Pursuing Irrelevance

I'm going to like this book! Here is a taste from chapter 2:

"Ironically, the more we Christians pursue worldly relevance, the more we'll render ourselves irrelevant to the world around us. There's an irrelevance to pursuing relevance, just as there's a relevance to practicing irrelevance. To be truly relevant, you have to say things that are unfashionably eternal, not trendy. It's the timeless things that are most relevant to most people, and we dare not forget this fact in our pursuit of relevance."

"When the size of God grips us more than the size of our churches and leadership conferences, and when we become obsessed with surrendering our lives to God's sovereign presence, only then will we be redemptively different and serve as God's cosmic change agents in a world yearning for change."

-Tullian Tchividjian, Unfashionable.

Raising Great Kids Parenting Conference

The Raising Great Kids Parenting Conference last weekend was fantastic. Here is the audio from the weekend.

Main Session 1 - Children are a Blessing...No Really, They Are! (Justin Nale)
Main Session 2 - Scolding, Spanking, Time Out: What the Bible Says about Disciplining our Children (Dan Rolfe)
Main Session 3 - It Takes a Church: The Local Church's Role in a Child's Life (Jonathan Brooks)

Breakout 1 - Public School vs. Home School vs. Private School: Sorting Through the Options (Dan Rolfe)
Breakout 2 - The Adoption Option (Jim Upchurch)
Breakout 3 - The Why and How of Family Worship (Eddie Burroughs)

Unfashionable

I was blessed to get an advance copy of Tullian Tchividjian's new book, Unfashionable: Making a Difference in the World by Being Different.

The endorsements for this book are impressive. DA Carson, Tim Keller, JI Packer, Thabiti Anyabwile, Danny Akin, Michael Horton, R. Kent Hughes, just to name a few.

Biblical Manhood on Display in an Unlikely Place

I watched some of the Nightline debate regarding the existence of Satan. Pastor Mark Driscoll did a fantastic job turning the discussion to Jesus. The topic of the debate was about Satan but the topic of the conversation was Jesus.

However, there is something else I want to commend Driscoll for. A small detail that could go unnoticed. In the 5th segment, Pearson makes a point about reading the Bible litterally. In his point, he refers to the 1 Timothy passage that says women should not have braided hair and wear nice clothes. As Pearson makes this point, he seems to be pointing at Annie Lobert (who was on Driscoll's side for the debate). I think Driscoll took Pearson's comments as a slam on Annie.

Driscoll immediately spoke up and said something to the effect of, "Don't judge her, she might have shopped on sale." The crowd laughed, but I don't think Driscoll was just trying to be funny. He was defending her. He was not going to allow the only woman on stage to be degraded.

Men, God is glorified when we fulfill our God-given task of protecting and defending the women around us.

"I just want him to come to know Jesus..."

Only the power of the gospel could make the wife of a slain pastor say things like this:

Comforts from the Cross

Elsye Fitzpatrick's new book, Comforts from the Cross: Celebrating the Gospel One Day at a Time, is now available. Everything I've read by Elsye has been great. Although most of her books are written particularly to women, I look forward to getting and reading through this one.

Parenting Conference This Weekend

Our parenting conference (Raising Great Kids) is this weekend. You can see the topics, schedule, and other information here. If you are in the area, plan to join us.

I hear that the "welcome" is going to be life-altering. You wouldn't want to miss it.

And, we will be giving away some free books!

Strength Through the Gospel

I love how Paul concludes the letter to the Romans.

"Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ...to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen"

Paul defined his gospel in this letter. And notice what he says now about this gospel: God strengthens Christians according to this gospel and the preaching of it.

Christians are strengthened through the gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ. Do you see the implications of such a truth?

If this is true,
1. the gospel is not just for unbelievers. Christians need to hear and embrace the gospel. It is vital for their strengthening.

2. preaching should be gospel-soaked and Christ-centered. God strengthens His church by the gospel. This should inform what the preacher proclaims if he wants a strong church.

3. strong Christians are those who have learned to apply the gospel. Our growth is directly related to our intake of and grip of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Vintage Church

I enjoyed reading Vintage Church by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Brshears. Here are some of my thoughts:

Pros:

-It is the coolest cover on a book I've ever seen (and I've seen a lot of books). Next time you are in a book store or see it on someone's shelf, pick it up and look at it. When it came in the mail, my wife said, "I want to read it just becaue of the cover."

-I love the emphasis on the nature and necessity of the church. While not the best book on the church available, it is definitely moving in the right direction.

-It is well written and engaging.

-I love the emphasis on the gospel and the centrality of Jesus Christ.

-This book contains some good material on preaching and leadership in the local church.

Cons:

-I cannot endorse everything Driscoll advocates. For example, I do not agree with him that pastors and church leaders should saturate themselves in the culture. He says he has 3 TiVos in his house so that he can record all the popular shows to see what others are watching.

