A Call to Contentment

Endorsements

I was honored to receive endorsements from the following people:

It must have been providential that I was asked to write a blurb for this book. It must have been providential that the book came to my inbox while I was stranded for days on a little island far from home. It must have been providential that at the time I would most be tempted to grumble and complain about my circumstances, I had already set aside the time to read it. But certainly it was the right book at the right time. And I’m quite certain it will prove to be the same for you.
Tim Challies
Author of Seasons of Sorrow

The Apostle Paul declares that contentment must be learned(Phil. 4:12), and David Kaywood’s book has much to teach us about this rare jewel that is worth learning about. In our restless world we need to find rest in the One who alone can satisfy. I was encouraged by this book to do just that. I recommend it.
Bill Kynes
Retired pastor and Council member, The Gospel Coalition;
Senior Fellow for Pastoral Theology at the C.S. Lewis Institute

Most Christians see the way our culture has refashioned certain sins into virtues. We notice, for example, when old words like sexual immorality become seen as virtuous self-expression. But have we noticed the shift with discontentment? Rise and grind, we’re told. Never be satisfied. Have at least one side hustle, maybe two. I’m thankful David Kaywood not only sounds the alarm in A Call to Contentment, but he also offers a way out of our frothy mess of anxiety into the calm of godly satisfaction.
Benjamin Vrbicek
Pastor, Community Evangelical Free Church; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; managing editor for Gospel-Centered Discipleship

We have so much, but we still struggle to feel content. The solution isn’t more; it’s to discover and apply what Scripture teaches. That’s why I’m grateful for this book by David Kaywood. It’s biblical, insightful, and practical. My copy is full of highlights to review and apply; I’m sure yours will be too. It’s such a helpful book on a topic that really matters for God’s glory and the good of our souls.
Darryl Dash
Pastor, Grace Fellowship Church, Don Mills, Toronto;
author of How to Grow and Eight Habits for Growth

Convicting and practical! A Call to Contentment shines the light of Scripture on our generation’s besetting sin, exposing the many ways we become ensnared by discontentment and helping readers to understand, apply, and cultivate that sweet and precious attitude of Christ-honoring contentment regardless of life circumstances.
Reagan Rose
Founder of Redeeming Productivity

Paperback and Kindle

The book is currently available in paperback and Kindle. 

The post A Call to Contentment Releases Today appeared first on Gospel Relevance.

The answer is yes. God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Of course, the word “expensive” is subjective. A college student may think $500 is expensive, whereas a retired person who saved for decades may not notice that amount leave his bank account. When I say “expensive,” I mean purchases that are expensive in relation to your net worth, or purchases that are culturally recognized as luxurious or outlandish, such as large-sized boats, vacation homes, or a brand-new BMW. Again, subjective. But you can figure it out. 

My answer needs nuance. Besides answering the question in the affirmative, if I were to unpack this answer in a more sophisticated manner, I’d say something like this: Yes, it may be ethically permissible for you to buy expensive things as long as you: (1) Pursue godliness; (2) Give regularly to God’s kingdom purposes; (3) Share with others; (4) Devote yourself to good works (motivated by 1 Timothy 6:17-19). 

Is it Okay for Christians to Buy Expensive Things? 

1. Godliness 

If you’re not pursuing godliness through active local church involvement and grace-driven spiritual disciplines, then getting lots of money to buy expensive things may be the worst thing that happens to you because too much money and material possessions without godly character can draw your heart away from the Lord. 

On the other side, I don’t get concerned when Christians who take holiness seriously buy a five-bedroom home or a Tesla because I know they love the Lord more than material possessions.  They are mature in Christ. They can own expensive things without expensive things owning them. 

Still, Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Your heart follows your money. So if you buy expensive things too often, then your heart may slowly become too attached to them, even if you do have regular quiet time with the Lord. It seems prudent to suggest buying expensive things is ethically permissible, but it is probably not ideal to buy expensive things too frequently.

2. Give 

I recount the story of a seminary professor who pastored an upper-class congregation. He’d often get a variation of this question: “Should I tithe out of my gross income or net income?” His reply was blunt: “You should aspire to become the kind of Christian who doesn’t ask that kind of question.” 

