Here are 5 key passages from recent Christian articles around the web, including an article on knowing God’s Voice, and another on some misconceptions of Christian growth.
Mistaking the Voice of Man for the Voice of God (Brad Klassen, The Master’s Seminary)
The fact that others around us can be victimized by our inaccurate interpretation should compel us to pursue accurate interpretation at all costs.
3 Misconceptions about Christian Growth (Thabiti Anyabwile, Crossway)
We emphasize the number of times we completed “quiet times” this week, the number of times we passed Christian literature to others, or how often we shared the gospel. We can fall into the performance trap, thinking that spiritual growth and discipleship look like good performance and success. When this happens our sense of growth and worth become wrongly tied up with our “stats.”
Does God Expect You to Be Perfect? (Kristen Wetherell)
The seriousness of God’s command means it’s impossible for us to fulfill—but his promise means the impossible is now possible because of Jesus. In the words of Augustine, God gives us what he commands of us. What does he give, exactly? For believers in Christ, his spectacular promise is three-fold:
5 Biblical Encouragements for Depressed Believers (Blake Boylston, TGC)
Sometimes, we feel depressed for reasons we can’t understand, which can be extremely frustrating. No matter what the reason, when you’re experiencing a cloud of depression, bring your grief and cries for help to God in prayer (Pss. 42; 88). He sees everything you’re going through (Ps. 139), and he knows your weak frame (Ps. 103:14). Whatever the cause of your melancholy, know that the Lord is compassionate toward your cry. He is “near to the brokenhearted” (Ps. 34:18).
Practical Wisdom for Sustaining Ministry (Colin Smith, Unlocking the Bible)
God can change the hardest heart. There will be many times when you wonder what has come of all your work in sowing the seed in a particular person’s life. You’ve prayed for them. You’ve loved them. You may share the Word of God, and as far as you are concerned, it felt like good seed on hard ground.
