Four Resources to Help Us Stay on Track

As we walk with Christ, we should anticipate that it will take effort to stay on the right path – a path that is good for us and glorifies God.

After all, we live in a fallen world where evil and temptation abound. Then there are the appetites and desires of our old, sinful nature. Add to that the pressure to conform to the spirit of the age and the danger of drifting off course is significant.

It’s why Jesus warned that “the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction,” but “the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life” (Matthew 7:13-14, ESV).

Thankfully, God has provided ample wisdom and power through the Scripture, through his Spirit, and through the encouragement of other believers to help us keep on the straight and narrow.

Here are four resources that I use and recommend as we make this journey together.

ESV Study Bible – this is the study Bible that I use every day. The translation is reliable and readable. In addition, the study notes and articles are excellent. It’s like having a small theological library in one volume. If I could recommend only one resource, this would be it. It’s available in our church bookstore or online here.
A Chapter a Day – once you have a good study Bible, consider joining hundreds of others who are reading the same chapter of Scripture with me each day. A short, daily email comes every morning at about 5:00 a.m. to remind you of the chapter and to help you understand and apply what you read. There’s no charge. Sign up by texting the word Chapter to 22828 or online here.
The Briefing – this is a daily (Monday-Friday) analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview provided by Dr. Albert Mohler, the President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. I find it to be a helpful guide as I navigate the currents in our culture. It’s free. You will find it here.
Systematic Theology – this comprehensive “Introduction to Christian Doctrine” will benefit every follower of Christ and should be a reference you turn to often. It’s thoroughly biblical, irenic in spirit, and accessible to anyone who wants to dig deeper into any major area of doctrine. It’s available in our church bookstore or online here.

Of course, there are many other resources that could be recommended. But these are four that I use often and that I’ve found to be very helpful in keeping me on the right path. I hope you will find them to be beneficial too!

Your Pastor and Friend,