A couple of kindle deals and some articles to start your week.
Once we see that books have this profound and mysterious power to transform us by allowing us to see the world through others’ eyes, we gain a new perspective on the fact that God’s special and redemptive revelation of himself and his work comes to his people through books.
When we read the Bible we are getting to see the world through the eyes of the human authors like Paul and Moses, for example. But also, thanks to the inspirational work of the Holy Spirit, in a creaturely way we are getting to see the world through God’s eyes.
Make Sunday Mornings Uncomfortable: Three Rules of Engagement at Church
We live a culture where seeking to be comfortable is a value, even as a church member. This article gives three reason why you should seek to be uncomfortable on Sunday morning at church. “This was one of many opportunities my husband Bryan and I have had to connect with not-yet-Christians inside our church building. We have very little else in common. I’m an extrovert; he’s an introvert. I’m from England; he’s from Oklahoma. I’m into literature; he’s an engineer. But God drew us together around a shared sense of mission, and Bryan recently expressed that mission in three rules of engagement at church. These rules make our Sundays less comfortable, but more rewarding. If you’re tired of comfortable, you might want to give them a try!“
Recommended Resources on Transgender
Transgender is one of the most prominent topics in cultural discussion and debate at the moment. It’s also one of the most complicated. Christians who want to partake in the conversation well must engage with theology, biology, psychology, philosophy and politics, all the while keeping in mind that this it is ultimately a topic about people created and loved by God many of whom are experiencing considerable distress. While society has moved very fast, Christians have been somewhat slower to understand and respond well. There are, however, a growing number of useful resources. Here are my top recommendations.
Poll: 27% of Millennials Say They Have No ‘Close Friends’
There is a mission field here for the church. “In fact, when asked about their own personal relationships the research found that 27 percent of millennials said they have no close friends. More than 20 percent said that they had no friends at all, and 30 percent said they don’t have a “best friend.”
Three Ways to Lay Down Your Privilege
In one statement, Jesus flips the world’s relationship with power upside down. Everyone who possesses power, in this world or God’s kingdom, possesses privilege. Those in the world use their privilege for their own benefit. Those of us in God’s family, however, have the privilege of laying down our power for the benefit of others.
Josue Aguilar 