It’s hard to remember or even believe, but there was a time when social media consisted solely of blogs. Blogs were the way writers escaped the gatekeepers of old media to gain a voice of their own on the marvelous new medium we called the World Wide Web. Blogs were an interactive form of communication in which communities of writers would engage with one another while readers would provide feedback through comment sections. It was far from a perfect setup, but it worked well enough and a lot of good came from it. However else we tell the story of the rise and spread of Reformed theology in the early part of this century, for example, we cannot tell it apart from blogs.

But eventually alternative forms of social media sprang up and began to displace blogs as the next big thing. Twitter and Facebook were most prominent, but there were many others besides. Then came the rise of video, first on YouTube and then on Vine and Instagram and TikTok and other “reel” formats. Podcasts arrived on the scene and Substack newsletters. The people had claimed the right to have a voice that was unmediated by the old-media decision-makers and there’s no realistic chance that they will give it back anytime soon.
But while blogs are often regarded as an old and perhaps passé form of social media, I am convinced they still have their place. In fact, I am increasingly convinced they still have their place, even in 2023. And I still encourage aspiring writers to give blogging a chance. Let me offer a few reasons blogging still matters and may even become increasingly (rather than diminishingly) important in the days to come.
First, the foremost benefit of blogging is as important as ever. Before blogs, pretty much the only way to have a voice was to gain the attention and trust of an editor at a magazine or publishing house. Even then, the editor could reject your writing or edit it to make it conform to a particular viewpoint. There were (and still are) benefits to this, but there are also drawbacks. Blogs were the first medium that allowed individuals to create book-like or magazine-like content independent of those old media systems. And we found it to be a good and beneficial thing. There were drawbacks, of course—lots of poor-quality writing and lots of writing that lacked Christian character. But we gained more than we lost when so many people began blogs to share what the Lord was teaching them. And it is still a good and important thing to have writing that is not beholden to the whims, perspectives, political alignments, or theological positions of a select few.
Second, blogging allows us to control our own platform. Over the past few years we have come to realize the downsides of doing our writing on platforms owned and controlled by others in what has simply become a new form of ideological gatekeeping. It wasn’t long ago that progressives were at the helm at Twitter and conservatives had just about had enough of shadow bans, arbitrary account lockouts, and all manner of censorship. The recent “Twitter Files” have shown beyond any real dispute that all of this was happening and more. Today, though, a libertarian is at the helm at Twitter and it is the progressives who are crying foul, insisting that Twitter is now a bastion of the radical alt-right. I guess what we can all agree on is that we will always be at the mercy of the ideology of the people in control. But that is not the case for blogs where we control our own platform and don’t need to be concerned about censors. (Monique Judge makes this point from an opposite worldview to mine at The Verge.)
Third, blogs provide a superior reading experience compared to other forms of social media. Twitter threads are an abysmal way to read that condescends to the medium to far too great an extent. Reading anything of length on Facebook grates on the nerves. Instagram often looks attractive and has its place, but it’s a poor medium for communicating at length or in substance. It is still blogs that allow writers to prepare and share content that is substantial in its length and that conforms to the principles of typology and page layout. I’ll grant that Substack does this well, but it has other drawbacks such as poor search engine “findability” and the fact that the content is still beholden to the ideology of the company itself. Podcasts and video have their place, but text still reigns supreme when it comes to finding, skimming, saving, citing, and accessing in the future. Blogs continue to have unique strengths.
There is much more I could say. Blogs tend to be written by real people rather than anonymous trolls—I suspect most of us have realized by now that anonymity combined with access to a large audience has a power to it that few of us can handle with character and grace. Blogging diversifies the voices speaking to the church—because there are few barriers to entry, blogs invite anyone to participate and, much to our benefit, many have. Blogging serves as an ideal way to practice and showcase good writing—and this can lead to opportunities to write for other forms of media.
So how might you get started? I’ll simply direct you to an article I wrote a few years ago that still lays out a plan I know many have followed with success.
And then let me close this way: We are not going to go back to the old ways in which a few gatekeepers were responsible to determine who could have a voice. Nor do we want to. Blogging was the first medium to shake the old ways and, even 25 years later, it continues to have unique strengths that make it superior to so many of the more recent alternatives. And so, for that reason among others, I continue to encourage writers and prospective writers to give it a try. You may just find you love it, you thrive at it, and you can make use of it to serve the church and bring glory to God.

