Browsing the archives for the the gospel 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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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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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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Forgiven by God

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In my second sermon of the series, “who you are in Christ”, I focus on Colossians 2:13-14 and God’s forgiveness of your sins.

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Three worthy goals part III

general thoughts

“The third worthy goal of a Christian leader is to bring glory to God.  This is the ultimate goal, behind and supporting all the others.  Honor God by the way you lead.  Not everything that Christians do necessarily accomplishes this goal.  God’s desire is to reveal himself to the world through obedient people and organizations.  God is not concerned with bringing glory to people.  He wants to reveal his glory through people.  The leader’s goal is to keep this task at the forefront of the organization’s agenda.  The goal of bringing God glory must always be the impetus behind every leader’s effort.  How do leaders bring glory to God?  By openly revealing God’s nature to a watching world.  Through leadership that is forgiving, patient, and holy (for these things reveal God’s character and nature), the world will see a glimpse of the true God.  To reflect God’s nature to others is to bring him glory.”

Spiritual Leadership, Henry and Richard Blackaby

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A Child of God

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This is the first sermon in a series, “Who you are in Christ.” When we know and remember who we are in Christ, that will help us and enable us to overcome the stresses and struggles and sufferings we will experience in life.

This sermon comes from Romans 8:14-17; you are adopted as a son (or daughter) of God.

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Book Review: The Kingdom Life

Book reviews

A collection of authors, leaders, teachers, pastors and theologians come together in The Kingdom Life to reflect and write on current trends in the areas of discipleship and spiritual formation.  These authors, including Dallas Willard and Bill Hull, worked together as part of the Theological and Cultural Thinkers (TACT) group and met over a period of several years to discuss these important issues facing the church today, and their insights are provided in this publication.  The authors take ten chapters to discuss theological and process factors in spiritual formation.  They are personal and heart-felt stories and analysis of the kingdom, the church, the gospel, suffering, the work of the Spirit, the place of the trinity, the work of missions, and the Bible in our spiritual formation.  Each chapter ends with discussion questions and a brief bibliography for further reading.  Well-detailed notes and some suggestions and guidelines for practical implications are provided at the end of the book.  Several chapters overlap in the areas of content and the book may feel repetitive in places, but as a whole it is a good overview of the current strengths and weaknesses of the church and Christians today in the areas of discipleship and spiritual formation, and is recommended for any pastor, leader, or Christian concerned with these issues. 

This book was provided to me at no cost by Navpress for the purpose of review.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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Book Review: Marks of the Messenger

Book reviews

J. Mack Stiles, an overseas missionary who has written previous works, has produced a marvelous and challenging new book on evangelism, Marks of the Messenger.  It is not a practical how-to book on evangelism, but a book on being a fully-formed disciple of Christ and evangelism and a heart for missions that flows out of that relationship with Him.  His important question, “Who do you want to be?”, defines our character as Christians, and evangelism and missionary work are the result.  J. Mack Stiles presents a clear and right understanding of the gospel, its effects on our lives, its workings in and through the church, and its impact on the world.  He does include a practical chapter on “being bold” and concludes with a “manifesto” – a practical and simplified review of his total work.  The book includes a brief section of notes for further reading and study.  The author’s style is honest and flowing and rich with his personal experiences; it is a brief book that can and deserves to be read by every pastor, leader, and believer and follower of Christ.  This book will empower and refresh a disciple in his or her work of being a Christian in the realm of evangelism and missions.

I received this book at no cost from IVP for the purpose of review.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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A child of God

Bible passages

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – John 1:12

What does it mean to be a child of God for me this morning?  I think back to the time I received Him and believed in His name (spring, 1996, when I was 30 years old).  I think how I’ve grown in Him over the years, how He’s trained me up and praised me and disciplined me.  I picture a heavenly Father who’s held my hand, let me go on my own, “spank me” at times.  I think about His loving care and parenting over me.  I think about the right He has given me to be called His child.  I rejoice today in standing in this and trusting in this and walking in this way.  It is a blessing.

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