Some of us have had pet rocks.But not of us have had talking stones.We'll see what Jesus was talking about in Luke 19:40. And we'll also see that -- as is true of so much else in the bible -- context is everything. You can't understand this verse unless you know...
A Sermon Killer
I know a preacher is in trouble whenever he or she says, "Webster's defines ___________ as __________________." Why is a dictionary reference a sure-fire sermon killer?Because in preaching you should never define a word with more words.You define a word...
From Occupation to Pre-Occupation
I have lived through seasons of life where Jesus was an occupation.I read the bible only to search for sermon material. I prayed because that's what preachers are supposed to do. I served so that others in the church could see me serving. ...
Top Five Tuesday — Top Five Pairs Of Songs That Sound Just Alike
Every so often, I come across a pair of rock songs that are really just twins separated at birth. To my untrained ear, characteristics in melody, chord changes, and vocalizations make certain pairs of songs sound eerily similar. Sometimes it...
Dangerous Calling
As you can see by checking the "Books I Like" column to the right, I recently came across Paul David Tripp's Dangerous Calling: Confronting The Unique Challenges Of Pastoral Ministry.I had never heard of either the book or its author before a friend loanded...
Journey Of Stones Week Two — Sticks & Stones
Here's a look at our Journey Of Stones series:I like that piece.I'm also excited about the message I get to give on Sunday: Sticks & Stones.Sunday.8:30. 10. 11:30.
What I Wish I’d Hear . . .
Every once in awhile, I'll have a conversation with someone who is either new to Good Shepherd or just checking it out.And usually the conversation includes the person or family saying something like, "we're looking for a church that's a good fit. We just want a...
Background Noise
Most mornings, as I get ready for the rest of my day, I have the television playing for background noise.Sometimes it's the caustic banter of Imus In The Morning. Other times it's the slightly more elevated political discourse of Morning Joe. And then for...
Top Five Tuesday — Top Five Reasons Why “Charismatic Methodist” Is Not An Oxymoron
Throughout most of the 20th Century and now into the 21st, charismatic and Methodist Christians have had very little to do with each other.Charismatics, who trace their modern origins to the Azusa Street Revival in 1906, define themselves by expressive worship,...
While I Was Away . . . .
During our time in India, my exposure to media sources in that land showed me that India beat Australia in Cricket, that villagers opposed the construction of a steel plant on their land, and that the nation continues to wrestle with the notorious December, 2012 gang...