The following articles have been selected because they are informative, instructive, entertaining, or simply interesting. Articles appearing in Your Friday Five do not represent an endorsement.

Ministering to the 9/11 First Responders Who Never Had to Be Told to ‘Never Forget’, By Kathryn Watson

The news media and the nation would later call the site of the largest terrorist attacks in United States history by the name “ground zero.” The firefighters and other first responders who rushed to the scene when two 110-floor buildings collapsed into 14.6 acres of mangled steel and concrete would call it “the Pit.”

Americans Grow More Optimistic About Churches, By Aaron Earls

Most Americans believe churches are helping the country move in the right direction, according to Pew Research.

Want to Be a Pastor? Be Someone Worth Imitating., By Bobby Jamieson

The day you start serving as a pastor is the day everyone starts watching you. Members of your church will search your face for cues, especially when something awkward happens. They’ll notice where you sit and who you sit with. They’ll comment when you get a haircut or new shoes. If part of your shirt comes untucked during a service, they might discover that before you do. To be a pastor is to be watched.

Christians Don’t Share Faith With Unchurched Friends, By Aaron Earls

Most unchurched Americans say they have multiple Christian friends, but those friends haven’t shared with them how or why they should follow Christ.

Did Jesus Come to Bring Peace or a Sword? (Luke 12), By Thomas Schreiner

The need for faithfulness and obedience as disciples (12:35–48) is followed by the purpose of Jesus’ mission. In saying that he has come to cast fire on the earth that he wishes were kindled now, Jesus certainly refers to judgment. In the OT fire often designates judgment. For instance, Jeremiah’s words are as fire that consumes the people (Jer. 5:14; 23:29; cf. Sir. 48:1). Amos warns Israel to seek the Lord, lest he “break out like fire” (Amos 5:6). On the other hand, in Luke fire also refers to the transforming work of the Spirit (Acts 2:3), and in Isaiah 4:4 the Spirit as fire both cleanses and purifies. Thus both ideas are likely present here. Jesus, as in the next verse, anticipates his death and resurrection, the consummation of his work. The final day of judgment will not come immediately, but judgment and salvation are inaugurated when Jesus’ work on earth is completed.