Here is a collection of good reads gathered from across the internet this past week. Enjoy!
On facing uncertainties and difficulties with faith: No Matter What Happens by Emily Jensen
Although I have deep concern for the hearts and lives of those around me, ultimately, there is comfort in knowing that external circumstances won’t impact the security of my own salvation. When I don’t have to defend my own stance before God, I can focus on pouring out love to others, remaining calm in difficult storms. I don’t have to fear those who can kill the body (or the dream or the bank account), because the one who controls both the soul and the body says my destiny is secure. (click here to read more)
On the need for church community: Isolation from the Church is Dangerous by Josh Buice
We must learn to see the church as a blessing from God rather than an inconvenience. We must never look at the church as a violation to our spiritual privacy fence. We were never called to walk the journey of the Christian life alone. Surround yourself with gospel preaching, gospel singing, and gospel friends who will be honest with you. When the church is honest with you, receive it. Take heed so that you will not fall (1 Cor. 10:12). We all need the church. (click here to read more)
On Harriet Tubman (who will replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill): 9 Things You Should Know about Harriet Tubman by Joe Carter
The abolitionist Thomas Garrett once said about Tubman, “I never met with any person, of any color, who had more confidence in the voice of God, as spoken direct to her soul. She frequently told me that she talked with God, and he talked to her every day of her life . . . she said she never ventured only where God sent her, and her faith in the Supreme Power was truly great.” (click here to read more)
On the new book Visual Theology: 5 Ways to Use Visual Theology by Tim Challies
Visual Theology is a book that offers systematic teaching on how to live the Christian life. There are many excellent resources that are meant for new believers or for believers eager to spur on their growth in knowledge and holiness. The majority of the resources are essentially short systematic theologies and, while systematic theology is good and crucial, I wanted to focus instead on systematic Christian living. (click here to read more)
On curiosity and eternity: What Can We Take to Heaven by Barnabas Piper
True curiosity is the pursuit of truth, the exploration of God’s creation and will for the world. In this way curiosity in this life is a launch pad for the next. Everything we learn of God, every soul we impact, every aspect of culture we impact for good, everything we create for His glory is preparing us for heaven and preparing this world to be the new earth. We cannot redeem this fallen world, only Jesus can and will do that. But we bear God’s image and are His emissaries. That means that we can leave bits and pieces of His image all over this world, and curiosity is how we do that. What is more, our own relationship with Him and knowledge of Him is enriched and enlarged, and this goes with us too. We don’t start over when we die; we take our knowledge and love and relationship with us. (click here to read more)
First Baptist Church 