Feb 10, 2011 Links to Grace: January 2009
Originally posted on January 15, 2009
For several years I have periodically sent a message of spiritual encouragement to the congregation called Words of Grace. I hope these e-messages have been helpful to people. I plan to continue to share my thoughts with you in the Words of Grace format.
I am regularly helped by hearing and reading the grace-filled words of other speakers and writers, and have often wanted to share them with you. So, in 2009 I will be adding a new feature to the Words of Grace. Once a month I will send out a Words of Grace with links to the messages, articles, and books that I, or the church leadership have enjoyed.
Here’s how it will work. Once a month in 2009 the Words of Grace will include Links to Grace, linking you to online messages or articles, or the title of books. I will write a title and brief description for each link to help you quickly decide which ones are for you.
There will be several links in each month’s Words of Grace designed to help you in various areas of discipleship. I will attempt to have something for everyone each month and throughout the year.
Please keep in mind that while I will do my best to link you to sound teaching that provides practical help, I cannot guarantee that you or I will agree with everything we hear or read in these links. Mature listeners and readers realize that they can benefit from others with whom they may disagree.
I send these Words of Grace with the prayer that they will help us press on to know, love, and bring glory to Christ Jesus our Lord.
Enjoy and Grow,
Scott
JANUARY LINKS
Press On
This message by John Piper (preached in 1984) is from Philippians 3, which was the text for our New Year’s message at Grace. I think you will be challenged by his exhortation to press on to know Christ. This message stays on my Ipod for a periodic listen.
Going Hard after the Holy God by John Piper
Mercy in Marriage
Dave Harvey connects our relationship with Jesus to our marriage by reminding us that the mercy we have received from Jesus is to be extended to our spouse. This message humbled me, and the humbling was good.
God’s Mercy and My Marriage by Dave Harvey
Feminism and Singleness (for all women, and men will benefit too)
Carolyn McCulley gives a powerful message that encourages all women, but especially single women, to live to the glory of God. Carolyn speaks with the gracious authority of one who has been there, done that, and found another way to be human and female. When I heard this message, I longed for my daughters to know this freedom and joy.
We’re Not on Hold: Biblical Femininity for Single Women by Carolyn McCulley
A Great Message on a Great God
All I can say about R.C. Sproul’s messages on the Holiness of God and the Holiness of Christ is that they led me to worship. Dr. Sproul talks about God in a way that honors Him and speaks to my head and heart. Listen to these when you can sit down and take it in.
The Holiness of God and The Holiness of Christ by R.C. Sproul
Read the Bible
If you are still trying to figure out a Bible reading plan for 2009, check out these links and get going. This is a great article on systematic Bible reading and ways to approach it. These are two Bible reading plans we have been distributing on Sunday mornings: Discipleship Journal and Book at a Time. Pick a plan and get going.