Gospel Primer on Sale

If you read this blog, and don't yet own A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent, why not? Maybe you were just waiting for the price to drop.

By the way, how do you pronounce "primer"?

Meet Chase Bowers

Chase Bowers is the missions pastor of Temple Bible Church in Temple, TX. He also has a preaching ministry that allows him to preach in churches all over the country. You can see his website here.

I met Chase a long time ago when we both did some summer preaching in college. I knew he was a gifted man of God the first time I met him, and have been challenged by his ministry over the years.

Chase has a heart for God's global purposes and often travels around the world doing mission work.

Chase, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
Thank you for the opportunity to share. I wake up between 5 and 6 depending on the day. My devotions consist of praying, reading, thinking, and praying again. This usually lasts 40 minutes to an hour, again, depending on the day. Right now I am reading in 1 Samuel, Psalms, Matthew, and Colossians.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
I am reading (a) When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch. (b)I have just ordered How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind: Rediscovering the African Seedbed of Western Christianity by Thomas C. Oden. And I am beginning Same Kind of Different as me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore and Flyfishing the Texas Hill Country by Bud Priddy.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
2 Books, Desiring God by John Piper and Live Life on Purpose by Claude Hickman. One makes me delight in God, the other helps me to be about the task the Great Commission.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?

I make notes in the margins along the way and make an outline form of key points throughout the book. I know and respect many who make their notes (with page numbers) in the beginning of a book. I think this could be very helpful as well, it is just not my method of choice.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
Tough to pick just one. Perhaps John Bunyan because he was a common man who studied God, and because he suffered for the Gospel at the hand of a “Christian” state.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?

“You are a truth proclaimer, not a response manager. Exhortation is your job, application is the Holy Spirit’s job.” Neil McClendon

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Feed My Sheep, The Supremacy of Christ in Preaching, Excerpts from Preachers and Preaching.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?

Everything belongs to God.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
Over-communication is better than under-communication. God communicates many things He has no obligation to communicate.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?

When I see the depth of my own personal sin, as well as the apathy toward holiness in the western Church, I get discouraged. When I forget about God’s character and abilities, I get discouraged. When I see families broken I get discouraged, in part because of the Scripture, and in part because as a child I experienced a broken family and continue to with the effects of this 22 years later.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

When I exercise, I walk 30 minutes, do pushups and sit ups. When I do not it is because I am lazy and have not managed time well. For me, exercise is the first thing to go.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?

I like playing basketball and watching football and golf.

What do you do for leisure?
Spend time with my wife and kids, and wade fish in clear creeks.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?Teacher, Realtor, Fishing Guide, but woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel!

Productivity

"The man who knows the love of Christ in his heart can do more in one hour than the busy type of man can do in a century."

-Lloyd-Jones (quoted in Love or Die, p. 35)

Meet Mark Gibson

Mark Gibson is the pastor of Reformed Presbyterian Church in Beaumont, TX. You can read Mark's blog here. I was introduced to Mark by Clif Cummings and am extremely thankful to consider him a friend. Mark and I have gone to several conferences together and I genuinely look forward to each time I get to hang out with him. Mark is the most generous man I know. I wish I had kept track of all the books he has given me over the past five years (dozens!). It is rare that I see Mark and don't walk away with additions to my library.

I will never forget the blessing of having Mark attend and participate in my ordination service. He was present during my "examination" and threw me a nice alley-oop with a Luther question about justification by faith. I'm not sure anyone else got it, but he was giving me the opportunity to clarify and stand on the gospel. He was the first one in line to lay hands on me and pray for me.

A few words of caution: Don't fly with Mark, you may not get to your desitnation. And, be sure to bring ear plugs if you are rooming with him at a conference :).

Mark, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
I currently use M’Cheyne’s calendar of readings to read the Bible in a year. It ends up being about 4 chapters a day from different parts of the Bible. My wake up time varies with appointments, helping my wife get kids to Mother’s Day out, etc. I usually have my devotional time after I get to the office in the morning, but since I am the only in the building it is quiet and ideal for reading, meditation and prayer. I usually pray before I begin reading, while I am reading and after I am done reading. I also pause and meditate while I read and then again afterwards. This morning’s readings were from Exodus, Luke, Job and 1 Corinthians.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
I must admit that my reading is not this structured, though I need to think along these lines. I am currently reading a couple of books by Cornelius Hunter (Darwin’s God and Science’s Blind Spot: the unseen religion of Scientific Naturalism), Outrageous Mercy by Farley, Transforming Grace by Bridges, Jesus Keep me Near the Cross (edited by Guthrie), and Finally Alive by John Piper. I find that all of the current books I am reading are good for all the categories above, I enjoy them, they feed my soul and have immense practical application to pastor ministry.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
Pilgrim’s Progress. My spiritual Hero (Spurgeon) reread it all the time and often used it for sermon illustrations (which I do as well). I really like this book and come away from it encouraged and refreshed spiritually.
I also often return to Knowing God. In my opinion it is Packer’s best book and I find it helpful and edifying (especially the critical distinction between merely knowing ABOUT God and truly, experientially KNOWING God.)

