What I’m Reading – 10/14/16

Below are some of the articles and books I’ve read recently that you may enjoy checking out.

• “Why I Don’t Think You Must Vote for the Lesser of Two Evils,” (Dan Doriani, TGC) — I read this several weeks ago and it seem all the more relevant as we get closer and closer to the election.

• “The horror stories are real. Don’t give your children a smartphone,” (Jonathon Van Maren, Life Site) — A sobering piece about the realities of pornography in a smartphone age.

• The Christ-Centered Expositor: A Field Guide for Word-Driven Disciple Makers, (Tony Merida, B&H) — I am thrilled about this update to Tony Merida’s excellent book on expository preaching. It is expanded, reworked, and somehow even better than the original. Here’e the endorsement I was happy to write for it:

“Tony Merida is an outstanding expositor and a superb teacher of preaching. The unique blend of both gifts shines brightly throughout this superb work. I cannot commend it highly enough. I will use it again and again personally as well as in my own teaching on the high calling of proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ.”

• “The Coming Evangelical Collapse,” (Michael Spencer, CSM) — This article is from several years ago and seems to be incredibly insightful in light of recent trends among evangelicals and in our culture.

• The First Freedom: The Beginning and End of Religious Liberty, (Jason Duesing, Thomas White, and Malcolm Yarnell, B&H) — I am so grateful for these men and B&H updating this excellent work on religious liberty. As issues related to personal autonomy and the sexual revolution become more and more prevalent and more and more politicized, religious liberty will face increased pressure. This book is a help to Christians in thinking through the importance of our “first freedom.” Below is my endorsement:

“Baptists have always been at the forefront in the fight for religious liberty, noting the high stakes involved in the battle. The very able stable of scholars in this volume continue the fight with biblical fidelity, historical awareness, and cultural sensitivity. What they ask for themselves they would ask for all. I hold out hope that their just cry still might be heard.”

• “Top Evangelical College Group to Dismiss Employees Who Support Gay Marriage,” (Elizabeth Dias, Time) — This decision by the influential college ministry has caused quite a stir, and the fact that it has is a sign of the times.