Simple Steps to Be Intentional About Sharing the Gospel
I am not good at making disciples–especially toward people who are not yet believers. It has definitely been something God has been working in me about though. Here are six simple steps to be intentional about personal evangelism in a way I find more . . . appropriate for every-day life. Take them for what...
Two Signs of Church Health
At the D6 Conference this past September, Doug Fields said, Bigger isn’t better. Better is better. There is a strong tendency to believe that larger churches are better churches. Consequently, we think the number one sign of whether or not a church is doing things right is whether or not it’s growing. Of course, Fields...
Some thoughts on Gospelization, Culturalization, and Contextualization
Since I haven’t posted in a while, I think I should say it, “No. I don’t have an ax to grind.” God has been good to me over the past few months and I am excited to get back into a regular cycle of sharing what he is doing in my heart and mind. I...
Throw Your Notions of Greatness Away
There’s an incredible thought found in Philippians 3:10 which says, “I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings…” Reread that and let it soak in for a minute. Think about how astonishing it is for Paul to say that! The first part isn’t too...
Insinuating Motives Will Kill You
It’s really easy to do. I’ve done it, and so have you. I’m talking about insinuating the motives of others. I bet she said that because she was thinking . . . I know he did that because he wanted to . . . Don’t even go there. Why? Three reasons: Because it will drive...
Jesus, the Greater Noah
Tim Keller is who has turned me on to using the Old Testament to point to Christ as the greater fulfillment of main characters. Well, Keller and Luke 24:27 and 1 Peter 1:10-12. I had a chance to apply this principle in a recent sermon at Cofer’s Chapel this past Sunday. In talking about the...
Are We Functionally Pelagian?
Some theologians believe Arminians to be Pelagian. A Pelagian is someone who follows after the views of Pelagius, the heretic. Pelagius believed the only impact Adam’s sin had on the rest of mankind is that it served as a bad example. Every person is morally neutral or good according to Pelagius. As a result of...
One Way to Underestimate the Gospel
Here is a good, short video of Thabiti Anyabwile explaining how he thinks the gospel is underestimated. Notice especially his second point. (Total aside, Thabiti has been posting some good stuff about racial issues over at his blog, pertinent for us FWBs.) Something I’ve been thinking about for a while has been brought up again: the gospel...
Why the Gospel Frees You From the Pressure of Being a “Successful” Pastor
I’m not a pastor yet, but I can already feel it: the pressure to be “successful.” Being successful is different depending on the context in which you pastor. New buildings. A ton of converts. Multiple campuses. How many churches your church has planted. How well you follow the rules. How much money your church gives...
Adam and Eve and Maple Tree Leaves
This is a guest post by Dr. Kevin Hester. See his bio below the post. Jacob asked Dr. Hester to answer the question: “Why does it matter that Adam was a real person?” This article is his excellent response. _______________ As I sit here looking out my office window in late October I am greeted...
DUKE DIVINITY SCHOOL DEAN, RICHARD HAYS, SUMMARIZING THE BIBLICAL STORY
My approach to the preaching is expository in nature. Sunday mornings I am preaching through the book of Ruth - Sunday and Wednesday nights the focus is on God the Father. Regardless if the sermon series is book based or theme based one thing is constant, a biblical passage provides the foundation and structure for my...
Reflections on the D6 NEXT Conference
Reflections from the D6 NEXT Conference 8. Matt Markins and the Randall House team know how to put on a conference. The level of professionalism was outstanding. 7. David Platt reminds me of an OT prophet – not that I’ve personally met any OT prophets. When RH launched into the Faith at Home movement, I...
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