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I sadly must admit that I have no “System”, and probably need to think along these lines. Basically, what I do now is dog-ear pages and underline and make notes in the margin and then list page numbers with short notes in the front of the book. I rely too much on my memory which has worked well in the past, but with the growth of my library is getting more difficult.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
What a difficult question to narrow it down to just one. I would enjoy studying under Puritan Matthew Henry, Theologian Jonathan Edwards, Missionary John G. Patton, Preacher Charles Spurgeon, Pastor J.C. Ryle, and to learn gracious perseverance Charles Simeon.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
Be yourself. Like Lloyd-Jones says, it is truth through your personality. Don’t be one person in the pulpit and another out of it. And if I can take the liberty of going outside the “single” limit above, I would say Owen’s admonition that “if the word do not dwell with power in us it will not pass with power from us”. I must preach the text to myself and feel the power of it in my own heart before I can deliver it to others.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Lloyd-Jones Preaching and Preachers, Piper’s Supremacy of God in Preaching.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
I must admit that I need to narrow the gap in this category between what I preach and what I practice.
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today! Redeem the time, for the days are evil.
No one at the second coming will wish they had spent more time watching TV, playing computer games or chess.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
Being Presbyterian, being a team player, submitting to my fellow elders, has helped me a great deal. I lead, but I do it with a team, we get the elders all on the same page and the church follows.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
Not seeing as much change in myself and others as I would like to see. My own ongoing struggles with sin and the temptation to want to measure God’s blessing by nickels, noses and noise in the life of the church (attendance, giving, and activities).

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)
I do not currently, formally exercise (why not? I am a slothful slug and know that I need to do something but have not yet done what is necessary to address this). I have committed to walking and light weight lifting this year to change this situation. I must say I was strongly tempted to quote 1 Timothy 4:8 in the KJV for this question, but knew it wrong to use spiritual things as a cover for my laziness. :^)
1 Timothy 4:8 (King James Version)
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?
I like to play and watch golf.

What do you do for leisure?
Read, play with my kids, watch tv with my wife, play golf, go to the gun range, play chess.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
Hard to say, but probably teaching.

Beware of Lovelessness

"An individual or church can teach sound doctrine, be faithful to the gospel, be morally upright, and work hard, yet be lacking love and therefore, be displeasing to Christ. Love can grow cold while outward religious performance still appears to be acceptable--or even praiseworthy."

Alexander Strauch, Love or Die, p. 19.

Meet Clif Cummings

Clif Cummings is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Duncan, OK. You can read Clif's blog here. Clif was my pastor when I graduated from seminary and went to FBC Beaumont in 2004. I thank God for Clif's encouragement and partnership over these last 5 years. God was kind to allow me to observe Clif's courage and humility during some tough days of ministry. He is a man of integrity who serves his church with passion and love.

And, Clif has killed more wildlife than anyone else I know.

Clif, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?

I am usually awake between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Beginning January 01 of this year, I renewed my discipline of exercising first thing in the morning. This usually involves 30 – 45 minutes of running on a treadmill on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – then weight lifting on M,W,F. I have found (at least for me) that my physical disciplines and spiritual disciplines are connected and I do best at both when I am working at both. (side note – I have lost 22 lbs. so far! And have as a goal to lose another 25 – 30.)
Then when I get to my office, I usually read the Scripture and praying over it for about an hour. Currently I am using the “every thirtieth Psalm and a Proverb method” which corresponds with the day of the month. For example, today I read Psalm 23, 53, 83, 113, 143 and Proverbs 23. I have to have some method that is totally separate of my sermon and teaching preparation to refresh and replenish my own soul. I also have returned to the discipline of journaling my prayers!
Notice the theme – “I have returned”. Praise God for His grace!

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
I find it hard to separate reading for my soul and reading for pastoral ministry. I recently read this quote on another blog and it has convicted me deeply: "Preaching is the art of making a sermon and delivering it. Why no, that is not preaching. Preaching is the art of making a preacher, and delivering that. Preaching is the outrush of soul in speech. Therefore, the elemental business in preaching is not with the preaching but with the preacher. It is no trouble to preach, but a vast trouble to construct a preacher. What then, in the light of this is the task of a preacher? (or of anyone sharing his or her faith). Mainly this, the amassing of a great soul so as to have something worthwhile to give. The sermon is the preacher up to date." Bishop Alfred Quayle, (1860-1925).

So to answer the question: I am currently reading Living with Less by Mark Tabb (great internationally unknown author who is also a personal friend) and Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn. I have waiting on my desk The Reason for God by Tim Keller. For personal enjoyment – I read a lot of different hunting magazines. (I enjoy hunting – a lot!)

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
I find myself returning to specific authors more often than specific books, especially Piper and C.J. Mahaney. These two men speak to my soul as no other “living authors.” (I also read Spurgeon and D.Martyn-Lloyd Jones). Piper challenges me by his depth of knowledge and C.J. challenges me by keeping it so real.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
As I am reading a book – I highlight (a lot) and index what I have highlighted in the front and back of the book with a short quote and page number. This way, when the Holy Spirit reminds me of something I read – I usually can go to the book and find it pretty easily.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
Wow – so many to choose from. I think I would choose C.H. Spurgeon. He stood and defended the Gospel of Grace in an age similar to ours. The true Gospel had become diluted and downgraded in England and Spurgeon made a difference by his preaching, his writing and his life.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
Many years ago, while I was still serving as a youth pastor, the pastor whom I was serving with challenged me with some very good “constructive criticism”. Unknown to me, one evening he stood outside the room and listened to me teach our students. The following week he sat down and said: “Clif, quit performing. Be real, be authentic, be transparent...” I debated him – to no avail. God uses those words in my life to this day.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Having never studied “preaching” in seminary (my Master’s degree is in Education) – I basically learned to preach by “doing.” However, I have served under three great pastors who each had their own strengths that I have tried to incorporate into my life. One was a passionate evangelist, another very authentic and transparent and the third was a student of the Word like none other I had known until that time. I would like to think that I am a composite of those three examples.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
I believe it is from John Maxwell that I heard “If another person can do something 80% as well as you can – then delegate the job to them and give yourself to the task that you alone are 100% responsible for. (Which for me is preparation and preaching).

