Current Theme | December 2023
A Christmas Medley
Assorted Articles for an Edifying Advent
Now for something completely different: A Christmas Medley. In place of our monthly rhythm of focusing on a specific theme, December is something like a free-for-all. That is to say, instead of focusing on one topic, we’ll be addressing about a dozen. From woke religion to cheap forgiveness, from remembering Francis Schaeffer to understanding The Great Society, and from focusing on worldview to celebrating the Word made flesh (Advent), we will celebrate the season with more than twelve days of Christmas. We said at our founding that if Christ reigns over it, we will write on it. This month, as we hear from a number of new writers and old friends, we continue to make good on that promise. May these assorted articles build up your faith during this Advent season. Merry Christmas!
Table of Contents
Concise
Red, White, and Blue Like Jazz
By Trent Hunter • Concise Article • December 4
How is the Apostle Peter's political theology like jazz? It gives us a range to play within and strikes a couple unexpected notes.
Concise
Worldview Isn’t an Elective: Biblical, Systematic, and Worldview Theology
By Levi Secord • Concise Article • December 6
With a proper worldview, we see everything in subjection to Christ and then live according to that reality.
Concise
“No Little People, No Little Places”: Francis Schaeffer’s Vision of Faithfulness
By Brad Green • Concise Article • December 9
What does Francis Schaeffer mean in one of his most famous sermons when he says that there are "No Little People, No Little Places"? And what does this have to do with rural churches, Moses's staff, and an ambition for bigger and better opportunities?
Longform
Socialism and the Twisted Legacy of Slavery: A Cautionary Tale from the “Great Society”
By Trent Hunter • Longform Essay • December 11
Although there were good intentions along the way, the "Great Society" did much more harm than good. What can this lesson in human pride teach us in our own day?
Podcast
2.64 Trent Hunter • Reading • “Socialism and the Twisted Legacy of Slavery: A Cautionary Tale from the ‘Great Society'”
By Trent Hunter • Podcast Reading • December 11
Although there were good intentions along the way, the "Great Society" did much more harm than good. What can this lesson in human pride teach us in our own day?
Concise
Rebuilding from Ashes: How the Bankruptcy of Secularism Has Led Atheists and Feminists to Seek New Life in Old Time Religion
By Kevin Briggins • Concise Article • December 12
For decades, those opposed to Christianity sought to burn it to the ground. Many of those very people, however, are finding Christianity alone can explain the world we live in.
Concise
Three Marks of Progressive-Lite Evangelicals
By Drake Isabell • Concise Article • December 13
Behind the smokescreen of "nuance" and "winsomeness," some are pulling evangelicals steadily to the cultural and political left. Here are a few common ways this takes place.
Concise
Light in the Darkness: A Story of Human History
By Alex Tibbott • Concise Article • December 15
This is the story of our world, told through the lens of light and darkness. Come and see!
Longform
Should Christians Forgive Terrorists?
By Chris Brauns • Longform Essay • December 18
Christ commands us to forgive as we have been forgiven, but does this mean we should forgive unconditionally? No. Like Christ, we should only forgive those who repent.
Podcast
2.65 Chris Brauns • Reading • “Should Christians Forgive Terrorists?”
By Chris Brauns • Podcast Reading • December 18
Christ commands us to forgive as we have been forgiven, but does this mean we should forgive unconditionally? No. Like Christ, we should only forgive those who repent.
Concise
Tested by the Cross: Theological Retrieval
By Ryan Currie • Concise Article • December 20
Theological retrieval can be a source of great riches for the church today. To be of any value, however, whatever is found must accord with the cross.
Podcast
2.66 Trent Hunter, David Schrock, Kevin Briggins • Interview • “Socialism and the Twisted Legacy of Slavery: A Cautionary Tale from the ‘Great Society'”
By Trent Hunter, David Schrock, Kevin Briggins • Podcast Interview • December 21
Although there were good intentions along the way, the "Great Society" did much more harm than good. What can this lesson in human pride teach us in our own day?
Concise
Coming Soon: A Preview of the Knowing God Album
By Bob Kauflin • Concise Article • December 22
J.I. Packer's Knowing God has been one of the most influential Christian books of the past few decades. And soon, it will be an album.
Concise
Christmas is an Adoption Story: Gleanings from Galatians 4:4–5
By Greg Van Court • Concise Article • December 25
At Christmas, Jesus was adopted into the family of Joseph. But how does the Incarnation affect our own relationship with the Father?
Podcast
2.67 Chris Brauns, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum • Interview • “Should Christians Forgive Terrorists?”
By Chris Brauns, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum • Podcast Interview • December 25
Christ commands us to forgive as we have been forgiven, but does this mean we should forgive unconditionally? No. Like Christ, we should only forgive those who repent.
Concise
A Transforming Worldview
By Tom J. Nettles • Concise Article • December 27
Critical theory encourages division, oppression, vengeance, hostility, and violence. A gospel worldview encourages a stable, just, forgiving, and loving society. Which way will you choose, western man?
Concise
Betrayal and Abandonment in Ministry
By Chase Davis • Concise Article • December 29
If you are in ministry, then you will likely be betrayed or abandoned by those who were close to you. This will likely happen in one of three ways. And there's gospel hope for you when it does.
Concise
Top 23 Most Read Articles of 2023
By Luke Uhl • Concise Article • December 30
The year has come to an end, and by God's grace we've covered a lot of ground. Here's a look back at the most read articles from 2023.
Concise
ENCORE: Supernatural Experience and a Postmodern Sea Monster: How Can Charismatics Make Their Way Home?
By Jeff Beaupre • Concise Article • March 13
For many in our postmodern age, experience has come to define reality. As Christians, however, we can never let our own experience become ultimate. Rather, we must continually submit our experience to God's own word in Scripture.
Upcoming
Recommended
The Best Resources from Around the Web
Book
by Amity Shlaes
Book