His point, and the New Testament’s point, I think, is that financial giving to your local church and God’s kingdom purposes should not be restricted to a certain number in every season of life, but should be characterized by generosity and willingness. We pray, read Scripture, consider what we own, consider the needs around us, and give faithfully, regularly, and sacrificially to God’s kingdom purposes. 

Done for the right reasons, giving your (temporary) wealth builds (permanent) treasure in heaven. Let me remind you of Jim Elliot’s famous quote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” You don’t want to pass on this opportunity.

Giving your money to God’s kingdom purposes is a testimony to God that you love God more than money. It’s an act of worship. We’re saying, “Here, Lord. I love you more than this paper. You are the true source of my provision.” The best way to ensure money doesn’t become an idol in your life is by giving some of it away. 

3. Generous 

You can own expensive things, just make sure others get to enjoy them too. 

The early church ensured there were no needs among them (Acts 2:42-44). And Paul says, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches” (Galatians 6:6). The immediate context for those who preach, but from this text, we learn the principle of sharing. Can you host a poor person in your big, nice house? Can you take that lonely person in your church on your boat? Can you allow your pastor and his wife to stay in your vacation home for a week for free? 

Share your stuff with others. If you can’t, that’s a sign material possessions may be an idol in your life.

4. Good works 

If you want to make an evangelical nervous, mention the idea of good works. Good works are not the basis of salvation, but the evidence of salvation. It’s a neglected doctrine in our evangelical and Protestant churches. Study James, or the book of Titus especially, and you’ll find many references to doing good works. 

Of every category on this list, good works might surprise you. But it’s the one that ties everything together. 

Who could forget John Piper’s sea shells illustration, when he publicly rebukes a couple who desired to spend their retirement collecting sea shells. It’s not wrong to collect sea shells, though. A grandparent can enjoy collecting sea shells on the beach with his or her grandchild. It is wrong, however, to dedicate your life exclusively to leisurely activities and not to good works.

Once I was on a plane traveling from Florida to the Midwest, and my neighbor on the plane told me her boyfriend from a different state was moving to Florida, and they were going to spend their lives sailing. She was 50 or so, and I’m assuming financially independent. I don’t remember for how long, but it seemed like this would be a main pursuit for the rest of her life. 

From a Christian perspective, you can go sailing, go to Italy, and take a year-long sabbatical for a restricted period, but not for the rest of your life. At some point, you have to get off the boat, return from Italy, and finish the Sabbatical. It’s time to start doing good works again. 

As long as you’re breathing, God has good works for you to do (Ephesians 2:10).  The Christian in this life should never completely and entirely be absorbed in leisurely activities. 

One of my go-to passages on money is 1 Timothy: 6:17-19. Paul teaches that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” As long as you are pursuing godliness, giving money away for God’s kingdom purposes, sharing your material possessions with others, and committing your life to good works, it seems you are a candidate to occasionally enjoy desired luxuries.

The post Can Christians Buy Expensive Things? appeared first on Gospel Relevance.

If you read a lot of books, you may become bored or fatigued to discover yet another book on a particular subject. I get it. But the average person doesn’t read as much as you do, nor do they have much knowledge of publishing trends. “Because we already have several good books on subject X, we do not need more books on subject X,” the logic goes. I will push back on this logic for the following reasons below. You may not agree with all my reasons, but hopefully, they will deeper your appreciation for books:

1. Most Christian books that are published today aren’t read 10 years from now. Or even five years from now, which is a sad thought for authors and potential authors. When I signed my book contract, the publisher told me they had great success with a book on a similar subject around 10 years ago. That book is still selling well. But they wanted an additional book for a new audience. That stood out to me. Every decade or so (or even sooner) we need a new batch of books on every subject to reach a new generation because every generation is culturally trained with different ways of thinking. Millennials and younger generations, for example, easily attribute credibility to younger people, which makes room for newer books by younger influencers.

2. People love new. Yes, I know the Bible is old and is the best-selling book of all time. But people love new: new books, new iPhones, new everything. A prospective reader may (wrongly) not be interested in a book published in 2006, but they will likely consider a book published last week. New assumes better. Not always true. But something is exciting about something new. Not everyone is a sophisticated or thoughtful shopper.

Further, a new book assumes that it is better than the previous ones because the author has read the previous books on the subject and he is pushing the argument further, and adding more value than previous volumes. Again, not always the case. But sometimes this is true.