Good morning from Padua, Italy. I am here to speak at a conference and to preach at a church and am very much looking forward to it.
Today’s Kindle deals include a whole big selection of good books. There is a timely one for students, one for married couples, and a couple to help you study the Bible.
I know many women have benefited from Keri Folmar’s “Delighting in the Word Bible” studies. I thought you’d like to know there is a new one (in a great new look and format) on the book of Romans.
(Yesterday on the blog: The Dutiful Introvert)

This is an interesting one from the Wall Street Journal. I think you should be able to read it for free. “In a rock quarry south of Athens, more than 100 actors dressed as soldiers in an ancient army are waiting for the order to charge. Blowing dust mixes with white plumes from artificial smoke machines. Thirty horses shift under their riders armed with prop swords and shields. Facing them is another small army: the production crew transforming one of the most famous tales in human history—David versus Goliath—into a television spectacle.”

Robby wonders why God didn’t clearly explain every theological issue and suggests one reason God may have chosen to do things this way.

“The problem is that TikTok’s algorithm (or any other platform’s algorithm) doesn’t know or care what the difference between #progressivechristianity and #biblicalchristianity is. So, interest in one might as well be interest in the other as far as the robots are concerned. Someone who is genuinely interested in fairly normal, if not milquetoast, Christian content on social media can easily have a rabbit hole open up under their feet as the algorithm begins to mingle in people who sow seeds of doubt about the reliability of scripture.”

Caleb Davis: “Many times, I’ve asked God to change my suffering. I’ve had sleepless nights and stomachaches. I’ve studied, sought coaching, made plans, and pursued best practices. I’ve poured out prayer after prayer, asking God to take my pain away. I’ve wanted it to end. I find it easy to see all that suffering takes, all I miss out on. I see what I’ve lost. But it’s easy to miss what God gives me in trials.”

Writing for Ligonier, Robert Carver has counsel for children, parents, and grandparents.

This article strikes some of the same notes. “I have some dear friends, whom I love very much even though they run. I mean really run. On purpose. Because they like it. They have a few years up on me, yet they are forever completing some big mileage run. They do this with smiles on their faces. And they look good. And they have at least one million grandkids for whom they pray and spend time with while remembering all their names.”

The Bible’s warnings about laziness and idleness are many and stern. So when God puts you into a vocation that is legal and moral, he has done you a great benefit. 

One of the great mistakes made, generation after generation, through Church history, is to slather rules onto our behavior and think that external behavior is what fosters, or even accurately reflects, vital spiritual growth.
—Dane Ortlund

Before the month comes to an end and before my American friends disappear for their Thanksgiving holiday, I want to make sure you’re all aware of some new and notable books that came our way in November. We were treated to some excellent new titles this month so be sure to give them a look!

