Discipleship

Book Review: The Prayers of Jesus, by Mark Jones

Review by Ryan Troglin | 10.10.2019

If your prayer life needs a jolt of electricity, The Prayers of Jesus might just do the trick.

Open Your Bible, Bless Your Church

By Carrie Russell | 10.04.2019

Of course, studying God’s Word is always better than not studying his Word. But the best place to do this is with fellow members from your local church. 

Book Review: A Company of Heroes, by Tim Keesee

Review by Simona Gorton | 09.12.2019

What is the message of this book for you and your church? “Follow Christ. Lift up the cross!”

Book Review: J-Curve, by Paul Miller

Review by Mark Redfern | 09.05.2019

This life is the wilderness before the promised land, where temptations to grumble abound. This present sojourn includes a cross being placed upon our shoulders before the crown that one day adorns our heads.

The Necessity of Penal Substitution for Suffering Saints

By Whitney Woollard | 9Marks Journal: The Heart of the Gospel: Penal Substitutionary Atonement | 08.20.2019

The doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement keeps me sane and secure amid suffering.

Ten Atonement Songs You Should Consider Singing

Ten Atonement Songs You Should Consider Singing

By Bob Kauflin | 9Marks Journal: The Heart of the Gospel: Penal Substitutionary Atonement | 08.20.2019

We 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 | 08.20.2019

As 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 | 08.20.2019

Penal 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 | 08.19.2019

We 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 | 08.15.2019

In 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 | 08.12.2019

For 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 | 08.02.2019

Recently, 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 | 07.25.2019

Parenting 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 | 07.22.2019

It’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.