3. Most Christians don’t know much about Christian authors and publishers. When people say we don’t need more books on a particular subject, they wrongly assume that most Christians have heard about the authors or books they think readers should already get on the subject. But in many cases, they have not.

4. People like to read multiple books on the same subject. If you’re like me, then when you want to do a deep dive on a particular subject, you like reading multiple books. Saying we don’t need more books on a certain subject because there are already a lot of books on that subject assumes comprehensiveness. Not every book on a subject says everything there is to be said on the subject. A different author may have a different personal experience or angle on the material that will add additional value and thus further the conversation. Also, learning from authors with varying writing styles aids learning.

5. Someone can write a better, more valuable, book. When someone says, “Do we really need another book on subject X?” without even reading the newest book on the subject, it assumes that a new author cannot possibly write a better, more valuable book. We get emotionally attached to our favorite books and put them into our self-made hall of fame category, and even get defensive when someone dares think he or she can top the book. I’m glad J.C. Ryle’s Holiness did not stop R.C. Sproul from writing The Holiness of God, and I’m glad those two volumes didn’t stop Kevin DeYoung from writing a book on the same topic, many years later.

6. It assumes knowledge of what God may want to do. Ultimately, Christian books are a ministry, so to assume we don’t need more books on a subject, assumes you know what God has in mind for a particular book, author, or subject. Who knows what God may want to do with another biblically edifying book on a subject even if a previous book on the subject is widely recognized.

Saying we don’t need more books on a subject because there are a couple of really good books on them already is like saying we don’t need new church plants because there are already a couple of really good churches there. Church planters should be strategic, and so too should authors, but that does not negate another book or another plant. Let us remember the wise man’s words: “Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes. 12:12)

The post Why We Always Need More Books on Every Subject appeared first on Gospel Relevance.

Before I give you the list, a couple of comments.

For some of the books below, I did not read every word, but I read enough of the book to include it on the list. For example, number four is a 500+ page exegetical commentary on the Gospel of Mark. Did I read every single word? No, but I read the sections when it was my turn to preach on Mark, and it was extremely helpful to me.

Not every book was published in 2023.

Don’t put too much stock in the ranking. Had I written this post on a different day and in a different mood, I’m sure I would switch the order around. I encourage you to simply check out all the books and see if anything interests you. If memory serves, some of the books may have arrived in a previous year, and perhaps I read a few sentences or scanned them, but didn’t seriously read the contents until this year.

My Top 10 Books of 2023

10. Once for all Delivered: A Reformed, Amillennial Ordination Paper for the Evangelical Free Church of America by Benjamin Vrbicek 

I very much enjoy Benjamin’s writing and I also like reading good, sound theology. Benjamin and I both serve in the same denomination. His ordination paper was so good he turned it into a book. 

9. Rhythms of Grace: How the Church’s Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel  by Mike Cosper

A helpful book for corporate worship. Helped me to see how the metanarrative of Scripture — creation, fall, redemption, consummation — should affect our corporate worship service. 

8. Does God Care about Gender Identity? by Samuel D. Ferguson 

I’m not good at reading books on cultural issues. I’m pietistic and doctrinalist at heart. As a pastor, I can’t remain ignorant and oblivious to cultural issues, but I don’t necessarily want to read a super long book either. Enter this volume: very short, well-written, concise, but still useful and biblical.

7. A Life of Gospel Peace: A Biography of Jeremiah Burroughs by Phillip L. Simpson

I still need to finish this biography, but what I read has been edifying. Burroughs is one of my favorite Puritans. I tried to keep this book as my “Saturday night read,” something meaty and edifying to prepare my heart for corporate worship. It proved effective in that manner.

6. Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road by Tim Keller 

If I can, I want to read all of Keller’s books. This book gave me a deeper heart for the poor and a desire to want to do more in the area of mercy ministry.

5. The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis, Michael Graham, Ryan P. Burge 

I listened to this book on Audible while driving. I have some questions about the research and how the authors came to their statistical conclusions. There were, especially at first, a lot of sweeping stats mentioned. Those comments aside, the content taught me more about why people de-church. It was helpful to me, even if the reasons and conclusions were sometimes surprisingly very simple. 

4. Mark (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Mark Strauss

We are currently preaching through the Gospel of Mark. Per usual, I am using several resources. This commentary has proved to be the best one. I was not too impressed with the Zondervan exegetical format, but this commentary changed my views on the series. It is ideal for a preacher because not only does it give you sound exegesis from the original language, but it also gives you the text’s main point and application points. The insights on Mark’s Gospel are superb. If you are planning to preach through Mark, get this commentary.

3. Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel Earley  

I love all things habits, productivity, and routines. So it’s no surprise that I enjoyed this book. The author is vulnerable, accessible, and practical. There are habits in this book that I am using with my family. For example, before we eat dinner, we light a candle and say “Christ is light.” If you are a parent with young kids, you will enjoy this best-selling book.  I need to re-read some of the sentences I have underlined.

2. The Vanishing American Adult: Our Coming-of-Age Crisis–and How to Rebuild a Culture of Self-Reliance by Ben Sasse 

A mentor recommended this book. And then someone I know said this book was so good he read it twice. Lo and behold, I now see why I received a recommendation from two people who don’t know each other. This book is excellent. Again, if you are a parent, you will find lots of wisdom for your children in this volume. 

1. Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin Hansen 

I love Tim Keller. This book is such a wonderful account of all of the influences in Tim Keller’s life. It gave me a deeper respect for Keller. I also loved the quotes in the book from Kathy; they were edifying and humorous. If you have benefited from the ministry of Tim Keller, you will benefit from this book. And if you read this book, it may cause you to stop and consider all the people and influences that have shaped you into the person you are today. 

My Top Books from Previous Years

If you’d like to see my top ten books from previous years, you can do so by clicking here.

The post My Top 10 Books of 2023 appeared first on Gospel Relevance.

According to Scripture, what is hell like? What follows is not a biblical theology on hell, but rather a description of hell from just two words from Jesus: “Unquenchable fire” (Mark 9:43). From these two words alone, we can extract the following:

Hell is real.

Jesus spoke more about hell than he spoke about heaven, and he spoke more about hell than any other person in the Bible. Hell is a real, physical place. It’s not fictional. It’s not hyperbole. It’s not some mystical nightmare. It’s a real, conscientious place of eternal torment for those who reject God. Jesus speaks of hell as the “unquenchable fire,” and there is no falsehood in Jesus.

As many biblical resources will point out, the word for hell used in this passage is the word Gehenna. It points to Isaiah 66:24, which describes the eternal fate of those who reject God. The word Gehenna, translated as “hell,” comes from the word Hinnom, meaning the “valley of the [son of] Hinnom.” This was the valley on the southern side of the city of Jerusalem, which in the Old Testament was tragically used for human sacrifices. King Josiah, one of the good kings, ended it (2 Kings 23:10). But the place came to be used for dumping garbage, and consequently, fire burning the garbage. In the intertestamental time (between Malachi and Matthew), it became known as the place of divine judgment. So when Jesus uses the word “hell,” his listeners receive a culturally understandable graphic to understand what he means. He’s talking about a real place. 

Hell is eternal.

“Unquenchable” removes the possibility of the torment of hell being alleviated. It is crucial to understand hell as eternal. Interestingly, some of the heretical views opposing hell don’t attack the reality of a painful afterlife for those who reject God, but they reject that this painful afterlife lasts forever. Purgatory is one such example. Broadly, purgatory is a belief that insists some people go to a place of suffering when they die for a while, but are eventually released. But the word “unquenchable” removes the possibility of purgatory.

John Calvin states, “We are bound, therefore, to raise our voice to its highest pitch, and cry aloud that purgatory is a deadly device of Satan; that it makes void the cross of Christ; that it offers intolerable insult to the divine mercy; that it undermines and overthrows our faith.”

Others believe in something called annihilationism which maintains the idea that a human body can be annihilated in hell, and no longer feel pain. The well-respected John Stott believed annihilationism could be considered a possibility (although others say Stott believed in annihilationism). However, both purgatory and annihilationism do not have biblical warrant. Jesus dismantles the arguments for both with one word: “unquenchable.”

Hell is a place of unending torment.

In my denomination’s statement of faith, hell is described as “eternal conscious punishment.” The torment is a reflection of God’s majesty and glory which was not properly recognized by the unrepentant sinner on earth and is a demonstration of God’s justice. J. Warner Wallace says, “The loving nature of God requires justice if it is to be meaningful, and the justice of God requires punishment if it is to be fair.” Eternal conscious punishment magnifies the justice of God. 

