Here are some of the things that have come across my desk this week.
The Dangers of Social Media: From Crossway Publishers, Tony Reinke points out 10 Things You Should Know about the Danger of Media. I found #7 particularly powerful: Media endangers our prayer life… “The worst of our compulsive social media habits are filling our days and corroding our prayer lives.”
How to Listen to Preaching: This is a great article on based on The Westminster Larger Catechism, questions 154-160. As a pastor, my endeavor is to always be growing in my ability to write and preach sermons that are Biblical, Christ-Centered, God-Honoring, and effective in calling sinners to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and encouraging believers in their walk with Him. In this article, Joel Smit encourages the listeners in how they are to prepare themselves to hear the Word.
Today in Church History: On this day in 418 AD, a relatively minor Synod meeting of the North African Church assembled, but it made a major declaration. The council met to take action concerning the errors of Caelestius, a disciple of Pelagius, denounced the Pelagian doctrines of human nature, original sin, grace, and perfectibility; and it fully approved the teaching of Augustine.
Allergy Season is Upon Us: As the Zyrtek bottle is nearly empty at my house, I recalled this article from a while ago. Here’s the take away illustration:
And Finally:
I use the Logos Bible Study Software for my Sermon prep, daily bible reading, prayer journaling, just about everything that’s Bible study related. I have this on my laptop (a paid version), and everything I do there is instantly updated on my tablet and phone. The app provides customizable Bible reading plans, easy to use word studies, and even a version of the audio Bible, so that you can listen to the Bible while on the road or working around the house.
Vyrso/Kindle/iBooks – While I still love holding a real paper book in my hand, I cannot dismiss the convenience and volume of resources available on an e-reader. The Vyrso reader is connected to the Logos library, and anything I highlight, underline, or any resource connected to scripture, is instantly searchable and available to copy and paste (with the citation of the quote provided, too). Kindle and iBooks are great readers as well, and offer tremendous deals from time to time on great literature and scholarly works.
Fighter Verses – This is created by Desiring God ministries, and is a great tool for helping you memorize scripture. It has quizzes, games, songs, just about anything to help you hide God’s word in your heart. The app automatically brings up a new verse each week, and offers commentary, studies, and other resources to help you grow in understanding the Scriptures.
Catechisms – This is another memory tool, but specifically for learning the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It also offers memorization tools for the Larger Catechism, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Geneva Catechism. You can set this at your own tempo, either learning a question a day, or moving on only when you’re ready.
RefNet – This is basically Ligonier Ministry radio online. RefNet (Reformation Network) is 24-hour Christian internet radio featuring biblical preaching and teaching. Listen in for free and be enriched by the ministries of Alistair Begg, John MacArthur, Albert Mohler, John Piper, R.C. Sproul, and many more.
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