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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.

My Favorite Reads of 2024

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In this blog post, I will share my ten favorite reads from 2024, listed in no particular order. Since this was my first year serving as a senior pastor of a church, many of the books I mention are related to pastoral ministry—yes, I’ve been learning on the fly! Additionally, because I’ve been getting accustomed to preaching and teaching three to four times a week, most of the books I mention are short and easy reads.

After I share my favorite reads, I’ll provide links to other people’s favorite books of 2024. My list will include titles published in various years, with descriptions taken from Amazon. Other people’s lists will typically focus on books published in 2024.

Overall, you should discover some great books to read in 2025. If you order now, you can likely receive many of them before Christmas!

Prizing Public Worship by David Clarkson

Nearly 25% of American Christians do not regularly attend church in person (Pew Research, 2023). How can we recapture the duty and delight of public worship?

Public worship is not simply something we should do; it is something we should love. In the newest Puritan Treasure for Today, David Clarkson helps believers glorify God by enjoying the privilege and duty of the corporate assembly.

Edited and updated for modern readers by Pastor Jonathan Cruse, this Puritan classic will teach you about: 1) The Primacy of Public Worship, 2) Profiting from Public Worship, and 3) Hearing the Word.

Read this book and learn to prize the ordinary means of grace as God’s precious gifts to His people.

Spurgeon: A Life by Alex DiPrima

In this biography Alex DiPrima paints a fresh portrait of Charles Haddon Spurgeon—the most well-known minster of the gospel in the nineteenth century. As DiPrima traces Spurgeon’s life from the famous “boy preacher of the fens” to the mature pastor of later years, readers will marvel at his extraordinary speaking abilities, his genius for administration, and his massive global influence, which set him apart as a leader of rare brilliance. Yet by presenting Spurgeon in his social, historical, and religious contexts, DiPrima helps us comprehend the whole of Spurgeon’s ministry in metropolitan London. Combining academic expertise with popular presentation, this short biography of the famed Prince of Preachers will be the go-to introduction on Spurgeon for years to come.

The Compelling Community: Where God’s Power Makes a Church Attractive by Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop

What does a community that testifies to God’s power look like? God’s people are called to a togetherness and commitment that transcends all natural boundaries―whether ethnic, generational, or economic. But such a community can be enjoyed only when it relies on the power of God in the gospel.

In The Compelling Community, pastors Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop cast a captivating vision for authentic fellowship in the local church that goes beyond small groups. Full of biblical principles and practical advice, this book will help pastors lead their congregations toward the kind of community that glorifies God, edifies his people, and attracts the lost.

The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership that Matters by Albert Mohler

Leadership Principles from a Renowned Agent of Change

Cultures and organizations do not change without strong leadership. While many leadership books focus on management or administration, the central focus of The Conviction to Lead is on changing minds. Dr. Mohler was the driving force behind the transformation of Southern Seminary from a liberal institution of waning influence to a thriving evangelical seminary at the heart of the Southern Baptist Convention. Since then he has been one of the most prominent voices in evangelicalism, fighting for Christian principles and challenging secular culture.

Using his own experiences and examples from history, Dr. Mohler demonstrates that real leadership is a transferring of conviction to others, affecting their actions, motivations, intuition, and commitment. This practical guide walks the reader through what a leader needs to know, do, and be in order to affect change.

The Justice and Goodness of God: A Biblical Case for the Final Judgment by Thomas Schreiner

The reality of God’s ultimate punishment is central to the gospel. Only by facing sin’s devastation can believers fully grasp the beauty of their salvation and help unbelievers confront their need for forgiveness. Unfortunately, many Christians and Bible scholars neglect God’s final judgment.

In his book The Justice and Goodness of God, theologian Thomas Schreiner offers a comprehensive, biblical analysis of eternal destruction. Explaining that “final judgment doesn’t contradict God’s goodness but verifies and displays it,” he examines themes of sin, death, and redemption in the New Testament and other passages of Scripture. With helpful personal and theological application, this brief guide helps readers see how God’s judgment is anchored in his holiness, justice, and righteousness. Readers will see that God’s judgment isn’t bad news but good news. Life doesn’t make sense without it, and salvation shines brighter against the backdrop of God’s judgment.

