For your attention

1. The abortion/contraceptive mandate takes effect – Joe Carter of The Gospel Coalition explains the newly effective abortion/contraceptive mandate in health care by means of a Q and A. In addition, Michael Foust, associate editor of Baptist Press, explains its impact on employers in a news story here. The federal regulation, which took effect Aug. 1, is a grave violation of religious liberty. It is not just a Roman Catholic issue. It also impacts evangelical Christians and others who believe life begins at conception. The rule requires employers and health insurance plans to pay for contraceptives, including those that can act after conception to kill the human embryo.

2. A letter to stay-at-home mothers – Trevin Wax, managing editor of The Gospel Project at LifeWay Christian Resources, writes a letter at his blog to encourage stay-at-home moms. In it, he says, “God loves you – not because you are a good mother but just because you are His precious child. God loves you – not because you’ve mastered all the skills of parenting but because He has.” This is good stuff for mothers who may be discouraged and feel their ministry at home is both overwhelming and unappreciated.

3. Sin wants to be your friend for awhile – Tim Challies, who preached for us July 22, writes with great insight at his blog about how sin works to befriend and betray us. I link to it not to inform you about another pastor’s fall into sin but to acquaint you with Tim's take on how sin acts. His post includes a helpful explanation of the symbolism of the one ring in The Lord of the Rings.

4. Same-sex marriage will not be enough for some – Amy Hall examines at the Stand to Reason blog the comments of a lesbian journalist/activist who recently said at an Australian panel discussion, “[F]ighting for gay marriage generally involves lying about what we are going to do with marriage when we get there — because we lie that the institution of marriage is not going to change, and that is a lie. The institution of marriage is going to change, and it should change. And again, I don’t think it should exist.”

5. Do you notice God’s mercies? – Mark Altrogge, pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Altoona, Pa., and a gifted songwriter, helps Christians understand how we can recognize God’s mercies that are new each day.