One Little Word newsletter - December 12, 2022
Jen Wilkin on Eden and Advent, Deion Sanders on calling, and Tim Keller on forgiveness
I’m writing this update on a lazy Sunday afternoon, watching football. The Red Zone channel is one of the world’s great inventions. This afternoon is the first such luxury in a few weeks, as I’ve been traveling quite a bit. Last Sunday I was in Lake Jackson near Houston preaching for my friend Chad Poe. This past week I was at the U.S./Mexico border with several Christian leaders on a trip with World Relief (The Washington Post has a good piece highlighting some possible legislation to help bring some needed fixes to the system).
With classes at Texas Baptist College over, I’m settling in for a few weeks of Christmas cheer (and prepping for a winter term ethics class).
I just love, love Christmas. Have I mentioned that yet?
Here are some things I’ve been working on:
If you haven’t listened yet, Ronnie Martin and I spoke on The Way Home podcast last Thursday about the Christmas season. Ronnie is a musician, pastor, and writer who is especially fun to talk to at Christmastime.
Here is my latest for Lifeway Research on treasuring the Christmas story:
"God with us—Immanuel—means He has visited us in our distress. So, you can bring your heartache, your rejection, and your fears to Christmas because the one who dwelled among us can bear your deepest pain."
Have I mentioned my book The Characters of Christmas? Probably.
My article for Real Clear Religion discusses how faith is influencing young evangelicals today.
I was recently in Nashville hanging out with my old friends and former colleagues at ERLC. I love what they are doing and am grateful for the leadership of new president, Brent Leatherwood. Here is a podcast we did while I was there.
The Land Center’s newest YouTube video is out. Katie Frugé explains what being made in the image of God means for Christians and how we should live as image bearers.
Here are a few things I’m reading:
Tim Keller wrote a great article for the New York Times on the lack of forgiveness in society.
“We owe it to others to forgive because we all need forgiveness ourselves.”
Here is a beautiful advent reflection from Jennifer Wilkin in Christianity Today. She traces the Christmas story from Eden to Bethlehem to Calvary. Always read Jen Wilkin.
"Here is the one who is not life-taker but life-giver. Here is the one who asks rightly, 'Am I my brother’s keeper?'"
You have to listen to Deion Sanders’ first team meeting in Colorado: "When God sends me to a place, it is to be a catalyst of change." Great message.
303 Creative v. Elenis is such an important case related to religious liberty. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments from 303 Creative on Dec 3rd. ERLC has a helpful explanation about this case.
Albert Mohler with some important words about the presidential duty to uphold the constitution. He is responding to former President Trump’s bizarre call to “suspend the constitution.”
Here are the books I’m reading:
The Peacemaker by William Inboden
On Earth As It Is in Heaven by Peter Leithart
Come, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp
If you appreciate what we are building at the Land Center to help Christians faithfully steward their citizenship in the 21st century and raise up the next generation of leaders, please consider an end of year gift: https://join.swbts.edu/register/givelandcenter