The Preacher’s Portrait: Five New Testament Word Studies by John Stott

Convinced that knowing the Word of God is fundamental to preaching, John Stott here presents brief studies of five New Testament metaphors that characterize preachers: steward, herald, witness, father, and servant. In the course of these five studies, Stott discusses the message and authority of preachers, the character of their proclamation, the vital necessity of their own experience of the gospel, and their motives and moral qualities, particularly humility, gentleness, and love.

A biblically faithful portrayal of what preachers are supposed to be emerges from Stott’s reflections —as he says, “a portrait painted by the hand of God himself on the broad canvas of the New Testament.”

Spiritual Mindedness by John Owen

Thomas Chalmers wrote that Owen’s book on Spiritual-Mindedness holds ‘a distinguished rank among the voluminous writings of this celebrated author’. For him three features made it very special: -The force with which it applies truth to the conscience. -The way Owen plumbs the depths of Christian experience as a skillful physician of the soul. -The uncovering of the secrets of the mind and heart so that the true spiritual state of the reader is discovered. This book began life as a collection of meditations on Romans 8:6, which were written for the author’s own benefit during a time of illness. Alarmed by the subtle power the world exercises over the mind, Owen shows us how to really live by raising our thoughts above all earthly objects and setting them on ‘things above, where Christ is’ (Col. 3:1) A favorite book of William Wilberforce, it contains some passages which are not surpassed in all of Owen’s writings. It comes from the pen of a tender-hearted pastor whose only purpose is to encourage the believer in the ongoing battle against sin. So if you feel overwhelmed by the power of worldliness then this is definitely the book for you!

Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James

With advancements in internet technology, people can get instant answers to just about any of their questions, connect long distance with family and friends, and stay informed with events around the world in real time.

In Digital Liturgies, tech-realist Samuel D. James examines the connection between patterns in technology and human desires. Everyone longs for a glimpse of heaven; James argues they are just looking for it in the wrong place―the internet. 

This accessible book exposes 5 “digital liturgies” that prohibit people from contemplating big truths, accepting the uncomfortable, and acknowledging God as their Creator. It then calls readers to live faithfully before Christ, finding wisdom through Scripture and rest in God’s perfect design. 

Character Matters: Shepherding in the Fruit of the Spirit by Aaron Menikoff

Today’s pastoral world is packed with books, conferences, and seminars teaching you different techniques for being an all-star pastor, growing your church quickly, and changing the world. But the key to true success is much harder and much simpler. Pastors are called to be faithful, to have exemplary character, and to love Jesus. Without faithfulness, their ministry ends up harming others rather than helping them. Churches need pastors with sound doctrine and a sound life.

Character Matters was written to help you slow down, cut through the noise and distractions, and focus on what matters—the fruit of the Spirit. Each chapter is a guided, biblical meditation on one aspect of each piece of the fruit of the Spirit. As you reflect and focus on the simple things that matter, you’ll see your heart change and your ministry follow, slowly, surely, and by the power of the Spirit.

Preaching that Moves People: How to Get Down the Mountain of your Messages by Yancey Arrington

Dr. Yancey Arrington says the reason many preachers don’t connect with their congregants isn’t because they haven’t thought through the message, but because they haven’t felt through it. In this practical guide for preachers of churches big and small, Arrington offers an innovative and effective paradigm based on his years of coaching preachers that brings the best to bear in both the ‘who’ and ‘how’ of the preaching event. Be prepared to better preach in a way that moves people!

People’s Favorite Reads of 2024

The Gospel Coalition’s 2024 Book Awards

2024 For the Church Book Awards

10 Christian Mega-Projects Released in 2024

Kevin DeYoung’s Top 10 Books of 2024

Best Books for Pastors in 2024

10 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2024

Keith Mathison’s Top 10 Books of 2024

J.D. Greear’s Top 10 Books of 2024

Article Roundup: Helpful Reads

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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.”

Article Roundup: Helpful Reads

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Giftedness is not Godliness by David Prince

Some of the best sermons I’ve ever heard have been preached by men who were disqualified to even be in the pulpit. “Years ago, an older pastor warned me that giftedness is not godliness. It stuck with me. It is true but easily ignored when someone’s oratory skill sweeps us away. Learning how to communicate and deliver a powerful sermon is not holiness. Sometimes, it is the effective cover utilized to pursue a life of ungodliness and rebellion.”

Does James Contradict Paul by Kevin DeYoung

A right understanding of the doctrines of justification and sanctification is absolutely essential to a healthy Christian life. “In the end, there is no conflict between Paul and James. It is right to say we are justified by faith alone apart from works of the law, provided we understand, as James reminds us, that the faith that justifies will always work itself out in love.”

