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Article Roundup: Helpful Reads

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I’m the pastor of FBC Jackson in Jackson, Alabama. Each week, I post “Article Roundup: Helpful Reads,” sharing articles that I believe will benefit the saints who make up FBC Jackson and followers of Christ everywhere. Happy reading!

Dumb Will Do: Why Satan Doesn’t Need Heresy by Tim Challies

This is really good. Oftentimes, Satan’s assault on the church is subtle. “It struck me that day and has struck me often ever since that to harm a church, Satan does not need to make the worship services heretical. He does not need to replace truth with damnable error. He just needs to make the worship services dumb. He just needs to make them trite and vapid. He just needs to make them unserious. And eventually, the church will diminish in strength and decline in power and lose the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

Sin Makes You Stupid by Kevin DeYoung

Sin is irrational. It dehumanizes us. In other words, it makes us less like humans and more like beasts. “Sin doesn’t work by the rules of rationality. There is no rational calculation that can explain why men would throw away a lifetime of ministry faithfulness for a few moments of fleeting pleasure. The lusts of the heart do not submit to cold-hard facts. No one sets out on a sexual liaison because he weighed out the pros and cons of such behavior. Satan masquerades as an angel of light. He is a master at deceiving his servants, and sometimes we are masters at deceiving ourselves. You can count on it as an irrefutable law of fallen human nature: sin makes you stupid.”

Six Habits of Successful Bible Study by Jon Nielson

This will be advantageous for both beginners and seasoned readers of the Bible. “Developing these habits will help keep you on track in your study—paying attention to the text, avoiding rabbit trails, and doing everything you can to get the main point and the central application as God intended it. Let’s look at these habits.”

Male and Female Created He Them by Albert Mohler

Dr. Mohler commends Donald Trump for demonstrating courage and moral clarity through his recent executive order that prohibits biological men from participating in women’s sports. “President Trump knows that his orders will likely end up in court, and he seems to relish the possibility. He could have bought off his base with a policy that just pushed a bit against the activism. Let’s be honest. A more traditional Republican would have offered lip service and lit a candle. President Trump’s executive orders, thanks be to God, represent a blowtorch directed at the false gender ideologies.”

Ten Takeaways from the Life and Ministry of Jim Shaddix by David Platt

Dr. Shaddix was my preaching professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was an exemplary Christian man in the home, church, and academy. In this article, one of the men who knew Dr. Shaddix best, David Platt, reflects on his life. “I’m really looking forward to the day when I hug Jim again. On that day, I’ll join with many others praising God for eternity because we had the privilege of being one of Jim Shaddix’s children in ministry.”

Article Roundup: Helpful Reads

philipmcduffie Leave a comment

I’m the pastor of FBC Jackson in Jackson, Alabama. Each week, I post “Article Roundup: Helpful Reads,” sharing articles that I believe will benefit the saints who make up FBC Jackson and followers of Christ everywhere. Happy reading!

Your Phone Habits Aren’t Just About You by Trevin Wax

I’m so thankful for Christians who take the time to write articles like this. “What seems like an individual choice—taking selfies or curating an image—changes the experience for everyone else. We think our phone habits are personal, but when millions of people prioritize their screens over the world around them, the consequences ripple outward. When you divide your attention between your phone and the real world multiple times a day, you reshape not only your expectations but also the social fabric around you.”

Is Joining a Church as a Member Actually Necessary by Collen Hansen and Jonathon Leeman

In our non-commital age, we need to continue to stress the importance of joining a church as a member. “What exactly is church membership? Church membership is how we formally recognize and commit to one another as believers. It’s the thing we create by affirming one another through the ordinances. To offer a definition, church membership is a church’s affirmation and oversight of a Christian’s profession of faith and discipleship, combined with the Christian’s submission to the church and its oversight.”

Don’t Make Church About You by Erin Wheeler

We live in a self-consumed age, which has inevitably affected us, particularly how we believe a local church should function. “The Bible gives local churches a “vision” for what they should prioritize, particularly in corporate worship. Unfortunately, too many Christians develop their own personal vision statements and then impose them on the local church. We think the church exists to cater to our preferences or to give us a certain “feeling” or “experience” of worship. But corporate worship isn’t meant to cater to our desires. It’s just not about us.”

