Month: October 2012 (Page 1 of 3)

People, Politicians and Popularity

October 29, 2012 / admin

“In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin.” (Proverbs 14:28)

“The point of this proverb is simple enough—numbers equal renown in the world of politics …” BUT “… official position means little when people are not following you. A post without people is pointless. Titles without influence are worthless. The king is ultimately expendable (Prov. 30:27) or at least replaceable (1 Sam. 16:1), but not the people (2 Sam. 19:7).” (Proverbs: A Mentor Commentary, p.318)

A Definition of Expository Preaching

October 27, 2012 / admin

“I define expository preaching as that form of proclamation which, in reliance upon the Holy Spirit, arises from and is delivered through a study of the grammatical, syntactical, literary, historical, contextual, theological and cultural elements of a given biblical text and seeks to convey the abiding and authoritative principles that are inherent in that text and were primary in the original author’s intention in such a way that the enduring relevance of the Scriptures are made plain for the contemporary listener.” (Embracing Authority, pp.166-167)

What’s going on here?

October 24, 2012 / admin

“What if you and I lived our entire lives thinking we were in a different conversation than the one that is really going on? What if we lived out our lives in a drama that appears to be unfolding–only to discover that the part we thought we played was never really written into the actual story in fact being written? What if our assumptions about what is really going on in this world are all wrong and we live our lives off-purpose?” (Long Story Short, p.18)

The Valley of the Shadow

October 22, 2012 / admin

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“Notice the pronouns: ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.’ This is no theoretical discussion. Because the possibilities are personal, so must be the pledge of trust. In ‘the valley of the shadow’ a second-hand faith will not do … Till you take a long, hard look at ‘the valley of the shadow,’ until you can also feel its cold, damp dew upon your brow, you may be content with a borrowed faith. But once you’ve been near enough to feel death’s chill run up your spine, second-hand faith will never again satisfy.” (Song of a Satisfied Soul, pp.60-61)

All Things New!

October 17, 2012 / admin

“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 1:5)

The noun “regeneration” points to the act of entering new life, while “renewing” points to the qualitative nature of that new life.

“Renewal without regeneration is cosmetic; regeneration without renewal is spiritual infanticide.” (The Pastoral Epistles for Pastors, p.553)