Illustration: Stewardship, Trust
In his book The Cycle of Victorious Giving (Beacon Hill Press), Stan Toler tells about the time when he was a college student and attended the annual missions conference at his church.
Purpose of Sermonic Explanation Is Clarification of Truth
In the second edition of his classic text Christ-Centered Preaching (Baker), Bryan Chapell observes, "The goal of a preacher's exegesis is to be able to state (usually in the main points and subpoints) the universal truths established by a text for the congregation."
Proper 26 (A): Moving by Faith
Transitional moments come with growing up: the changes from childhood to adolescence, adolescence to adulthood. At other times these transitions are artificial. The ages of 16, 40 and 65 have significant implications. Transitional moments can be forced on people-divorce, relocation, early retirement, job loss.
Proper 25 (A): Maintaining Relationships on the Run
In many respects, an elevator filled with people is a microcosm of our world today: a large, impersonal institution where anonymity, isolation and independence are the uniform of the day. It shows we can be surrounded, yet not experience community. We can be a part of a company, a club or a church and not feel we belong or that we are accepted. We can share a carpool, an office, even a home and not have significant relationships.
Proper 24 (A): The Motivation for Ministry
An experienced hiker will set trail markers to ensure his or safe return from the wilderness. Often these markers are stones stacked as a visible, directional reference.
Producing a Comeback Church
In a study that resulted in our book Comeback Churches (B&H Publishing), 324 comeback churches were surveyed in order to seek answers to the questions of what and how to make a comeback from a trend of s... Continue Reading...
Bible: The Story of the King James Version
This week I presented a lecture on the legacy and influence of the King James Bible (in conjunction with this year's 400th anniversary of its publication). One of the books that provided a wealth of information and insight is Bible: The Story of the King James Version (Oxford University Press) by Gordon Campbell.
Incandescence: Light Shed Through the Word
It's not a new book, but I recently came across a copy of Incandescence: Light Shed Through the Word (Eerdmans) by Ben Witherington III and wanted to share it with you. Most of us know Witherington as a gifted New Testament scholar and theological writer; but before the academic life...
The Truth Shall Make You Odd
As pastors, speaking with integrity can put you in awkward and challenging situations. In his new book The Truth Shall Make You Odd (Brazos Press), Frank Honeycutt draws on 25 years of pastoral experience to offer counsel on speaking truth in the difficult times.
Illustration: Preaching
One Sunday morning right after the worship service had ended, the pastor went and sat down with his wife. She asked him how he thought the service went.