"Why Making Decisions is So Hard"

Tim Challies has a good article on why it is hard to make decisions. I encourage you to read the whole thing (it is very short so it is not a tough decision of whether or not to read it). In the article he points out how we often want to know what the results of our decisions will be ahead of time and this is information that God, in his wisdom, does not give us. Instead, God calls us to trust him as we make decisions. Below is Challies' conclusion:

Decisions are difficult simply because we do not trust God with the results of our decisions. Decisions are difficult only because we are prone to misplace our comfort, to find our hope in a vision of the future more than in the one who holds the future. Your confidence in making decisions is directly related to your confidence in God himself.

How to Confess When You Sin against Someone

Confessing sin to someone you've wronged is a hard thing to do well, but it is an important part of our relationships in this fallen world. And it is a great picture of the gospel when done well. If you are looking for some help in this area, you might want to check out Peacemaker ministries.

I really appreciate their ministry (their book Peacemaking for Families is great- we use it in premarital counseling). Below is "The seven "A's" of Confession" that they have put together.  Maybe you'll find it helpful.

1. Address everyone involved (All those whom you affected) 
2. Avoid, "if," "but," and "maybe" (Do not try to excuse your wrongs) 
3. Admit specifically (Both attitudes and actions) 
4. Acknowledge the hurt (Express sorrow for hurting someone) 
5. Accept the consequences (Such as making restitution) 
6. Alter your behavior (Change your attitudes and actions) 
7. Ask for forgiveness 

See Matthew 7:3-5; 1 John 1:8-9; Proverbs 28:13. 

See more at: http://www.peacemaker.net/site/c.aqKFLTOBIpH/b.958153/k.7417/Seven_As_of_Confession.htm#sthash.wiUzkGwb.dpuf

Are There Degrees of Sin?

At book club, as we discussed chapter 8 in The Holiness of God, we spent some time on the question, "Are there degrees of sin?". I tried to show from Scripture that there are different degrees of sin and yet all sin is equal in the sense that it leads to death. Here is a good video from Piper summarizing this too.

"Students, Don't Waste Your Summer"

Here is a good post from Jeff Brewer with 10 great ideas for how you can avoid wasting your summer.I suggest reading the whole thing (it is not long). Below are the bullet points.

1. Make a plan. 
2. Rehearse your need for the gospel daily.
3. Anticipate temptation.  
4. Recognize you need the church. 
5. Meet regularly with a brother or sister in Christ.
6. Look for ways to serve your family.
7. Turn off your phone.
8. Set a goal to read. (note: he mentions reading The Holiness of God by RC Sproul...nice)
9. Memorize a passage of Scripture.
10. Seek to be as bold with the gospel as you have been at college.

How Much Time Should You Spend on Entertainment / Internet?

Mark Dever has a great interview with John MacArthur about fellowship in the church. The whole thing is great and needful for the church of our era. During the conversation he discusses technology and the challenges of individualism. Here is a paraphrase of one thing that seemed so wise to me (it was not the main point of the interview, but I found it so simple and wise):

How much time should you spend on the internet? 

Let's not get mystical with it. As much time as you spend being entertained on the internet, spend an equal amount of time in the Word, prayer, and reading a good book on solid theology or a biography about a Christian who faithfully served the Lord.

Sounds like a good challenge to me. Think of the immense growth we might experience.

Some of us may want to resist this by crying "legalism," but exercising self-discipline is not legalism. If you follow this advice because you think it will make you right with God you be a legalist. But if you do it because you see it as a means to love God and grow in Christlikeness, you are simply "working out your salvation" (Phil 2:13-14). So, don't follow this advice because you have to.  Do it because you are free by the Spirit to be self-controlled in the area of entertainment and the use of your time. 

Let's take up this challenge together this summer for the good of our own growth and God's glory.

Summer Reading Suggestions

Each summer we (the pastors) recommend some good Christian books for those who have extra time to read. Even if you don't have "extra time" perhaps the summer is a good season to make time for reading.

First read your Bible. It should always be the main course. But do not neglect reading good books which help you better understand the Bible and how it applies to your life. I have benefited greatly from reading good Christian books.

Below is the summer reading list for this year (these are in the church library located by the McDaniel Street exit).

TheologyTaking God at His Word (Deyoung)

Church Life
Church Membership (Leeman)
Church Discipline (Leeman)

Men
The Gospel at Work (Traeger & Gilbert)

Women
Picture Perfect (Baker)

Youth
Growing Up Christian (Graustein)

Marriage

What did you expect? (Tripp)

Singleness

Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? (McCulley)

Sanctification
How Can I Change? (Mahaney & Boisvert)
Seeing with New Eyes (Powlison)

Finally Free (Lambert)

Biography
The Evangelistic Zeal of George Whitfield (Lawson)