By: Robert E. Martinez
YOUR SATURDAY SEVEN, JUNE 19, 2021
Not too long ago I was encouraged by learning of Dr. David Allen’s “Your Friday Five” posts that he submits each Friday on his personal blog. In these posts, he gathers what he calls five articles from the current week that, “have been selected because they are informative, instructive, entertaining, or simply interesting.” I have benefited from these articles both personally and privately. Just recently I have decided to join in on the idea and post seven of my own hand-picked articles that I come across each week to share with everyone the same.
In the spirit of Dr. Allen’s posts, I have entitled these posts, “Your Saturday Seven.” Every Saturday, I will not only include six hand-picked articles but the seventh on the list will be Dr. David Allen’s “Your Friday Five” just in case you missed his! Here and there I will also include one of my own articles within the seven! I hope you enjoy the first seven today!
EXPLAINER: WHAT IS JUNETEENTH, AND WHY SHOULD WE CELEBRATE IT?
BY: SHERELLE DUCKSWORTH
This article will prove to be an excellent read for all those who are interested in not only finding out more about Juneteenth, but will also see the necessity of celebrating it each year. Ducksworth also wrote a similar article for Christianity Today that will I will be sharing in our church gathering tomorrow. Sherelle Ducksworth is currently working on a Ph.D. in systematic theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
THE GIFT OF A DISTRACTED DAD.
BY: ELLIOT CLARK
There is so much in this article that has caused my feet to point in a different direction – in a positive way and in response to its content. Here is just one excerpt, “There are multiple ways to interact with children in the ordinary and mundane. You can do so face-to-face and side-by-side. But you also teach through what takes you away.” This article by Clark will help you as a father. Elliot Clark (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) served in Central Asia as a cross-cultural church planter along with his wife and children.
HOW NOT TO CORRECT A FELLOW CHRISTIAN.
BY: JOHN PIPER
As a growing young man and pastor, this article (audio included) has helped me immensely. A quick read from Pastor John Piper and one that will challenge both you and your log! Pastor Piper finished his doctorate from the University of Munich, Germany, and is the long-time lead contributor to the Desiring God podcast and online resources and author of many books in Christianity.
GREENWAY ADDRESSES CRT QUERY, EXPLAINS COLLEGE NAME CHANGE.
BY: DR. ADAM GREENWAY
If you were able to watch the SB Convention in Nashville this year, you likely had mixed feelings. This was perhaps the first entire SB Convention that I watched thanks to the Live Stream. I in particular appreciate Dr. Greenway’s position (along with the other seminary presidents) that he took. A quick quote before you click on the link. “All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ.” Dr. Adam Greenway is the President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
OUR DUTY TO DISCERN.
BY: DR. JOHN MACARTHUR
I have always appreciated Pastor MacArthur’s commitment to exegesis along with his devotional approach to Scripture to our everyday lives. To me, John MacArthur provides a pastor’s heart for his people while also tying it directly to the Word of God. He states, “So how can believers discern between trends, traditions, and the truth? The answer to this question begins with Scripture. God has given us His Word so that we can evaluate every spiritual message we receive, discriminating between what is right and what is wrong.” This quick read will encourage you while also preparing you to listen further in the days ahead to his series on discernment.
HOW PASTORS MISUSE CHURCH CREDIT CARDS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT.
BY: RAUL RIVERA
Just recently our church leadership has been working to grow our accountability in the area of church finances and spending. Our treasurer brought this excellent article to my attention and I think it might be a help to you personally. Our church plant in Albany, NY used the organization Start Church to help obtain legal Incorporation along with our 501(c)(3). Although this is an older article from 2017, I am sure that it will help you in some way if you are having any issues with church spending. Raul Rivera is the founder of Start Church.
YOUR FRIDAY FIVE.
BY: DR. DAVID ALLEN
Again, as I mentioned above each week I will be posting six hand-picked articles from recent resources along with providing Dr. David Allen’s hand-picked five for the week as the seventh listing here. These are excellent picks that he provides from other leading writers. In particular, I think that you should read number four from his list entitled, “How to Listen to a Sermon.” by Bob Kaylor. Dr. David Allen is the distinguished Professor of Preaching, Director of the Center for Expository Preaching, and he holds the George W. Truett Chair of Pastoral Ministry at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.