Preaching is challenging. Preaching done well is an art. Lives are changed little by moralizing (you should, we must, we need to….). I know what I ought to do, but I just can’t do it. Lives are changed by the renewal of our minds so that we are more and more focused on God. It …
Continue reading “The Problem of Preaching: Short on the Why?”
We have misidentified discipleship. We have distinguished being a Christian and being a disciple. We have made it two decisions instead of one. The decision to become a Christian is the same as the decision to become a disciple (follower of Jesus). Our tendency toward two distinct decisions has had disastrous consequences. People want to …
This morning’s worship in song was marvelous! Jan and I have been at Park Plaza for three months–I do not remember Keith Lancaster repeating any worship song during that period. Each Sunday is outstanding–bringing us into the very throne room of God where his holiness is seen by the eye of faith. Thank you, Keith, …
Luke 22 is a favorite text to which I return again and again during the weekly communion service. Jesus expresses to his disciples his intense desire to meet with them before his suffering and death. “With much desire, I have desired to eat with you.” From a human vantage point it is difficult to understand …
Continue reading “Meeting God at the Table is No Small Thing”
I have been reviewing some of the articles I have written over the past couple of years. Two articles reflect the importance of doctrine: Doctrine Matters and Thin Doctrine. Non-Christians want something to know, to live by, to depend on. Unchurched people expect churches to have a belief system–to know what they believe and why. …
“Mish Maoul.” In Arabic, the phrase means unbelievable. A Spanish word I use frequently is “increible”. 1 Thess. 1:5 says, “When we told you the good news, it was with the power and assurance that come from the Holy Spirit, and not simply with words.” The unbelievable was made believable through preaching and testimony empowered …
Acts 28:31 ESV says, “…proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” There it is! The last word of the last verse of the last chapter of Acts. A Greek word which I translate “unhinderedly.” The ESV gets the flavor and significance of the Greek …
Jesus came teaching, preaching and healing (Matt. 4:23). He did not always do those things in that order. At times he taught first, at times he preached first, at times he healed first. He did what was needed to gain the attention of the people he came to serve. He saw the needs of the …
This blog does not accept advertising or comments designed to redirect to other sites. Accepted comments post after approval. I am thinking again about kingdom principles. I am rethinking, reviewing, restudying. Everything begins with God. Who is God? What must we know, say, share about God? When one begins “in the beginning” (Genesis 1), the …
This blog does not accept advertising or comments designed to redirect to other sites. Accepted comments post after approval. Book 1 of the Psalms is framed by four psalms containing “blessed” declarations. Blessed is the one who does not share with the wicked (1:1). God receives into his presence and favors with salvation and blessing …
