Christian Living Today

The economy continues to top our concern list in many parts of the country. A recent quote by Christian money counselor, Dave Ramsey, really hits to the ‘heart’ of the issues. According to a recent blog post on “Take Your Vitamin Z”, Dave attributes our country’s spending / debt frenzy to our personal lifestyles. Sometimes this guy hits awfully close to home! I’d encourage you to take a look at his website for extremely useful advice and resources.

Money management is not the only area where Americans are slack. Many Christians across the land fail to practice regular, faithful family devotions. One church, in particular one person, David Ward, is addressing the issue in what could be the most practical way. Perhaps you have not established regular family devotions because you just don’t know what you should do. Maybe you’d like a little insight - maybe more than a little insight. Check out the new website “Family Worship Guide.” While they will not be fully functional until August 30^th, download the current family worship guide and you’ll be set to start.

New Christian books continue to flood our shelves. And, while I have encouraged my readers to READ, I think the warning given on the 9Marks blog is well worth your time. Just because we read does not mean we are gaining something useful. Just because we read Christian books does not mean we are reading something Christian. Yes, you read that right - and I wrote exactly what I was trying to say. Take a look at that blog post.

Are you becoming a Hindu? While your first reaction might be ‘no’, if that reaction is not accompanied by a shudder, maybe you do not really understand what Hinduism stands for. Lisa Miller, a writer for Newsweek, disagrees. And, as Al Mohler points out in his August 26^th blog post, maybe we are closer than we would every think, let alone admit.

Most of us take life as it comes. However, I wonder if this is actually what God meant when He told us to be good stewards. Might that stewardship requirement include more than just our possessions? Might it also include our bodies, our minds, and even the way we use our time? If you are thinking similar thoughts, you might want to take a look at Michael Hyatt’s life plan. It is thought provoking, at the very least.

Looking for some reading ideas or wondering what others are reading? Maybe wondering, what does a serious - at least about their walk - Christian read? Here are a couple of places to look. Al Mohler’s Sovereign Grace Ministrie’s blog has some wonderful reviews of some modern literature which he recommends. Another interesting site to check out is 5 Minutes For Books. Their July post has links to 29 other readers who list what they are currently reading. Interesting!

It makes you wonder how such ignorant people become leaders. After years of forcing couples to yield to their one-child rule, China is now facing the fall out of their poor planing. As a result, couples are being urged to bear two children. Read the whole story in the July 29^th, issue of The New York Times.

In an age of tolerance and no absolutes, it can be particularly difficult to make a stand. Thus, for many of us, it is easier to either say nothing, or to water down what we say, than to speak boldly, yet humbly, about the gospel. However, Timmy Brister shares a very convicting quote by J.C. Ryle related to how we respond to the pressure to be silent.

We are an entertainment addicted society. Even those of us who realize the danger often find ourselves struggling with self-control in this area. Thus John Piper’s recent article is extremely timely.

“As our society “advances” to barbarisms abandoned millennia ago, I pray Hippocrates’ idea will again catch fire and people will once again seek care from doctors with whom their life is safe and sacred—no matter what.” So says a recent World Magazine article on the situation facing anti-abortion doctors.

De-baptism? A new ‘fad’ is taking over in England, de-baptism. What is it? What does it mean? Why the interest? Chuck Colson has written an interesting review of the problem. His article also contains links to other articles if you’d like to learn more.

Have you ever noticed how noisy our lives have become? Albert Mohler looks briefly into our lack of silence. He says, “One of the most lamentable aspects of modern life is the disappearance of silence. Throughout most of human history, silence has been a part of life. . .”

Social Internet sites continue to grow in popularity. Twitter is not very old, but it has become immensely popular. While I have an issue with Twitter for the same reason I have issues with Facebook’s Status Update (you can read more here) the issue has really gone far beyond what many of us expected. In fact, the latest debate appears to be whether it is appropriate and right to Twitter in church. While I hope to write more on social networking in future posts, Josh Harris has set done a wonderful job addressing this particular subject on his blog.

Abortion continues to stain our country in blood. With over 1,000 children being killed, legally, every day, it is no wonder many Christians are broken-hearted (or incensed) over the subject. Furthermore, with a President who has vowed to make it easier and more respectable to kill our unborn children, it does not look like the issue will change in the foreseeable future. Or maybe it will??? For an enlightening look at one former ‘pro-choice’ proponent’s change to ‘pro-life’ check this out.

How my heart beats in tune with this Q&A from Pastor John MacArthur. While there are many Christians and many churches in America who are seeking to return to the real Christian faith, the ‘world’ has infiltrated our churches to the point many can no longer define what real Christianity looks like. On the other hand, churches facing persecution in other countries are growing. In part, the problem is shepherdless flocks. However, the problem is mutli-faceted and growing. Here is a good rundown of the problem by John MacArthur.