Prepare to Speak on Sunday: The Ministry of Conversation by Greg Morse

Our churches need more parlor preachers. We need church members wielding the sword of the Spirit in casual conversations. “Some of the most shaping words spoken in the Christian assembly come not from the pulpit above but from the pew below. A church taught to make the most of the time together, to come to speak and not just to listen, to fill the building with holy conversation, experiences a foretaste of that country where we shall speak forever of all that God has done.”

How to Prepare for Sunday Worship by H.P. McCracken

As one pastor said, “Sunday morning church is a decision made on Saturday night.” This article will help you prepare for corporate worship in a healthy manner. “The way we schedule our days relates significantly to how we prepare for many different events in life, and such planning can similarly help us to prepare for Lord’s Day worship.”

Ephesians 5:16: What Does it Mean to Make the Best Use of Time? By David Kaywood

Time is more valuable than money. If we lose money, we can always earn it back. However, when we lose time, it is gone forever. As followers of Christ, let us strive to make the best use of our time! “Too many Christians go about life without proper self-examination and neglect to seize the opportunities right in front of them. Time is precious and must be treated with the utmost care for holy living. It must be redeemed.”

On Nominating Deacons

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Our church has been in the process of nominating deacons, which is something we do every year. With that said, I put together some questions for our congregation to consider as they prayerfully think about whom the Lord would have them nominate to serve as deacons.

The Qualifications for Deacons

1 Timothy 3:8-13: “8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

Helpful Questions As You Prepare to Nominate Men to Serve as Deacons

In Regard to the Church

  • Does he truly love the church and its mission and vision?
  • Does he attend corporate worship regularly?
  • Does he regularly attend the church’s ministries?
  • Does he show respect for the pastors?
  • Does he protect and promote unity?

Mark Dever: “You don’t want people serving as deacons who are unhappy with your church. The deacons should never be the ones who complain the loudest or jar the church with their actions or attitudes. Quite the opposite. . . You don’t want to nominate deacons who don’t recognize the importance of the ministry of preaching and teaching, but people who are anxious to protect it. More broadly, you want the most supportive people in the church to serve as the deacons. So when you’re considering who might serve as a deacon, look for the people with gifts of encouragement.” 

In Regard to Service

  • In what ways does he currently serve?
  • Does he serve on a regular basis?
  • Does he take the initiative to serve others?
  • Does he spot and meet tangible needs?

Alexander Strauch: “Deacons also need to be diligent in their work and follow through with their responsibilities. If they discourage the very people they are supposed to help, relationships will be strained. But if they do their work well, they will be an enormous help to the elders and to the health of the local church body.”

Dignified

  • Is he a person of honor?
  • Is he deserving of respect?

Alexander Strauch: “In the Lord’s work, a leader’s moral character and public reputation are essential to the task of leading God’s people.”

Not Double Tongued

  • Does he have a reputation for keeping his word?
  • Does he communicate consistently with different parties?
  • Does he talk to people rather than about them?
  • Is he a people-pleaser?
  • Is he someone who flatters, gossips, or slanders?
  • Does he communicate with love, or is he harsh in his words?

Matt Smethurst: “Being double-tongued is not a minor flaw or personality quirk; it is a symptom of hypocritical pride. It’s consciously saying one thing to one group—and then saying or insinuating something else to a different group.”

Not Addicted to Much Wine

  • Does he drink alcohol?
  • Does he exercise self-control when it comes to his consumption of alcohol?
  • Do his close friends and family believe he controls his alcohol consumption?

Robert Yarbough: “All members of the church should lay hold of the grace of the gospel so as to rise above substance abuse; this behavior is all the more imperative for church-sanctioned figures like deacons.”

Not Greedy for Dishonest Gain

  • What is his attitude toward wealth and material possessions?
  • Does he give generously toward the ministries of the church, the needs of fellow Christians, and the needs of the poor?
  • Does he prioritize kingdom giving?
  • Is he honest in his financial dealings?

Matt Smethurst: “While these virtues mark any mature believer, the specific nature of diaconal work will sometimes put deacons in contact with church money. So Paul warns against installing anyone known for being deceptive, cutting moral corners, or obsessing over money. A worldly, materialistic person will struggle with greed, which will in turn fuel temptation toward dishonest gain. This should be an area, then, where a deacon displays unimpeachable self-control.”