The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon (2nd Edition) by Douglas Moo. “A knowledgeable and evangelical guide to Paul’s letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. With brilliant exegesis and sound practical insight, noted commentator Douglas J. Moo explicates the Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, with an eye toward their application for readers today. Moo bases his commentary on the Greek text of the letters, while accessibly explaining the English text to his contemporary audience. Freshly revised and updated, this second edition remains methodologically sound, authentically evangelical, and pastoral in approach. This invaluable volume of the Pillar New Testament Commentary series offers biblical insights to a wide range of readers, from teachers and students, to pastors and parishioners, to scholars and laypersons.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Hebrews (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Douglas Moo. “Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament features today’s top New Testament scholars and brings together commentary features rarely gathered together in one volume. With careful analysis and interpretation of the Greek text, the authors trace the flow of argument in each New Testament book, giving readers the tools they need to properly understand and communicate the meaning of the text. Commentary on each passage follows a clear structure to help readers grasp the flow and meaning of the text. The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series is the go-to resource for pastors and Bible teachers looking for deep but accessible study that equips them to connect the needs of Christians today with the biblical text.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Motyer by the Day: A Psalms and Isaiah Devotional Collection by Alec Motyer. “Alec Motyer was a man whose love for God and His Word inspired others to enjoy studying the Bible, and especially the Old Testament. Isaiah by the Day and Psalms by the Day exemplify this passion. Motyer’s scholarly brilliance and devotional warmth have cemented these books as firm favorites in the hearts of many readers. This beautiful cloth-bound box set contains both volumes from this esteemed Bible teacher. Moyter is a master at attending to the details and finding their precise place in the grand sweep of scripture’s redemptive narrative. Rich and full, yet concisely put. Each of the 144 daily readings consists of a Scripture passage, a wealth of accompanying notes, and a devotional reflection. The text is set in its context, with clear references to other relevant passages. Motyer’s long experience as a linguist enabled him to translate Isaiah and the Psalms from Hebrew into English, bringing us as close to the original text as possible, and helping us perceive familiar passages anew. His rich analysis alongside these translations, aids the reader to delve deeper into the treasures on offer. For a richer understanding of the Psalms and Isaiah, Motyer’s guide is an indispensable resource.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Final Word: A Biblical Response to the Case for Tongues and Prophecy Today (2nd edition) by O. Palmer Robertson. “A call for freshness, spontaneity and life in worship has been resounding through the churches of the English-speaking world, together with a desire to hear God speaking here and now to his people. Many have called for a return to the pattern of worship found in 1 Corinthians 14, merging the biblical emphasis of the Reformation with the vitality of the modern Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Dr O. Palmer Robertson was previously Director and Vice-Chancellor of African Bible College in Kampala, Uganda. Before going to Africa he pastored churches and taught in seminaries in the USA. Now residing once again in the USA, he continues to write and speak. Dr Robertson is the author of numerous book and commentaries.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Go Forward in Love: A Year of Daily Readings from Timothy Keller by Timothy Keller. “From the works of pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller comes this yearlong compilation with daily readings from his best-loved books. The perfect 365-daily reader for both new and longtime admirers of Timothy Keller’s writing, Go Forward in Love features deep insights, profound truths, and biblical wisdom on topics such as prayer, forgiveness, loving our neighbors, the importance of work, and the hope of the resurrection. Each day’s reading is short, but will lead you into deep reflection, give you a fresh sense of awe and wonder before God, and help you go forward in love as willing servants of God and everyone around you.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Biggest Story Family Devotional by Douglas Sean O’Donnell. “The Bible is a BIG book about the BIGGEST story. Each page tells about the God who created the world, acted in history, and continues to act in the present. These kid-friendly devotions, based on Bible stories as retold by Kevin DeYoung, give parents and children hundreds of easy, memorable opportunities to experience God’s story together. The Biggest Story Family Devotional features 104 Bible stories. Each story includes a brief Big Picture introduction and a Gospel Connection summary to help children understand and apply Scripture. A QR code on each story page links to an animated video retelling that parents and children can watch together. The 104 stories each include 5 individual Bible readings (520 in all) that families can complete whenever they choose―during dinner, before bed, one per day, or several at a time. Each reading has family discussion questions, a prayer, and space for notes.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Our God Reigns: An Amillennial Commentary on Revelation by Sam Storms. “Revelation was written in such a way that it should be not only intelligible to any Christian who reads or hears its words, but also a blessing to the person who obeys and believes what it says. Simply put, contrary to popular opinion, and notwithstanding the often bizarre and mysterious images it conveys, God intends for Revelation to be understandable, edifying, and enjoyable! Scholarly but conversational in style, Storms has written for those who do not have a working knowledge of Greek but does not shy away from the numerous important technical and exegetical details that appear all through Revelation. He provides insight into both the nuances of the Greek text and the deep doctrinal issues in Revelation in such a way that the average Christian adult can grasp. Revelation is profoundly relevant to the issues we face in our society today and Storms keeps the welfare of the church in view, as he includes numerous applications for daily living and growth in your personal relationship with God. An excellent read for those looking to better grasp the blessings to be found in understanding this book.” (Buy it at Amazon)

