Archive for the ‘Worth Reading’ Category
The Discipleship Void, Republished
July 25th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in » Baptist Issues, Christian Living, Worth Reading
A while back, I’d shared a post here regarding The Discipleship Void.
Today, I’ve republished it (slightly modified) over at sbc IMPACT. When you get a chance, check it out and share your thoughts on the issue.
Sandbox Devotions?
July 14th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in » Christian Living, Worth Reading
I don’t know about you, but I struggle quite a bit not only with doing my daily Bible devotions, but in getting real meaning from them.
And I know I’m not alone.
Check out Tim Challies’ thoughts on the subject, as he shares about shifting his devotions from “sandbox mode” to “campaign mode”. Good stuff, and it may just make a difference in your devotional life.
The Cross Isn’t Sexy…
March 7th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in » Worth Reading
I wish I could take credit for the post title, but I can’t.
You’ve simply got to check out Timmy Brister’s site, and read his post, “The Cross Isn’t Sexy: A Dying Man’s Confession”.
It’s an awesome account of an experience where he realized in a very real way how true it is that “the cross isn’t sexy”, but that its true meaning is offensive… pure foolishness to those who don’t believe.
God Is Love
February 9th, 2008 | 1 Comment | Posted in » Worth Reading
God is love.
Three powerful words, straight from 1 John 4:8.
But have you considered what this means? Do you understand how deep, how wide… how utterly and incomprehensibly vast the love of God truly is?
Whether you think you’ve got a grasp on this concept or not, I’d encourage you to check out John Shore’s latest post on the topic.
I think you’ll come away appreciating the love of God even more.
Powerful stuff.
Thanks, John.
Good Stuff from Tom Brager…
February 5th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in » Worth Reading
Some of you that read this site may know Tom Brager. You know, the guy that runs Brown’s Shoes here in St. Joseph? He’s an awesome person with an amazing sense of humor and a great family… who’s also a sold-out follower of Jesus Christ. Tom has become one of my closer friends over the last year or so, and I appreciate his friendship immensely. From what I can tell, there’s not an ounce of him that’s not totally genuine.
Well, he’s a new blogger, writing over at the site I put together for him… Rooted Seed. You’ll want to check out his thoughts today, on the subject of church life and what’s really important.
Great, thought-provoking stuff!
New Bloggers…
January 25th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in » Worth Reading
Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been helping my friends Tom and Jodi Brager get started on their own adventures into the blogging world. I’m happy to announce that their sites are now up and running.
Tom’s site is called “Rooted Seed”, originating from a couple of the parables that Jesus shared with us (primarily the parable of the sower, but also his teachings regarding the vine and the branches). Check it out here:
Jodi’s site is a part of the Southside Youth Outreach website (which, itself, is under development), and is entitled “Jodi’s Journal”. Jodi has an incredible heart for reaching students, and intends her site to be an extension of her ministry through Southside Youth Outreach. Check it out here:
We’ve got a bit of training to do yet with them on administration of their sites (you bloggers will understand that completely… it’s not the easiest thing in the world), but we’ll get there soon, and hopefully they’ll be regularly sharing their thoughts and lives with us through their blogs in the near future.
Anyway, here’s the deal… hop on over to their sites and welcome them to blog-land!
God-Given Plans and Ideas… for Sale?
January 23rd, 2008 | 7 Comments | Posted in » Church Stuff..., Worth Reading
I don’t know about you, but I’ve purchased and read quite a bit of Christian literature and resources over the years… Bible studies, devotionals, books designed to encourage and challenge me in my faith, church growth literature, small group literature… pretty much the whole gamut of stuff that’s available.
I’ve often wondered, if God is granting these authors all of these wonderful thoughts to share with the world, why in the world are they selling them for profit? Shouldn’t they be made freely available so that all can benefit from the wisdom, knowledge, or direction God is providing?
I’ve wrestled with that question many times, wondering what I would do should God lead me to write some sort of book, study guide, or devotional. Would I make it freely available online, or would I publish it for purchase (if I knew how to go about doing so)?
If you’ve ever pondered that question, I’d encourage you to check out Les Puryear’s post over at sbc IMPACT!. He raises that question and others, and I would anticipate there being some excellent dialogue on the matter.
The (Over)Importance of Doctrine…
October 22nd, 2007 | No Comments | Posted in » Christian Living, Worth Reading
No doubt about it, Southern Baptists are awfully proud of their focus on being doctrinally sound. For the most part, it’s a good thing. We focus on being Biblical believers… doing what God has directed through His word… trusting and confirming our understanding of who He is to that revealed by Scripture.
It begs the question though… do we often get the cart before the horse when it comes to a focus on doctrinal matters? Do we place an overemphasis on knowing about God instead of developing a relationship that leads to that knowledge?
Bryan Riley has written a post today that could trigger some interesting thought and discussion on the matter. Entitled, “Doctrine Saves”, his post asks an important question… do we misunderstand what doctrine truly is? Do we place an overimportance on it when it comes to growing in our faith and sharing it with others?
Check out what he has to say when you get a chance.
Every Church Needs…
September 21st, 2007 | No Comments | Posted in » Baptist Issues, Worth Reading
Every church needs at least one person like Ms. Grace.
Check out Roger Ferrell’s article over at sbc IMPACT!… I guarantee it touches your heart.
Nail… Hammer… Head.
May 31st, 2007 | 1 Comment | Posted in » Baptist Issues, In the News..., Worth Reading
In case you missed it, you’ve got to check out Marty Duren’s latest post, where he responds to Ergun Caner’s article in Baptist Press.
Three words about Marty’s response…
Nail… Hammer… Head.
