My topic in Sunday’s sermon was “peace.” God wants us to have peace, he provides peace, he fills our life. During the sermon I shared “10 Steps to Peace Making”. 1. Yearn to see peace restored 2. Pray for self-cleansing and guidance 3. Sincerely bring the estranged together 4. Empathize with all concerned 5. Listen …
Monthly Archives: March 2009
Mission Expanded: What about the strays?
Today’s blog is a reprint of an article written by my friend, Alan Martin. The article appeared in the Edmond church bulletin the last week of March 2009. There’s quite a sobering thought by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his chapter on “The Great Divide”.Here’s the thought: “The path of discipleship is narrow, and it is fatally …
Evangelism: Quotes/Observations
Today’s blog includes several comments which first appeared in Pastors Weekly Briefing as commentary on the church’s lost ability to evangelize effectively (from March 27, 2009). I trust you will find them insightful, helpful, compelling, and challenging! When we design seeker sensitive services, have we thought out the fact that what they are seeking is …
Recession Doesn’t Change Church Attendance
I have heard speculation recently that the economic downturn is increasing the interest of the American population in religion (in a way parallel to the increase observed after 9/11). A new study released this week by Gallup (March 23, 2009) shows that church attendance and the importance of religion in our daily lives has not …
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Evangelism: Friends and Family, Please!
Each week I receive an email entitled “Pastors Weekly Briefing” (affiliated with Focus on the Family). Yesterday’s feature article was titled, “DO YOUR PEOPLE SHARE THEIR FAITH?” Following are some excerpts from the article, along with my own editorial comments and observations. A report from Lifeway Research (March 26, 2009) notes that the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) is …
It’s Sunday Again-March 22: It’s About How We Live
Ephesians is about the conduct of the church. The practical or application section of the book (Eph. 4-6) speaks again and again of how we live. We know how to live because of what we know. Our calling changes our conduct. Our doctrine informs our duty. The connection between beliefs and behaviors must never be …
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It’s Sunday Again-March 15: Three Calls
The question has been asked in various forms. “How shall we then live?” How do you live your life? The little verb “called to make a journey” (metakaleomai) is used only four times in the NT, all in Acts. Joseph sent for his father and family (7:14). Cornelius sent for Peter (10:32). Paul sent for …
New Poll Shows Decline in Christianity
A new poll out today shows a significant decline in Christianity in the U.S. over the last two decades. One excellent summary of the results appears in the Washington Post under the title, 15 Percent of Americans Have No Religion.