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
“You can’t please all the people, all the time. So quit trying.” At one time I honestly thought I could! But, Moses couldn’t, and neither did Jesus.
The second “bit” of counsel is to remember that as Pastor – I am called to be the “chief servant”, not simply the chief.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
When my sheep wander off to another flock. I used to struggle with this A LOT because I took it very personal. Again, thinking that I was capable of keeping everybody happy. I am not as bad as I used to be – but it still hurts when someone chooses to join another church across town.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

See answer to first question.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?

I don’t play any sport regularly. I get a chance to embarrass myself on the golf course occasionally. I watch college football and basketball – especially THE University of Oklahoma SOONERS! ( I know, I know! But name another college football team that has even made it to that many BCS bowls in the last 10 years!!)

What do you do for leisure?

I am passionate about hunting. Primarily duck hunting, then deer hunting, then pheasant hunting, then turkey hunting. When it’s not one of those hunting seasons – I fish. I like to think that I am simply following the command of our Lord who told Peter to “Arise, kill and eat…” (Acts 11:7). :)

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?

Having been in either part-time or full time vocational ministry for 33 years – that’s hard to imagine. But most likely a school teacher and/or coach.

The Bookends of the Christian Life

I'm pretty excited about the new Jerry Bridges book coming out in March: The Bookends of the Christian Life. Everything Bridges writes is helpful and gospel drenched.

You can see a little description of what this books deals with at the WTS site.

Meet Jonathan Brooks

Jonathan Brooks is the Associate Pastor and a fellow elder with me at Christ Baptist Church in Wilson, NC. Jonathan is also director of the Imagination Station, a children's science museum in downtown Wilson.

My gratefulness for Jonathan runs deep. He is a fantastic friend and humble partner in ministry. He is a man who treasures Christ, cares for the church, and loves his family.

A few things that stand out about Jonathan to me:
-Jonathan has an incredible ability to live in the framework of his priorities. He orders his life and affections around what is most important. He doesn't let secondary issues side-track him from what God has called him to do.
-Jonathan is one of my favorite teachers of God's Word. His insights into the text of Scripture continue to amaze me.
-Jonathan has a deep and broad view of the atonement of Jesus Christ. He explains every subject and every text in its relationship to what Christ has accomplished for us.

Jonathan is also a world-class occassional blogger and expert dish-washer installer!


Jonathan, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
Wake up time varies depending on a number of circumstances (late nights working, meetings, etc.). It could be anywhere from 6:00 – 7:30. I try to set aside an hour to read the Bible using the Discipleship Journal Plan, work on memorizing verses and passages of Scripture, and for prayer. If I have time at the end before leaving for work I try to read a chapter of a helpful book as well.


What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
A. Worldliness, edited by Mahaney
B. Instrument’s in the Redeemer’s Hands, Tripp
C. John Adams, McCollough

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
I don’t reread a lot of books, but I have reread the Chronicles of Narnia and I intend to re-read Lord of the Rings. I think it’s because I appreciate the work of Lewis and Tolkien creating another world and I find it engaging to be in their worlds.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I mark up my books, but I don’t really have an indexing system of any kind, other than my photographic memory (that doesn’t really exist).

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
This is a tough question to answer because I haven’t had the privilege, as of yet, of walking deeply with any particular historical figure by reading a majority of their writings. So, to pick one would be based on the opinions of others. That being said, I find what I have read of John Owen engaging. It seems that he thought deeply and walked closely with the Savior. I also admire many of the men that admire him.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?

I know the question asks for a single piece of counsel, but I think I have to include two. I don’t know where I first heard either one of them, but I think of them every time I prepare to preach. First, always be sure to preach the gospel. Second, make sure that the point of the sermon is also the point of the text.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?

The Supremacy of God in Preaching was a helpful book for me. I guess I should have listed it above as a book I have re-read. Examples of preaching that have been influential for me would be John Piper, John McArthur, and Andy Davis.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
Not sure if this would be most significant but the only one that comes to mind would be from Getting Things Done which is if something can be done in less than 2 minutes, do it immediately. I could tell you what page that was on if I had an indexing system.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?

Again, I don’t know where I first heard it, but it’s a popular understanding of leadership. A leader has to find the balance between being out in front and not leaving those following behind. Always being aware of that balance helps prevent either extreme, laziness and only doing what those following want vs. asking people to do things you haven’t prepared them for and they don’t fully understand.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?

Probably the moment I get done preaching. I often feel like I failed to communicate the Scripture clearly and people were not helped in their understanding of the passage or its application to their lives.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

I currently do not exercise regularly. I would leave it at that because everything following will sound like excuses, but the question asks why not, so I will explain. I love to play sports and preparing to play sports, specifically basketball. My schedule since moving to Wilson has not allowed me to play basketball regularly. So, I am having to adjust my philosophy on exercise and be willing to do it for the sake of exercising and not the enjoyment of playing a sport. That being said, when I am disciplined and schedule my time accordingly, I enjoy riding my bike and lifting weights. I run because I have to, I don’t really enjoy it.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?

