Weekly Wisdom [07.06.18]

Need some Weekly Wisdom?  Here are my favorite resources of the week.

VERSE OF THE WEEK

no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord [Philemon 1:16].

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Mark: The New American Commentary  by James A. Brooks

In its attempt to make a unique contribution to the Christian community, the NAC focuses on two concerns. First, the commentary emphasizes how each section of a book fits together so that the reader becomes aware of the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole. The writers, however, remain aware of the Bible’s inherently rich variety. Second, the NAC is produced with the conviction that the Bible primarily belongs to the church. We believe that scholarship and the academy provide an indispensable foundation for biblical understanding and the service of Christ, but the editors and authors of this series have attempted to communicate the findings of their research in a manner that will build up the whole body of Christ. Thus, the commentary concentrates on theological exegesis, while providing practical, applicable exposition.

  1. To deny oneself is not to do without something or even many things. It is not asceticism, not self-rejection or self-hatred, nor is it even the disowning of particular sins. It is to renounce the self as the dominant element in life. It is to replace the self with God-in-Christ as the object of affections. It is to place the divine will before self-will.
  2. The entire story reassured the believers who had already experienced popular abuse and were facing the prospect of official persecution. Although Jesus may not always appear to be present or to care, he will deliver his people who are in various kinds of trouble. Therefore his disciples should never doubt.
  3. Instead of preoccupation with the end, the faithful must devote themselves to discipleship in the present.

PODCAST OF THE WEEK

What 40-Year-Old David Platt Would Say to His 20-Year-Old Self by Ask Pastor John

Today we talk with David Platt, who turns 40 years old in a couple weeks. He knows how to pack a lot of life into a few short years. Here’s a summary of his last twelve years.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

All education, whether acknowledged or not, is moral formation.  -Stanley Hauerwas

SONG OF THE WEEK

Charity Gayle and Joshua Sherman singing “Amen.”  Such a great song.

POST OF THE WEEK

Nearly 900 Professions of Faith Reported at Fort Leonard Wood by Ben Hawkins

Professions of faith have tripled since March among trainees and soldiers at the military base here. According to the latest reports, nearly 900 soldiers and trainees in the United States Army have given their lives to Christ at Fort Leonard Wood since March 11.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Have an Idea Inbox.  What do you do with those ideas, reminders, or tasks that jump in your head throughout the day without any warning?  You either do something with it then, find a way to remember it, or it is lost forever.  Make a brainstorm inbox.  Whether it is electronic like a voice memo or Evernote, or a notecard or journal you have with you, set up an idea inbox.  You never know when it will hit you.