Idolatry at the Office: Confessions of a Workaholic (Kathryn Butler, Desiring God)
During these years, I worked so feverishly, not to serve God, but to relish the approval it brought me — and because I feared the implications for my identity should the praise fall silent. Our world, it seems, condones such idolatry, and even trains us in it.
Rejoicing as a Safeguard (Kyle Johnston, Biblical Counseling Coalition)
When we rejoice in the Lord, we are strengthened by Him. Through faith, we experience the joy of the Lord being our strength (Neh. 8:10). By faith, the Holy Spirit empowers us as we rejoice in Jesus. Another aspect to this, I think, is that rejoicing inevitably displaces negative and unfruitful thoughts. To rejoice in the Lord is also a decision to not dwell on things that are untrue or unhelpful.
The Gettys Share the Power of Song (Josh Philpot, The Gospel Coalition)
And when we sing the great truths of the Bible, we’re changed from the inside out. Singing that is triune—God-honoring, Christ-glorifying, and Spirit-filled—“moves out in concentric circles, changing your heart and mind” (35). In turn this changes our families, our churches, and ultimately our world.
Servant of Another Kingdom: Reflections on Visiting the Mamertime Prison (Kevin Halloran, Anchored in Christ)
Like Paul and Daniel, following the way of the cross may lead straight to the lion’s mouth (2 Timothy 4:17). Even so, we take heart knowing that even if our enemies kill us, they can never take our life (2 Timothy 1:1; 4:18).
The Distinguishing Mark of Christianity (John MacArthur, The Gospel Coalition)
Jesus is Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3) is the distinguishing article of Christianity and marks the essential confession of faith (Romans 10:9). Jesus proclaimed it to His disciples, His enemies, and His casual inquirers alike — and He refused to tone down its implications.
The Loving Service of Listening (Sophie McDonald, Unlocking the Bible)
One of the best acts of service you can give someone is your ears and heart engaged at the same time…It is through words that people give us their stories and hearts, so why would we not learn to cherish and serve one another, and represent Christ well by listening well?
The post Key Connections (October 20, 2017) appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.
