I enjoy writing. I like words, and I like sentences. I even appreciate grammar. But none of that means I will produce good writing. Good writing is just plain difficult to do. The other day I was re-reading my favorite pure prose writer, Annie Dillard, and she reminded me of the monumental task that is writing, just how difficult a few good sentences can be to find. Considering the average production rate of various published authors, Dillard observes: "If a full-time writer averages a … [Read more...] about Encouragement for Writers
Archives for April 2012
Commending John Stott
I have been on a John Stott kick lately. It started with The Living Church: Convictions of a Lifelong Pastor and then moved to The Cross of Christ. I have since picked up Stott's commentaries The Message of Romans: God's Good News for the World and The Message of Galatians. I have been aware of Stott for years, but had never read him. What a mistake. Stott's writing is exquisite. I told a friend recently that when I read Stott, I find myself repeatedly exclaiming, "Now … [Read more...] about Commending John Stott
Preaching Versus Teaching
My buddies and I recently had a lively discussion about the difference between preaching and teaching. We all recognized a general distinction between the two, but we disagreed as to how formal that distinction is in the Bible. I did a quick word study for fun (I don't get out much), and this post is a brief report of what I found. I found the two terms, διδάσκω (teach) and κηρύσσω (preach/proclaim) being used in tandem in Matthew. ESV Matthew 4:23 And he went throughout all Galilee, … [Read more...] about Preaching Versus Teaching
Resurrection Dunk
My friend was supposedly an incredible basketball player, but I was having no trouble keeping up with him in a one-on-one game, and I was starting to question his ability. Then he made a move that changed my mind. He made a move so astounding I knew he had been holding back. He dribbled a cross-over so deep, so fast that I was left frozen in place, dumbfounded, as he went around me to score. I knew at that moment he had been toying with me. That move revealed his true ability and my true fate in … [Read more...] about Resurrection Dunk
Echoes of Eden: Recreation
No matter how busy the day, no matter how tired I feel, I always want recreation. I rarely ever just want sleep. In fact, the busier and more stressful the day, the more I want to recreate. I will stay up late watching a football game, or I will linger long over Twitter, or click through blogs or write a blog post or go for a run. I've even been known to stay up late working on crossword puzzles. (Exciting, right?) I am convinced this inclination to recreate despite my weary, bleary-eyed … [Read more...] about Echoes of Eden: Recreation
Defining Faith
Faith has become a funny word, full of misunderstanding and confusion. But the concept of saving faith is actually a very familiar one. James Montgomery Boice clarifies faith this way: "Faith is the means, not the source, of justification. Faith is trust. It begins with knowledge, so it is not blind. It builds on facts, so it is not speculation. It stakes its life on the outcome, so it is not impractical. Faith is trusting Christ and proving his promises." -Boice, Galatians (EBC), p. … [Read more...] about Defining Faith