Coram Deo ~

Looking at contemporary culture from a Christian worldview

THIS & THAT: A Roundup of Favorite Articles and Quotes

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  • Paralyzed and Blessed: My Unlikely Path to Happiness. Joni Eareckson Tada writes “A godly response to suffering places you under a deluge of divine blessings.”
  • Pornography Use is Becoming an “Acceptable Sin”. Joe Carter writes “A recent poll shows pornography is affecting relationships between men and women—and reveals how indulging in porn is becoming an acceptable sin.”
  • When It Doesn’t Feel God Is With You. Courtney Reisigg writes “Suffering has a way of making you feel like God has left you. Where is God in these moments? How do you find him? Let’s be honest. Sometimes you can’t. This is where Genesis 39 comes in.”
  • Is Attending a Wedding an Endorsement? “Since attending a wedding means more than just showing up, but actually showing approval, we should ask ourselves if this particular union is one we can add our affirmation to cheerfully and with a clear and biblically informed conscience.”

Click on ‘Continue reading’ for:

  • More interesting article links
  • Favorite Quotes of the Week

  • Can We Speak With Angels? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper answers a question that reads in part “Should we expect to hear from an angel? And would it even be possible to have an ongoing dialogue with an angel? Could a believer, claiming to talk with angels, actually be talking to a demon?”
  • Are Divisions in the Church Necessary? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to a question that reads in part “Can we distinguish healthy from unhealthy divisions in the church? Some ‘big-issue’ divisions seem obvious and good. But other divisions seem petty and insignificant. What do you think of the disagreements in the church today?”
  • How Did God Reconcile All Things to Himself? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper answers multiple questions about Colossians 1:20, which reads “and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
  • Does God Do Miracles Today? “Does God do miracles today? Do miracles happen today?” Dr. Thomas Schreiner answers those questions in this episode of Honest Answers.
  • How Did the Cross Disarm the Devil? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to the question Colossians 2:15 tells us our Savior Jesus Christ ‘disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them.’ Great text! But what is here meant by ‘disarmed’? Was there something they were wielding then that they do not wield now? If so, what is the weapon Paul speaks of here in this text?”
  • In What Ways are Sinners Both Active and Passive in Their Salvation? The Bible reveals that faith is a gift. How should we understand this in light of Scripture’s command to trust in Jesus Christ to be saved? From one of Ligonier’s live events, Michael Reeves explains how we are both passive and active in salvation.
  • All My Sins Were Cancelled – So Why Continue to Confess? On this episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to the question “I’m struggling with a question regarding God’s word and want your input. Once we have repented and turned to the Lord for salvation, is it necessary to repent every time we sin afterward? I’ve always believed that. But recently someone told me that after our initial repentance, at the time of salvation, ongoing repentance is no longer necessary.”

  • 10 Worship Songs for Celebrating Communion. Kevin Halloran writes “One powerful way to prepare your heart for the Lord’s Supper is through song. Here are ten worship songs for celebrating communion, several traditional hymns and some contemporary worship songs.”
  • The Authority of Scripture. In this short video, Tim Keller provides insight on whether divergent interpretations of Scripture undermine its authority.
  • What is “Progressive Christianity”? Michael Kruger writes “While it might look like a new and shiny version of the faith—Christianity 2.0 if you will—it (progressive Christianity) turns out to be something the church has faced, and rejected, before.”
  • Ask Ligonier with Derek Thomas. Derek Thomas was recently a special guest on Ask Ligonier to answer biblical and theological questions live online.
  • How Do I Handle My Disordered Desires? John Piper provides some examples of disordered desires and instruction on how to respond to them.


  • Every new generation must find ways to communicate the gospel clearly and strikingly, distinguishing it from its opposites and counterfeits. Tim Keller
  • The most crucial mark of a Christian is humility. Humility is the foundation of all other virtues. Burk Parsons
  • When we get to heaven, we’ll see that God has answered all of our prayers in the way that is best. Kevin DeYoung
  • The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed. Sinclair Ferguson
  • The more we mature in our love for Christ, the more we pray for his return on good days, and not just on bad days. Burk Parsons
  • Our sovereign God delights to use our humble prayers. There’s no formula, just our generous and faithful Father. Scotty Smith
  • Jesus cannot simply be liked–you either must reject him utterly or crown Him King of your life. Tim Keller
  • Saying you’re a new kind of Christian with a new kind of Christianity is basically saying you’re an old kind of heretic. Burk Parsons
  • The world is changing. The gospel isn’t. Burk Parsons

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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