Gen Z, Fight ‘Brain Rot’ by Reading Books by Luke Simon

Read! Read! Read! Read! This applies to everyone, not just Gen Z. “Gen Z Christians have the chance to reclaim vision. Our generation is hungry for a worldview that can’t fit on a yard sign—one that offers clarity without oversimplifying and compassion without compromise. But pursuing that kind of depth means breaking free from distractions and resisting the pull of instant gratification. Phones may offer slogans that sell, but books give us wisdom that builds.”

U.S. Non-Profit Extracts American Missionaries from Haiti Violence by Christina Grube

It’s important to remember that we have fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are serving the Lord Jesus Christ in extremely hostile areas. “The Ennis family faced extreme danger while in Haiti. A local gang had decapitated a man outside the Ennis’ mission days before their rescue, Project DYNAMO wrote in a news release Tuesday.”

Article Roundup: Helpful Reads

philipmcduffie Leave a comment

I’m the pastor of FBC Jackson in Jackson, Alabama. Each week, I post “Article Roundup: Helpful Reads,” sharing articles that I believe will benefit the saints who make up FBC Jackson and followers of Christ everywhere. Happy reading!

The Roots of Roe Still Grow: Pro-Life Challenges in the New Administration by Scot Klusendorf

President Trump is back in office. That said, there are still significant challenges facing the pro-life cause. Scot Klusendorf believes we should be aware of them, and I agree. “Instead of waiting for more favorable political winds, Christian leaders can equip rank-and-file pro-lifers to dig in for a decades-long fight of refuting misconceptions and arguing persuasively for their views. . . . Instead of hyping pro-life advocates with a false sense of victory, we need to get to work arming them with persuasive arguments that can compete in the marketplace of ideas. That must happen no matter who occupies the White House.”

15 Ways to Fight Lust with the Sword of the Spirit by Kevin DeYoung

We live in a hyper-sexualized culture; nevertheless, the Bible, the sword of the Spirit, gives us everything we need to fight lust! “The seventh commandment doesn’t just forbid adultery and pornography. It forbids every action, look, conversation, thought, or desire that incites lust and uncleanness.So how in the world, in this world we live in, and with our sex-saturated hearts, can we obey the seventh commandment? Let me suggest fifteen passages of Scripture that can help us fight lust and the temptation to sexual immorality.”

Books about the Challenges of Parenting by Tim Challies

Are you looking for books to help you parent your children in the midst of this present evil age? Challies lists a handful of them. “Every generation of parents faces challenges as they raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. While some challenges are the same from age to age, others are unique to a particular time and context. Perhaps the greatest challenge of our day relates to new notions of gender, sexuality, and identity. Today’s parents need to equip themselves to understand these issues and train their children in them. Thankfully, we have many excellent resources available to us. Though I haven’t read them all, I have read quite a few. Here are some of the ones I most often recommend.”

Improving Our Listening to Sermons by Simon van Bruchem

I’m thankful for this article. Simon van Bruchem offers three quick ideas on how to listen to sermons more effectively. “Sermons are not lectures; they are intended to persuade you of something. They should lead to action, not only to increased knowledge. We should always ask what to do in response to what we have heard. Maybe the right response is to cry out to God in thanks! Maybe we need to work on some aspect of our lives, or include something in our prayers for the week, or take some action to stop doing something. Whatever it is, don’t walk away and do nothing. Think of something you can do towards it, and make the time to do that thing.”

The Many Benefits of Sharing Jesus by Joe M. Allen III

We’re prone to neglect the discipline of evangelism. That said, here’s a great article listing nine benefits of sharing your faith with those who are lost and separated from God. “If we want to grow spiritually, we will include evangelism as a regular rhythm of life. Why? Because the Bible gives strong warnings about being merely a hearer of the word, not a doer (James 1:22–25; Hebrews 5:12–14). Always learning but never sharing quickly turns your life into a spiritual swamp rather than the river, the channel, the conduit of blessing that God created you to be. As a friend of mine often says, ‘Beware of letting your knowledge outpace your obedience.'”

Article Roundup: Helpful Reads

philipmcduffie Leave a comment

I’m the pastor of FBC Jackson in Jackson, Alabama. Each week, I post “Article Roundup: Helpful Reads,” sharing articles that I believe will benefit the saints who make up FBC Jackson and followers of Christ everywhere. Happy reading!