Yet another heretical view on hell is universalism, which maintains that everyone is going to heaven upon death. Once I remember talking with someone about the afterlife, and she referred to the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 2 where Paul talks about every knee bowing and every tongue confessing the Lordship of Christ (Phil. 2:9-11).  If memory serves, this person’s translation of this verse teaches universalism. However, that’s not what Paul means. Instead, Paul is teaching that, in light of his finished work for God’s people, Christ has received status and authority that will be acknowledged one day by all people, not that all people are going to heaven. 

Responding to the Doctrine of Hell

How do we respond? I encourage you to watch your choice of words and never speak flippantly about hell. Don’t use the word “hell” casually when talking about football, work, or school. When speaking on hell, do so in a mature, thoughtful, and compassionate manner. 

Hell should make you lament those who are perishing apart from Christ. It should cause us to be zealous in evangelism and extremely compassionate to all people. God is never under obligation to be gracious or merciful. So if you have been the recipient of his grace, despite present difficulties, there should be a sense of inward joy and thankfulness in your life.

Paradoxically, the doctrine of hell can be comforting for God’s people. It’s a reminder that God’s justice will eventually be perfectly exercised, including unrepentant sinners who have caused us great personal harm. I recently had somewhat of a rough week which led to an MRI. But I studied Mark 9:42-50 deeply that week. The text encouraged me. Sure, it would be great to lose a few more pounds, have started saving earlier, and have better health. But hell is far worse than any undesired circumstance. Those in Christ have been rescued from hell forever, and that is a reason to express regular heartfelt thanks to God. 

What about unsaved loved ones? Perhaps you have shared the gospel with unsaved family and friends and prayed for their conversion, but have seen no fruit. You want so badly for them to turn to Christ, but you know that only God can save them. Surely, this is something to lament. But the verse that has encouraged me most over the years is Genesis 18:25: “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” Despite unanswered questions and the possibility of not seeing lost friends regenerated, we can find great comfort in God’s perfect justice and wisdom. 

The post What is Hell Like? appeared first on Gospel Relevance.

Ryken says:

What the Preacher “says about life’s best being an enjoyment of the basics—one’s work, meals, marriage” made Packer “want to laugh and cheer” because this is what he had felt all his adult life. The text “that runs most constantly around [his] heart is Ecclesiastes’s exit line—‘Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man,’ meaning everybody.”

I love Packer’s simple and realistic application of enjoyment from Ecclesiastes. It’s brutally honest, but also doable. No, you can’t have your deep longings always fulfilled in this life. But you also don’t have to be miserable all the time. Enjoyment is possible through simple means. 

We could possibly extract more ways to find enjoyment from Ecclesiastes than just meals, marriage, and work — but let’s stick with the list. Building on Packer’s observation, here’s how we could pursue enjoyment in a fallen world. 

Meals 

The most obvious application of how to derive enjoyment from food is to genuinely thank God for it. Most of us in the Western world don’t pray for our daily bread because we don’t think we need to, but centuries of Christians before us wondered about their next meal. It’s no small thing to have an abundance of food. Keep asking God for daily bread and provision even if you earn a good salary. Praying for provision has a way of increasing your thankfulness once you get it. Be thankful — genuinely thankful – that you have food to eat.

Be thankful for tastebuds, too. God could have ordained a world in which humans needed tasteless food for survival, but he didn’t. Our tastebuds point to common grace and the goodness of God. 

For years, people have told me I eat too fast. It’s true. I used to wear it as a badge of honor. I don’t anymore. It took me years to see the folly of eating too fast. Though breaking bad habits is hard, I try to eat slower and savor my food. If food is one of the best parts of life, then why rush? Savor your food by eating slower and reflecting on God’s goodness. Here’s how the wise man puts it: “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?” (Ecc. 2:24-25). 

Eat quality food. I get being on a rice and beans diet if you’re in your younger twenties and just got married. But as the numbers in your bank account grow, budget for high-quality ingredients. Live frugally in other areas of your life so you can spend more money on quality ingredients. Financial stewardship is important, but consider going out to eat here and there to enjoy your favorite foods. Although we want to avoid the sin of gluttony, as we practice self-control and eat good food, we can experience enjoyment in this fallen world.  

Marriage 

Some are called to singleness, and others are suffering through unwanted singleness. So I get that not everyone gets married in a fallen world. But if you’re married, you should see your marriage as an investment, a stewardship, as the most important relationship in your life. 

