Great quote I had to pass on: “There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice.” John Calvin Reminds me of Rich Mullins song, The Color Green. —–
Passionate Proclamation People are starving for the grandeur of God. And the vast majority do not know it. . . . If God is not supreme in our preaching, where in this world will the people hear about the supremacy of God? If we do not spread a banquet of God’s beauty on Sunday morning, … More Passionate Proclamation of the Gospel is Not the Job of the Pastor (only)
Wednesday is for Prayer Sometimes a truth is presented in such beautiful, and pristine clarity that it takes your breath away with its obvious weight and importance. When I read Bill Thrasher’s[1] comment on prayer it hit me that way. Here it is: “Don’t resist helplessness—it’s the power of your prayer life.” He echoes the … More Helplessness is an Extraordinary Teacher
Tuesday is for Preaching How do congregations learn to share their faith? Taking classes? Reading books? Watching films or movies? Being personally mentored? All of these may have their place and I have certainly benefited from many of these. But I think the principle way that truly winsome and effective congregations learn how to share … More Pastor, Would You Show Me How to Share My Faith?
Monday Discussion Thesis #1: The world economy creates some barriers to gospel expansion. I am not saying that it doesn’t create some opportunities as well, but in this post I want to suggest some of the barriers. In a macro-economy like we have today, all relationships that we have with non-family members are in some … More Understanding the Times for the Advance of the Gospel
May all your teams win and if they don’t may you still find joy in Jesus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4o0ZVeixYU
“To be nobody but yourself in a world that’s doing its best to make you somebody else, is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight. Never stop fighting.” E. E. Cummings There are things that God places inside us to do, to be, to accomplish and nothing should keep us from … More To Be Nobody But the Self That God Wants and Created You to Be
Have a great weekend. I’ll be raking leaves, watching the Phillies on TV, working on a doctoral class, and resting. I hope all your thoughts bring you back to the cross and the wonder of God visiting earth to declare his love and redeem his people.
Friday is for Heart Songs The denominational conference just ended. You returned to your church, large or small, having witnessed the parade of speakers and conversations that seemed to always exalt one of three things: bigger churches, bigger personalities, or younger leaders. Now you are back home and wondering if your ministry will ever amount … More The Trap of Judging Glory By Size
Thursday is for Discipleship I have written before about the “unitary nature” of disciple making. Basically, my point is that spiritual formation or discipleship that neglects evangelism is counter productive to its own mission. Disciples that are focused on their own growth and development hurt their own growth and development if they are not sharing … More Jesus is Not Your Savior
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