9Marks

Abstract: Joel Kurz offers ten suggestions to help Christians make the most of Sundays for the sake of worshiping the risen Christ and fellowshipping with his people. The goal is not to make the day a burden or to enforce binding rules but rather to be intentional about delighting in the Lord’s Day and the weekly gathering. Instead of allowing Sunday to be overrun with other priorities and activities, Kurz urges us to use this day for the glory of God.

Abstract: Trevor Gilbert reviews Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaim Life in a Digital Age, a resource from The Gospel Coalition and Crossway that includes a multitude of contributors. This book addresses the issue of digital media from a biblical worldview, highlighting various ways that this digital environment endangers and impoverishes Christian discipleship.

Abstract: Sam Emadi traces the theme of humanity’s role as a priest-king across the storyline of the Bible to show how God’s original purposes in creation relate to the privileges and responsibilities of church membership under the New Covenant. Because believers belong to Jesus, the priest-king who was perfectly faithful, they now serve as a royal priesthood in and through their local church. And every Christian has a part to play.

Abstract: Taylor Hartley reflects on John Calvin’s meditations on God’s wrestling with Jacob in Genesis 32:22–32 and applies it to the suffering that pastors face. Though it may sound jarring to identify God as the one who brings suffering into our lives, he does this to test his people, as he did with Jacob. The good news for the Christian, though, is that the God with whom we “wrestle” also supplies the strength we need in this fight.

Abstract: Derek Fekkes identifies nine truths his church should be able to agree on related to God’s sovereignty in salvation. Though many in his congregation do not hold to the doctrines of grace, Fekkes wants the entire church to be united in the gospel and in a biblical view of God, even when it humbles them. Regardless of how one views the particular details of these doctrines, all Christians should be able to agree that God alone deserves glory for his grace in salvation.

Abstract: Stephen Brucker offers counsel and encouragement for pastors who face difficulties in parenting. Based on his own experience as a parent, Brucker encourages pastors to take comfort in God’s presence with them, the ordinary means of grace, the community of God’s people, the personal ways God is using their difficulties, and the hope of heaven. Pastors and all Christians can persevere faithfully through every trial in light of God’s grace in Christ.

Abstract: Sam Emadi traces the theme of humanity’s role as a priest-king across the storyline of the Bible to show how God’s original purposes in creation relate to the privileges and responsibilities of church membership under the New Covenant. Because believers belong to Jesus, the priest-king who was perfectly faithful, they now serve as a royal priesthood in and through their local church. And every Christian has a part to play.

Abstract: Michael Lawrence shares about his experience of pastoring while dealing with an acute mental health illness in his immediate family. Lawrence sensed his weakness and limitations during the crisis, yet this was the very place where God met him with his sustaining grace. He offers suggestions to other pastors walking through family turmoil, encouraging them to acknowledge their weakness and, as they’re able, to embrace God’s gift of fellow elders who can care for them and the church.

Abstract: Pastor Aaron Menikoff writes a letter to his church with ten questions to ask before using AI. As in every area of life, Christians should want to know what the Bible teaches when it comes to our use of AI. Regardless of where we land on specific questions, our aim in using (or not using) AI should be to glorify God and fulfill his purposes for us as those who are made in his image and redeemed through Christ.

Abstract: Garrett Conner reviews Dave Kiehn’s book Pulling the Thread: A Pastoral Philosophy on Church Revitalization and highlights sevearl of the book’s strengths. Kiehn’s book prompts pastors to reflect on their own spiritual health and approach to ministry, and he encourages them to consider how their relationships within the church affect their ministry. Pastors will be emboldened to address difficult issues related to deacons, elders, and gospel partnerships.