What Does ‘Love. Your Enemies’ Not Mean? by Patrick Schreiner

Patrick Schreiner uses the entire Bible to properly understand what Jesus meant—and did not mean—when he said, “Love your enemies.” “I recently preached on Jesus’s most revolutionary ethical teaching–love your enemies (Matt. 5:44). It stands as a Mount Everest among ethical instructions that both Christians and non-Christians respect. Yet, because we have a certain modern definition of love, it is easy to misunderstand Jesus’s teaching. What did Jesus actually mean by enemy love and how do we integrate it with Old Testament texts that seem to contradict it?”

Let Me Get Home Before Dark: Wisdom to Help Pastors Finish Well by Steve Bateman

Praise God for articles like this. We need more older pastors who can exhort, warn, and encourage young pastors on how to finish well. “The day I heard Havner’s sermon, I began to pray God would take me home before I brought disgrace on the gospel. Looking back on how God used those warnings in my life, I sense a responsibility to share with a new generation some practical wisdom on finishing well. Here are five warnings and encouragements.”

All My Sins Are Washed Away: The Glory of Expiation by Davy Ellison

What is the doctrine of expiation, and how important is it? How comforting is it? Davy Ellison seeks to answer these questions in this article. “But we don’t have to choose between expiation and propitiation. Both are true. Christ’s death is multifaceted. Here are three biblical images that show us the glory of expiation—the goat, the globe, and the grave.”

What Happens at the Prayer Meeting? by Jacob Crouch

May God bless us with more pastors and churches that recognize all that is happening at our weekly prayer meetings. “What happens at the prayer meeting? A thousand secret things that only the Lord knows. What a blessing to be able to gather and seek His face together. May He continue to be honored by the gathering of the saints, and may our churches grow as He pours out His grace.”

Against Executive Pastors by Aaron Stead

This is a thought-provoking article. I’m not against executive pastors, but I am certainly against hiring prayerless and doctrinally ignorant pastors to carry out administrative and organizational duties. “What people crave is theological vision, not organisational excellence. Do not misunderstand me, people will abhor a disorganised mess of a church; and in all likelihood leave disgruntled eventually. So, by all means hire someone who can keep things ticking over. But if the choice was left to me, then give me an additional pastor on the church payroll over an EP any day of the week. One who prays for me, one who prays with me, one who cares for me, and one who preaches the deep things of God to me.”

It’s Donald Trump’s World Now by Albert Mohler

I always appreciate Albert Mohler’s insights on political issues. “My hope is that President Trump redefines the Republican Party as a movement away from progressivism and toward a principled conservatism—but it will be a populist conservatism about real people and objective truth, smaller government, and freedom from leftist ideologies. We need more about the sanctity of human life, but we also need candid in-your-face truths such as President Trump’s declaration in his inaugural address that there are two and only two sexes.”

Article Roundup: Helpful Reads

philipmcduffie Leave a comment

I’m the pastor of FBC Jackson in Jackson, Alabama. Each week, I post “Article Roundup: Helpful Reads,” sharing articles that I believe will benefit the saints who make up FBC Jackson and followers of Christ everywhere. Happy reading!

2 Things That Matter More Than Your Preferred Style at Church by Erin Wheeler

Are you looking for a church? Out of all the churches around you, which one should you join? In this article, Erin Wheeler outlines two main priorities to consider when deciding which church you should join. “I spoke to some friends who recently moved, and they were struggling to find a new church home. Nothing they had visited fit their style, but they didn’t want to be “picky.” What advice should I give to that friend? How should they go about choosing a church family where they can worship the Lord with his people in spirit and truth even when things aren’t according to their style? The encouragement I had for them is the same I would have for anyone. Prioritize two main things in your decision-making process. Choose a church that is centered on the word and driven by love.”

Five Questions to Access Your Social Media Use by Andrew Noble

It’s always good to examine ourselves, especially regarding our use of social media. Thankfully, Andrew Noble provides us with five questions that will help us assess our social media usage. “Should Christians spend more or less time on the social internet? It depends. It depends on how you answer these questions.”

Jesus Did Condemn Homosexuality by Alan Schlemon

The Bible is clear on the topic of homosexuality. Nevertheless, it’s helpful to read articles that continue to address this hot-button issue! “You’ve heard it said, ‘Jesus never said anything about homosexuality.’ But I tell you, he did. In fact, Jesus condemned it more than once. He also castigated people who gave approval to homosexuality. To be clear, even if Jesus said nothing about homosexuality, it wouldn’t affect Christian sexual ethics. Homosexual sex would still be prohibited because Scripture teaches in both Old and New Testaments that such behavior is sin (Lev. 18:22, 20:13, Rom. 1:26–27, 1 Cor. 6:9, 1 Tim. 1:10, etc.).”