The Sacred Flame: A Biography of Hannah More by Kevin Belmonte. “There has never been anyone quite like Hannah More. Her books were kept in the homes of presidents, and peers of the realm. They were a best-selling phenomenon, and she ‘the most successful British author of the romantic period,’—more successful, financially, than Sir Walter Scott, and more than Jane Austen. A gifted poet and playwright Hannah More was, by her early 30s, the toast of literary London. Samuel Johnson collaborated with her in writing verse, and David Garrick, one of the greatest Shakespearian actors in theatre history, was her mentor and devoted patron. Hannah, as a member of the Bluestocking circle of the late 1700s, was a pioneering artist and celebrity. Throughout the English-speaking world, she became a household name. In later years, after her passing in 1833, her legacy lived on.” (Buy it at Amazon)

By Life or by Death: The Life and Legacy of John and Betty Stam by Andrew Montonera. “As a young boy Andrew Montonera stumbled upon a cabinet of books in his grandparents’ house. He was captivated by what he discovered—the library of his distant relatives, John and Betty. By Life or by Death shares the story of these two remarkable people—inspirations of contagious joy and kingdom-focused lives. John Cornelius Stam and Elisabeth Alden ‘Betty’ Scott met at Moody Bible Institute in fall 1929. A few years later, their paths crossed again—this time in China. The two were united in marriage and in their love for the Chinese people. Using family scrapbooks and unpublished sources, Montonera takes a fresh look at a famous story—how two missionaries and their baby were kidnapped by Chinese soldiers and ransomed. Montonera recounts the courage and martyrdom of the Stams, as well as the succeeding miraculous tale that captured the world’s attention. The Stams’ lives were cut short, but their faithfulness continues to impact Christianity in China today. By Life or by Death looks at the legacy of the Stams, including new testimonies of those shaped by their commitment to the gospel.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til by Keith Mathison. “For almost a century, Reformed theologians, especially in North America, have debated this topic. The debate has often been acrimonious, with serious charges and counter-charges coming from both sides. This book seeks to take the debate in a more constructive direction by clearing away as much misunderstanding as possible in order that we might add to discussions of apologetic methods the actual practice of apologetics. In Part One, Cornelius Van Til’s own system of thought is set forth in a clear way in order that readers may know exactly what it entailed. His doctrine of God, creation, the fall, common grace, redemption, and the antithesis are explained in order that readers might understand the apologetic implications of these doctrines. Part Two is devoted to explaining why many Reformed Christians have not embraced Van Til’s apologetics in spite of its popularity and influence. These chapters outline biblical, philosophical, theological, historical, and practical concerns with Van Til’s system of thought. This book argues that Van Til’s apologetic system of thought is consistent with neither Scripture nor Reformed theology.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Proverbs: A Discourse Analysis of the Hebrew Bible by Christopher Ansberry. “Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament features today’s top Old Testament scholars and brings together commentary features rarely gathered together in one volume. With careful discourse analysis and interpretation of the Hebrew text, the authors trace the flow of argument in each Old Testament book, showing that how a biblical author says something is just as important as what they say. Commentary on each passage follows a clear structure to help readers grasp the flow and meaning of the text. The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series is the go-to resource for pastors and Bible teachers looking for deep but accessible study that equips them to connect the needs of Christians today with the biblical text.” (Buy it at Amazon)