Do you read? Do you read Christian books? Do you desire to learn and grow? If you answered ‘yes’ to these three questions, why not join the group at Tim Challies’ blog as we read and discuss an old and valuable classic, “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment” by Jeremiah Burroughs. You can learn more on Tim’s blog If you choose not to join us, at least consider coming back here each week starting June 18^th to find out more about this valuable book on an extremely timely subject.

One of the issues which God has brought to the forefront of my thinking more and more lately, is the subject of prayer. More specifically, what is ‘real’ prayer? While I decided to spend more time looking at prayers in Scripture than looking at someone else’s distillation of the subject. Nonetheless, I was struck by the kingdom focus (and what that means to me) in this post. Thus I thought I’d share it with you.

One Notre Dame graduate points to the real question over the college’s decision to honor President Obama. She says, “I’d like to ask this of Fr. John Jenkins, the Notre Dame president: Who draws support from your decision to honor President Obama—the young, pregnant Notre Dame woman sitting in that graduating class who wants desperately to keep her baby, or the Notre Dame man who believes that the Catholic teaching on the intrinsic evil of abortion is just dining-room talk?” Here question is not only to the point, her story brings the real issue to life.

Albert Mohler offers an insightful and indepth look at the supposed death of religion and the reality of its strongly beating heart from a unique perspective in his May 1^st, 2009 blog posting. Worth the read!

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is God’s will for my life?” It is a common question - at least for the last couple of generations. We seem so lost. We either feel like we ‘missed the boat to China’ (or wherever we think God would have wanted us to go), feel compelled to go to China even though, deep down inside we have absolutely no desire (or, quite frankly skill), or we end up doing something which we wonder years down the road was what we were ‘supposed’ to do. Here is an interesting take on God’s callings by Ted Slater.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. If you are looking for some gift ideas, here are a couple to get you started. Carolyn McCulley has posted more than one great idea on her blog. Also check out Christian Book Distributors sale page. They might just have the perfect gift for your mom. And, if you’d like to get your Mom something unique, something handmade, something she’ll find no where else, check out Etsy. I found several items which were not only unique and beautiful but also quite reasonably priced.

Finally, I found this article fascinating. While we have vilified tobacco (granted it is not good for you but, really. . .), we have welcome pornography or at least sexually explicit material into our homes - into our living rooms! This article gives some interesting insight into where we are headed.

Christian History Magazine has always ranked as one of my favorite periodicals. I have especially enjoyed the articles on famous men and women or specific time periods in our Christian past. However, regardless of my desire, I often find it hard to get around to reading magazines. They often collect dust on my bedside table waiting to make it to the ‘top of the stack’. Christian Audio has a great solution: downloadable readings of some of Christian History’s best. Martin Luther. The Middle Ages. C.S. Lewis. J.R.R. Tolkein. And more. Not only is this a great opportunity to ‘catch up’ on your history, the price is quite reasonable. Check out Christian Audio’s site for more information.

One positive result from the economic downturn we are facing in the US right now is the resulting questions. Not only are people starting to really look at ‘where’ they spend their money, or redefining ‘need’, or re-evaluating ‘who’ they can really trust, but some Christians are even starting to look at where they are storing their treasure. Most modern-day Christians rarely think about this kind of stuff. Not only do we not think about the material questions, even more importantly we do not think about the spiritual questions. Ryan Freeman has written an interesting and revealing blog post about one man’s attempt to view his priorities properly.

No Christian who takes their walk seriously, who has access to the Internet or news media, and who pays even the slightest attention to what these sources are reporting would deny American is gaining speed on its slippery slope into rank ungodliness. Thus it comes as no surprise to read the latest development which the new administration is pushing forward on stem cell research. Al Mohler shares some thoughts, concerns and comments in a recent blog post.

It seems there is a growing discontent among church attendees. We have spent the last decade and more making our churches ‘seeker-friendly’. As a result we have developed some very nice social clubs. At our club it is still legal to ‘talk’ about God, to use the word ‘Christ’ in a non-swearing format, and to hang the Ten Commandments on our wall. However strong biblical teaching, for the most part, has gone by the wayside. In fact, even more tradition, fundamental churches who ‘think’ they are preaching the truth do little more than skim the surface - serving watered down ‘milk’ at every meal. With this in mind I particularly appreciate Josh Harris’ highlight of John Piper’s comments and Martin Luther’s extremely pertinent quote in his April 7^th blog post.
Second class citizens? Is that what Paul called women? Is that what God intended when He made women ‘equal’ in access but did not allow them to usurp authority over men? Or, was this His gracious design - for our good and His glory? Not according to a recent USA Today religion opinion article. Here author Mary Zeiss Stange besmirches the Roman Catholic, SBC, and Mormon churches for their censor of women in leadership. She closes with these remarks: “It is a truth so familiar as to have become cliché: Women are the driving force behind organized religion. They fill the pews, they bring their children into the fold. The Pew data help make sense of these facts. But the same data highlight the cruel irony that in far too many religious contexts in this country, women remain second-class citizens.” (http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/03/do-women-have-a.html#more)

Senior moments. At the moment we cringe. Afterward we laugh. However, few stories have us rolling on the floor. This is one. Don’t miss this story on Carolyn McCulley’s blog.

