Best of the Week for February 26
In Best of the Week we link to a handful of the best articles, videos, books, etc. that we have come across in the last week. We hope this will point you to some of the right places and give you gospel-rich tools and thoughts for life and mission.
The Power of De-Conversion Stories: How Jen Hatmaker is Trying to Change Minds About the Bible
“Upon closer examination, [Jen Hatmaker’s new theology] is rife with problems. While claiming to be non-judgmental, she declares the fruit of those who believe in traditional marriage as “rotten.” Despite her insistence that the Bible should be read without certainty, she offers all sorts of dogmatic claims about what the Bible teaches. While claiming her views are due to a deep study of Scripture, she offers only simplistic explanations for the Bible’s condemnation of homosexuality, while disregarding 2000 years of church history.”
A lot of people follow, or at least did follow, Jen Hatmaker. And if we are not careful, her whimsical, articulated approach to her new beliefs about the Bible and homosexuality will subtly appeal to some in a way that veils the truth. This is a great article that points out how she systematically presents her case in a way that is hard (or at least scary) to argue against these days. (Here is another great piece about her latest interview.)
Killing Sin Does Not Make You New
“Killing sin is essential to the Christian life, but it’s not the essence of the Christian life. When Christ calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow him — and he does summon us to deny ourselves — he does so that we “may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). What we put on is far greater than anything we put off or leave behind.”
We can never stop putting our sin to death. And as we do, we must be equally as diligent about what we are giving life to, or “putting on.”
29 and Single: When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned
“God hadn’t forgotten me. This was just the BEST plan for MY eternal life based on God’s view of the FULL picture. I wasn’t being punished for any past sins. This was just the BEST plan for MY eternal life based on God’s view of the FULL picture. My friends weren’t “doing life better” or “had everything figured out”. This was just the BEST plan for MY eternal life based on God’s view of the FULL picture.”
This is about marriage desires unfulfilled, but it could apply to any area of our lives where God has not done something we hoped and begged that he would. We have to ask “where are our hearts?” in it and “What does God see that we do not?”
Phones are designed to be Addicting
This is a pretty short video that has a load of insight into why our phones won’t let us go (hint: that’s on purpose). It also gives a few simple things we can do to purposefully fight it off.
Taco Bell/KFC Combo Restaurant Meeting
If you grew up as a teenager going to Taco Bell, this will be funny to you. Once again, John Crist for the win.
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