Perhaps if I get my resolution list published a day early, and have a brief opportunity to prepare myself, the resolutions will last longer. One good thing about my resolutions this year is that they are positive statements that can be pursued continuously, even with lapses (rarther than negative “don’t” statements that are immediately gone …
Monthly Archives: December 2010
Final 2010 Mission Report
The holiday is past, the end of the year upon us, the beginning of a New Year soon to come. For our many friends and family, readers and supporters, we share again our best wishes for the coming year. Our last mission newsletter of 2010 summarizes some of the highlights of the past year. We …
It’s Sunday Again: He Came, He is Coming
The Hebrew writer summarizes it well at the conclusion of Hebrews 9: He (Christ) has appeared once for all at the end of the ages, so that he might do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Some events are once for all events–like death and the subsequent judgment. So also was Christ’s sacrifice …
A Missional Christmas Idea
One of the things I miss about being the “primary” presence in the pulpit is the opportunity to take relatively small, insignificant ideas and present them as short-term, weekly challenges to the church as we strive to live out the reality of Jesus in our world. Most of our folks are not missing the desire, …
How many times could this story be repeated?
I want to begin by saying this is not my story, it is a story that was told to me by a person who wishes to remain anonymous. I have shared thoughts, and sometimes specific wordings, in telling a story I believe every Christian needs to hear again and again. (For a similar story from …
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Barna: Summarizing 2010
If you have not yet seen the Barna report which summarizes six major emerging themes for 2010, it is a “must” read. Based on casual observations, the conclusions are accurate–and scary! You can read the report at this link: http://www.barna.org/culture-articles/462-six-megathemes-emerge-from-2010.
It’s Sunday Again:Hearing God
I was struck yesterday by a simple thought from my Bible reading: the sheep hear the voice of their shepherd, recognize his voice, and follow his voice. Three simple thoughts jumped out at me from my reading in John 10. First, as a follower of the Good Shepherd, I must hear his voice. Jesus speaks. …
The Book of Hebrews-2
An alternative outline of the book of Hebrews, which maintains virtually all of the concepts set forth previously, uses the five warnings or exhortations as introductions to the five major sections. The introduction, usually 1:1-4, may be expanded to include all of chapter 1, setting forth a kind of thesis statement for the entire book, …
The Book of Hebrews-1
This fall my Wednesday evening Bible class studied the book of Hebrews. I chose the overall theme, “Portraits of Jesus.” Basically following Vanhoye’s outline, I presented the book as having five basic sections. Each of these sections is foreshadowed in a “bridge” or preview which immediately precedes it. The themes of each section run as …
Baxter Graduation 2010: Summing Up
After a long travel day on which I left Honduras on Monday and arrived home very early Tuesday morning, it is good to be back to a more normal routine (which may not happen until after a catch-up day). Reflecting on the past week, I believe this year’s graduation and board meeting were special in …