone was one of the most consequential individuals who lived in the nineteenth century. An unpretentious Scottish missionary doctor, explorer and abolitionist, he opened the door for Christianity in southern Africa. Vance Christie’s biography is the most comprehensive and accurate ever written about Livingstone. During his lifetime he was a hero in Britain and beyond, and gained a degree of respect, trust, appreciation and even affection with many African people. He was a man who overcame many deprivations and discouragements, and displayed the utmost measure of courage, self–control, faith, wisdom and ingenuity. Christie takes a balanced look at Livingstone’s amazing achievements, but also at his very real flaws. This gripping in–depth biography is a must–read insight into a fascinating man.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes by Nancy Pearcey. “Bestselling author Nancy Pearcey has a knack for tackling the tough issues of our day. A former agnostic, Pearcey was hailed in The Economist as “America’s pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual.” In this book, she takes readers on a fascinating romp through American history to discover how the secular script for masculinity turned toxic–and what action we can take to fix it. We often hear that Exhibit A of toxic behavior is evangelical Christian men. But the social sciences tell a very different story. Studies find that family men who attend church regularly test out as the most loving husbands and the most engaged fathers. They have the lowest rate of divorce and–here’s the real stunner–the lowest rate of domestic violence of any group in America. The sociological facts explode anti-male stereotypes and show that classic Christianity has the power to overcome toxic behavior and reconcile the sexes. That’s a finding that has stood up to rigorous empirical testing. This book will equip thinkers and activists to challenge politically correct ideology and bring an evidence-based message of healing into the public square.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church by Nathan Knight. “As churches rapidly expand, Christians risk viewing the church with an entrepreneurial mindset. Church planters can be tempted to fixate on gaining numbers and achieving financial stability as their only metrics for success. They fail to focus on lifting up Christ’s people within the church. In Planting by Pastoring, author Nathan Knight challenges our view of church planting and centers the goal of pastoral ministry on a basic biblical foundation: a church plant is in fact a church, and a planter is in fact a pastor. A healthy church plant is not measured by size, speed, or level of self-sufficiency but by good pastoring that produces faith, fruit, and a flourishing community. Once pastors and church leaders redefine their plant as a church, their ministry will begin to align with Jesus’s mission to shepherd the flock and bring glory to God alone.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Hard Sayings: Understanding Difficult Passages of Scripture by R.C. Sproul. “God gave us His Word so that we may know Him and live by His truth. So, what should we do when we’re reading the Bible and a difficult passage stops us in our tracks? Sometimes the solution is right there on the page—if we know where to look—while other passages gain clarity in light of the rest of the Bible or its historical background. With the help of an experienced guide, we can overcome the obstacles to our progress and know God’s Word more deeply. In Hard Sayings, Dr. R.C. Sproul applies his wisdom as a theologian and Bible teacher to some of the most challenging verses in Scripture. By showing us how to navigate tough texts in the Old and New Testaments, he outlines key principles to help us grow in our knowledge of God.” (Buy it at Amazon)
The Pilgrim’s Progress, Legacy Edition by John Bunyan & Lauren Ducommun. This one actually released earlier in the year but I’m only noticing it now. “Many beautiful versions of John Bunyan’s work have been produced over the past three centuries. Often these versions included wood-cut illustrations from some of the finest artists of the day, and yet many of those versions are out of print and few heirloom quality editions exist today. Our desire was to honor the rich legacy of illustrations of The Pilgrim’s Progress with this new edition. Some of the special features of the Legacy Edition include: Unabridged text with carefully updated language; 150+ vintage illustrations; Heirloom quality cloth cover, gilded edges, and ribbon page marker; Full ESV Bible references in margins; Large Print; Frameable 6.5×8.5” Pilgrim’s Journey Matte Cardstock Map. Our hope is that, as this story has impacted generations of Christians, this edition will continue the legacy of this book for many generations to come. (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Alexander Moody Stuart by Kenneth Moody Stuart. “Many are familiar with the likes of Robert Murray M‘Cheyne and the Bonar brothers. Fewer are aware of their mutual friend and colleague, Alexander Moody Stuart (1809-1898), who was nonetheless an esteemed and influential minister, standing firmly, like his friends, in the Reformed tradition of his forebears. This well-paced and engaging memoir, partly autobiographical and completed by his son, covers the life, work, friendships, and challenges of one who was fully engaged with the people under his spiritual care, and also a willing defender of orthodox belief in an age of rapid change in approaches to Scripture. Moody Stuart is here presented by his son as a man of his times, and yet as one whose diligence, spiritual maturity, and pastoral wisdom has much to say to today’s Christians. Pastors will especially benefit from reflecting on Moody Stuart’s approach to ministry.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Answering Speech: The Life of Prayer as Response to God by Daniel J. Brendsel. “In wondrous contrast to silent idols, the one true God speaks. He addresses his people in love, and it’s their great privilege to answer him in prayer. At its root, prayer isn’t mere self-expression or a prod to get a silent God to speak, but it is a learned skill to answer God’s initiating word in Christ. Through this thoughtful book, author and pastor Daniel J. Brendsel explains how responding to God can nurture prayerful engagement with Scripture, shape healthy rhythms among God’s praying people, and spur excitement for communion with God. For those disappointed by their current life of prayer, Answering Speech invites readers to enter into an expansive and exuberant life of response to the Father through the Son in the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Sketchy Views: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Sense of God by Dan DeWitt. “Is your understanding of who God is and how he works in our lives today a little sketchy? Daniel DeWitt’s Sketchy Views is a beginner’s guide to making sense of God. Everybody has beliefs about God. There are a million ways to get God wrong, but there’s only a narrow path to getting him right. In order to understand God, we have to go back to the Bible, but that can be overwhelming if you are new to theology. Sketchy Views uses words and sketches to help readers visually connect with and understand what basic Christian theology is and is not. DeWitt helps readers understand why what we think about God is the most important thing about us. Because God is the most important topic a person can think about, the way we think about God (our theology) is our most valuable and important collection of our thoughts and words.