Here is a collection of good reads gathered from across the internet this past week. Enjoy!
On Bible reading: How To Read the Bible for Yourself by John Piper
When we read, we do not generally really think until we are faced with a problem to be solved, a mystery to be unraveled, or a puzzle to be deciphered. Until our minds are challenged, and shift from passive reading to active reading, we drift right over lots of insights.
Asking ourselves questions is a way of creating a problem or a mystery to be solved. That means the habit of asking ourselves questions awakens and sustains our thinking. It stimulates our mind while we read, and drives us down deep to the real meaning of a passage. (click here to read more)
On relationships: Why There’s No Such Thing as a Soul Mate by Debra K. Fileta
All over the world there are Christian young men and women waiting for that magical moment when they will come face to face and eye to eye with the person that will stir their heart and connect deeply with their soul. For the one who will complete them and make them whole. There is no such thing as a person who will complete our souls, because according to God’s word, we are only made complete in Him. (click here to read more)
On the Christian life and the power of the Holy Spirit: Let’s Ponder This Schaeffer Quote At Least Once a Week by Ray Ortlund
At the linked page you will find a brief, but powerful quote from Francis Schaeffer: click here to visit The Gospel Coalition
On Christianity, homosexuality, and the image of God: Aren’t Gay People Made in the Image of God? by Ricky Alcantar
The Bible says that—unique among the stars and the mountains—humanity was created “in the image of God” (Gen 1:27). We are created beings, in the image of God, and precious to God. In light of this every single human being is something glorious and should be treated as such with dignity, value, and respect. This means each person’s value and worth are rooted beyond cultural consensus, rooted in the very fabric of creation. (click here to read more)
On life and the church: 3 Reasons You Absolutely, Positively Must Go to Church This Weekend by Michael Kelley
…when we do the very simple act of just show up, to not take a Sunday off, we are recognizing some key truths about God, ourselves, and the church herself. And these are the deeper reasons, the ones that go beyond the fact that you have a good preacher or you like the music or all your friends will be there – these are the deeper reasons why you must take heed the words of the writer of Hebrews: “And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). (click here to read more)
First Baptist Church 