Wednesday is for Prayer “Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church. We are fighting today for costly grace. Cheap grace means grace sold on the market like cheapjacks’ wares. The sacraments, the forgiveness of sins, and the consolations of religion are thrown away at cut prices. . . . The essence of grace, … More Bonhoeffer’s Cheap Grace: The Battle Still Needs to be Fought
Sunday Afternoon Musings “You can only learn what obedience is by obeying. It’s no use asking questions; for it is only through obedience that you come to learn the truth.” —Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, 86. Bonhoeffer wrote these words in 1936 during the run up to the Second World War. Just as profound … More Obedience is Only Learned One Way – Bonhoeffer
Monday is for Discussion “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” —Jesus (Luke 6:46, NASB) This week I have developed a new respect for Wayne Watson’s music and theology. He captures the struggle and the reliance on grace well. Every Waking Moment The first thought every morning I … More The Verse Every Christian Should be Haunted By
Wednesday is for Discipleship Just read the second article this week on how the church is failing to reach millennials here and here. Honestly, it seems like everybody is jumping on this bandwagon and singing this song, “the church is losing millennials.” I have no doubt that the facts are there to support the conclusion. But I … More How Millenials are Being Reached Effectively in One Church
Sunday Afternoon Musings Here’s the outline of Dr. Coleman’s classic and poignant work on how Jesus discipled his men into the world-changers. Incarnation – Jesus came into our world to show us God’s love. Selection – People were Jesus’ method. Association – Jesus stayed with them. Consecration – Jesus required obedience. Demonstration – Jesus showed … More Can Discipleship Fully Mature without the Discipler Leaving?
Friday Musings Harvest time is just around the corner in these parts. In more ways than one. The ministry and budget year draws to a close at our church and many churches around the country. A new school year and a new ministry year approaches, peaking over the horizon in just a few weeks. Who … More Have You thought of Yourself as a Letter from God?
Thursday is for Discipleship Understanding the gospel requires a mind shift. You must know your need. You must know your estrangement from a holy God. That is precisely the point that C.S. Lewis makes in this radio-talk-made-chapter in a book. “Now my third point. When I chose to get to my real subject in this … More “When you know you’re sick, you’ll listen to the doctor.”
Wednesday is for Inspiration We are saved by faith. Nothing but faith in the finished work of a mighty Savior. Our only contribution is our sin. His grace is the siren call to our heart to trust in him alone. But we know that the faith that saves is never alone. It pulls us toward him. … More Undying Allegiance
Saturday Musings on Discipleship Update (5/4/19): Met with the director of the Charlotte C.S. Lewis Institute today to talk about the fellows programs with the Institute and its value for the local church. Great conversation with Gary Stewart. The meeting reminded me of this quote. “The primary point for us to keep in mind is … More Iron Sharpens Iron: Developing Real Ironmen
Wednesday is for Thinking Sometime back, a friend (thanks Mike) and campus pastor of another church asked this question: (Mike’s words in blue) “Hey guys I’d like a little input. Our pastoral team here at ___________ is discussing, “How to measure our effectiveness of making disciples? (beyond Sunday attendance, offerings and buildings). How do you measure … More “How Do I Measure Discipleship?”
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