Linked Together: Recommended Reading

For Christmas (or Anytime)
Persis recommends Why Christ Came, a “great little devotional that looks at Jesus’ mission and ministry beyond what we typically associate with Christmas.  Drawn from both the Old and New Testaments, the authors highlight different reasons why Christ came …” (Tried With Fire). 

For Newlyweds (and Others)
Kim Shay suggests two books which discuss important issues affecting marriage and family: Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung and The Organized Heart by Staci Eastin (Out of the Ordinary).

For Students of the Word (Both Old and New)
Aaron Armstrong lists several recommended books on the rules and principles of sound biblical interpretation (Blogging Theologically). 

Theological Term of the Week

church discipline
Corrective measures taken church leaders or a congregation regarding a matter of sin in the life of a member, with the goal of the loving restoration of the fallen member, if possible, and the strengthening of the church for the glory of Christ.

• From scripture:

If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17, ESV)

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV)

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Heidelberg Catechism

Question 11. But is God not also merciful?

Answer: God is indeed merciful, (a) but also just. (b) His justice requires that sin which is committed against the most high majesty of God also be punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment of body and soul (c).

(Click through to see scriptural proofs.)

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