Book review: What is a Healthy Church Member?

I have preached entirely through the books of 1 and 2 Timothy, books devoted to the explanation of the function of the church. I have preached multiple brief sermon series (2-4 sermons) on various aspects of church ministry. Though I didn’t do it this fall, very often in September I will preach at least one […]

Today’s Quote (9/7/08)

Howard Hendricks, Living by the Book: The mark of spiritual maturity is not how much you understand [of Scripture], but how much you use. In the spiritual realm, the opposite of ignorance is not knowledge but obedience.

A summer opportunity

It’s finally summer. I realize that the first day of summer officially is June 20 this year (at 6:59 CDT, to be exact). But school is out. It’s June. It’s hot. And my lawn has already stopped growing. It’s summer. And that got me thinking. I have three months of summer ahead of me, roughly […]

Brainerd on spiritual desires

This short treasure from David Brainerd’s journal remained in my in-box from a couple weeks ago: Oh, how precious is time, and how it pains me to see it slide away, while I do so little to any good purpose. Oh, that God would make me more fruitful and spiritual. (HT: CQOD)

Worship and Transformation

Tim Keller on the role of worship in transformation: A Christian, if you looked into the Mirror of Erised [Desire] you would see yourself perfectly enjoying God and if you could have one perfect act of worship in which you perfectly valued Him, in which you perfectly enjoyed Him, if you completely enjoyed Him as […]

Lessons Remembered After a Midnight Phone Call

When the phone rings at midnight, awakening you from a deep and hard sleep, it rarely rings with happy news. “Mr. Enns? This is Pastor ________. Your daughter is ok, but she’s been in an accident at camp and has been hurt…We’re getting ready to take her to the emergency room…” With those words last […]

Sunday Leftovers (1/14/07)

It has been said that “the trouble with life is that it’s so daily.” Most of us identify well with that statement. Daily-ness is not only the trouble with life; it is also the “trouble” with the spiritual life (it’s what makes the spiritual life difficult). We desire a sanctification that is instant and complete, […]