Browsing the archives for the church growth tag

Glenn Beck and the Gospel part III

general thoughts

Eric Landry makes interesting comments concerning the Glenn Beck phenomenon in this post.  He also gives some good references to think through and discuss the role of God and government and our response.

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effective parenting

general thoughts

Our “effective parenting” seminar will be September 11, 18, and 25, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the church.  Free childcare is provided.  This is an important topic today and everyone is encouraged and invited to attend these meetings.

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church turnaround

general thoughts

Mike McKinley makes five points for what a new pastor should NOT do to help “turnaround” a local church.  What would be the opposite, then?  What should a new pastor do to help in the process of turnaround?

  1. Serve the sheep in humility and sacrifice instead of picking fights with them.
  2. Change the Sunday service slowly and gently over some time instead of sudden and dramatic changes.
  3. Be humble and not proud.  The sheep have attended and lived in that community for a longer time than you have.
  4. Teach on good reforms (worship, discipline, membership) first and then begin to implement them.
  5. Patience.  Spend your pastoral capital wisely.  Choose what hills are worthy to die on.  Love the people and build trust first.
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Glenn Beck and the Gospel part II

general thoughts

Cal Thomas writes an interesting commentary today concerning the rally held by Glenn Beck last month.  It speaks to the heart of revival and renewal for God’s people today.

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Muslim worship

general thoughts

“What do you think of when you see a picture of Muslims at prayer?  Maybe they’re onto something we as Christians may be missing.  The chief word in the Old Testament for a right relationship to God is not faith or love, but fear – you prostrate yourself before deity in humble awe.  We like to think of the “man upstairs”, the lover, the friend, the brother.  We seem to have lost the majesty, the grandeur, the holiness – the wholly otherness of our God.  Most of us never prostrate ourselves before His majesty.”

Robertson McQuilkin, the five smooth stones

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Turn back and Live!

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In Ezekiel 33, God begins to renew His people.  The first step is His call to repentance.  “Turn back to me and live,” God cries.  This is the central message in this chapter and the first step to renewal.

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putting off repentance

general thoughts

 

“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” – Augustine

Repent today, turn back and live, why do you insist on your evil ways?

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the purpose of church

general thoughts

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

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Book review: Psalms

Book reviews

The Psalms Bible study is part of the Lifechange series published by Navpress.  It’s stated purpose is to examine the life of prayer of the authors of the psalms, thereby deepening and enriching our own personal prayer lives.  It is a large and uneasy task to fit 150 psalms into a 10 week study, but this book does a good job at surveying and overviewing all the psalms.  In some cases, a psalm is merely touched on, and in other instances a psalm is looked at more in-depth.  The study is organized into 10 weeks and each week’s study centers on a theme (such as intercession, restoration, forgiveness) and examines psalms that illustrate that theme.  Each week’s study provides basic questions and a section of further questions and optional / additional applications.  The study provides helpful context and literary notes and a bibliography of additional resources for further study.  It is a brief introduction to the psalms but a helpful study book that can be used by any individual or small group or classroom setting.

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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Empowered by the Holy Spirit

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So, you are a temple of the Holy Spirit – what does that get you?  You are not only a temple but you are empowered!  2 Timothy 1:7 says you have a spirit of power, love and self-control – this will greatly impact your life.

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