As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
“scientists at the University of Illinois have embarked on an ambitious project to map, using computers, a complete simulation of a ‘minimal cell.’ At 493 genes, the lab-made cell they’re mapping contains far fewer genes than even the simplest natural organism. But the challenge is still proving to be steep.” - Breakpoint
“Quietism is the tendency to dismiss political affairs as thoroughly evil and to avoid participating in them as much as possible….Triumphalism is the tendency to make political affairs central to the Christian life.” - TGC
“In many cases, sin does express itself in shocking debauchery—but most often it expresses itself in more invisible or easily justifiable ways of ‘walking in the flesh.’” - Russel Moore
In the NT: “a unique connection between the Holy Spirit and joy…. ‘rejoiced in the Holy Spirit’ (Luke 10:21) … ‘received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit’ (1 Thessalonians 1:6–7)…. ‘the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 14:17).” - Desiring God
Scott Aniol has written a thought-provoking article that merits careful consideration: “Stop Singing Hillsong, Bethel, Jesus Culture, and Elevation.”
“According to an analysis of more than 91,000 sermons from FaithLife, users …. Other topics, however, saw significant increases in the past year: Eschatology (six times more popular) Grace (four times more popular) Family and children” - Lifeway
“In a culture that values authenticity and prioritizes feelings, telling someone to ‘be grateful’ can sound a lot like cheap pop psychology…. However, plenty of studies suggest that being grateful is far more significant to our mental health and well-being that we may realize.” - Breakpoint
“With the publication of an anniversary edition, containing a new preface and afterword by Noll, I asked various scholars across institutions to reflect on the book’s significance and ongoing relevance for the church today.” - TGC
“Under the bill, school principals would have seven business days to review complaints from parents that a given book is obscene and ‘lacking in serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.’” - C.Index
“Conservatives quickly memed Jackson, portraying her refusal to answer the question as clear indication of progressive nonsense. After all, anyone should be able to define what a woman is. The only problem with this, of course, is that we’ve struggled to define what a woman is for thousands of years.” - Hannah Anderson
“Samaritan’s Purse, Graham’s humanitarian relief organization, is pushing farther east and plans to open a second emergency field hospital in Ukraine by this weekend.” - RNS
In Psalm 98:4, God’s people are called to crank up the volume of congregational praise:
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth into joyous song and sing praises! (ESV).
I’d like to offer a brief exposition of the key terms employed, followed by some practical observations.
The Psalmist employs three expressions in verse 4 that call for exuberant praise.
Mental problems. Mental illness. Chemical imbalances. Environmental concerns affecting the brain and body chemistry. Human responsibility. Sin. Societal norms. Dysfunctional people from dysfunctional families. Seasonal depression. Anxiety. Bi-polar. Borderline personality disorder. Wisdom/foolishness. Schizophrenia. Co-dependency. Heredity. Environment. DNA altering foods and chemicals. Autism. Side effects. Chemical dependency. Addiction. Social anxiety. Brain injuries. Genetic (race) memory. Trauma. Phobias.
“A federal judge in Texas is barring the Navy from taking action for now against sailors who have objected to being vaccinated against COVID-19 on religious grounds.” - RNS
Nanci died Monday after battling cancer since 2018. - C.Leaders
“What was the crucial difference between this case and the unanimous… 2012 Hosanna Tabor decision in which the court upheld the ‘ministerial exception’ concept, allowing religious groups to take doctrine into account when hiring and firing employees?” - GetReligion
“in 22 of 250 U.S. metropolitan areas, women under the age of 30 earn the same amount as or more than their male counterparts” - Pew
“The move… comes less than a week after Hillsong founder Brian Houston resigned as Global Senior Pastor. Houston faces misconduct complaints, as have pastors at Hillsong New York City and Hillsong Dallas (which is now shuttered).” - C.Leaders
“…Lifeway’s director of Bibles and reference, said the sales milestone is rare for new translations. Lifeway Christian Resources’ publishing arm, B&H Publishing, released the CSB in March 2017 as a significant revision of the Holman Christian Standard Bible” - BPNews
I have been observing former students, classmates, and friends deconstructing their faith for years. I have been grieved, puzzled, and angered (at the Evil One) at the loss of once-professing brothers and sisters in Christ. By “deconstructing,” I mean they have turned against their former profession of faith and have denounced Christianity. Some of these can be rescued and some cannot (for reason #10). I will be unpacking each of these over the next ten Fridays. Comments, input, and corrections are welcome.
“28% say it has had an equal mix of positive and negative effects and just 7% say it has had a mostly negative effect” - Pew
“Reading my Bible on an iPhone is like kissing my wife through a screen door.” - C.Leaders
“ ‘Pastor, are vaccines the Mark of the Beast.’ This was a sincere question from a church member about a year ago. My answer was definite. ‘No, vaccines are not the Mark. Believers will KNOW what it is when it comes.’” - P&D
“The legislation defines ‘sex’ as the ‘biological, physical condition of being male or female, determined by an individual’s genetics and anatomy at birth.’” - C.Post
“The Budget provides $3.2 billion in discretionary resources for State and local grants, and $30 billion in mandatory resources to support law enforcement, crime prevention, and community violence intervention” - N.Review
“It’s a verse every Christian believes in until he suffers some great wrong…. it’s just then that the words seem to transform from clear to opaque” - Challies
“Scott Stripling, director of the Archaeological Studies Institute at The Bible Seminary in Katy, Texas, announced the discovery of the lead tablet Thursday (March 24). He said it could push back the written record of the name “Yahweh” a couple of centuries earlier, to at least 1200 B.C. and perhaps as early as 1400 B.C.” - RNS
“The new front door to your church is probably your online worship service. For many, the first time they encounter your congregation will be through a video.” - Lifeway