Knowing and Holding to the Faith

  • Does he give a credible profession of saving faith?
  • Is he able to articulate the gospel of Jesus Christ?
  • Have you seen him grow in knowledge and godliness in the past year?

Robert Yarbough: “Paul’s counsel to Timothy assumes that deacons are not just busy activists but also capable and informed in matters pertaining to Christian teaching, experience, and to some extent the Scriptures (OT and any then-recognized NT) themselves.”

Juan Sanchez: “That’s why deacons must not only be equipped to offer physical care, they also need to be able to minister the truth of God’s word. I don’t mean that they need to be able to preach a 30-minute sermon. But they need to be able to pray biblically informed prayers. They need to be able to make biblically informed decisions. To  do that, they ‘must hold the mystery of the faith.’”

Alexander Strauch: “A deacon must know the beliefs of the Christian faith, possess the faith, hold firmly to the faith, and live life consistently with ‘the mystery of the faith.’”

Tried and Proven Blameless

  • Is he blameless before man?
  • Is there any aspect of his character that would disqualify him?
  • Is there anything in his theology or doctrine that would disqualify him?

Alexander Strauch: “Being examined and shown to be “blameless” does not imply that the deacon is free of faults! All of us have character flaws, idiosyncrasies, and character traits that annoy others. Being proved “blameless” or “above reproach” relates specifically to the qualifications for office. A deacon who is found “blameless” in this regard is worthy of respect, truthful in speech, self-controlled in the use of wine, sound in doctrine and life, and a faithful husband, good father, and competent household manager.”

The Deacon’s Wife

  • If married, does he have a godly wife?
  • Is she a woman worthy of respect?
  • Is she likely to engage in slander or gossip?
  • Is she a devoted wife and mother?
  • Is she a faithful church member?
  • Does she go to church with him regularly?

Alexander Strauch: “Every aspect of the life of a deacon’s wife is to be marked by faithfulness, dependability, and reliability, so that she is worthy of respect and is a blessing to the whole church.”

The Deacon’s Household

  • Does he manage his household well?
  • Does he love his wife and serve her as Christ served the church?
  • Does he love his children and raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord?
  • Does the home he nurtures look significantly different from the home the world creates?

Alexander Strauch: “An elder or deacon must be above reproach in his marriage relationship as defined by the teachings of the whole of Scripture on sexuality and marriage.”

Alexander Strauch: “A Christian father is to be a teaching father who seizes every opportunity to instruct his children in the gospel and the Christian way of life.”

A Final Exhortation

In a Baptist church, one of the most crucial responsibilities of a church member is to elect godly men who meet the qualifications outlined in Scripture to serve as pastors and deacons. Therefore, strive to serve your local church well when you elect certain men to these positions, as this contributes to the overall health of your local church.

Article Roundup: Helpful Reads

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The Pandora’s Box of IVF by Lucas Stamps

IVF is the Wild Wild West these days, especially in the United States. And the more you read about it, the more you realize the whole process reduces a human being to an expensive commodity. “Christians have good reason to call all IVF into question, not only because of the downstream possibilities of genetic selection and engineering but because the procedure itself undermines the integrity and dignity of human reproduction.”

Make the Most of Sunday Mornings: Two Simple Changes by Matt Smethurst

I really enjoyed reading this article. Local churches would benefit if more Christians arrived at church a bit earlier and stayed a bit later. “Christianity is not a spectator sport. So, let’s get in the game — and stay there, side by side, Sunday after Sunday — until Jesus our King brings us safely home.”

The Gratitude Revolution Every Pastor Needs by Tim Counts

Pastors experience the highs and lows of church life. We see people come to know Christ, and we see people apostatize. We observe individuals serving one another, and we see fellow Christians sin against each other. We see people join the church, and we see people leave the church. We receive words of encouragement, but we also encounter slanderous accusations. Amid all this, there is a temptation to focus on the negative aspects of church life. Tim Counts argues that we must resist this temptation.

Good Night, My Son: A Father’s Tribute Through Tragic Loss by Conrad Mbewe

Around this time last year, Conrad Mbewe lost his son. You’ll find this article heart-wrenching and edifying. “Thursday, November 16, 2023 — one year ago today — will be etched in my memory as the night that started the journey of my worst fears: losing a family member to the cold hand of death.”

