The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23:5

In the middle of our chaos, God can provide a space to receive His grace.  The shepherd knows his sheep are weary and hungry in the dark areas of life.  He also knows that in the treacherous terrain that there are dangerous enemies waiting to attack.  Still, in the midst of an uncertain place, theContinue reading “The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23:5”

The Pastor 

Filling the office of the pastor takes a genuine calling from God.  The prophets, judges, and teachings foreshadow it in the Old Testament, and the New Testament defines it.  Church history has validated it, and culture has tested it.  Now, the office of pastor is losing its influence through misunderstandings, a lack of clear purpose,Continue reading “The Pastor “

Preaching in the New Testament

John the Baptist was the last Old Testament preacher (Luke 16:16), and Jesus became the first New Testament preacher.  In fact, for preaching, John Stott (1982) wrote, “The only place to begin is with Jesus himself” (p. 16).  Jesus, the quintessential person, finds Himself in the preacher’s shoes according to scripture.  In relating God’s Word to us, it wasContinue reading “Preaching in the New Testament”

Preaching in the Old Testament

Preaching the Word begins with God.  The first chapter of Genesis is filled with God’s creative power through His Words.  Peter Adams wrote, “The basis for any true human speaking for God is that God is a speaking God…and it is clear that the God of the Bible is a God who speaks” (Adams, 1996, p.Continue reading “Preaching in the Old Testament”

From Generation to Generation

How many generations are present in your congregation?  Look through the list and see which groups are represented where you attend. The Builders Generation: Born 1945 and before The Baby Boomers: Born 1946 to 1964 Generation X: Born 1965 to 1976 The Millennials or Gen Y: Born 1977 to 1995 Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials: BornContinue reading “From Generation to Generation”

Practical Leadership Theory for Local Church Leaders

There are plenty of things I would have liked to of known when I first started pastoring ten years ago.  Professional training and habitual reading have provided a great foundation.  Observing other pastors is another blessing.  However, nothing has been as beneficial as experience.  In reality, it is the mixture of all three that informContinue reading “Practical Leadership Theory for Local Church Leaders”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#39)

For many people, Ahab’s reign may have seemed like the end of any hope of a return to the worship of the true God.  Scripture pointed out that Ahab did more evil in the sight of God than any other king before him (1 Kings 16:30).  In fact, to some, the famine might have signaledContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#39)”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#37)

King David’s dying request to Solomon was that he would be a wise king, fear God, and cleanse his house from those who shed innocent blood.  We read about how Solomon tried to do this wisely to ensure that no mischief befell his kingdom.  As you read this passage, it is vital to understand theContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#37)”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#36)

There are situations that are beyond our control and happen without our permission.  However, there are many other situations that occur as a result of the choices we make.  David was a man after God’s heart.  He was a wise and efficient leader.  However, there was one choice that he made that would impact the restContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#36)”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#34)

Have you counted your blessings recently?  It’s the beginning of November, and I have already seen several people posting what they are thankful for each day.  Sometimes it is hard to see God’s blessings because the fog of doubt and despair hamper our vision to God’s movement.  So, we may ask the question, “How can IContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#34)”