Ministry Collection

Here are some good posts for preachers:

5 Ways to Deepen Your Preaching – Gavin Ortlund (TGC)
Preaching is like a vast mountain, the top of which is hidden by clouds; and the higher I climb, the more it stretches up still higher above me.

6 Ways Not to Preach the Birth of Jesus – Steve Mathewson (TGC)
But there is another challenge awaiting preachers. The Gospel accounts of Jesus’s birth have been overlaid with centuries of exegetical misunderstandings and legendary elaborations.

That Vital Moment in Every Preacher’s Week – Erik Raymond
This is why one of the most important decisions that the preacher will make each week will come on Sunday night before he goes to sleep. He has to be able to go to close his eyes patiently trusting that God will work.

Current

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)

 

Ministry Collection

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 Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Exceptionally Ordinary – Borrowed Light

4 Things to Remember When Reading the Bible – Matt Tully (Crossway)

4 Really Good Money Questions – Tim Challies

Prepare for Corporate Worship – Geoffrey Kirkland

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day prepared to worship our great King!

Current

I was talking to some other pastors this week about same-sex marriage, and we noted the great confusion on the Biblical Christian teaching on this issue, especially in the views of our young people.  So here are a few helpful posts to help us keep thinking through the issue:

Five Questions for Christians Who Believe the Bible Supports Gay Marriage – Kevin DeYoung

Should We Support Gay Marriage? NO – Wolfhart Pannenberg

The Solemnization of Matrimony – Kevin DeYoung