I love both to play basketball and watch basketball; although, watching has waned in the last few years. There just doesn’t seem to be as much time as there used to be. Of course, anytime the mighty Gamecocks play football, I’m tuned in. An unfortunate part of living in ACC country is not getting to see all of the games. I also like to play golf, though I am not very good. I used to enjoy playing tennis as well, but again, I never was very good at that either.

What do you do for leisure?
I enjoy hanging out with my family and playing with my daughters. I enjoy reading. I like playing board games. And, when the opportunity arises, I like to play basketball. Also, if it’s the right project I enjoying working on things around the house.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
I really don’t know. I enjoy working on computers, web design, etc, but I don’t think I could do that all day. I enjoy teaching, so perhaps I would have done that in some capacity, high school or college. I would not have chosen to be a science museum director, which shows God’s strange and kind providence.

Meet Justin Nale

Justin Nale is the pastor of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. You can read Justin's blog here. I've known Justin for a few years and have been helped and challenged by his friendship. JN (as I refer to him) has a deep love for the local church, evangelism, and the person and work of Jesus Christ.

I don't personally know anyone more passionate about getting pastors together for fellowship and encouragement than JN. In many ways he reminds me of Mark Dever (only Dever has elder-led congregationalism right - insert smiley face here). JN is also an expert on all things relating to Satan and demons.
I once wrote a post called, "5 Reasons I'm Thankful for Justin Nale."

JN, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
My wife and I are seeking to maintain an “in bed by 11, up at 7” sleeping schedule. This isn’t easy for me since I’ve always loved reading till the wee hours of the morning and then sleeping till 8 or 9. My devotions are seldom done early in the morning. Instead, I try and get menial tasks done during the AM hours and do my more important things (Bible Study, prayer, sermon preparation, etc.) during the PM hours. This isn’t best for everybody, but it definitely works better for me. My devotional time is spent largely on straight Bible reading, as much as I can get in (often 5, 10, or more chapters), interspersed with short prayers about the things I’m reading. I’m currently back in Exodus – getting ready to get into all those repetitive latter chapters about the tabernacle. This time is supplemented by regular walks around the neighborhood in which I spend time in prayer, Scripture memorization, and listening to audio sermons (Andy Davis, recently) or good thoughtful music (Andrew Peterson, almost always). These walks have contained some of the most precious moments of my life.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?

My deacons and I all get Ligonier’s Tabletalk Devotional. I usually try and devour the whole magazine in a day or two when it comes in the mail (not exactly the way you are supposed to use it.) I’ve done similar things lately with the new Jerry Bridges devotional book. My reading right now is mostly composed of Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics, books on ancient Israel (preparing for an Old Testament sermon series), and a book on Alexander the Great.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?

Henry Scudder’s The Christian’s Daily Walk. It never fails to humble or convict.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I used to write page numbers and the Scripture passages they deal with in the front covers of the books, keeping a database of these on my computer. I’ve slackened off in recent days – I found that I seldom made use of the system. I don’t use a lot of illustrations or quotes in my sermons, and when I do, they tend to be things that have freshly affected me in recent days.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?

Not an easy question. Maybe Edwards or Owen.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
John Owen’s counsel that a preacher only preaches a sermon well when that sermon has first been preached to his own soul. If I haven’t been freshly affected and challenged by the passage I’m preaching on, I probably shouldn’t preach on it.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
The Supremacy of God in Preaching (Piper), Preaching and Preachers (Lloyd-Jones), Feed My Sheep (edited by Kistler).

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
A professor in college gave to me the oft-repeated advice to focus on the depth of my ministry and let God deal with the breadth of the ministry. This has taught me to focus my time more on the essentials of preaching, pasturing, and praying and less on promoting, programming, etc.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?

This wasn’t counsel I received but a realization I came to about a year and a half ago. Basically, it suddenly occurred to me that God will sanctify and mature His Church. Therefore, I don’t need to push and shove and hurry my flock into biblical changes that they are not ready for. Rather, I should preach, pray, love, and enjoy the journey, trusting that God will bring about the appropriate changes in His own time. No matter how much is accomplished in my lifetime, my church will never be perfect until Christ comes and does in one second what I could never do had I lived a thousand years. That has become a very helpful perspective for me.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
Taking things too personally.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

Mainly walking. I have some weights, but my back has made those exercises somewhat troublesome. I try and have three or four substantial walks a week – more in the warmer months.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?
Not baseball. I can’t stand watching baseball. I enjoy NFL football the most, college basketball 2nd. I don’t actively play any sports. Unless bass fishing counts.

What do you do for leisure?
reading, Wii golf, fishing, walking

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
I was an English minor. I think I would have enjoyed journalism or something similar.

Jesus' Message to the Church: Love or Die.

This looks like a fantastic book: Love or Die: Christ's Wake-Up Call to the Church by Alexander Strauch. Part one of this book examines the alarming rebuke of Rev. 2:4 ("But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first"). Part two presents practical ways to cultivate love in the local church.

Here are the sections of part two:
Study love
Pray for love
Teach love
Model love
Guard love
Practice love

Meet Jim Upchurch

Jim Upchurch is the associate pastor of Red Oak Baptist Church in Red Oak, NC. You can read Jim's blog here. I've known Jim for a few years now and have found him to be one of the most kind and gentle men I know. Jim's love for Christ and the people he serves is evident each time I get to be around him.

I have avoided playing any sports with Jim thus far because I'm positive he would take me to school.

