Where do we go from Here?
Mind, Heart, and Hands: A Holistic Faith
An Introduction
Christianity involves more than just knowing facts. While the Bible deeply values knowledge (Mind), a genuine work of God also transforms our desires, producing a deep love for Him and for others (Heart).
This internal change naturally leads to action (Hands). As the 16th-century reformers taught, "salvation is by grace alone (Eph 2:8), but the salvation we receive is never alone" (Eph 2:10). True faith produces a real change in our lifestyle, spurring on good works and a desire to turn from wrong actions, motives, and thoughts (Col 3:1-17, 1 John 3:4-10, Titus 2-3).
We don't pursue right living out of begrudging duty, but out of a new, loving desire to know and love the God who saved us (John 14:15). Therefore, a healthy Christian life involves pursuing truth (mind), speaking that truth in love (heart), and living it out through loving action (hands).
Find a Healthy Church
Community is not optional (Heb 10:25; 1 Cor 12:12-13:13). When you are looking for a local church, here are several key things to consider:
- Expository Preaching: The pastor preaches from the Bible, explaining the meaning of the text, rather than using a verse as a jumping-off point for personal stories or a pet topic. This ensures the congregation is fed the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27).
- Clear, Biblical Doctrine: The church should have a clear doctrinal statement with strong Scriptural support. Look for foundational beliefs: the Trinity, salvation by grace alone through faith alone, the true deity and true humanity of Christ, and the personhood, work, and power of the Holy Spirit. Helpful statements on the inerrancy of Scripture, gender, and sexuality also provide important clarity on where the church stands.
- God-Centered Worship: The focus of the service should be the worship of the triune God, not self-help, entertainment, or simple crowd appeal.
- Engaged People: Look for a congregation that is hospitable and serious about knowing God and His Word, and who seek to serve one another (1 Cor 12-13; Acts 17:11).
- Theological Integrity: Avoid churches that are doctrinally or morally lax. True faith avoids both legalism (grudgingly keeping rules) and antinomianism (lowering God's standards because they think the commands are unfair). Both legalism and antinomianism see God as stingy and self-absorbed, which is, I believe, one of the failures in the garden noted above.
- Helpful Tools: While not a guarantee, resources like The Master's Seminary Church Finder and the IX Marks Church Finder can be good starting points in looking for a good church.
Recommended Resources for Growth
Here are some trusted resources to supplement your growth.
Bible Translations
(Memorize and store God's Word in your heart! - Ps 119:9-11)
- Primary Recommendation: The ESV Study Bible. It's a readable, modern translation with excellent, faithful study notes.
Other Solid Versions:
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
- Legacy Standard Bible (LSB): A very literal translation that is excellent for deep study and reference.
- New International Version (NIV)
- New King James Version (NKJV)
Podcasts
- When We Understand the Text with Gabe Hughes
- Wretched Radio / Fortis Institute with Todd Friel and Co.
- Renewing Your Mind with Ligonier Ministries
- The Briefing with Al Mohler (News from a Christian worldview)
- For the Gospel with Costi Hinn
- Apologia Radio with Jeff Durbin and Co.
- Things Unseen with Sinclair Ferguson (Short devotionals)
Websites and Blogs
- IBCD (Biblical Counseling)
- Proginosko - Dr. James Anderson
Pastors & Sermon Archives
- Voddie Baucham
- John MacArthur
- R.C. Sproul
- John Piper
- Kevin DeYoung
- Note: all people are going to have their own theological quirks. I do not agree with almost all of these men on one point or another, but they have had faithful ministries, and I commend them to you.
Key Books: Theology+Life
- Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves
- The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
- The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther
- God's Passion for His Glory by Piper
- A Reformation Debate by Calvin and Sadoleto
- Tortured for Christ by Wurmbrant
- The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson
- A Letter to the Rev Mr. John Wesley
- True Spirituality by Francis Schaeffer
- Holiness by J C Ryle
- The Crises of Christ by J. Morgan
- Finally Free by Heath Lambert
- Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, the Battles (academic) or Robert White translation (of the 1541 ed).
- Expositional Preaching by David Helm (helpful also for Bible interpretation)
Christian Philosophy & Apologetics
- A History of Western Philosophy and Theology by John Frame
- Apologetics: A Justification of Christian Belief by John Frame
- The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God by John Frame
- Escape from Reason by Francis Schaeffer
- Tactics by Greg Koukl
- The Question of Canon & Canon Revisited by Michael J. Kruger
- Dr. James White (Alpha and Omega Ministries): Excellent debates, lectures, and series on topics like the reliability of the Bible.
Music & Worship
- Psalter: Psalms for Worship (Crown and Covenant)
- Hymnal: Sing! The Hymnal by Keith & Kristyn Getty
For the glory of Christ, and for the sake of His gospel.