Discipleship
Ten Atonement Songs You Should Consider Singing
By Bob Kauflin | 9Marks Journal: The Heart of the Gospel: Penal Substitutionary Atonement | 08.20.2019We will never have enough songs to extol the glory of the Lamb who was slain to purchase our salvation.
Why Penal Substitutionary Atonement Matters for Counseling
By Patti Withers | 9Marks Journal: The Heart of the Gospel: Penal Substitutionary Atonement | 08.20.2019As counselors, we must help our counselees see that because of Christ’s substitutionary atonement they can have relief from guilt and shame, a proper view of forgiveness, and access to the Father.
Nothing To Be Ashamed Of: Penal Substitutionary Atonement In Honor-Shame Cultures
By A. Samuel, A. Sequeira | 9Marks Journal: The Heart of the Gospel: Penal Substitutionary Atonement | 08.20.2019Penal substitution offers a helpful corrective to those living in an honor-shame culture, and helps them rightly understand their status before God and what God has done for sinners in Jesus Christ.
Your Church Needs More Time for Personal Testimonies
By Dustin Crowe | 08.19.2019We should consider implementing personal testimonies—the practice of remembering God’s wondrous works and celebrating his mighty deeds in our lives and churches.
Book Review: 7 Myths About Singleness, by Sam Allberry
Review by Rachel Ware | 08.15.2019In response to a culture that celebrates singleness for all the wrong reasons and a church that can sometimes undermine its value, 7 Myths of Singleness uncovers the surprising blessings and challenges of singleness lived for the glory of God.
3 Ways Baptism & the Lord’s Supper Ought to Shape our Monday through Saturday
By Sam Emadi | 08.12.2019For too many Christians, baptism and the Supper are exclusively about personal professions of faith, and personal expression of one’s obedience to Jesus.
One Way to Use “American Gospel” in Your Church
By Philip Van Steenburgh | 08.02.2019Recently, our church partnered with two other local churches to host an event using the documentary film “American Gospel: In Christ Alone.” Our goal was to communicate the gospel clearly, especially on key points where the true gospel has been confused with moralism, Catholicism, and prosperity movements so prevalent inside and outside the church.
Mailbag #87: Are there Qualifications for Serving in the Church? . . . What Should a Congregation Vote On?
By J. Kurz, R. Johnson | 07.26.2019— Does the Bible specify qualifications for serving in the church? — What matters should a congregation vote on?
Book Review: Parenting with Words of Grace, by William P. Smith
Review by Nick Dorsey | 07.25.2019Parenting with Words of Grace is an enormous help for believers fighting the war of words and tasked with shepherding young hearts.
Confessing Sin Is Always Awkward, Sometimes Costly, and Absolutely Worth It
By John Lee | 07.22.2019It’s true. Confession could cost your reputation. It could result in an awkward conversation. But freedom in the gracious, holy light of God is priceless.
Book Review: Unreconciled
Review by Jeremy Meeks | 07.18.2019Jeon’s short book has some helpful insights on community and reconciliation based on principles found in Philemon. It may provide thought provoking material for those who desire to see reconciliation take place in their own relationships or in their church in general.
Mailbag #86: Considering the Danger, Should Muslim-Background Believers Be Baptized . . . My Friends Who Want to Be Pastors Think Polity Is Boring. How Can I Help Them?
By A. Menikoff, A. Duty | 07.12.2019— Should we encourage Muslim-background believers to be baptized, even when it endangers their lives? — My friends want to be pastors. But they have no interest in polity. How can I help them see its importance?
7 Well-Meaning Objections to Church Discipline — And How Pastors Ought to Respond to Them
By C. Greggsen, S. Emadi | 07.05.2019Let’s briefly consider some of the “good-faith” objections to discipline we’ve encountered and how we try to help church members understand the theological principles undergirding discipline.
Two Reasons a Church Shouldn’t Have Multiple Gatherings
By Kyle Schwahn | 07.01.2019I’ve pastored my church for over twelve years. We’ve always had two morning services, and I never gave them much thought. Until . . .
Mailbag #85: Should I Baptize Young People in My Congregation? . . . Is Intinction a Biblical Practice?
By B. Johnson, J. Rinne | 06.28.2019—How should pastors think about baptizing young people? — Is the practice of intinction biblical?