Jim, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
I have evening devotions. I spend some time reading Scripture, meditating, and praying. The time varies... from as little to 10 minutes to as much as an hour or so. I'm currently reading Judges and Ruth, as I make my way through a 3-year Bible reading program.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?

a) just finished Death By Love by Mark Driscoll,

b) The Christian Ministry by Charles Bridges,

c) Prologema by Herman Bavinck (I guess you can call it for personal enjoyment if you like).

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?

I've only re-read a few books. Here are two: 1) Mere Christianity by CS Lewis because it was so influential in strengthening my spiritual life and faith in Christ. 2) The Great Divorce by CS Lewis because it makes me long for heaven.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
While reading a book, I make notes in the back few pages (publishers... please leave a few blank pages back there!), along with a page number. I started doing this after I read JD Greear on the subject: and it's been very helpful.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?

I don't know. In some ways, we get to study under all (or at least many) of the theologians throughout church history. Yet, we also get to avoid some of their mistakes or blind-spots. Perhaps I would choose B.B. Warfield because he was committed to Christ and His Word; because he applied his theology to issues in his culture; and because he faithfully cared for his wife for many years while she was ill.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?

Advice that I heard from Tim Keller (not personally) that young preachers shouldn't expect their preaching to be good until preaching several hundred sermons... and that they wouldn't "find their voice" until at least a few years of preaching.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?

1) Preaching and Preachers by Lloyd-Jones.

2) I've been challenged by the preaching of John Piper, especially in regards to expositing the text and applying it to the people (getting down to real-life details).

3) The lectures by Tim Keller and Ed Clowney on Preaching Christ in a Postmodern World.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?

Write it down, review it, and do it. Reading Getting Things Done by David Allen really helped me.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?

Advice to lead with my own leadership style. I'm generally quiet and reserved, rather than boisterous and outgoing. I was told by some that I would need to change that to be an effective pastor and leader. Thankfully, others have told me that I could lead without necessarily being loud.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?

By my sinful nature, I am very much tempted toward self-pity... to think that others don't recognize my worth and work as a pastor. With the help of others, I have realized that this is the subtle form of pride which must be fiercely resisted.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

I occasionally jog, take walks with the family, play in the yard with my son, and play basketball or softball.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?

There is no greater sport than college basketball. There is no greater team than the UNC Tarheels. In my opinion, the passion, emotion, reward, and loss can't be matched in any other sport.

What do you do for leisure?

Read, watch television (Am I allowed to say that?), take walks with the family, roll around on the floor with my son.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?

It's hard to say what I would have chosen, but I have a few ideas of what I'd be interested in and good at. Probably, I would have been a computer geek or a high school history teacher.

John 15:16 - Memory Verse Meditations

John 15:16 – “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
Jesus’ has loved us by choosing us. If He had not chosen us, we would have never chosen Him. We must always be aware of the initiative in our relationship with Jesus. His action is always prior to our actions. He chose us that we might bear lasting fruit for His glory. When we bear fruit for Him, the Father answers our prayers prayed in His name. What are you asking the Father for in Jesus’ name today?

Not Fit for the Dunghill

"A bloodless, Christless gospel is fit neither for the land nor for the dunghill; it neither honours God nor converts the sons of men."

-CH Spurgeon (Dark Gethsemane, p. 220)

Meet Dan Rolfe

Dan Rolfe is the pastor of Servants Heart Fellowship in Rocky Mount, NC. You can read his blog here. I've known Dan for a little over a year now and have benefited from his helpful encouragement and and firm grasp of the gospel.

If and when I get sick, Dan is one of my friends that I hope comes to pray for me in the hospital. He is also an expert regarding all things Benny Hinn (man, that is funny stuff).

Dan, thanks for your time. Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?

I get up at 5:30 and read the Scriptures from the daily office - a reading from the psalms, an OT reading, a NT epistle reading, and a gospel reading. I then spend anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes praying and meditating before waking up my children to start the day.

I’m presently reading Finally Alive by John Piper.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?

a. I am re-reading Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges. I’ve also been reading Charity and Its Fruits by Jonathan Edwards a few pages at a time for the past year. I’ll pick it up, read a chapter, and spend a month digesting it.
b. A Workman Approved by God, a wonderful transcript of the 2008 Sovereign Grace Pastors College Preaching Conference.
c. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, A. Conan Doyle and I just started On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
Recently it has been A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent. This gospel-saturated little book has stopped me dead in my tracks at times. It has an impact much larger than its size. Before I got the primer I would say Knowing God by JI Packer. I first read this in college and keep coming back to it.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I write in my books. But I don’t have a system in place so I’m always saying, “Now, where did I read that…?” I need to improve here.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
Probably Martin Luther. I did a major college research project on Luther and I’ve always been fascinated with his life. I still occasionally use his small catechism for devotional purposes. From the way he wrote (especially to other pastors), I’m certain studying under him would be anything but boring.


What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?

I have a good friend (an older, wiser pastor) who listened to some of my sermons and was caring (and bold) enough to tell me that I sometimes sound self-righteous when I preach. This has helped me improve.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Christ Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell



What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?

CJ Mahaney said that single-staff pastors should devote most of their time preparing for the Sunday morning meeting. He said this is the most effective way to serve the entire church. This has helped me prioritize how I spend my time.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
An experienced pastor once told me to stop trying to please everyone and to simply lead the church. While at lunch together, he leaned across the table and said, “You must do this Dan. No one else will.” This has been huge for me.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?

