From around the internet: A brief Q&A with Billy Graham revealed some reflections on aging (both how older and younger should think about it) and his life of ministry. I statement that I found particularly interesting: I also would have steered clear of politics. I’m grateful for the opportunities God gave me to minister to […]
Read More Grab bagAt the end of April, John Piper took an 8-month leave of absence from ministry — no preaching, writing, blogging, meetings, or any other responsibilities, apart from a few select opportunities that were agreed upon with his wife and elders. That leave ended at the end of December, and he is now returning to his […]
Read More John Piper’s report on his leave of absenceTitle: The Call to Joy and Pain: Embracing Suffering in Your Ministry Author: Ajith Fernando Publisher: Crossway, 2007; 192 pp. $14.99 ($7.99 as an ebook) Recommendation (4-star scale): For many generations, the Western church — and especially the American church — has sent missionaries with the message of the gospel to other countries. The […]
Read More Book Review: The Call to Joy and PainWhen I was in seminary, I had a professor who regularly would abbreviate or even forgo the Greek lesson for the day and offer some form of pastoral advice. One day, the advice went this way: “When you get in a church, spend your time with men. Be a man’s man and work to build […]
Read More A father’s roleRecently found on the internet: “Do You See the Glory of God in the Sun? Spurgeon’s Battle Against Depression” (see also Randy Alcorn’s series on depression). Justin Taylor has some good thoughts about distinguishing between Christianity and Mormonism. At “Humble Beginnings” (audio) Tim Challies tells the story of pastor Jeff Anderson and a medium-sized church […]
Read More Grab bagYesterday I read an article from the Dallas Morning News about recently retired Dallas Cowboy football player Duke Preston. He left the gridiron to prepare for the pulpit, becoming a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. Some might wonder why he turned down such a large amount of money to play football (about $1 million for […]
Read More Football player retires to prepare for ministryThis is the sixth of a series of reflections of gratitude on 20 years of ministry at GBC. We are part of a lineage that reaches back to Christ and reaches ahead into eternity. But we also are part of each other’s stories. We share life together. So in our church body there are two […]
Read More Reflections on Twenty Years of Ministry: Faithful Co-LaborersThis is the second of a series of reflections of gratitude on 20 years of ministry at GBC. As I think about ministry at GBC, I am thankful for family. Specifically, I am thankful for my family. Paul tells the Corinthians that it is better to remain single because the interests of a married man […]
Read More Reflections on Twenty Years of Ministry: FamilyChuck Swindoll in The Grace Awakening, affirms the reality that God uses “nobodies” to accomplish His eternal purposes: Grace means God uses nobodies. Grace also means He makes nobodies into somebodies. The problem is this: Our shame screams so loudly and our guilt is so huge, we convince ourselves we’re not useful and we think […]
Read More God uses nobodies to accomplish muchWhile I came to GBC with no intention of leaving, I never thought 20 years would come so quickly and I would still be here! What happy and satisfying years these have been for me, Raye Jeanne, and our daughters, Elizabeth and Emily. The Lord has been gracious to mature us in our marriage and […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers (8/15/10)Learn to “Read better with [puritan Richard] Baxter” Pastor Tim Keller tells us how to “How to Love One Another: Affirm, Share, and Serve” The Trellis and the Vine — one of my new favorite books on how to minister and serve in the church body — is now in paperback, and on sale for […]
Read More Grab BagAl Mohler leaves the radio, but will begin a new podcast in September. Lessons learned… Is technism the solution to our problems? John Dyer says “no.” I agree. John Bloom is concerned about ministry and money. Not the use of the money, but the desire for it. He suggests that the grace of Christ we […]
Read More Grab bagI can think of few condemnations worse than this one — you have been faithful to Christ, but you don’t love Christ. This is the condemnation of the Ephesian church by Christ. You might say it this way — they were rock solid for Christ; He just took no pleasure in it. For Christ there […]
Read More They were “rock solid”A few resources I’ve found recently that have been helpful: “Devotions Aren’t Magic” — among other things, regular time with Christ cultivates delight in Him. Biblical Training recently updated its web page — and all the same very helpful resources are still there at no cost — including seminary level training. A great resource. Some […]
Read More Grab BagA few articles I’ve come across on the internet recently that are worth reading. Here are the articles with some samples from each of them: “Pornography — The Difference Being a Parent Makes” Political scientists and sociologists long ago came to the realization that one of the most significant indicators of political behavior is parenthood. […]
Read More A few articles worth reading
Words of Grace 