In his article, The Sandra Bullock Trade, David Brooks writes about the significance of a good marriage for personal happiness, providing an example from Sandra Bullock’s life. Brooks says:

Marital happiness is far more important than anything else in determining personal well-being. If you have a successful marriage, it doesn’t matter how many professional setbacks you endure, you will be reasonably happy. If you have an unsuccessful marriage, it doesn’t matter how many career triumphs you record, you will remain significantly unfulfilled.

Obviously, you shouldn’t idolize your spouse. And joy in Christ is possible during hard moments of marriage. But I suspect most married people would agree that a good marriage makes personal satisfaction feel more attainable.

Money, status, and vocational success won’t make up for a poor marriage. On the other side, you could be struggling financially with your spouse, live in a one-bedroom apartment, and have no sense of stability and establishment in your career, but if the marriage is great, you’ll have a sense of inner peace and joy. Who you marry is incredibly important; that person will have an inordinate amount of influence on your happiness in this world. 

Don’t take your spouse for granted. Don’t settle for a subpar marriage. Don’t blame everything on, “But I’m just too tired.” As best as you can, put the energy into your marriage required to thrive. Or as Ecc. 9:9 states: “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun” (Ecc. 9:9). 

Work 

Work is hard. It brings “thorns and thistles” (Gen. 3:18).  It can be so utterly frustrating and stressful that we desire to quit. And yet, work can be enjoyable. Too often we focus on what we accomplish and not on the process. We focus on the results of our work, and not the work itself. Instead of being fixated on how our work will be received, we need to simply enjoy the work for the work itself. 

If you are a writer, for example, you may stress about the numbers: Will this blog post get any traffic? Will my book win an award? Ecclesiastes teaches this is the wrong way to view your work. Since life in a fallen world means you have significantly less control over the results of your life than you may realize, enjoyment in work comes from the toil, not the results. The writer’s ultimate joy is the writing. 

Stop thinking about your success. Just enjoy the work as you do it. What Ecclesiastes teaches about joy and pleasure is frustratingly simple, yet relieving. Let’s repeat the wise man’s words:  “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God” (Ecc. 2:24). 

You may also like:

1. Work That Makes a Difference: An Interview With Dan Doriani

2. Some Practical Christian Marriage Advice for Newlyweds

The post How to Find Enjoyment in a Fallen World appeared first on Gospel Relevance.

1. Because it undermines the cross of Christ. If you can save yourself through rules, what’s the point of that blood-stained tree? 

2. Because it produces arrogance on behalf of those who seek rule-keeping as the basis for salvation. 

3. Because it produces shame and guilt for the recipients of legalistic oversight. 

4. Because it disregards the sufficiency of Scripture, thus making oneself, not Scripture, one’s ultimate authority and guide in life. 

5. Because it doesn’t produce the inner joy, peace, and satisfaction that true Christianity affords.

6. Because it makes Christianity seem like a scientific textbook to follow, as opposed to a personal, vibrant, joy-filled covenantal relationship with the Triune God. 

7. Because it motivates obedience through impure and wrong motives.  

8. Because it promotes self-justification and ultimately self-worship. 

9. Because it isolates various biblical pages, and translates them without regard to literary and historical context. 

10. Because it doesn’t place the beauty, majesty, and glory of God as one’s focus, but instead oneself. 

11. Because it promotes strict obedience to rules (according to the legalist’s personal interpretation) but not the spirit with which the rule is given.

12. Because it produces control, removing yourself from having to wrestle with the sovereignty and wisdom of God. 

13. Because it doesn’t seek holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit, but through one’s effort alone. 

14. Because it doesn’t promote the fruit of the spirit, but instead lifeless religion. 

15. Because it can lead to hell. 

Those are just a few that come to mind. 

The post 15 Reasons Why Legalism is Destructive appeared first on Gospel Relevance.

Of course, there is a time to be broad and vague. Most people don’t expect an 800-word blog post to be flooded with footnotes and thoroughly explained Bible texts in its historical and literary context. Billy Graham was famous for saying, “The Bible says . . . ” when preaching to the masses. Proof-texting is often rebuked by seminary-credentialed pastors and theologians, but this rebuke may be an overcorrection. Scripture is powerful, and sometimes quick, one-off statements about a biblical truth in certain contexts are appropriate.

