What I’m Reading – 11/03/2017

At the end of each week, I round up some of the articles I’ve read recently that I think you will find interesting. Here’s what’s going on this week:

• Reflections from the Hurricane Relief Mission Team (Sunjay Armstead, CGCS) After Hurricane Irma hit, a team of our own students and faculty traveled to Florida to serve in the state’s restoration relief. Here are some stories and reflections from their time. Praise God for students willing to serve!
• The Challenge for White Biblical Counselors in a Diversifying Denomination (Jimmy Carter, Biblical Counseling Coalition) “Instead of counseling as color blind men and women, white biblical counselors must embrace the racial tension within our nation’s churches. We must remind ourselves that the beliefs, desires, and behaviors of white and black evangelicals have been formed in very different ways.”
• ‘This movement is evil’: Religious leaders denounce White Lives Matter rallies (Holly Meyer, USA Today) It’s tempting to let our minds become numb to this ongoing story, but we must press into the conversation for the sake of the gospel. “The church must oppose [White supremacy] by, first, knowing that it will not go away on its own. We should also recognize where this comes from. White supremacy is not just backward but devilish.”
• Why All Good Christians Should Celebrate Halloween (Bruce Ashford, Between the Times) Halloween has now past. But, if you were unsure about whether or not you should celebrate the Holiday, then this article will help you think through for next year. In short, Halloween gives a uniqueopportunity to spread the love of Christ to our neighbors: “Halloween gives us a unique opportunity to engage our neighbors. In fact, last year we had over 300 children and 200 adults come to our doorstep on that one night.”
• Martin Luther’s 95 Theses Are 500 Years Old. Here’s Why They’re Still Causing Controversy Many Christian writers have discussed the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Here Time Magazine weighs into the discussion.