I am sure that this week’s, “The Five,” as well as any of my own social and general media feeds have been influenced by the preceding Father’s Day of the last week and the tragic events surrounding the disappearance and then ultimate discovery of the imploded remains of the “Titan Sub,” that was attempting to survey the ruins of the Titanic on the bottom of the ocean floor.
1. ARTICLE (5min)
The Power of Corporate Confession: Shaping the Believer’s Heart
We have incorporated corporate confession into our weekly worship order and liturgy for a few years now, and every once in a while a question arises as to why, or even whether or not, we ought to be doing this. This article handles those questions well, providing not only a biblical basis for the practice of corporate confession but also the practical out-workings of giving ourselves to this as a church body.
2. QUOTE (1 min)
Influenced By the Holy Spirit
By: J.C. Ryle
“Be filled with the Spirit. Seek to be more and more under His blessed influence. Strive to have every thought, word, action, and habit brought under the obedience to the leading of the Holy Ghost.
Grieve Him not by inconsistencies and conformity to the world. Quench Him not by trifling with little infirmities and small besetting sins. Seek rather to have Him ruling and reigning more completely over you every week that you live.”
~ J.C. Ryle
Old Paths, “The Holy Ghost”, 289.
I have a deep fondness for J.C. Ryle. He was the first Anglican Bishop of Liverpool and lived from 1816-1900. He has a tremendous work called, “Holiness,” and a very helpful short work called, “Thoughts for Young Men,” Both of which I highly recommend for people of all ages and both genders. I found his thoughts here on the influence of the Holy Ghost a needful challenge for me this week.
3. ARTICLE (3 min)
12 Important Questions To Ask Your Dad Before He’s Gone
Not many people know that my own Dad had a pretty significant health scare a couple weeks ago that culminated in an emergency surgery and landed him in the hospital for nearly a week. For those that did know, and prayed, thank you so much! Now, he is home and recovering well, and I know he appreciates your prayers as well. I am very grateful that he is still here, and I have some more time to ask him some questions like these. Even though these questions are not overtly spiritual, I think that they are things that I would like to know, and I am sure that there are some spiritual things that I could think of to ask him as well. Have you ever asked your parents questions like these? What was it like to hear their answers? Maybe your folks are gone, what are some things that you wish that you could have asked them if you had the chance? **Spoiler alert for you, Dad, if you’re reading, get ready to answer!**
4. VIDEO (2 min)
Rudyard Kipling’s poem IF, recitated by Sir Michael Caine.
I have always loved this poem, by Rudyard Kipling, since I first read it as a young man, and it is so good here, half read – half recited, by actor Sir Michael Caine. The final words,
“And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!”
If by Rudyard Kipling
revealing that it is written from a loving father to a son to call him into masculinity and manhood,
gets-me-every-time.
I long to be that kind of man, and the kind of man that not only models this for my sons, but calls them to follow me in the same.
5. VIDEO (12 min)
Dr Michael Guillen reflects on moment he felt ‘buried alive’ in near-death trip to Titanic
The entire world was gripped this week by the suspense that surrounded the search for the “Titan Sub,” which went missing during a journey to view the ruins of the Titanic. Our home and family were not exempt from watching and praying or even from criticizing the events and circumstances surrounding this situation. My wife shared this video with me that involves a man who has been down to the wreckage and remains of the Titanic and nearly met his end there. After his initial panic and fear, he speaks of a “peace,” that washed over him. All of us in the face of death need to know what stands on the other side of that great gulf of death, and ask ourselves where true peace comes from. Our hearts and prayers are for the surviving families and friends of those who perished on the “Titan Sub,” and as well for the onlooking world, that in the face of this tragedy they would search for true peace and find it in the saving arms of Jesus Christ.
*BONUS*
SONG (6 min)
The Steel Woods – Rock That Says My Name [Official Audio]
Speaking of death and dying… Here is a great song from the Steel Woods. It’s a kind of, “Memento Mori.”
That’s my five! ✋🏼
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Did you see something inspiring, challenging, convicting, or just plain funny on the internet this week? Let me know your requests and suggestions on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook and just maybe they will make, “The Five,” next week. Which of the Five was your favorite this week? Let me know! Just comment on FB or send a tweet or instagram msg to @mikehooperjr be sure to tag #TheFive
Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you in church on the Lord’s Day!