Everywhere. But I do recognize this as a subtle form of pride and I fight against it. Probably in my preaching, but again, I recognize this as my own sin. I was helped while attending T4G when several speakers shared the difference between being dissatisfied with my preaching (a good thing) and being discouraged with my preaching (a bad thing).



Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

I lift weights three times a week. Two sets each of arm curls, French curls, military presses, butterfly presses, and bench presses. Can you tell?

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?

I enjoy professional football and baseball (watch, not play). I occasionally play tennis.

What do you do for leisure?
Spend time with my family - I have a wonderful family.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
Prior to attending Bible College I had landed a decent state job as a contractor guard (my actual title was “Escort”) at a psychiatric prison in NY. I’d probably still be there, escorting construction workers in and out of the prison. I know, I can already hear the jokes…

Meet Some Ordinary Pastors

By now, I hope all of my readers are familiar with CJ Mahaney's series of posts where he is interviewing some of his friends like Piper, Dever, Grudem, and Thabiti. Well, I have been served by these interviews and the questions Mahaney has asked. There is only one thing missing so far in his interviews: regular pastors who also serve as secretaries, janitors, and other humble roles they rarely get credit for.

So, I've asked a few of my friends to answer the same set of questions (I hope CJ doesn't mind me using his fantastic questions). You'll soon learn that they are anything but ordinary pastors. These are men who love their churches and serve in ways that please their Savior. I genuinely want to learn from these brothers and think their examples will be helpful to us all as we pursue Christ.

It should be fun.

Learning to Preach the Gospel to Myself

I am still learning what it means to preach the gospel to myself daily. I am a legalist at heart. My tendency is to base my standing with God on what I do and don't do.

I got fresh freedom this morning as I contemplated Christ's finished work on my behalf. He has accomplished all the Father gave Him to do (John 17:4).

Where is your confidence today? In what you can accomplish? Or, in what has been accomplished for you?

Come, Lord Jesus, Come Soon

Deeply saddened and outraged by this story: Woman married 23 times.
She needs someone to introduce her to a pure, gentle, and glorious Savior, who died so that sinners can have an eternal relationship with the Father and never be lonely again.

Vintage Church

Driscoll's new book, Vintage Church, is now available. Don't judge a book by its cover, but this one is more unique than it looks.

Outreach Idea

Desiring God is offering the new 50 Reasons Jesus Came to Die Audio Book at a discounted price. You can get a case of 48 unabridged audio books for $95 (less than $2 each and free shipping). These retail for $16 each, so do the math to figure out what a deal this is.

I just ordered a case. Maybe some people who won't read a printed book will pop in an audio book and listen while they drive or exercise.

Whatcha Listen' To?

If you were to break into my car anytime over the past year and hit the eject button on my cd player, there is a 95% chance that out would pop a sermon cd from one of theses preachers:

1. John Piper
2. Art Azurdia
3. Mike Bullmore
4. Steve Lawson

These guys would be at the top of my list of best expositors. I like to listen to other preachers who feed my soul (Mahaney, Conference sermons, etc.) while mowing the lawn or riding the exersize bike.

How 'bout you? Which preachers do you regularly listen to?

More Precious Than Gold

Sam Storms' new book, More Precious than Gold: 50 Daily Meditations on the Psalms, is now available.
Anything by Sam Storms is worth reading, especially when he is meditating on the Word.

The Cross Reveals the Glory of Jesus

Ponder some of the ways the Cross reveals the glory of your Savior:

-The Cross is where we see His supreme passion for the Father’s glory.

-The Cross is where we see His persevering love for sinners.

-The Cross is where we see His patient endurance.

-The Cross is where we see His total obedience.

-The Cross is where we see His hatred of sin and evil.

-The Cross is where we see His sinless perfection.

-The Cross is where we see His power over Satan and all spiritual forces.

-The Cross is where we see His overflowing joy.

-The Cross is where we see His role as mediator between God and man.

-The Cross is where we see His absolute sovereignty.

-The Cross is where we see His gracious forgiveness.

-The Cross is where we see His quiet submission.

The Greatest Prayer Ever Recorded

My gratefulness for John 17 is higher than ever. I am amazed that we are allowed to hear one person of the Trinity address another person of the Trinity at such length. We have a record of what the eternal Son said to the eternal Father regarding the fulfillment of their eternal plan.

The significance of this chapter would be difficult to overstate. Never before or since has a sweeter voice been heard in Heaven than the voice of the Savior submissively pleading with the Father to accomplish His purposes.

I preached on verses 1-5 Sunday and meditated on these 3 points:
1. Jesus' Supreme Passion was the Glory of the Father.
2. Jesus Gives Eternal Life.
3. Jesus is Particularly Glorified in the Cross.

John 15:15 - Memory Verse Meditations

John 15:15 – “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”

According to Jesus, the fundamental difference between a servant and a friend has to do with the information disclosed. A servant doesn’t get to know what his master is doing. He just does his work because he is supposed to. However, a friend is privileged to hear what and why things are happening. The friend is made aware of the plans. Jesus says that He has made known all that He has heard from His Father. Jesus is the perfect revelation of the glory of the Father. He spoke only what the Father told Him to speak. He has not withheld the Father’s plans from us.

Question about the Cross

Here is what I'm meditating on today. I want to broaden my affections for Christ and get you preaching the gospel to yourself (my motivations out in the open).

In what particular ways is Jesus revealed in His death? How does the Cross show Jesus' glory (specifically)?

Those of you who use a feed reader, please click through and leave a comment with your answer.

