From Questions, Two Applications
Pastor Steve Lawson once said, "The problem with preachers today is that nobody wants to kill them." He was speaking of modern preachers in America in comparison to the Puritan preachers of the 17th century. That statement hit me square in the chest. However, I think I can rightly broaden that statement in this post …
Have you ever read a new book or watched a movie at the theatre the night it came out, and at the end thought: "That did not seem like the story actually ended." Maybe there were questions left unanswered or plot-points left without a conclusion. When you set that book down or walk out of …
What comes to your mind when you hear the word FEARLESS? Is it the soldier running into battle? The firefighter climbing a tall ladder up to a burning building? A civilian charging an active shooter at a mall? Often fearless has the idea of bold... courageous... valiant... lionhearted... stouthearted... heroic... daring...and yeah I could have …
How hateful are you? Is that a strong point? Is this an area that needs improving? On a scale of 1-10 how does your hatred compare to Jesus' hate? Hater's Gonna Hate It is striking how Jesus rebukes Ephesus for their lack of love, yet commends them for their hatred. Yeah, see for your self: …
Just a few months after I had taken on my first pastorate (that is, my current and only pastorate) I led my first "Annual Business Meeting"...and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I botched the budget presentation, didn't know how to make a motion for a vote, and lastly, I didn't maintain the …
Until my dying day I will remember the first time I watched Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (if you are not familiar with LOTR that is the first of a trilogy). There I was in our living room. My friend Jake was over and we anxiously watched Frodo and Sam walk …
"But Dad, it's not my favorite!" This is the daily declaration my three-year-old makes when she doesn't want to eat lunch or do as she has been told: "It's not my favorite." Hannah and I have tried to explain to her that we often, more often than not, "do" things we'd rather not do. It …
Trivia anyone?? How many chapters are in the Bible? Any guesses? What would you say? 800...900...1000...1100...*1189*...1200...1300? (Sorry I had to give SEVEN options since we are discussing Revelation). Yep, you guessed it...1189 chapters of wonderful words of life. With that number in mind consider this: When we jump to Revelation 20 over a cup of …
The Reforming Raker 