What God Meant is What God Means by Jacob Crouch

This is really important. “When reading God’s word, the question, ‘What does this mean?’ is a really good question. But I think that there is an even better, more fundamental, question to ask when reading the Bible. In order to understand what God’s word means, we first need to ask, ‘What is it that God’s word meant?’”

Article Roundup: Helpful Reads

philipmcduffie Leave a comment

I am the pastor of First Baptist Church Jackon in Jackson, Alabama. Once a week, I share a post titled “Article Roundup: Helpful Reads,” where I compile articles that I believe are beneficial for the saints who make up FBC Jackson. I am confident that these articles can also be helpful for followers of Christ around the world. Happy reading!

Hospitality: The Forgotten Qualification by Matt Foreman

During my short time as the senior pastor of FBC Jackson, I have emphasized the importance of hospitality to our two associate pastors. I will leave it to Matt Foreman to explain why hospitality is so important in the life of an elder/overseer/pastor. “The responsibilities of elders are not just about information-transfer. They are about discipleship of life. The “doctrine that accords with godliness” (Tit. 1:1; 1 Tim. 6:3) is more than taught; it must be caught. And therefore, elders must share their lives with their people. They are to invite people to observe their homes, their marriages, their parenting, their practical godliness.”

How (Not) to Use AI: Three Principles by Jonathan M. Threlfall

In this article, Jonathan M. Threlfall helps pastors consider appropriate ways to use artificial intelligence. It is refreshing to see pastors striving to cultivate a healthy Christian ethic regarding the use of artificial intelligence. (Though this is written by a pastor for pastors, it is applicable to all Christians.) “Artificial intelligence, like Babel’s bricks and mortar, can be used either to build a tower in defiance of God—to our own confusion, or to build a temple to worship God—to our delight and his glory.”

Retired from New Year’s Resolutions by Jana Carlson

In this article, Jana Carlson explains why she stopped making New Year’s resolutions. Most people, especially busy moms, can benefit from this short read. “So, after many years of meticulously setting specific goals and planning exactly how I’d accomplish them, I retired from New Year’s resolutions. Now, instead of focusing on goals and long-term plans, I focus on purpose. God created me for a purpose. He created all of us for a purpose—ultimately, that we would know him, love him, and glorify him. And I can pursue that purpose no matter what happens in my life.”

Honor Your (Elderly) Parents: How Adult Children ‘Make Some Return’ by Kathleen Nielson

This is a really good article. “We grown humans tend to forget that we were once babies, naked and often dirty, needy and inconvenient. Why would we forgo making some return to those whose lives were often turned upside down as they cared for us? And why would we neglect the lessons to be learned about the care of our heavenly Father, whose own Son emptied himself and came down for the sake of us sinful children?”

10 Ways to Fracture Your Church by Conrad Mbewe

Sadly, the local church is like dry kindling waiting to ignite. That said, articles like this are always helpful! “Yet, you only have to be a Christian for a short time before you realize that churches suffer from disunity and splits after seasons of peace as surely as valleys follow rolling hills. Often, you can see the downward spiral coming from a distance. In this article, I point out ten ways in which you can fracture the church to which you belong. Most of these ways can be caused by anyone. The last few are normally caused by church leaders. If any of these describe your actions or your attitude, may God give you grace to amend your ways for the sake of Christ who desires his people to be truly united.”

The Christmas Eve Service: Reasons to Attend

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Many churches tend to slow down during Christmas time. One event, though, consistently appears on the church calendar for December: the Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service. It’s a traditional service where people gather to celebrate the birth of Christ.

This service is beautiful and filled with rich meaning and Christmas cheer. If we’re honest, though, it can be tempting to skip it. Life is filled with distractions, especially in December—whether it’s Netflix, holiday treats, semi-dysfunctional families, or that comfy La-Z-Boy calling our names. I mean, who has time for a Christmas Eve service?

Distractions and busyness are not the only reasons we’re tempted to skip out on this service. There’s something else that tugs us in the opposite direction: spiritual warfare. Those three ancient enemies— the world, the flesh, and the devil—constantly seek to divert our attention from the kingdom of God and focus it on the kingdom of this world. As the Christmas Eve service rolls around, they tempt us to think about other things—lesser things.

With all this in mind, I want to share a few reasons why you should attend your church’s Christmas Eve service if your December calendar allows it.