Also, if you are on Facebook/Twitter, consider transfering your answer(s) to your status. Let's bombard our friends with meditations on the glory of Jesus.

God Can Never Show Greater Love

"I say with reverence that even God can never show his love in a greater manner than he did on the Cross on Calvary's hill when he delivered up his own Son for us all."

-Lloyd-Jones (quoted in Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace, p. 209)

Finally Alive by John Piper

Here is a list of my posts on Piper's new book, Finally Alive. This book is now available at WTS Books for $8.99 (40% retail).

-Finally Alive is Finally Here!

-Deep Depravity

-Friends, I am the Greatest Problem in the Universe!

-What Happens in the New Birth

-Who We are Apart From Christ

-What is Relevance?

-11 Evidences of the New Birth

-Piper's recommended books on evangelism

-The Last Chapter is Best

It is my prayer that this book gain wide popularity.

A Cause for Alarm!

"If you find yourself loving any pleasure better than praying, any book better than the Bible, any house better than the house of God, any table better than the Lord's table, any person better than Christ, any indulgence better than the hope of heaven--take alarm!"

-Thomas Guthrie (quoted in Overcoming the World by Beeke, p. 37)

*You also should be alarmed if the above quote does not alarm you.

Lloyd-Jones' Sermon Notes

Chapter 4 of Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace is about how Lloyd-Jones prepared sermons and the outlines he used in preaching (this chapter actually contains examples of his sermon outlines). Murray makes 3 points:

1. Preparation can be done at any time and in any place. Murray gives examples of Lloyd-Jones preparing outlines at random times. "A man sent to preach is a man whose mind is constantly turning to this one thing."

2. A clear skeleton is easily memorized and Dr. Lloyd-Jones had his outline clearly in his mind. Murray gives an example of one time when Lloyd-Jones lost his sermon notes as he was about to preach. He was able to preach because his outlines was firmly in his mind.

3. A logical outline has a great deal to do with simplicity in preaching.

Revival Comes When...

Lloyd-Jones said, "Revival comes when God's people are met together and the word is being expounded and unfolded."

The gathered church positioning itself under the authority of God's Word.

The Last Chapter is the Best

I must say that the last chapter of Finally Alive is the most helpful to me. After explaining the nature of the new birth for 14 chapters, Piper asks, "How can we help others be born again?" It is basically a chapter on personal evangelism.

His short answer is: "Tell them the good news of Christ from a heart of love and life of service."

After making clear that only God can open blind eyes, Piper writes (pp. 180-181):

"Don't stop because you can't do this. Of course you can't. Only God can open the eyes of the blind (2 Cor. 4:6). But the fact that you can't make electricity or create light never stops you from flipping light switches. The fact that you can't create fire in cylinders never stops you from turning the car key. The fact that you can't create cell tissue never stops you from eating your meals. So don't let the fact that you can't cause the new bith stop you from telling the gospel. That is how people are born again--through the living and abiding word, the good news of Jesus Christ."

He then gives 10 encouragements for speaking the gospel:

1. Know this: God uses clay pots.
2. Get resources to share.
3. Know that God may use many influences.
4. Be a lavish giver.
5. Find people interesting.
6. Invite people to church.
7. Fill the city with gospel teaching.
8. Use your giftings.
9. Read books on evangelism (see the particular books he recommends here).
10. Pray for boldness.

"If you feel average or below average in your fitness to share the gospel treasure, you are closer to the truth than someone who feels powerful and wise and self-sufficient."

John 15:14 - Memory Verse Meditations

John 15:14 – “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

Jesus’ emphasis on doing what He commands is unmistakable in John 14-16. Jesus’ commands are authoritative and binding on all people. However, it is those who obey His commands who are called His friends. Who of us can claim to be His friend? Who of us can claim to do what He commands? Verses like this should cause us to flee to the Cross, where our lack of obedience was atoned for and our present obedience was purchased.

Piper's Recommended Books on Evangelism

In chapter 15 of Finally Alive, Piper gives these 3 recommendations for books on evangelism:

1. Will Metzger's Tell the Truth
2. JI Packers Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
3. Mark Dever's The Gospel and Personal Evangelism

11 Evidences of the New Birth

In chapter 10 of Finally Alive, John Piper draws out 11 evidences of the new birth in 1 John.

Those who are born of God...

1. Keep his commandments (2:3-4; 3:24)
2. Walk as Christ walked (2:5-6)
3. Don't hate other but love them (2:9; 3:14; 4:7-8; 4:20)
4. Don't love the world (2:15)
5. Confess the Son and receive (have) him (2:23; 4:15; 5:12)
6. Practice righteousness (2:29)
7. Don't make a practice of sinning (3:6; 3:9-10; 5:18)
8. Possess the Spirit of God (3:24; 4:13)
9. Listen submissively to the apostolic Word (4:6)
10. Believe that Jesus is the Christ (5:1)
11. Overcome the world (5:4)

What is Relevance?

"I want to say things that are really significant for your life whether you kow they are or not. My way of doing that is to stay as close as I can to what God says is important in his word, not what we think is importance apart from God's Word."

-John Piper, Finally Alive, p. 100.

Being relevant is not about addressing the issues that people think they need to hear about. True relevance is addressing the issues people need to hear about whether they think they need to hear them or not.

Who We Are Apart From Christ

In chapters 3 and 4 of Finally Alive, John Piper lists and explains who we are by nature. He says, "The aim of this list is to give us an accurate diagnosis of our disease so that when God applies the remedy at great cost to himself, we will leap for joy and give him some measure of the glory he deserves."

