Top 10 of 2022 + A Gift For You
Thank you for reading and subscribing to Spiritual Theology. It's no small thing to be invited to your email inbox. I never want to knock too much or drop by too little. Now that my Ph.D. seminars are done, I should have more time and attention to write more posts next year. We shall see. I'll have some book news to share at the top of the year too.
Out of everything I wrote this year, here are the 10 most read posts. Be sure to read till the end to receive a personal gift to all my readers—a curated Spotify playlist of my favorite Christian songs of 2022. I love music, and I hope you benefit from these songs as much as I do.
The Top 10 Posts
10) 4 Ways to Fight Mental and Spiritual Attacks like a Puritan
A quote from John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress gives us four ways to stand against the world, the flesh, and the devil.
4 Ways to Fight Mental and Spiritual Attacks like a Puritan
9) A Spiritual Use of the Clear Habit Journal
I’ve always struggled with journaling—until now.
A Spiritual Use of the Clear Habit Journal
8) Whip the Devil with the Golden Chain
Romans 8's "Those whom he foreknew, he predestined, called, justified, and glorified" ought to be used in spiritual warfare.
Whip the Devil with the Golden Chain
7) "Whoever": The Funeral of My Sister-in-Law
A portion of what I said at the expected and tragic death of my wife's thirty-year-old sister.
“Whoever”: The Funeral of My Sister-in-Law
6) The Best Pens and Highlighters for Your Bible
Fellow nerds rejoice!
The Best Pens & Highlighters for Your Bible
5) Remember This About Spiritual Fruit
Fruit is a slow growth enterprise—and so are we.
Remember This About Spiritual Fruit
4) The First Lesson of Prayer
Learning to pray begins with this simple lesson. You can begin right here today.
The First Lesson of Prayer
3) The Problem of Gospel-less Gospel-centered Sermons
There is a big difference between preaching in a gospel-centered way and a gospel-explicit way. Preachers need both.
The Problem of Gospel-less Gospel-Centered Sermons
2) Don't Title People "Pastor" If They Aren't An Elder
Ecclesiology matters for our spirituality. And churches need to shore up the willy-nilly way they use titles.
Don’t Title People “Pastor” If They Aren’t An Elder
1) 8 Reasons to Rethink the Song of Songs
By far my most read article this year. Here I give 8 reasons why we should embrace the spiritual sense of the Song of Songs—that this book also sings of Christ's love for the Church.
8 Reasons to Rethink the Song of Songs
Music: Spiritual Theology - Vol. 1
Music is a big part of our spiritual formation. From the Psalms we read, to the songs at Sunday worship, to the tunes we belt in the car, music is embbeded by God into our lives. God wants us pay attention to Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Music teaches, expresses, and engages the affections. Spiritual Theology - Vol. 1 is filled with songs I enjoyed this year, not just songs that came out this year. Enjoy! Happy New Year!