Key Connections (August 17, 2018)

Here are your Key Connections for the week!

Are Some Determined To Believe The Worst About Reformed Theology? (Don Carson, The Gospel Coalition)

In the mood for some higher-level thinking? Don Carson reviews Determined to Believe: The Sovereignty of God, Freedom, Faith, and Human Responsibility by John C. Lennox. Here’s a preview of what Carson has to say about this book:

Lennox defends not a solid commitment to divine sovereignty and to human responsibility, but a solid commitment to domesticated divine sovereignty and a form of human responsibility that presupposes a libertarian view of freedom.

Why People Are Reluctant To Discuss Faith (Barna)

Barna Research Group posted a study and infographic seeking to highlight the reasons why some people choose not to discuss matters of faith and religion: “I’m put off by how religion has been politicized” is listed as the third most common reason. You can read about the most common reason here.

The ABC’s Of Reformed Apologetics (James Richey, Christward Collective)

James Richey on the connection between theology and apologetics, and why “it is only through a truly reformed, presuppositional apologetic that we may adequately challenge the wisdom of the world.” This article is also good for those who like to read about Covenant Theology and the Sufficiency of Scripture.

Safe To Admit Our Shame (Scott Sauls, ScottSauls.com)

A great article on our tendency to hide when we feel shame which also explores the counter-intuitive need to shed the things we hide behind. Here’s a glimpse into the article:

This theme of deflecting, blaming, and hiding has remained with us since Eden. Painfully aware of our own nakedness and shame, we, too, have become masters at hiding. Instead of fig leaves, we use other, more sophisticated strategies to cover the things about ourselves that we don’t want others to see. If anyone really gets to know us, if the real truth about us is exposed, surely no one—not even God—will love or desire us.

The Best Place To Flourish (Colin Smith, Unlocking The Bible)

Focus your best effort on what God has given you to do right now. It’s easy to waste your life, always looking at the next thing, but the best place to flourish is where God has set you down. Whatever God has given you to do, do it with all your heart! My pastor used to say, “Colin, there are no perfect places. The best place to flourish is…

Watch, listen, and read the rest of the sermon clip here!

The post Key Connections (August 17, 2018) appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.