(This is a continuation from my previous post) Here’s eight more valuable insights from John Angell James: Preaching is more than exegesis: “We must therefore rise from exegesis into exhortation, warning, and expostulation” (87). Pastoral house visits and catechizing are richly beneficial and should not be neglected: “he will make a point of visiting the […]
“An Earnest Ministry: The Want of the Times” by John Angell James (Part I) John Angell James gives a compelling and biblical account of the task, message, method, and mode of Christian ministry in his book “An Earnest Ministry.” The main theme of the work is that of earnestness, or an “intense devotedness” (28). This […]
When we struggle with the fear of man (people-pleasing), what we need is a renewed vision of our perfect Savior: O Pleasant Perfect Christ, Fully God and fully human, You know my temptations yet never succumbed to them yourself. Your family and friends thought you were a lunatic, Unmoved you remained, sturdy to the end. The world hated […]
Oh Pernicious People-Pleasing, Ever-churning, anxiety-inducing, You lead me down paths of fear, For your name’s sake. You whisper questions that leave me doubting: ‘What will they think?’ ‘Can I really say that?’ A slave to the grins and grimaces of a stranger, You promise acceptance, but give me isolation. I am alone, unknown by all. […]
Wheaton College MA Biblical Exegesis Degree Are you looking at seminary programs or graduate degrees in Bible or theology? Have you considered Wheaton College’s master of biblical exegesis degree? This was the degree that I pursued from 2009-2012 (along with a master’s in historical and systematic theology). Before moving away from my job as a […]
Sermon manuscript from my sermon at Redeemer Fellowship on 4/28/13 on the “Prov 1:7–The Fear of the LORD”
The Fear that Frees—The Fear of the LORD Most things we fear paralyze and enslave us. Fearing other people’s opinions makes us a slave to their responses and leaves us uncertain of our own worth, value, and ability to speak our mind. Joining in with our culture’s fears (fear of not being beautiful, important, successful, […]
Categories
O Selfless Christ
When my heart sinks into the muck and squalor of self-pity, what I need is a fresh view of my selfless Savior: O Selfless Christ You spoke the world into being: Every star and moon, Every animal and plant. Ruling in glory with the Father and the Spirit, One God in three persons, Infinite power, […]
Categories
Oh Seductive Self-Pity
Oh Seductive Self-Pity You woo me with your claims: ‘I was overlooked!’ ‘I was mistreated!’ ‘I was wronged!’ Your logic is persuasive: ‘They should have known better!’ ‘It’s obvious I’m right!’ ‘I deserve to feel upset!’ Your view of reality intoxicates me: ‘I deserve better!’ ‘They should apologize!’ ‘They need to understand my pain and […]
Categories
Jesus Among Exorcists
Jesus Among Exorcists In my last post, I considered the notion of exorcism in the 1st century Jewish mind. In this post I’d like to consider the exorcistic ministry of Jesus. It is acknowledged by scholars, that exorcism was an integral part of Jesus’ ministry.[1] How does the Second Temple Jewish context illuminate our understanding […]