Passion Points

On January 30, 2016January 30, 2016 By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

The Character of the Christian: A One-Woman Man – Tim Challies
Thus this qualification is a call to devotion—devotion first to God and then to a God-given spouse.

Private Prayer Walk – Jordan Monson (DG)
Pray without distraction. The message is the same, but the means have reversed. One of the best ways to close the door in the 21st century is to open the door and leave your home to go on a prayer walk.

8 Ways to Grow in the Fear of God – Albert Martin (via Tim Challies)
Learn to feed your soul on the majestic greatness of God. By that, I mean those aspects of His character and attributes such as His absolute sovereignty, holiness, power, omnipotence, and immensity. As we contemplate His majestic greatness, it is unthinkable that any rational creature would not fear such a God.

The Best Day of the Week – Nick Kennicott (TCC)
Lord’s Day worship isn’t a burden to endure, but a joyful offering from God to receive. Christians don’t put aside their earthly cares each week to earn God’s favor, but to enjoy worshipping the God whose favor has already been granted in Jesus Christ. It is a true delight to forego even the best worldly endeavors for the day, without feeling any sense of guilt for being lazy or uncaring, to revel in the heavenly things of God which are the truest and greatest treasure for any Christian.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Classic Quote

On January 18, 2016March 26, 2016 By BrianIn Classic Quotes1 Comment

It must not content us to take our bodies to church
if we leave our hearts at home.

– J.C. Ryle

Ministry Collection

On January 13, 2016January 23, 2016 By BrianIn Ministry Moments

Here are some good posts for pastors:

Become an Iceberg Pastor – Andrew Haslam (TGC)

Five Questions about the Pastor’s Piety – Scott Oliphant (WTS)

What I’ve Learned in 20 Years of Ministry – Russell Moore

Sermon Songs: Ephesians 1:23

On December 16, 2015January 23, 2016 By BrianIn Ephesians Hymns

MusicNotes

Together we are His body
Christ our exalted Head
Belov’d and cherished now are we
And by Him we are fed

Together we are His fullness
Filled with his grace, glory
His love, his pow-er, His presence
That Christ others might see

As His fullness now let us live
Show Christ in everything
His body blessed by all he gives
Let all rejoice and sing

(To the tune of “O God Our Help In Ages Past”)

Ministry Collection

On December 15, 2015January 23, 2016 By BrianIn Ministry Moments

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

On November 20, 2015January 23, 2016 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)

Ministry Collection

On November 10, 2015 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.