Debates about the philosophy and methodology of church ministry abound. In the middle of it all sometimes one fundamental reality gets forgotten: the church is the one institution in society positioned at the intersection of human need and divine resources. This is an enormous privilege and a sober responsibility of every church. “Engagement” is bringing […]
A Four-Fold Strategy for Church Ministry Read More »
At the intersection of past and future, we have one of the greatest opportunities to influence the common good. Unthinkingly, we sometimes idealize the new and devalue the old. The truth is, the only way for tomorrow to have integrity is for the best of yesterday to pass through the gateway of today.
The American revolutionary John Adams sometimes seems eclipsed by his brilliant contemporary Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson’s face is carved in a sixty-foot section of granite on Mt. Rushmore, after all, not Adam’s. But how remarkable was the character of Adams, a man for whom being second president of the United States was just one more vocation
Two Giants and the Fourth of July Read More »
The early morning light filtered through the small windows of the scriptorium—the manuscript copying room—where a scribe was hunched over a table on which lay the parchment he was inscribing. His back ached from curling his body day after day over the tilted table, sitting on a backless stool, holding his writing arm out across
Monks, Vikings, and the Bible Read More »
What happens when we die? This is a question we’d rather not ask, but is so central to our experience and our destiny that we can’t help but ask it. No one should be surprised that most people have at least some fear about death, because we naturally fear the unknown. It is a door
What Happens When We Die? Read More »
Modeling Perseverance is one of the most powerful forms of spiritual influence. We don’t seem to use the word perseverance very often. Maybe because it has the word severe in it. Or maybe it seems a bit old-fashioned, like King James Bible English. There is no question that other words roll more easily off the
Why We Need to Persevere Read More »
[I have given copies of this to many leaders, and have had leadership groups listen to the audio in groups. This is a seminal address. Every Christian leader should read this!] John Stott Address at Keswick Dr. John Stott – ‘The model – becoming more like Christ.’ Sermon delivered at the Keswick Convention July 17th
John Stott’s Final Public Address Read More »
One large truth keeps dropping in front of my face ever since the death of philosopher and author Dallas Willard last week. I’ve read numerous tributes by friends and associates of Willard’s and they keep bringing up this one large truth. I had just one conversation with Dallas Willard years ago, but it confirmed to
Stories of Influence: Learn to Follow Learning to follow is an essential characteristic of life, work, and leadership. It helps us to influence others for the right reasons.
Psalm 25 says “they will be put to share who are treacherous without excuse.” In the aftermath of the terrorist bombing in Boston, we may pray other words from the same psalm: “To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.”
Facing Treachery, Again Read More »
Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh
Waiting – the Day in the Tomb Read More »
They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there.
Good Friday – Crucifixion Read More »
Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told
What is “Maundy Thursday”? Read More »
Announcing… a new initiative this year, which we are calling “In Search of Dignity.” I’d like to tell you about a new initiative this year, which we are calling “In Search of Dignity.” I have come to believe that dignity, and its opposite, indignity, sum up the heights and the depths of what our lives
Shootings in schools, movie theaters, shopping centers, and elswhere have traumatized the nation. But the face of violence is not just about shootings. Bullying in the schools, domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual abuse and other forms of violence are rampant.
What Can Be Done About Violence? An Open Forum Read More »