Today marks the 500th birthday for the great Reformer, John Calvin, born July 10, 1509. Regardless of your theological convictions, every minister of the gospel should recognize the gift that John Calvin was to the Church of Jesus Christ. If you have never read any of Calvin’s writings, I would suggest you begin by reading …
Recently I read the blog post of a very prominent pastor in the Southeast and was appalled by some language used in his writing. I hope that the had some elders or other friends in Christ who loved him and the Word of God enough to speak into his life about that post and rebuke …
As pastors, we must take seriously our call to speak from God’s Word to God’s people every Sunday. All preachers have a method that they use for preparing sermons, and it is always helpful to learn from others in this important task. I recently ran across this over at Unashamed Workman. Below is an outline …
I recently finished Preaching Christ, by Charles P. McIlvaine, who was a pastor and eventually the chaplain at West Point, in addition to a variety of other accomplishments. This book was filled with quotable quotes from McIlvaine, who authored this initially as a charge delivered to the clergy of the Diocese of Ohio in June …
I preach passionately and I often preach very emotionally. I think this is necessary, for emotions are gifts of God that reveal our personality and our disposition and often enhance a proper understanding of the Word of God as delivered during a sermon. I have recently seen (click here for an example from Mark Driscoll, …
2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, [1] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony [2] of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my …
I am becoming increasingly aware of the importatance of biblical theology in the church. I just ran across a list of suggested books on biblical theology from Grace Baptist Church and I’ve added a few of my own. The list can be found be “Beginner” Reading: 1. According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God …
J.D. Greear addressed five obstacles to effective evangelism at the South Carolina Baptist State Evangelism Conference yesterday. Greear used 1 Corinthians 9:19-26 as his text and I think he did a great job. I’ve listed his five obstacles below. 1. Being satisfied with Biblical faithfulness and not effective ministry (v. 22). 2. We don’t know …
Scholar, pastor, and biblical greek guru, Bill Mounce, has recently written some good advice for how to and how not to use biblical languages from the pulpit. Mounce reminds us that we can effectively show the differences in translations without giving our listeners opportunity to lose trust in God’s Word. Pastors, remember: “Do not correct …
A recent Newsweek article explores the changing face of the pro-life movement in America, especially since the political landscape has changed under the leadership of Barak Obama. In Pro-Lifers in Obama Land, Sarah Kliff looks to those in the pro-life camp who are leaning toward legislation and agendas that aim at reducing abortions rather than …