The Word Will Be Preached

Throughout Scripture, God consistently works through the preaching of His Word. Consider this verse: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). When the Word about Christ is preached, the Spirit of Christ often works saving faith in unbelievers, bringing them to new life (John 3:5-6). That said, at your church’s Christmas Eve service, the Lord may work salvation in the hearts of unbelievers. Wouldn’t you hate to miss that?

God doesn’t only perform the miracle of salvation through the preaching of His Word; He also graciously sanctifies us and prepares us for good works. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Give thought to this: On Christmas Eve, if you’re attentive to the Word of God, the Lord will graciously strengthen your faith and further equip you to offer your body as a living sacrifice to Him. In other words, during the Christmas Eve service, the Lord may graciously allow you to make further progress in your Christian journey.

The Lord’s Supper Will Be Observed

Many churches participate in the Lord’s Supper during the Christmas Eve service. The Lord’s Supper is a God-ordained ceremony that Christ gave to the church. On one hand, the ceremony is a visible sermon. As we participate in it, the Spirit instructs us not through words, but through the bread and the cup. C.H. Spurgeon would tell his congregation, “The Supper of the Lord is simple, and its teaching is straightforward. It is designed to keep the person and work of Christ vividly present in the minds of His people.” When we see and partake in the bread and the cup, the Spirit reminds us of the broken body and the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. For this reason, Spurgeon frequently referred to communion as a “feast of remembrance.”

However, the Lord’s Supper is more than a visible sermon or a mere “feast of remembrance.” It also serves as a means of grace, providing a time of deep communion with the One whose body was broken and whose blood was shed. In the words of David Mathis, “The Table is not only a symbolic rite that we do, but it does something to us as we eat and drink in faith. The Table serves as a means of Christ’s ongoing grace to His church.” When we partake in the Lord’s Supper by faith, Christ blesses, nourishes, and strengthens our faith and grants us sanctifying grace. That said, wouldn’t you hate to miss such a precious time of communion with our gracious Savior?

The Family of God Will Be Present

During the Christmas holidays, you spend a significant amount of time with your family members—your kinfolk and blood relatives. While this aspect of the holiday season can be beautiful (for some), it’s essential for Christians, as the adopted children of God, to remember the family of God.

If you’re living the Christian life as God intends, you’re a member of a local church body. Under God’s guidance, you have covenanted to live the Christian life alongside fellow Christians who make up your local church. With this in mind, the Christmas Eve service allows you to do something countercultural: celebrate Christmas with the family of God rather than just your biological family. It will enable you to gather with fellow believers in Christ who share “one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:5-6). If you take this opportunity to celebrate Christmas with your church family, it will demonstrate to your kinfolk and blood relatives the centrality of the local church in the life of a Christian.

Theologically Rich Hymns Will Be Sung

Most of the Christmas hymns sung during the Christmas season are theologically rich and soul-stirring. If you pay close attention to the lyrics while singing, you can learn a significant amount about the Incarnation of the Son of God. These hymns often explain the who, what, and why of this important doctrine. Just take a look at these powerful words:

Hail! The heaven-born
Prince of Peace!
Hail! The Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the son of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”

The lyrics contain allusions to both the Old Testament and the New Testament. They also explain the who, what, and why of the Incarnation, along with the doctrines of new birth and new creation. More than that, they are strategically written for the express purpose of causing you to exult in the Lord Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior. With that said, your Christmas Eve service will likely include theologically rich hymns that will instruct you and lead you to worshipful exultation.

It Will Be The Shortest Service of the Year

Most Christmas Eve services are short. The church staff knows the congregation is busy, so they typically prepare a concise order of service designed to nourish and edify your soul. It usually includes readings from Scripture, Christ-centered hymns, a brief message, communion, and possibly a candlelight portion. So, although you’re unreasonably busy, the Christmas Eve service is reasonably short.

You Won’t Regret It

Have you ever regretted sitting under the Word of God, participating in the Lord’s Supper, wishing your brothers and sisters in Christ a Merry Christmas, or singing hymns with the people of God? Of course not! Likewise, you will not regret attending the Christmas Eve service. In fact, it will make your Christmas much more enjoyable as you’re reminded of the gracious, humble, and loving Son of God who became flesh to save you from your sins.

I’m sure there are other reasons to attend your church’s Christmas Eve service. But for the sake of brevity, I’ll stop here. If you’re able to attend the Christmas Eve service, may the Lord fill your heart with joy and strengthen your faith.