Apart from the new birth...

1. We are dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1-2).
2. We are by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3).
3. We love darkness and hate the light (John 3:19-20).
4. Our hearts are hard like stone (Ezek. 36:26; Eph. 4:18).
5. We are unable to submit to God or please God (Rom. 8:7-8).
6. We are unable to accept the gospel (Eph. 4:18; 1 Cor. 2:14).
7. We are unable to come to Christ or embrace him as Lord (John 6:44, 65; 1 Cor. 12:3).
8. We are slaves to sin (Rom. 6:17).
9. We are slaves of Satan (Eph. 2:1-2; 2 Tim 2:24-26).
10. No good thing dwells in us (Rom. 7:18).

Outrageous Mercy: Now Available

I recommend a lot of books on this blog. I hope my recommendations help readers to know what is out there and what books I have found helpful. The only downside to recommending a lot of books is that when a really good book comes along, the recommendation gets lost in a sea of others.

Don't let that happen here. This is a book worth getting and reading.

Outrageous Mercy: Rediscovering the Radical Nature of the Cross by William Farley is back in print.

Good news: It is only $8.83 (It should be illegal to sell something this helpful for this cheap).

What Happens in the New Birth

Here is John Piper's answer to the question, "What happens in the new birth?"

1. What happens in the new birth is not getting new religion but getting new life.
2. What happens in the new birth is not merely affirming the supernatural in Jesus but experiencing the supernatural in yourself.
3. What happens in the new birth is not the improvement of your old human nature but the creation of a new human nature--a nature that is really you, and is forgiven and cleansed; and a nature that is really new, and is being formed by the indwelling Spirit of God.

Finally Alive, p. 28.

Friends, I am The Greatest Problem in the Universe!

"Our problem is not just in what we do but in what we are. Apart from new birth, I am my problem. You are not my main problem. My parents are not my main problem. My enemies are not my main problem. I am my main problem. Not my deeds, and not my circumstances, and not the people in my life, but my nature is my deepest personal problem."

-John Piper, Finally Alive, p. 49.

*Title of this post is dedicated to my friend, Dan.

CJ on Phelps

EXCELLENT post by CJ Mahaney on Michael Phelps' recent stupidity and the nature of sin and the wonderful cross of Jesus Christ.

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross: Experiencing the Passion and Power of Easter is now available.

The list of contributors is staggering:

John Piper, Timothy J. Keller, Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, Stephen F. Olford, Martin Luther, Philip Graham Ryken, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, J. Ligon Duncan, C. J. Mahaney, Charles H. Spurgeon, Augustine, J. I. Packer, John Calvin, Alistair Begg, John MacArthur, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., Francis A. Schaeffer, J. C. Ryle, James Montgomery Boice, R. C. Sproul, R. Kent Hughes, and Joni Eareckson Tada.

I mean, where can you get Piper, CJ, and John Owen in the same volume? No Dever? And, no Bunyan?

Check out the table of contents. This is gonna be one to savor.

Deep Depravity

"We can never get to the bottom of our sinfulness. If our forgiveness depended on the fullness of the knowledge of our sins, we would all perish. No one knows the extent of his sinfulness. It is deeper than anyone can fathom."

-John Piper, Finally Alive, p. 46.

Finally Alive is Finally Here!

I got my copy of John Piper's new book on what it means to be born again. It's called Finally Alive and it is Piper's first book published by Christian Focus.

Since DA Carson says, "I cannot too strongly celebrate the publication of this book," I'm celebrating the publication of this book strongly.

Others have said this might be the most important of Piper's book. Now you've got to read it.

Evangelistic Preaching of the OT

The most recent 9 Marks interview is with Don Whitney. It is a great interview if you have a chance to listen. In it, Dr. Whitney praies Iain Murray and particularly mentions Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace (although I think he gets the title wrong the first time he mentions it) as helpful for pastors to read.

Chapter 3 of Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace is basically about the importance of the Old Testament. Lloyd-Jones would preach an evangelistic message on Sunday evenings and would often use OT texts.

Iain Murray identifies what Lloyd-Jones saw as the chief emphases of the OT:
1. Scripture reveals sin in its true nature.
2. Scripture reveals the absolute futility of life without God.
3. Above all else, the Old Testament is a book about God.

1,000 Posts Giveaway winners

And the winners are:

1. Chosen for life by Sam Storms - jefflo
2. Worldliness, edited by CJ Mahaney - Aaron

Congrats! Please e-mail me with your mailing address. Also, let me know if you already have this book and I'll see if I have one you don't have yet.

The Legacy of Lloyd-Jones

In chapter 1 of his book, Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace, Iain Murray lays out 6 legacies of Martyn Lloyd-Jones' life and ministry:

1. An Example of What a Christian Minister Ought to Be

2. The Truth that Christianity is God-Centered Religion

3. The Local Church is Always the Primary Means of Evangelism

4. True Preaching of the Word has Life-Changing Power

5. The Key to the Times is the State of the Church

6. The Growth of the Church Depends on the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit

John 15:13 - Memory Verse Meditations

John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.”

In verse 12, Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us. Well, here is how He has loved us. He loved us by laying down His life for us as a substitution for our sins. This is how Jesus defines the greatest love: selflessly laying down your life for others. So, as you meditate on this verse, ponder the greatest demonstration of love in the history of the universe in the Cross. Then, ponder the ways you can lay down your life for others.