May 4, 2010
The Practice of Godliness is an excellent book by Jerry Bridges. It is a re-release of his sequel to the first book, The Pursuit of Holiness. In this book he addresses areas to grow in, “to put on” the new self and grow in Christian character. Pastor Bridges establishes three core elements (fear of God, love of God, desire for God = devotion to God) and the nature and need for training, and then briefly overviews each of 12 characteristics of God and His followers. Pastor Bridges’ book is heavily rooted in the Word but in an easy and flowing writing style. It is a practical exposition, encouraging the reader to apply what is developed. The author correctly focuses on internal heart and mind change in order to impact our outward behaviors – “good fruit can only grow from good roots and proper nourishment.” It is not necessary to read these chapters in order; the reader can “skip around” if needed. It would be helpful for the reader to read and study more on the areas of immediate concern. The additional study guide is helpful for further discussion and study. This is an excellent book to read and study through and apply in the life of any believer and follower of Christ.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Mar 17, 2010
Christlike, by Bill Hull, is a book that deserves to be well marked up and have a place on every Christian’s book shelf. The purpose of the author is ”to so change your mind that after reading this book, it won’t be able to return to its original shape. My goal is to revolutionize the course of your life and change your mind about what it means to be a Christian”, and Pastor Hull achieves this goal powerfully and personally. Tackling the hard issue of “why do people who claim to be Christian not act like it”, Hull addresses issues of transformation and being formed in Christ from the inside-out and outside-in. He weaves personal struggles and situations seemlessly with practical steps for individuals and churches to take. The most impacting observation Hull makes is also the simplest: “There is no other path to Christian spirutal transformation than through meaningful interaction with the Word of God.” In fact, all of the author’s insights into being a disciple and spritual transformation are based in simplicity and uncomplicated obedience. Finally, our transformation and obedience are not only for our benefit but are meant to influence others and the world – by you being different, you will make a difference. Bill Hull’s newest book is an excellent addition to any believer’s library.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Mar 15, 2010
Download or Stream
In Ezekiel 8, the Israelites were chasing hard after idolatry – God passed hard and heavy judgment in chapters 9 and 10. What idols do we worship? What idols do we “chase after”? How can we overcome these issues? How will we escape God’s judgment?
This is my sermon from March 14, 2010.
Nov 10, 2009
“Why does it matter what I believe? Do all religions lead to God? Wasn’t Jesus just another religious teacher?” These questions and others are answered at the Vimeo link, A Passion for Life
Sep 29, 2009
As you view the homepage, don’t forget to scroll down to find more good stuff. There are some links on the right to some good blogs I like to read from time-to-time, some helpful links, and a people-group-of-the-day to pray for. I hope this blesses you in your walk with the Lord
Jun 17, 2009
Jerry Bridges writes in The Discipline of Grace, “The pursuit of holiness requires sustained and vigourous effort. It allows for no indolence, no lethargy, no half-hearted commitment, and no laissez faire attitude toward even the smallest sins. In short, it demands the highest priority in the life of a Christian, because to be holy is to be like Christ – God’s goal for every Christian.”
Jun 10, 2009
Two passages I read this morning are very important to me.
1 Peter 5:7 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Psalm 56:3 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
These verses don’t say I will be without anxiety and fear in the Christian life, they are and will be very real parts (at times). But, I can come and give to Him these issues and lay them at His feet. “He cares for me” are real and important words to hear, especially in the middle of anxiety and fear.
Jan 29, 2009
I am moved by Pastor Tenney’s heart for revival in the church. I agree we’re often too program-driven and yes, perhaps people are there to be entertained or because “they have to” and not there to truly worship. That sense of revival and renewal must come from God, drawing us to Him.
But I think we can “chase God” and see His glory in the quiet and routine and disciplined practices that have existed for centuries. Prayer, giving, quietness, reading and study, serving, meditating, fasting, and other disciplines are all ways to “chase God” and experience Him. Can’t we see His glory in mended marriages and changed lives and repaired relationships and provisions and blessings of money and safety and health? We can even see His glory as we deal with our cancer and old age and sufferings…. Do we always need an “over the top” experience of falling down or tears?
I disagree with his statement that people will come to church when we tell them the presence of God is here. I know God is in our church every week, I share that with others, many and most are not interested. It is the work of God in a person’s heart to draw them to Himself and to His church, not the individual’s decision.
Jan 20, 2009
One refrain that Pastor Tenney upholds in chapter 2 is the story of the bread, the bread of the Temple, the bread of the presence of the Lord. He believes that the church has no fresh bread today, only crumbs from the past. He believes that if the church really had fresh bread, people would flock in droves to churches.
I feel for Pastor Tenney’s heart in this issue. Churches and Christians are always in danger of waxing lukewarm, being neither hot nor cold, being complacent, excepting the “status quo of churchianity” and the not the life-giving, real and personal relationship of Christianity. Christians and churches can fall into “ruts” or “going through the motions” and they can miss out on truly experiencing God.
I disagree with his ideas that “if lost people just saw fresh bread, they would flock to church in droves.” I am reminded of another bread story from the Bible where Jesus fed 4,000 and 5,000 people with bread, but many left him – why did they leave? Jesus began to speak and preach the truth about who He was, and people were not interested.
Does Pastor Tenney not realize that man is lost in sin and dead in spirit and in rebellion against God, in his heart and mind and completely through-and-through? Does he forget that the things of God are foolishness to the lost and the lost have no interest in seeking God? I would humbly remind the pastor that unless God calls the lost person and opens their heart and moves within them, they will not come to church nor be interested in God.
Jan 15, 2009
been reading The God-Chasers by Tommy Tenney, these are some of my thoughts on chapter 1
- I appreciate the man’s heart to be hungry for God, to desire God, to chase after God, to follow hard after God – to be hot or cold but not luke-warm. I pray our pews would be filled with Christians with this mind-set.
- We are too comfortable and complacent in our Christian walks and in our churches – AMEN! We must always be growing and desiring more, more of Him to fill us up and less of us
- The majority of this chapter is about the over-the-top experiences he had in a Houston church – does experiencing God and chasing God have to result in a grandiose, over-the-top, parting-the-Red Sea experience? I answer, “no”. God can be experienced in the daily choices and triumphs over sin, the healing and restoration of relationships, the peace and comfort a widow receives from the Lord, the strength a person gains from Him in overcoming cancer. I acknowledge that God can give a “Red Sea” experience today, but I don’t demand it or expect it or have to have it.
- I strongly disagree with his comments on the Bible being “old love letters from Him”. I threw out all my “old love letters” from former girlfriends. God is not “some old girlfriend” – He is Creator and living today and in relationship with His people. The Bible is God’s Word, living and breathing and applicable and real and useful for each believer today (2 Timothy 3:16).
On to chapter 2, I’ll post again after I finish that.
No Comments 