Pastors are people, too. Sadly we often either put them on a pedestal or treat them with less respect than they deserve. While we tend to think highly of popular ministers, CJ Mahaney has given us an inside look at several godly yet not-so-famous pastors. Take a look at the Sovereign Grace Blog

Do you read your Bible? Do you read it regularly? Do you have plan? Do you give any thought to how you Bible read? Too many people go about Bible reading like they go about reading a magazine. A friend posted a thought-provoking look at this subject. Check this out.

How would you like to attend the National Day of Prayer in Washington DC? Two tickets. Free. Check it out on the Boundless blog.
We are far too quick to judge on outward appearances. However, even cynical Simon had an eye-opening experience recently on “Britain’s Got Talent”. This video is a delight to the ears and a reminder we are is a LOT more than what we look like. http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92464

Have you ever wondered how to find God’s will for your life? Have you ever wished God would open up the window of heaven and point in a direction? Have you ever wished for direct insight into what was the ‘right’ choice? Both Tim Challies and Josh Harris give positive reviews to Kevin DeYoung’s new book, “Just Do Something”. If you want wise, simple to understand instructions for determining God’s will, this book sounds like the perfect fit.

Have you ever wished you could grab a quick, inspiring, convicting computer-bite? Next Webzine offers thought provoking articles by committed Christians. Take a peak.

The church has become largely irrelevant in today’s society. Thus it comes as no surprise when so-called ‘Christian’ teenagers decide they’ve outgrown their need to attend. While you may think you will never face this situation, if you still have children at home - don’t ‘count your chickens before they hatch’. On the other hand, if you are looking for sound, biblical advice RC Sproul has some comments to help you down this stone-strewn path.

A friend recently posted a thought-provoking, eye-opening, and if we are at all honest, convicting look at how we guard our eyes. I challenge you to consider her thoughts.

Al Mohler’s recent blog response to President Obama’s recent comments about Islam puts things back into prospective. If you are not sure what you think about Islam, I encourage you to read this piece.

Easter. Again we celebrated our Lord’s resurrection. Sometimes, however, I fear we fail to realize the cost before the crown. If you have ever felt this way, read this ‘Crucifixion Narrative’ by Pastor Rick Gamache. It will probably rough up your comfort zone a bit.

In a day and age when church members are dropping out like flies, real Christians are finding out what lukewarm Christianity and no doctrine produce. What should be the Christians response? Despair? Hopelessness? Frustration? Blame shifting? Surely, as real Christians we ought to turn to our guide book, God’s word, for direction.

Are you passionate for the church? Not the building, not your pastor, not your favorite group of friends - the body of Christ. Joshua Harris addressed this issue in 2005. His words ring even more true today. I encourage you to read this article.

If you have a Kindle, Amazon is offering a free download of the ESV Bible (not their study Bible).

As Christians throw off Biblical restraints, we become more and more like the world. One issue which continues to plague the church is modesty. While most of us recognize immodest dress, do we recognize immodest actions? Lydia Brownback addresses this topic in her recent article.

While the recession has at least brought Americans to the realization we are a people of debt living in a country of debt, we often fail to bring the message home. Owen Strachen has written a thought provoking blog based on a Wall Street Journal article. It is worth reading!

Do you have a minute? Have you ever thought about retirement? Here is a short, thought provoking audio clip from John Piper on Christians and retirement.

Here is an brief, yet excellent, rundown on the history of feminism in the church. Written by Carolyn McCulley, author of Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World, this article is insightful.

It seems few Christian parents put much stock in their Christian heritage. However, a growing interest in learning about our Christian history has led to more parents exposing their children to our rich Christian heritage. Corresponding with the increasing interest, several publishers are coming out with quality biographies about key figures in the church’s history. Reformation Heritage Books has produced several biographies to children ages 7 to 10. This quality books are colorful and well written.

Are you in need of a good daily devotional? Christian Audio offers free podcasts of Charles Spurgeon’s morning and evening. This twice daily devotional is an excellent tool and a great encouragement. Check it out.

Today’s Christian suffers from a lack of relevant understanding of God’s word. Were we to understand, our lives would change. Because we remain ignorant (by choice or situation) to the doctrines contained in Scripture - the gospel - Christianity only lightly impacts our lives. Josh Harris is recommending the book, “The Biblical Gospel” by D.A. Carson as an educational source to fill in the gaps in our understanding. For a taste of the book’s contents, check out this link to Amazon’s peak at 10 pages from the book’s interior.

Here is a valuable treat for those who, like me, have benefitted greatly from the teaching and ministries of Ligonier Ministries and R.C. Sproul. This link will take you to a list of videos from Ligonier’s most recent conference.