The Sunday Reader: Vol. 1 | #44

Which Translation of the Bible Should You Memorize

Rev. Spotts answers a common question and shares tips to further your memorization.

Does a religious community need its own building to flourish?

Dr. Brian Lee at Christ URC, D.C., shared this with me. It describes how and why many D.C. congregations now intentionally use unconventional spaces for worship, as well as reasons why this trend is both positive and negative for the community.

Why Four Distinct Gospels?

In this brief excerpt, John Calvin explains the purpose of having not one, but four accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry.

Video: When Did Christians Begin Advent Celebrations?

When in history did the celebration of Advent begin in Christian churches? This short explanation tells how Advent arose around Christmas in the 4th century, and how Advent in history is different than Advent today. Ryan M. Reeves (PhD Cambridge) is Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader: Vol. 1 | #43

Do New Testament Authors Misquote the Old Testament?

Rev. Spotts shares a few insightful observations from Calvin and R.T. France on this common question.

A Different Kind of Profanity

This past Sunday evening, our sermon touched on Jas 5:9, which mentions the sin of grumbling. David Prince addresses how it is not only more pervasive than we might think, but also far more destructive. “In the Bible, grumbling is described as corrosive. A grumbling spirit never stays self-contained but begins to infect all aspects of life and thought with an entitlement worldview.”

Romans 7: The Mature Christians Struggle

A man struggling with cancer reflects on how the fight with disease is similar to how Christians ought to battle indwelling sin.

Top Ten Theological Stories of 2018

At least according to Collin Hansen of the Gospel Coalition.

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader: Vol. 1 | #42

How the Gospel Is Shining in Sun-Drenched Phoenix

The Gospel Coalition recently interviewed several pastors on what it’s like for them to serve in the Valley.

Should Christians Abandon Christmas?

Sinclair Ferguson provides what I consider a clear, concise, and cogent argument for why Christians are not only free to celebrate Advent, but should be encouraged to.

Becoming Better Readers (Text / Video)

Enough cannot be said for the importance of developing this skill for godliness. And every tip helps.

Seven Lessons for Evangelical Scholars in the Secular Academy

In terms of scholarship, Thomas Oden went the course of salmon, driving upstream against theological liberalism to historical Christianity. So, what can we learn from his longtime interaction with the academy?

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader: Vol. 1 | #41

Persuading Others of Perseverance

Rev. Spotts shares resources to help other Christians understand the sure hope of the Gospel.

When the Mission Field Comes To You

“Today there are far more Indian unbelievers in Canada than Canadian missionaries in India, more Chinese unbelievers in Canada than Canadian missionaries in China, and so on. And these numbers are not dissimilar to those in so many other world cities. A great change is afoot. What a time to be alive! What a time to preach the gospel!”

Lift Her Chin with Love

A helpful piece for (would be) husbands to help guide their wives into a biblical sense of self-image, one that celebrates Christ’s love and virtue being formed in women.

How apologetics can address six reasons why young people leave the church

This left me wondering how to better address these matters in our sermons and catechism classes.

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader: Vol. 1 | #40

Infographic: You Have More Time for Bible Reading than You Think

How long it takes average readers to finish different books of the Bible? Here’s a striking visual representation. Takeaway: “Do you have a spare 5 minutes in your day? Take up and read the book of Jude or maybe even Obadiah. Do you have 15 minutes? Read Ruth or Philippians. Do you have an hour? Immerse yourself in Nehemiah or Romans.” HT: Nicol P.

Why did Jesus say he wouldn’t drink wine again until the kingdom when he ate and drank other things?

In Mark 14:25, Jesus says he won’t drink of the vine until the Kingdom. But soon after drinks vinegar. So how do those fit together? Here’s an answer to one of those I-didn’t-realize-that-was-a-question questions.

Jesus Celebrates Hanukkah!

An archeological look back on the history and possible significance of our Lord’s participation in this intertestamental feast.

Free Book: The Story of Redemption

In case you missed it last week… Crossway is giving away digital copies of an overview of the whole Bible. Basically, each book of Scripture receives a 1-2 page summary connecting it with the Gospel and other major themes.

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader: Vol. 1 | #39

Free Book: The Story of Redemption

This month, Crossway is giving away digital copies of an overview of the whole Bible. Basically, each book of Scripture receives a 1-2 page summary connecting it with the Gospel and other major themes.

Cultural winsomeness will not be enough for Christians

“No amount of cultural sophistication or intelligence will absolve the Christian from being seen as a backward-thinking bigot.” An important reality check, especially for our younger members.

What Are the “High Places” in the Old Testament, and How Does That Apply to Us Today?

Randy Alcorn provides some biblical background and explanation for this recurring phrase.

The Tree of Life

So what’s the deal with the tree of life in Genesis? Patrick Fairbairn, an esteemed Scottish minister and theologian, provides his take.

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader: Vol. 1 | #38

Ten Things You Should Know About the Ten Commandments

Number six resonated with me in particular.

Apostasy and How it Happens

Sinclair Ferguson writes, “The solemn fact is that none of us can tell the difference between the beginning of backsliding and the beginning of apostasy. Both look the same. So what are the tell-tale signs of this sickness unto death? Are there early symptoms that might alert us to our spiritual danger?”

The Jordan Blockage Re-Examined

Following on last Sunday’s morning sermon, here’s an archeological overview of how some interpret the stopping of the Jordan river in Joshua 3. “We will never know exactly what means God used to accomplish His purposes that day in the spring of 1406 BC. … [But] the fact that the blockage occurred at the right place and at the right time clearly points to Divine intervention.“

Free Audio Book: Foxe’s Book of Martyrs

In case you missed it, Christian Audio’s free book of the month is Foxe’s Book of Martyrs read by Nadia May. There’s a selection of other classics for sale, including Nadia May’s wonderful reading of The Pilgrim’s Progress.

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.

The Sunday Reader: Vol. 1 | #37

Free Audio Book: Foxe’s Book of Martyrs

Christian Audio’s free book of the month is Foxe’s Book of Martyrs read by Nadia May. There’s a selection of other classics for sale, including Nadia May’s wonderful reading of The Pilgrim’s Progress.

How to Leave a Church

Too often, when people leave a church they either go out with a bang or vanish without explanation like ghosts. Neither is good for the Body. This post is good for all of us to read in case the day comes.

The Very Heart of the Reformation

R.C. Sproul gets at a fundamental difference in Protestant and Roman beliefs about our justification before God: “The Roman Catholic view is known as analytical justification. This means that God will declare a person just only when, under His perfect analysis, He finds that he is just, that righteousness is inherent in him. The person cannot have that righteousness without faith, without grace, and without the assistance of Christ. Nevertheless, in the final analysis, true righteousness must be present in the soul of a person before God will ever declare him just.”

Does Pornography Use Ever Justify Church Discipline?

Brad Wheeler of 9Marks offers a nuanced answer to this increasingly common problem. His list of questions to discern repentance is helpful.

ABOUT — The Sunday Reader shares articles we've found particularly insightful, thought-provoking, or edifying this week. While not always representing the views of our Pastors and Elders, these selections offer a mix of viewpoints to broaden and frame your understanding of God, Scripture, ourselves, and the world we serve in Christ's name.