News From the Frontlines: August 15th, 2026
- Joshua Budimlic
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Curating these recommendations week after week for News From the Frontlines has been a joy for me, and I hope that it’s been encouraging for you. Indeed, as much as I love writing, there’s something refreshing about giving you a peek behind the curtain on those books, articles, and other resources which have blessed me, both as a writer and as a believer. And if my work here has been encouraging—whether my own writing or the material I’ve been sharing—please don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know! I always love hearing from my readers.
This week, we have a great article on why Jesus should not be depicted with images, a video by R.C. Sproul discussing the seemingly contradictory use of the word ‘faith’ by Paul and James, a longer video on the Song of Songs which asks the question, “Is the Song of Songs about sex or about God?”, and much more.
News From the Frontlines:
Recommended Reading, Listening, & Watching
Now that my wife and I are parents ourselves, we share in Aaron Roberts’ frustration that there seemingly does not exist a single Bible for children that does not also include images of our Lord. This isn’t that difficult, people. In addition to writing about the sad state of children’s Bibles, Roberts outlines the Biblical—and, might I add, classically reformed—position on why images of any Persons of the Godhead are strictly forbidden. For a lengthy treatment on the issue of images depicting Jesus, here is an essay I wrote earlier this year with a particular focus on the popular television show The Chosen—‘The Chosen’: A Tale of Two Christs?
“Like the Israelites, we, too, can allow circumstances (or sons) to shape what we believe about God. We can find our trust in God wavering as fearful circumstances loom large in our hearts and begin to shape what we think about God. ”
In this video, R.C. Sproul helpfully distinguishes between the seemingly contradictory ways in which Paul and James use the word ‘faith’ in their letters.
This is a beautiful piece of writing. “Time constantly moves us, steadily, relentlessly, without ever adjusting its stride or changing its course. We easily lose track of its movement among the busy challenges and joys of living, but sometimes—like the sunrise at the beach—we realise. Sometimes, we see time measured against hard, immovable facts like the growth of trees or children, the passing of birthdays, or the whitening of hair.”
“Music, like other art forms, resembles the beauty we see in nature. These aesthetic experiences are like cracks in the sidewalks of secularism, through which shoots of grass and the occasional flower appear. They’re pinholes in the ceiling of immanence, laying waste the claim that nothing exists beyond this material world. They’re whispers in the wind that send a chill up the spine and tell us we’re not alone. There’s something more there.”
In this somewhat lengthy video (around 50 minutes), Gavin Ortlund dives into the Song of Songs and asks: “Is the Song of Songs about sex or about God?” And the answer?—Yes.
Barnabas Piper lists several reasons why men in particular should read good fiction—though it readily applies to women and, of course, children as well—and also lists a few great novels to get you started. “I believe a good story fills gaps left by even the best non-fiction. They are intended to accomplish different things and stir different parts of the heart and mind. That means fiction and non-fiction serve as complements, not rivals. So here are seven reasons why men should read more stories.”
Photo by Cathy Mü, Unsplash
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