-I do not like the multi-campus movement. Chapter 10 is basically an argument for and defense of a church having multiple campuses with the same preacher.

-This book is mainly geared at larger churches with lots of resources. For example, the chapter on technology assumes thousands and thousands of dollars for equipment, personnel, and mantinence. I certainly think technology should be used to read people with the gospel. I just don't think the church should try to compete with the world in this area.

Overall, it is a helpful book that could be of benefit to a lot of churches. We can disagree about the methods, but the message is what really matters.

Yours! Mine!

Lord, the condemnation was Yours,
that the justification might be mine!

The agony was Yours, that
the victory might be mine!

The pain was Yours,
and the ease mine!

The stripes were Yours, and the
healing balm issuing from them mine!

The vinegar and gall were Yours,
that the honey and sweet might be mine!

The curse was Yours, that
the blessing might be mine!

The crown of thorns was Yours,
that the crown of glory might be mine!

The death was Yours,
the life purchased by it mine!

You paid the price, that
I might enjoy the inheritance!

-John Flavel

He Suffered in My Place

“Was he flogged? It was done so that “by his wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:5). Was he condemned, though innocent? It was done so that we might be acquitted, though guilty. Did he wear a crown of thorns? It was done so that we might wear the crown of glory. Was he stripped of his clothes? It was done so that we might be clothed in everlasting righteousness. Was he mocked and reviled? It was done so that we might be honored and blessed. Was he reckoned a criminal, and counted among those who have done wrong? It was done so that we might be reckoned innocent, and declared free from all sin. Was he declared unable to save himself? It was so that he might be able to save others to the uttermost. Did he die at last, and that the most painful and disgraceful death? It was done so that we might live forevermore, and be exalted to the highest glory.”

-JC Ryle

Beautified by love

“Every local church has its own personality, identity, distinctives, gifts, and atmosphere. The one quality, however, that should beautify every believer and every church, regardless of giftedness or personality, is love. Thus the thing that should be of utmost concern to every believer and every church is this: Does a Christlike spirit of love permeate the atmosphere of our church?”

Alexander Stauch, Love or Die, p. 11.

Perspectives on Christian Worship

Perspectives on Christian Worship is a new book with 5 authors arguing for 5 different understandings of corporate worship. I've got to get it just to read Lig's response to Dever and Dever's response to Lig.

From Age to Age

Recieved a free copy of Mathison's huge new book on Biblical Escatology yesterday. This looks like it is going to be a helpful book. It is basically an exposition of every text that refers to the end times.

I really appriciate theology books that take a cannonical approach as opposed to a topical approach. Usually, when I'm studying theology, I'm studying it in relation to a particular text or book of the Bible.

What is a 'Missional' Church?

I wish all churches who called themselves "missional" were like this:

"A missional church is always, only, solely, fully, passionately, uncompromisingly, wholeheartedly, unwaveringly, and continually all about Jesus as God, Savior, Lord, Hero, Hope, and Friend!"

Driscoll, Vintage Church, p. 221.

Bookends Now Available

Jerry Bridges' newest book is now available: The Bookends of the Christian Life. I've been looking forward to this one ever since I heard Bridges describe it a few months ago on an interview with CJ Mahaney.

The two "bookends" are: the righteousness of Christ imputed to the believer and the power of the Holy Spirit enabling the beliver.

Here are some of the questions it addresses:
-How can I overcome persistent guilt?
-How can I deal with the pressure to measure up?
-Where can I find the motivation it takes to grow?
-How can I live the Christian life with both my head and my heart?
-How can I be sure God loves me ?
-How can I change in an authentic and lasting way?

Don't Waste This Easter

Every year, Easter comes and goes. Most of the time, we just rush past it. Don't do that this year. Slow down. Think of what we miss out on when we rush past the Cross and Resurrection. The person and work of Jesus Christ should be our constant focus every day of the year. However, there is something unique about this season. The weeks leading up to Easter are an opportunity to re-focus ourselves on the great realities of the gospel.
We've got a few weeks. How will you spend them?

Here are a few suggestions for making the most of this season:
1. Read slowly through the passion narratives in the gospels (here is a summary of Jesus' final week).
2. Pick one or two Cross-focused songs/hymns that you can sing daily.
3. Read or re-read a book about the Cross of Jesus Christ (my suggestions).
4. Plan to take full advantage of any special Palm Sunday, Good Friday, or Easter gatherings your church is planning.

Have any suggestions of your own?

Piper: Never Let the Gospel Get Smaller

Piper's latest post is a must read: Never Let the Gospel Get Smaller.

He exhorts, "Pray that it won’t. Read solid books on it. Sing about it. Tell someone about it who is ignorant or unsure about it."

The Mailman

Here is some of what has caught my eye over the past few days:

1. Justin Nale is doing his best Rush Limbaugh impersonation and has an excellent post titled, "I Want the SBC to Fail."

2. Thanks for voting for my blog over at the 2009 Blog Madness. I'm grateful that my blog is currently more popular than Beth Moore's (although there is still plenty of time left). If you are on facebook or twitter, or have a blog of your own, consider asking your friends to vote for CROSS-eyed. Some of you have so many friends that you could get me into the sweet 16 in no time!

