This coming Sunday morning I will be addressing “the Attitudes of a Godly Congregation.” Those spiritual leaders who faithfully serve you in your local church should not be neglected. According to the text, A) Biblical shepherds work diligently among the flock of God. B) Biblical shepherds exercise faithful spiritual oversight. & C) Biblical shepherds provide [...]
Archive for February, 2010
25 Feb
In defense of “celebrity bible teachers” (some of them anyways)
One of the common targets conservative bloggers and pastors like to take aim at are those quote on quote, “celebrity bible teachers”. I’ve always argued that “celebrity” is probably not the best word to use when describing these giants of the faith (men like Piper, Mohler, MacArthur, Sproul, Carson, etc). If you’ve ever lived in [...]
25 Feb
Application and preaching
Peter Mead of Biblical Preaching is hand-down my favorite blog on the dynamics of preaching. Peter is constantly encouraging the faithful exercise of biblical preaching and for that I am thankful. See his recent thoughts on application linked below: Application is not always pragmatic Application is not always pragmatic –2 Application is not always last
24 Feb
Preaching NT Narrative (characterization)
One of the most natural ways to develop narrative is through its characters. Ryken observes that “it requires more literary education to acquire the tools of plot analysis than it does to interact with the characters in a story.”[1] I think we identify with characters easily because we understand what it is like to feel [...]
23 Feb
Discipleship Lab (Winter Olympic Version)
Part of our constant grooming as pastors is to develop the gene of the “generalist.” Reading and observing widely is a skill set we all need to hone. The Discipleship Lab series will be devoted to the crumbs that fell to the floor while scouring essays, resources, lectures, and conversations. Enjoy! A day in the [...]
18 Feb
Preaching NT Narrative: Don’t Flatten Out the Gospels!
Let’s say you’re getting ready to preach John 18:1-11. During your study, you pull your Harmony of the Gospels off the shelf and you notice that the apostle John fails to include some key details that are recorded in the parallel accounts in the Synoptics. For example, although John does record how Peter cut off [...]
18 Feb
Preaching NT Narrative (simple plot structure)
The idea of plot may bring back memories of slogging through literature assignments from school days gone by. However, understanding the plot can be the preacher’s best friend. Simply stated, plot is the arrangement of “events”[1] or “incidents.”[2] Additionally, Greidanus explains that “narrative consists of the arrangement and interrelationship of the narrated events” (emphasis mine).[3] [...]
17 Feb
Preaching NT Narrative (Scene)
The scene or setting is the location and time in which a narrative takes place. The scenery provides the literary context and shape for the story. Not long ago, I purchased a theological book containing major problems due to a printing error. In every sentence and on every page, there was not a period, comma, [...]
16 Feb
Review: Life of Paul by John McRay
I recently reviewed a few books for The Journal of Modern Ministry. I will post them here as time allows. Paul: His Life and Teaching By John McRay Baker Academic: Grand Rapids (2003) John McRay, emeritus professor of New Testament and archaeology at Wheaton College Graduate School, has provided a valuable contribution to Pauline studies [...]
10 Feb
Preaching NT Narrative (a French lesson)
I never studied French in school, but there is at least one word I know, “genre.” At its most basic level, the word genre refers to a “kind, type, style, form, or category.” For example, I am a fan of the literary-theatrical British series Poirot. The genre of these particular movies is largely considered mystery [...]
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