Is Living Together Before Marriage Really a Sin? by Daniel Darling

The short answer is yes. But, for a detailed biblical explanation that includes practical reasons for not living together, read this article by Daniel Darling. “Our bodies aren’t autonomous. We belong to our Creator. We’re not our own. What’s more, we’re indwelled by God’s Spirit as his temple (1 Cor. 6:15–20). So sexual activity outside marriage is a serious sin against God. It’s not unforgivable. It’s not beyond God’s redeeming and restoring grace. But what we do with our bodies matters to God, and if we’re committed to following Jesus, we’ll be committed to following his plan for our lives, including sex.”

Have You Lost the Ability to Think Deeply? by Lydia Kinne

I don’t want to fall prey to brain rot! That said, this article motivated me to delete some social media apps, pick up a book, and start reading. “We may have gradually and unintentionally adopted our culture’s entertainment habits, but we can purposefully create our own culture of discipline and deep thinking. Proverbs 1:5 implores us, ‘Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.’ Our society desperately needs more people who can think wisely, discern clearly, and guide the next generation in God’s truth. It sounds like a big task, but it can start with something as small as turning off the TV and picking up a good book.”

What “Christmas Spirit” Should Actually Mean by J.I. Packer

The great doctrine of the Incarnation of the Son of God encourages Christians to live humble lives marked by sacrificial service. “The Christmas spirit does not shine out in the Christian snob. For the Christmas spirit is the spirit of those who, like their Master, live their whole lives on the principle of making themselves poor—spending and being spent—to enrich their fellow men, giving time, trouble, care, and concern, to do good to others—and not just their own friends—in whatever way there seems need. There are not as many who show this spirit as there should be.”

Take Heed Lest You Fall into an Affair by Alan Nobile

Unfortunately, due to our sinful nature, Alan Noble’s warning is necessary. That said, you should read and take heed! “In the past few years we’ve seen it happen to pastors and theologians and apologists and lay Christians who otherwise appear to live righteous, holy lives and who preach the gospel faithfully. It can happen to you and it can happen to me. So what are we to do?”

The Darkness Does Not Win by Kevin DeYoung

Be encouraged! The darkness DID NOT and WILL NOT overcome the light. “That baby was really born, to a real virgin, just as the prophets foretold. He lived. He died. He rose from the dead on the third day. He is coming again. We know that the darkness will not be victorious over the world, because it was not victorious over the One through whom the world was made. If God can summon light into existence when there was only darkness, surely he can send his light into the world with assurance of complete success, no matter how impossible the odds. For this is the miracle and the wonder of Christmas: The Light of the world was born in the darkness of night, as the Word of God lay in the manger unable to speak a syllable.”