But not with every medium. 

When engaging in long-form content, such as a theological book, you should show your readers the specific passages where you are making your arguments. This is also true for sermons, debates, lectures, and longish conversations with friends. Maybe not with every point. Don’t be cumbersome. Surely tone and style matter. But the most edifying long-form Christian content is when a believer explains, illustrates, and applies biblical passages according to the context in which they were written.  The Word is enduring, but not necessarily ideas outside of Scripture (although those ideas may be useful). 

As I read the book mentioned above, my experience is deficient because I don’t agree with some of the author’s conclusions, but I genuinely want to learn, and I’m very much open to being corrected. However, my learning process is stifled because the specific Bible passages are sometimes not listed when I need to engage with his ideas. I can easily think of Scripturally-based counter-arguments to his points, but we can’t engage because he doesn’t make his main points from specific texts. My learning process is cut short. 

Why do some Christian content producers not specifically quote Scripture when making biblical arguments? Embarrassingly, it’s because some don’t know Scripture well enough, which calls into question one’s credibility as a content producer. But this is certainly not the case with Mr. Bible Scholar. Sometimes writers are so familiar with a subject that they forget that normal folk don’t know what they’re talking about; they have a hard time connecting with average readers. It could also be laziness, carelessness, incompetence, assuming others will readily accept your argument, or simply not being convinced of the power of Scripture. 

On the flip side, you want to avoid carelessly and merely listing every Bible verse you know about subject X in the name of biblical fidelity. I once received a book in the mail in which the author copied and pasted several Scripture references together in multiple places in the book.  “This is going to be so effective because I’m quoting God’s Word,” he may have thought. And he should be commended for his zeal to include Scripture in his book. But style, tone, and organization matter in writing, and your readers can be unengaged with you, even if you mention a lot of Bible verses in your work. Just because you’re spiritual doesn’t mean you’re effective.

No, you don’t need Scripture in every YouTube video, podcast, or blog post. But when creating Christian content on a biblical subject, especially one in which there is disagreement, it seems best to show your points from specific Scriptural text and even show how other themes of Scripture relate to the texts you have chosen. 

I want your Christian content to edify others. By all means, show us your writing or speaking skills, and give us good advice, wisdom, and application. But if you really want to make a difference with long-form content, make your arguments appropriately from Scripture. 

The post The Need for Precision When Quoting Scripture appeared first on Gospel Relevance.

Some Christians bemoan, “But I just don’t get anything out of the church service.” Maybe so. But often when believers express these kinds of sentiments, it’s because we don’t personally prepare ourselves for worship. We think we can haphazardly enter a worship service and assume it will be engaging because it’s a spiritual activity. We assume it’s entirely on the leaders of the church to give us a good worship experience; if we don’t have one, it must be the pastor or the music leader’s fault. But this is not the case. 

There are practical and spiritual actions you can take to prepare your soul for worship to help you get more out of the service. If you find yourself wanting more out of your church’s worship services, then take ownership and consider doing the following:  

1. Steward your Saturday nights. Steward your Saturday nights well (assuming your church meets on Sunday mornings). Your Saturday night is not exclusively a time of self-indulgent and leisurely activity, but a time to start preparing yourself for the Lord’s Day. In the fall in the American South, many of us stay up late on Saturday nights to watch college football, often derailing our sleep (and attitude). At some point, turn the T.V. off, leave that party, and put your phone on silent mode. Enjoying Sunday worship starts on Saturday night. Be intentional about how you spend your time. And be extra sure to get a good night’s sleep. 

2. Read the sermon text in advance. A regular attender recently approached me after the service, stating that his action of reading the sermon text in advance helped him get more out of my sermon. It’s not hard to see why. By simply taking 5-10 minutes to read and meditate on the text your pastor is preaching in advance, you’ll position yourself to listen better. Maybe even read the footnotes in a study Bible as well. 

This will be easy to do if your pastor is preaching verse by verse through a book of the Bible. You can even personally study the book of the Bible your church is studying in your personal devotional time. By doing so, you’re already meditating on God’s Word. It will help you to feel more engaged during the sermon. 

