This is a list of recent blog posts which I found interesting. That I found them interesting doesn’t mean I necessarily agree with or endorse all of the ideas presented in the posts, but that I found them to be intriguing and thought-provoking. They may benefit you as you prayerfully consider your area of shepherding and stewardship, which has been given to you in trust by the Lord. (They are listed in no particular order of interest.) Please post your comments to discuss  any article that strikes your interest. If you have recent blog posts to nominate, please send the link and your reasons for nominating that post to .

Belief In Hell Lowers Crime Rate, According To International Study

I was recently asked why I mention hell as frequently as I do. First off, I don't mention hell as often as I ought to. Christ talked about hell more than He talked about heaven, and I am quite sure that I speak of heaven far more than eternal torment. Nevertheless, the fact that I do mention hell on occasion is scientifically proven to have a tangible benefit to society. So... are you doing your part to improve our city? Are you talking up hell to your colleagues? Perhaps you should speak of hell more often, hmmm?

Eye for an Eye, Bully for a Bully: Reflections on Karen Klein’s Story

This is an amazing perspective on bullying. I was intrigued, and thought that I would share it. NOTE: while I recommend reading this post, I do not recommend watching the You Tube video at the end.

Packing Unforgiveness

"I can never accept the notion that he can pay for that nightmare with anything less than his life. . . "

This was a riveting article. It's old, and I stumbled across it by mistake - but it provides insight into what truly afflicts our country and haunts us as we stumble through every conflict: Forgiveness is conditional. God's forgiveness is offered to us on a condition.

Character

"All the causes of either visible or pending failure stem from a failure to cultivate the inner life. Look at the list of the causes of fruitlessness. They are the results of failing to know ourselves, failing to believe the gospel, and forgetting the truth of God’s word. Thus, we must cultivate the work of the inner life."

Considering (and Surviving) Unhealthy Christian Organizations, part three

It is about a pattern, and this pattern is both real and widespread. Some organizations really are unhealthier than others, and, unfortunately, I've seen it-- as you probably have as well.

The Tongues of the Church

He makes some assumptions regarding the historical context of James 3. With that aside, it is an excellent post regarding the need for God-honoring teaching and the need to cultivate teachers within the church.

What Does it Mean for an Elder to be “Able to Teach”? A Proposal

Following up on the previous post about developing God-honoring teachers, Dr. Finn attempts to draw some distinctions between basic teaching and preaching. I think He struggles, I am not fully convinced of his proposal, but it has forced me to think through the issue for myself. Give it a gander.

Loyal Leadership

This post by Dr. MacArthur was excellent. We are called to the highest degree of allegiance and loyalty when we pledge our allegiance to Jesus Christ. But this allegiance to Christ should also compell our allegiance to those who stand for His truth.