Your weekly installment of what we’ve been reading (and watching) around the web.
Video of the Week
Eight-month-old Boy Hears for the First Time. During Pastor J.D.’s Easter message last week, he mentioned the awakening we experience when we come to know God, comparing it to the process of regaining lost sight or hearing. We know God, not primarily by logical inference, but because in his light, we see. Here’s an example of that with a young boy, hearing his mother’s voice for the first time. (This video, of a 10-year-old seeing color for the first time, is powerful as well.)
Articles of the Week
Should OT Difficulties Be an Obstacle to Christian Belief? William Lane Craig. Dr. Craig always helps us wrestle with tough questions of faith. There are times we come to different conclusions, but he always helps us think. And in this article, he candidly shows us how to wrestle with complicated texts of Scripture without abandoning “mere Christianity” in the process. If you’re asking questions, Craig is proof that you should keep asking. Deep questions, in the right spirit, lead to deep faith.
When Should Pastors Publicly Sound Off? 10 Diagnostic Questions, Kevin DeYoung. We recently published an article considering when pastors (and churches) should speak to specific public events. We concluded with two diagnostic questions that church leaders should ask. DeYoung writes in the same vein, but he does us eight better. Ask yourself these questions the next time—and every time—you’re inclined to make a public diatribe.
The Most Important People in the Body of Christ Are Probably Not on Twitter, Daniel Darling. This article helpfully points out that the greatest value in our churches is nearly always invisible and unacclaimed. “Most of what God is doing in the world happens through people who don’t have a byline and who don’t receive royalty checks.” Hear hear.
When “You’re Pregnant” Feels Like Bad News, Kendra Dahl. Unintended pregnancies account for about one-third of all children born in the United States. For some, “unintended” means “pleasantly surprised.” But for many others, the news of a surprise pregnancy can conjure up fear, anxiety, and grieving. How can the church speak with compassion and wisdom to these reluctant mothers-to-be?
On the Lighter Side
Why Are Bibles Printed with Two Columns Instead of One? Simon Whistler. Some of this is simply a matter of tradition. But the tradition didn’t come out of thin air; there were reasons for the 2-column approach “back in olden days,” just as there are reasons for it today. As Whistler points out, though, many publishers are beginning to question whether those are the best reasons. Don’t be surprised to see more 1-column Bibles in a small group near you.
Wisdom For Your Weekend is presented to you by Chris Pappalardo, with occasional guidance from J.D. Greear. This is our attempt to reflect Proverbs 9:9: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”
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