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CAN We Live Differently?
In light of the violence of this world, I offered some thoughts yesterday regarding the fact we don’t need to live this way. There is a way that is different. But the question to us, as believers, is this: CAN we? Do we WANT to? I see as many believers posting things about “shooting back” as I do believers who…
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The City Bus and the Church
The chapel message I preached at North Central University.
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Justice
Scot McKnight is going through Tim Keller’s new book, City Church, over at Jesus Creed. McKnight offers a critique on Keller’s use of “justice” that I find interesting. When it comes to church and culture, I have had my thinking changed over the years. When I was growing up, it was the thick of the pro-life movement. I lived in Kansas at…
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The Joy of Sacraments
“Sacraments are funny things. They are short and simple, they involve the simplest elements in our environment, and they require few words. The more we get out of the way the better. Yet they change people. People remember them for their whole lives.” — David Hansen, The Art of Pastoring (Revised Edition)
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Book Review — The Art of Pastoring
The Art of Pastoring (Revised Edition) by David Hansen. I have had the first edition of The Art of Pastoring on my shelf for several years and picked at it a couple of times, but never got into it for one reason or another. The revised edition allowed me a fresh look, and it is a look I have enjoyed. There are no…
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The True Impact of the Gospel
I am preaching on Acts 19 this morning. It is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. In this text I find hope for the Church. It is not a matter of political power. Rome was in power and no one could elect anyone, at least as emperor. But 12 people impact a city and a region. Lives were radically…
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Following Christian Movements Instead of Christ
I was delighted to receive a copy of the revised book, The Art of Pastoring, from IVP. It was unsolicited, and I look forward to reading this new edition. Early on I find it intriguing. When the author, David Hansen, began his ministry in Montana, he inherited an entire library from the previous pastor. That pastor had left the ministry…
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Reformation Day — A second point of discussion
Today IS Reformation Day. Another tiny piece of paper to attach to the ether door of the church world. It’s not about propositional truth (alone). We need good doctrine. But it IS about the heart set toward the Savior. It is about the formation of the believer in life, not just in the head. When we get propositional truth down and don’t…
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Reformation Day — One Point of Discussion
I know it’s not Reformation Day yet. But, almost. Luther nailed the points of discussion on the door in Wittenberg. We have blogs. My one point of discussion this year would be the Church wanting the government to do the will of God. Even Luther had trouble with this one. He thought it was okay (as long as it was his theological…
Category: Church Life