3. Show up 15 minutes earlier than normal. I know. Not always doable with three kids. Sunday mornings can be rough for moms with children. As best as you can, show up 15 minutes early, that way you’re not rushed into the service. By showing up a bit early, you may even be able to personally connect with someone (which will refresh your soul) or serve (which will help the church). Don’t show up late. Don’t be in the lobby when the call to worship is announced. 

4. Have a devotional time on Sunday morning. You may think, I’m going to corporate worship, so I’m going to skip my personal devotional time. I advise against it. Although corporate worship is irreplaceable in your Christian walk, connecting with God through unhurried Bible reading and prayer before worship will help you prepare to worship with God’s people. You can also be intentional about praying for your pastor and your church during this time. 

5. Stay 15 minutes after the service. Don’t sprint to your car after the service! Make it your goal to connect with at least one person. As you consider ways to get the most out of the service, remember that, by connecting with someone you don’t know, or encouraging someone who is downcast, you display an attitude that reveals the entire morning isn’t about you. 

You may not be able to practice each one. That’s fine. But if you want to be more engaged with your church’s worship service, consider practical actions you can take. The practical and spiritual are sometimes interconnected. 

Of course, the Holy Spirit is the One who uses the word to build you up in your faith, but there are practical steps you can take to help you get more out of the worship service. 

Let me add a bonus one: remember that the service is not about you. Don’t put too much stock in your ability to remember the sermon points. You won’t like each song or every part of the sermon. Someone may rub you the wrong way after the service. Instead of thinking solely on what you are getting out of the service, focus your mind on the majesty of God, and less on yourself. If you do, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy your church’s service even more.

You may also like:

1. What Our Corporate Worship Services Need
2. What Does it Mean to Examine Yourself Before Taking Communion? 

The post On Preparing Yourself for Corporate Worship appeared first on Gospel Relevance.

Jake Meador: Thread on Twitter

If you only have time for one, pick this: “After about three days of this, I was feeling very low. Then near the end of the work day I logged into my email and saw an email from ‘Timothy J Keller’ and froze. Not sure I’ve ever been more petrified to open an email.”

D.A. Carson: Don Carson Pays Tribute to Tim Keller 

“Simply put, Tim loved and cherished his wife, and everyone knew it. They grew closer across the decades, and never more so than when Tim began to slide into his final illness. I am surely not the only one to whom Tim confided that during that illness, he and Kathy wept together more than they ever had and never loved each other more.”

Collin Hansen: I Met My Hero, Tim Keller

“I never heard Tim Keller speak a cross word about anyone else. Maybe that’s what you should expect from someone who spoke so many words about the cross” 

Tony Reinke: Back and Forth Exchange with Tim 

“Personal offense was never going to be a hangup for Tim Keller with truth at stake. A snapshot of the man we lost today, and the man I aspire to be.”

Michael Kruger: My Tribute to Tim Keller

“In sum, there are five words that mark the legacy of Tim Keller: genuine, strategic, persuasive, orthodox and winsome. Sure, these aren’t all the words that could be used to describe his ministry. I am sure there are many more. But they are five worthy words that should mark anyone’s ministry. And they are five words that I hope to strive towards in my own.” 

Ray Ortlund: I Thank God for Tim Keller

“Tim Keller is the first of the Christian giants of my generation whom we have lost. This is sobering. How much time do you and I have left for serving the cause of Christ? However long or short it might be for me, I know this: the statement my life makes will be truer to Christ because he gave me the privilege of being influenced by Tim Keller.”

Trevin Wax: Tim Keller Into the Sunset (1950-2023) 

“This morning Tim Keller died after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. It feels a bit like a great light has slipped beyond the horizon. It’s a sunset that has long been coming, and yet it still feels strangely sudden.”

Desiring God: Death Can Only Make Me Better: Remembering Tim Keller (1950-2023) 

“I want to play for you a sermon clip that comes to my mind on this day, celebrating his life, knowing he has passed into the presence of God and into God’s incredible, unspeakable joy that the rest of us are left longing for. Here’s Tim Keller, in 2013, answering this question: Where do we find courage for life’s scariest moments?” 

David Platt: David Platt Reflects on Tim Keller’s Influence on His Life

“As I grieve the loss of my brother in Christ, who now rejoices with our Savior after battling pancreatic cancer for three years, I praise God for his life, for his influence on the church and on countless people far from Christ, and for the effect of his life on mine.” 

The post A Collected List of Tributes to Tim Keller appeared first on Gospel Relevance.