Thursday, September 21, 2023

Thursday's Catch: 'Reach a Whole Region' And More


Every time multiple churches are planted within a geographical area, a local network is naturally formed. Networks, in turn, lead to greater levels of multiplication, because networks mean strength in numbers, shared common goals and pooled resources.
Among the reasons that the churches of some Anglican entities in the United States struggle is that they are few and far between. They lack the advantage of being a part of a regional network that shares common goals and pooled resources. They are largely on their own.
VOICES: Why Reformed Cessationists should not quote church history to support their position
Although it is common for my Calvinist, non-charismatic friends to point to church history in support of their cessationist position, it’s really a mistake for them to do so. A big mistake. Church history actually works against them.

The Key to Satan’s Winning Strategy
James Emory White explains how disbelief in Satan and belief in the paranormal play into the hands of the spiritual forces of evil.

5 Myths about Mental Illness
A number of myths surround mental illness. It is high time that we disabused ourselves of these myths.

Retaining Leaders in a Throw-Away Culture
When it comes to retaining group leaders at your church, you may be quick to affirm keeping them is a high priority. Here are next steps.
This article reminded me of one of my grandmother's favorite adages, "Waste not, want not." She and my grandfather had lived through World Wars I and II, the 1926 General Strike, and the Great Depression.
It’s Worth Saying Again: You Need Repetition
Trevi Wax draws to our attention how evangelicals in their desirefor sincerity and passion will "prioritize whatever is new, often at the expense of the old." As a result, they may go too far, "for repetition is one of the most formative elements of spiritual development."

Your Life vs. Your Lips: Which Demonstrates True Belief?
You can have all the right theology and still not enter the kingdom of heaven.

When a Friendship Falls Apart: Finding God’s Path for Healing, Forgiveness, and (Maybe) Help Letting Go
Even in the closest friendships, sometimes hurt happens. Misunderstanding. Distance. Disagreement. Even betrayal and deceit. Perhaps you have experienced this kind of anguish, this kind of brokenness, firsthand. The loss can be staggering, a blow not only to your happiness and way of life but also to your confidence and sense of identity. The pain may haunt you for years to come.

The PCA at 50: Essential Elements from the Past Will Guide the Future This article was adapted from an address originally presented at the 50th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America.

Open Doors warns 'America no longer the safe haven' for persecuted Christians it once was
International religious freedom advocacy groups released a joint report Wednesday warning that the number of persecuted Christians being resettled into the United States from countries where they face most persecution still hovers near historic lows even as much of society has regained a sense of normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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