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Upside Down Kingdom: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes by Chris Castaldo. “In our sinful world, we often struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and heartache. Everywhere we look, we see broken families and divided communities. How can we truly cultivate God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” in such a broken place? In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2–12), Jesus urges us to set ourselves apart from the world, living in a counterculture with a new identity rooted in him. The Upside Down Kingdom examines this counterintuitive wisdom and explores its relevance for today. Drawing on insights from the biblical story of redemption, church fathers, Reformation scholars throughout history, and contemporary life, this book equips and encourages readers to get their spiritual bearings in an upside-down world. Author Chris Castaldo ultimately points readers to the kingdom of Christ—not as a set of rules, but as a means of bringing peace and blessing here and now.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Daniel Rowland and the Great Evangelical Awakening in Wales by Eifion Evans. “Daniel Rowland (1713 – 1790) was one of the foremost leaders of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist revival in the early 19th century along with Howell Harris and William Williams. For most of his life he served as curate in the parishes of Nantcwnlle and Llangeitho, Ceredigion. He was renowned as a preacher and made Llangeitho memorable as a centre of Calvinistic Methodism in Wales. The Anglican Church authorities deprived him of his Nantcwnlle curacy in 1763, an action which was unpopular with parishioners. Following this, he established a Methodist cause in Llangeitho. His early preaching was known to be frightening as he gave much attention to God’s judgment in his sermons. But as he matured in his ministry he gave more emphasis on the saving work of Jesus on the cross. His theology and character was seen as more consistent and stable than that of his counterpart Howel Harris during the revival. This is a new retypeset edition.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Memorable Loss: A Story of Friendship in the Face of Dementia by Karen Martin. “Dementia is experienced in different forms, in different ways and is coped with differently by different people, but with nearly 10 million new cases every year, it is something many people face. It’s tough on those with the disease, but it is also incredibly hard for the loved ones around them. Karen Martin’s story about her friend Kathleen, however, is overwhelmingly one of love and persistence. Despite their nearly half–century age difference, their commonality drew them to each other, and their genuine friendship uplifted them both. Charting the story from pre–diagnosis to Kathleen’s eventual passing, this moving tale highlights the difficulties and joys of facing dementia, through the lens of friendship.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English edited by Paul Cox. “Through winsome, colorful illustrations, Paul Cox presents the classic Westminster Shorter Catechism in a way that will engage your children in their learning and even memorizing essential Christian doctrines! The proof texts provided throughout can be used to invite your kids into further discussion about these vital truths. But there’s even more to this book! This modern-English edition also includes the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostles’ Creed as additional resources to help you to train your children in knowing and understanding God’s Word and the convictions of his church.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Good morning from Seoul, South Korea. I am very glad to be here and look forward to visiting Yullin Church throughout the weekend.

Here’s a nice little deal from 10ofThose: They are offering both volumes in my devotional series for a combined $19.99. That deal won’t last long.
So far I’ve dug up two new Kindle deals but am about to go searching to find more.
(Yesterday on the blog: Love Keeps No Record of Rights)
What Is Sloth?
Now there’s a theological term you don’t hear very often anymore. “When was the last time you repented of sloth as a sin? Maybe never. Should sloth even be a sin on your radar as something for which Jesus died, something for which we should repent?”
You Don’t Know When Your Last Sermon Will Be
Here’s a look at some of the final sermons from some well-known preachers of days gone by.
The Sheep Don’t Know
“A cliff rises above the sea, jagged, wild, immovable. The waves, far below, break against it with noisy violence. This is where the ocean ends and the patchwork fields begin, suddenly. In the fields, there are sheep. As I walk past, one of them looks up at me as he chews a disinterested mouthful of grass. He has eyes, so he can see the same view I see. He has ears, so he can hear the waves, and the gulls crying out above him.”
On Preparing Yourself for Corporate Worship
It is such a difference-maker when you prepare yourself for corporate worship. This article has some good suggestions for doing just that.
A Meditation on Change
“Change never seems to feel good. It makes sense we’d think this way, for all our suffering is marked by change, whether big or small. A change in jobs can uproot an entire family from the home they love. A change in relationships can bring disunity, tension, and anxiety. Change in our bodies brings along weakness, infection, or a new disease to battle. Yet change need not always be a harbinger of sorrow.”
That is a diaconal matter
Is it good for pastors to be in the habit of saying, “that is a diaconal matter.”
Flashback: A Few Humble Suggestions for Reformed Worship Services
Today I want to offer a few humble suggestions to pastors or others involved in planning services that may serve to add an element of freshness to a service, but without adding elements that are desperate, distracting, or flat-out ridiculous.

You can as well hear without ears, and live without food, and fight without hands, and walk without feet, as you are able to live without prayer. —Thomas Brooks