Coram Deo ~

Looking at contemporary culture from a Christian worldview

THIS & THAT: A Roundup of Favorite Articles and Quotes

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  • The Fear of God Is the Antidote to Our Anxiety. Michael Reeves writes “My aim now is to cut through this confusion. I want you to rejoice in this paradox that the gospel both frees us from fear and gives us fear. It frees us from our crippling fears, giving us instead a most delightful fear. And I want to show that for Christians “the fear of God” really does notmean being afraid of God.”

  • What Happens When a Believer Dies? Randy Alcorn writes “The place of our arrival will be a beautiful, though temporary, place where we’ll await the culmination of history: the return of the risen Jesus, who will resurrect us. When His millennial reign is accomplished (whether that’s a nonliteral present reign or a literal thousand-year future reign), we’ll join Him in ruling the New Earth, free of sin and the Curse.”

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  • More interesting article links
  • Favorite Quotes of the Week

  • End-of-Life Medical Intervention – or Not? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper answers a question based on a hypothetical end of life situation.
  • Is Sanctification the Pursuit of Perfection? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper answers a question that reads in part How do I find the balance between pursuing holiness and moving past my failure to be holy? Is pursuing holiness the same as pursuing perfection?”
  • Should I Leave an Inheritance for My Children? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to a question regarding “Who will inherit our assets when we’re gone?” 
  • What is an Idol? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to the question that reads in part “Idols used to be carved things; now they are heart obsessions. I don’t understand the link between statues and heart-idols. In fact, when I look at Old Testament idols of tumors and mice, I don’t really understand those either. Can you explain both forms of idolatry and how they’re connected?”
  • Why Does God Hide Himself from Christians? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to a question that reads in part Can you explain some reasons why God would intentionally hide his face from us?”
  • Did Jesus Die for the Sins of Every Person, or Only for the Elect? God didn’t make salvation possible for everyone; He made it certain for His people. From one of Ligonier’s live events, R.C. Sproul, Ian Hamilton, Stephen Nichols, and Derek Thomas consider God’s eternal plan of salvation.
  • Should You Use a Bible Reading Plan? Professor of Biblical Spirituality, Don Whitney, says it is a good idea for Christians to regularly read through the entire Bible. During this episode of Honest Answers, Dr. Whitney offers ways you can accomplish this worthy goal.
  • Why Did God Make Eve From Part of Adam? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to a question that reads in part I was just wondering why God chose to do surgery on Adam to remove one of his ribs to craft Eve when, as God, he could have just made Eve entirely from dust in the same way he made Adam.”


  • What is an idol? It is anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give. Tim Keller
  • If it is easier for people to guess my politics than it is for them to guess my religion, then politics has become my religion. Scott Sauls
  • Not only is the sin of man imputed to Christ, but the righteousness of Christ is transferred to us, to our account. R.C. Sproul
  • Worship is taking our affections off our idols and putting them on God. Tim Keller
  • If we were God, we wouldn’t save adulterer-murders like David, religious terrorists like Paul, doubters like Thomas, deniers like Peter, or wretched sinners like you and me. Burk Parsons
  • The key to not worrying is believing in the good, sovereign, providence of God. His eye is on the sparrow and I know that he cares for me. Ligon Duncan
  • Gathered worship reminds us that we are not alone, that we have a family, that our family consists of peoples from all tribes, tongues, and nations, and that one day we’ll all be together loving each other and worshiping our Savior. Burk Parsons
  • Revival occurs when those who think they already know the gospel discover they do not really or fully know it. This leads to repentance and change. Tim Keller
  • Hope is not found in knowing the future, but in resting in the one who not only knows it, but rules it with power, grace and faithfulness. Paul Tripp

Author: Bill Pence

I’m Bill Pence – married to my best friend Tammy, a graduate of Covenant Seminary, St. Louis Cardinals fan, formerly a manager at a Fortune 50 organization, and in leadership at my local church. I am a life-long learner and have a passion to help people develop, and to use their strengths to their fullest potential. I am an INTJ on Myers-Briggs, 3 on the Enneagram, my top five Strengthsfinder themes are: Belief, Responsibility, Learner, Harmony, and Achiever, and my two StandOut strength roles are Creator and Equalizer. My favorite book is the Bible, with Romans my favorite book of the Bible, and Colossians 3:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 being my favorite verses. Some of my other favorite books are The Holiness of God and Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul, and Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. I enjoy music in a variety of genres, including modern hymns, Christian hip-hop and classic rock. My book Called to Lead: Living and Leading for Jesus in the Workplace and Tammy’s book Study, Savor and Share Scripture: Becoming What We Behold are available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. amazon.com/author/billpence amazon.com/author/tammypence

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