Should Christians Practice Total Abstinence from Alcoholic Beverages by Wayne Grudem

I found this article to be very helpful. “In the past, many churches required people to make a pledge of total abstinence in order to join the church, or else expected total abstinence for church officers. In my childhood, my family attended a Baptist church where the “Church Covenant” was pasted inside the back cover of the church hymnal, and it included a promise to abstain from the “sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage” (if I remember the wording correctly). Anyone who wanted to become a member of the church had to agree to abide by that promise. But I would not favor or support such a requirement. It is requiring a standard of conduct stricter than the Bible itself. Neither Jesus (John 2:6–11) nor Paul (1 Tim. 5:23) could have joined such a church.” For those of you wondering, I agree with Wayne Grudem on this issue.

Why We Won’t Spend Eternity in Heaven by Benjamin Gladd

Evangelical Christians often focus heavily on the tribulation and the millennium. While these subjects are important, it would benefit many Christians to reflect more on the resurrection of the body and the New Earth. “We mustn’t miss this point: God created the world to function as his sanctuary—for heaven and earth to be one location—but this intention never came to pass. It’s like building a dream house and never moving in; God’s desire to dwell fully with humanity and creation never transpired in the way Genesis anticipated. On account of sin and disobedience, a great gulf separated heaven from earth. Yet God promised he would, at the end of history, bridge this gulf (see Isa. 40:1–5; 65:17; 66:22).”

Article Roundup: Helpful Reads

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Here’s a roundup of profitable articles and blogs that I have read over the past couple of weeks. Perhaps one will interest you.

The Tragedy of IVF by Carl R. Truman

Carl Trueman discusses the tragedy of IVF, an issue that Christians should pay much more attention to. “While I do not deny the humanity of the child born by IVF or surrogacy, the procedures do. The child in the womb is treated not as a person but as a thing, not as a subject but as an object, not as intrinsically valuable but as having value only as instrumental to some other end. This is something that many Christians fail to see.”

When the Blind See and the Seeing are Blind by Mitch Chase

The Bible frequently uses physical maladies to illustrate spiritual maladies. Mitch Chase delves into how Scripture uses physical blindness to reveal spiritual blindness. “A person’s spiritual perception—or lack thereof—is revealed in how they respond to Jesus. The man who confessed Jesus is the one who truly sees. And these Pharisees, these teachers and leaders in Israel, are blind.”

The Doctrine of the Bible and a Pastor’s Ministry by Andreas Kosteberger

The Bible is crucial for effective, fruitful, and productive ministry. Andreas Kostenberger provides a brief overview of why this is the case. “The Bible is unlike any other book. It is a library of 66 books. And it is not just an ancient artifact; it is alive! Through the Bible, God still speaks today. At the same time, the Bible contains diverse literary genres and thus requires careful interpretation. Yet the Bible is not a law book but a story about God’s love in Christ. The Bible is sufficient for all of life and espouses the life-giving truth of God.”

The Harvest is Plentiful and the Workers Won’t Stay by Krista Horn

I knew there was always a need for more missionaries, but I was unaware that many of those who are sent do not stay in the field for very long. “Although the lack of workers for the harvest has been a persistent problem since the time of Christ, nowadays there is a new and noticeable trend in missions: those who go don’t necessarily stay. The definition of what it means “to stay” will differ from one person to the next. I won’t attempt to argue that point since I don’t have a concrete answer myself. What I’m pondering is the noticeable shift in less missionaries staying for an entire career or even a lifetime, compared to our predecessors throughout history.”

We Won’t Do Nothing for Eternity by Benjamin L. Gladd

Many people lack understanding about the eternal state, particularly concerning what glorified saints will do for all of eternity on the New Earth. Thankfully, Benjamin Gladd provides us with some clarity. “According to a recent survey, roughly 73 percent of adults in the United States believe in heaven. Drilling down further, about 60 percent believe the afterlife entails a future free of suffering where we’ll have “perfectly healthy bodies.” But I suspect the majority have thought little about what they’ll do in these bodies for all eternity. This article considers what activities the church will perform for eternity as described in Revelation 22.”

10 Theories of the Atonement by Kevin DeYoung

Kevin DeYoung goes over 10 theories of the atonement. I was unaware of half of them! “Over the centuries, theologians have articulated several different theories or models of the atonement. Most of the models get something right, though some are much closer to the mark than others. We will look at ten models, concluding with penal substitution, which is at the heart of the atonement and the “theory” that holds all the biblical insights of the other theories together.”