Anchored in Christ

Howdy saints! Welcome to the Anchored in Christ newsletter, where each month you’ll get a roundup of great ideas and resources to build your faith in Jesus.

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A Life-Changing Idea

Ephesians 5:17 has an interesting command: “Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” I’m encouraged. We are commanded to understand the will of the Lord. God doesn’t try to hide His will from us, He allows us to both see it in His Word and discern it (Romans 12:2). We can know the will of God for us.

I often pray this simple petition based on Colossians 1:9–12, “Lord, fill me with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so I please you in all I do.” I’ve seen God answer and deepen my walk with Him and focus in life. That’s a petition that might change your life!

(PS: If you want more on discerning God’s will, Pastor Colin Smith shared this teaching that is very helpful.)

The Best Articles and Resources

A New YouTube Video: 5 Ways to Pray the Psalms (a clip from my free Pray the Bible course). While we’re on the topic, here’s free eBook: Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney (with opt-in to MBTS).

TGC Announces New List of ‘Best Commentaries’. This is really helpful resource, even including a free online commentary. (See the commentary on Genesis as an example.)

The Awakening We Need: Why the Reformed Pray for Revival by Ray Ortlund

What We Miss When We Skip the Book of Leviticus by Ryan Higginbottom

6 Months Later, Israeli Pastor Says, ‘I’m Commanded to Love My Enemies’ by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra and David Zadok. A powerful lesson from an interesting brother in Christ.

Why American Christianity Is Rapidly Falling Apart. In this video, Todd Friel unpacks 12 reasons. Don’t let this push you into alarmism or despair; consider this a list of 12 things to avoid! Christ is still building His church, and wacky Christian TV won’t prevail.

12. Wacky Christian TV
11. Evangelical Scandals
10. Postmodernism
9. Evangelistically week
8. Hipster rockstar pastors
7. Prosperity gospel
6. Low/no theology
5. Political activism
4. Neogospel
3. False conversion
2. Seeker sensitivity
1. Low view of the Bible

What I’m Reading & Listening To

Song: Like Tree (Psalm 1) by Caroline Cobb. A fantastic song that helps me delight in God’s Word. My five-year-old loves it too.

Book: Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life’s Most Important Questions. Tony Reinke compiled what could be both described as an index and a “Greatest Hits” of the influential Ask Pastor John (Piper) podcast. A great book!

Book: The Hour that Changes the World by Dick Eastman. A classic (and practical) book on prayer, loved by Joni Eareckson Tada. Very helpful. Here’s an encouraging story from the book.

Getting Personal

My wife and I recently enjoyed time at our favorite coffee place to work.