Tag: Christianity

Current

On By BrianIn Current Collection

Here are some helpful posts to help the church think through the Syrian refugees issue.  If you only have time to read a few, read the last two – and dream about the possibilities.

What You Should Know About The Syrian Refugee Controversy – Joe Carter (TGC)

Should we really close the border to refugees? Here’s why fear drives out compassion. – Trevin Wax (WP)

Immigration Policy Must be Based on More than an Appeal to Compassion – Kevin DeYoung

Refugee resettlement process leaves Syrian Christians in the cold – Cody Derespina (FN)

Why evangelicals are torn about admitting refugees to the US – Trevin Wax (RNS)

Syrian refugee screening process reveals progress and pitfalls – Cody Derespina (FN)

We Opened Our Church to Muslim Refugees and Something Unexpected Happened! – Caleb Suko

Building His Church in a Refugee Crisis– David Crabb (DG)

 

Current

On By BrianIn Current Collection

Here are some good posts about current events and issues related to the church and culture:

The Transgender Movement and Government Overreach: Why it Matters – Andrew Walker (ERLC) – In response to the Education Department’s rejection of an Illinois school policy.

The Blind Eyes of Abortion – John Knight (DG) – In response to the latest undercover video release about Planned Parenthood.

Christmas Is Not For Cranks – Kevin DeYoung – In response to the Starbucks red coffee cups.

Sermon Songs: Ephesians 1:11-14

On By BrianIn Ephesians Hymns

MusicNotes

We have a rich inheritance
Dwelling with God in His presence
From sin and death a great release
A kingdom of great joy and peace

Predestined by the Father’s will
In union with our Savior still
And sealed by the Holy Spirit
Given as our sure deposit

So now believe and enter in
Proclaim salvation from our sin
Cling to your hope in life’s distress
Our Triune God forever bless

(To the tune of the Doxology)

Ministry Collection

On By BrianIn Ministry Moments

Here are some good posts for the pastor:

Ten Commandments for Pastors – Joel Beeke
1. Give priority to your personal communion with God. Put your own soul first: your maintaining communion with God is a prerequisite for being an effective pastor to your people….

The Pastor’s Personal Holiness – Jason Helopoulos
As I reflect over the past decade of watching fellow brothers in the pastorate fail morally, the threats seem to come in four primary categories. Dear pastor, be on-guard against each….

What is the Most Common Ministry Priority Neglected by Pastors? – Brian Croft
Pastors, I know your schedule is busy. I am aware of the great demands on your time that pull on your conscience. But, don’t forget to pray for your people this week. Pray with your people. Set time aside in a quiet place and cry out to God for your people. Make the other pastoral matters wait. It is safe to say they are less important than prayer.

Passion Posts

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some really good posts for your weekend reading:

You Were Made for the Godward Life – John Piper (DG)
A Godward life is lived leaning toward God. We turn our face toward him and not away from him. We enjoy the consciousness of his presence moment by moment. We remember him and do not forget him. At every turn of the day, we put our trust in him.

Why You Should Be Praying the Psalms – Don Whitney (CBS)
Praying the Bible means talking to God about what comes to mind as you read the Bible. Usually you might read the passage first, then go back and pray through what you just read.

When Routines Become Idols – Christina Fox (CBMW)
Some of us are so attached to and defined by our routines that we can’t stand when they are interrupted, changed, or tampered with in any way. That’s because of what our routines represent to us. Comfort. Ease. Control. Peace. When we trust in our routines and cling to them, we are relying on them to give us comfort.

When Your Heart Isn’t In It – Joe Thorn (FTC)
We are made by our triune God to worship him in spirit and truth. In him we find grace and mercy and fullness of life. He speaks in his word, hears our prayers, and delights in our songs of praise. And when we engage in these disciplines by faith we are sanctified. We experience more grace. And despite all of this we sometimes just don’t want to do it.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

The Only Thinkable Relation

On By BrianIn PASSION Quotes2 Comments

PursuitofGodEvery soul belongs to God and exists by His good pleasure. God being who and what He is, and we being who and what we are, the only thinkable relation between us is one of full Lordship on His part and complete submission on ours. We owe Him every honor that is in our power to give Him. Our everlasting grief lies in giving Him anything less.

– A. W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God