Some people journal. Good for them. It seems like a nice enough hobby or preference, but hardly something essential. Right? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe journaling (or if you prefer…blogging, photography, scrapbooking, etc.) is far more significant than we realize. Consider what Moses has to say about the importance of remembering. He writes: "Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the … [Read more...] about Biblical Case For Journaling
Archives for May 2012
Stephen Um on Sermon Preparation
I am fascinated with how pastors study and prepare for sermons. While certain principles overlap, the rhythm of preparation varies widely between preachers. Stephen Um has generously shared his rhythm on the Gospel Coalition blog. Here's a thumbnail sketch of his sermon preparation. Tuesday: 2 1/2 hours of group discussion with pastoral staff, 4 hours of research.Thursday: 4 hours on broader themes, commentaries, theology, etc.Friday: AM-application. PM-manuscript/outline.Saturday: PM-3 … [Read more...] about Stephen Um on Sermon Preparation
Images of the Church – The Grand Foyer
Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to see several Broadway musicals. The experience is always memorable. But in particular, I am often struck by the decor and layout of each theatre. They are all so unique, full of history, polished and ornate. When I enter the grand foyer, I instantly feel something special. By contrast, go to an everyday movie theatre, and you will be greeted with greasy carpets and the overwhelming smell of popcorn and butter. Your shoes will stick and pop as … [Read more...] about Images of the Church – The Grand Foyer
Subversive Kingdom
Buzzwords buzz around. They float and fly and flit, but they don’t often land anywhere. “Missional” has been one such buzzword. Churches and ministry leaders have discussed the term for the last several years, but much of the conversation has remained theoretical, focusing on definitions of the gospel, the mission, and the church. Few books have ventured into the day-to-day aspects of actually being missional. In Subversive Kingdom: Living as Agents of Gospel Transformation, we find a helpful … [Read more...] about Subversive Kingdom
Our True Size
"All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until we have visited a place called Calvary. It is there, at the foot of the cross, that we shrink to our true size."John Stott, The Message of Galatians … [Read more...] about Our True Size
One Confident Mother
Picture the scene. A raucous wedding party. The bride and groom dancing. The waiters surfing the crowd with appetizers. The DJ spinning tracks. Banners, balloons, flowers and streamers. The celebration and ecstasy. Then the unthinkable happens. No wine. How do you run out of wine? What kind of cut-rate party is this! But one mother in the crowd hears of the predicament. She knows the pressure of pleasing guests. One mother knows her son, and she knows the solution. "When the wine ran … [Read more...] about One Confident Mother