Weekly Wrap (26/05)

by Joel Hawting | @jhawting

Meet Zach Sobiech: The story of a man who was diagnosed with cancer and given only a few months to live. This video shows what he did with his remaining time on earth.

-------

Australia's Boom is Anything But for its Aboriginal People - Not a faith-based article but one which resonates with my heart for justice for all people. A great article highlighting the disparity in experiences between Aboriginal and Non-aboriginal Australians.

Wycliffe Bible Translations for Muslims - "Bible translations that avoid the phrase "Son of God" have proven successful among Muslims. But dismay by some missionaries and scholars recently led at least two denominations—including the three-million-member Assemblies of God—to threaten boycotts of Wycliffe Bible Translators unless it ended the practice." A interesting Gleaning from Christianity Today on this contentious issue.

Why Some Preachers Get Better & Others Don't - "No one denies that a preaching class and some coaching can help anyone become better. What we question is the possibility that someone with no natural giftedness and ability can be taught well enough that he can become really good." Hershael York offers some interesting reflections on the art of teaching people to preach.

Why Do Rookie Pastors Get Fired? - "I have a simple two letter answer. EQ. Or rather, the lack of it." A good, thought-provoking article.

Is Ministry Ruining Your Marriage? - "So, how do you keep church conflict from impacting your home life? The short answer is, you can’t. If you’re in church leadership, serious church conflict will, in various ways, impact your family life." An interesting article highlighting the importance of boundaries in cultivating a strong and healthy marriage.
-------

Thought for the day...

"Don't obey God to get things. Obey God to get God. He is your shield and your very great reward."

— Mike Pilavachi

Weekly Wrap (05/05)

by Joel Hawting | @jhawting

John Piper and Kevin DeYoung discuss in this video, the process of working hard towards holiness and the effort that is involved in developing a life that reflects Christ.

-------

4 Reasons Not To Homeschool Your Kids - This is an interesting article that is sure to stir up some conversation amongst many Christians who choose to home school their children. What do you think?

Love Your Neighbour: Even the Muslim Ones - "For many Americans, their knowledge of Muslims is what they see on television news rather than what they know from experience. Yet, forming a view of any group based solely on what one sees on the news is a bad idea.
When the Boston Marathon bombing occurred, many Americans were quick to assume it was the work of Muslim extremists, even before it was confirmed... Yet, far too many take it further, leading me to ask, why do some people assume that all, most, or even many Muslims must be terrorists?" Another brilliant article from Ed Stetzer that is worth reading more than once.

Are you Telling Lies When You Preach? - This is an interesting article by Ryan Hobbs which suggests the need for preachers to check the authenticity of stories that they use as sermon illustrations week to week. An interesting read.

A Father's Love - "When I was 16, my parents kicked me out of the house. They had tried everything. Nothing worked. And it got to the point where my lifestyle had become so disruptive to the rest of the household, that they were left with no choice but to painfully say, “We love you but you can’t continue to live this way and live under our roof." Tullian Tchividjian from the Gospel Coalition shares the story of his own father's love for him in this great post.

Antidote to Poison - "I was haunted by failure to the edge of suicide—and then came life." Ravi Zacharias shares his personal testimony in this blog piece. A very powerful and challenging read!
-------

Thought for the day...

"The power you need is not found In faith, but in WHOM you place that faith. Tiny faith in a big God gets big results."

— Rick Warren