3. I read the entire new 9 Marks e-journal within an hour of it landing in my inbox. Wise advice.

4. I'm absolutely thrilled with Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross. I'm reading a chapter each day leading up to Good Friday and Easter. I cannot wait to get up in the morning to read another chapter. Last night, I found myself peaking ahead at the next chapter. If you give this book a chance, you will not be disappointed.

Let it Fly in Jesus' Name

Some Mark Driscoll advice for preachers:

"Once you have preached a message, let it go and sleep like a Calvinist unless you have something obvious to repent of to your people. Don't listen to your messages over and over, beating yourself up. Passion, courage, and boldness are the keys to speaking that simply cannot exist in those who are too critical of themselves; so lighten up, have fun, and let it fly in Jesus' name. God loves to draw straight lines with crooked sticks, and since our entire job is to make Jesus look good, we should rejoice in our crooked sticks."

Vintage Church, p. 106.

Vote for CROSS-eyed!

A shameless plug to vote for my blog over at SBC Voices.

I'm already a little behind in the count, so you guys have got to vote and tell your friends, family, neighbors, and enemies to vote for CROSS-eyed.

And while you are at it, go ahead and vote for Justin Nale's blog in the EAST division.

What is a church?

"The local church is a community of regenerated believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. In obedience to Scripture they organize under qualified leadership, gather regularly for preaching and worship, observe the biblical sacraments of baptism and Communion, are unified by the Spirit, are disciplined for holiness, and scatter to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission as missionaries to the world for God's glory and their joy."

-Driscoll and Breshears, Vintage Church, p. 38.

Planning to Die

I watched a little of the funderal for Fred Winters today on the internet. Fred was shot and killed last Sunday while preaching at FBC Maryville.

Funerals have a way of shaking me into reality. They make me want to be a better husband, dad, pastor, and Christ-follower.

Just a few weeks ago, my wife and I went on a date. As we were eating, I pulled out a piece of paper and began to ask her questions about the future. At the end, we talked about our funerals. We talked about songs, passages of Scripture, friends, etc. We talked about how we wanted the glory of Christ to be lifted up.

Jonathan Edwards: “Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.”

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross...Forever

I've been using Nancy Guthrie's new book, Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross, to help me preach the gospel to heart.

The title of this book has me singing the old hymn by Fanny Crosby that I haven't sung in a long time.

However, I'm troubled by some of the words of this popular old hymn.

I like this line:
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;

Yes, we will glory in the Cross forever!

I don't like this line:
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

What? Does that not contradict the other line?
What does "till" mean? Let the cross be my glory "until" I don't need the Cross anymore?
The implication of "till" is that there will come a point when the Cross is no longer my glory.
So, does "ever" in the first line mean "while I'm still alive on this earth"?

Friends, we won't even know what it means to really glory in the Cross until we find rest beyond the river. Heaven will be the realization of Galatians 6:14. There will be only one boast reverberating through the halls of Heaven:

"Worthy are you (Lamb of God)...for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation..." -Rev. 5:9

In Heaven, there will be a deep realization that we don't belong there.
In Heaven, there will be a deep realization that all this was purchased for us by the blood of Christ.
In Heaven, there will be a deep realization that everyone else there (from all nations) is clothed in the garments given to them by Christ.
In Heaven, there will be a deep sense of gratitude for what Christ accomplished on the Cross.
In Heaven, there will be much glorying in the Cross of Jesus Christ.

I'm reminded of these quotes by Jim Elliff:
“One is taken aback by the emphasis on the cross in Revelation. Heaven does not “get over” the cross, as if there are better things to think about…Heaven is not only Christocentric, it is cruci-centric, and quite blaring about it."

“When we are prone to think of the cross in a diminutive way, forgetting its grandeur, its accomplishment, its power, then remember what the angels think of it all and what we will see and sing at a future date when things are clearer.”

So, sing this hymn; just sing it with an understanding that "till" should actually be "especially when."

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o’er me.

Near the cross I’ll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.

In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

Pastor Al Preaching at FBC Maryville

My former pastor, Al Meridith, will be preaching at FBC Maryville on Sunday (where the pastor was shot last Sunday).
What a great choice. They probably could have asked anyone in the country to come and preach for them this week. If I know pastor Al, he probably called and volunteered to serve them.

Pastor Al preached from Romans 8:28 on the Sunday after 7 students were killed by a gunman at his church. When we were looking for a church in Fort Worth while in seminary, I listened to that sermon and immediately knew this was the church we needed to be part of.

I've got 3 predictions for Sunday at FBC Maryville:
1. Pastor Al will weep with those who weep. He is the only pastor I've ever had who would weep regularly from the pulpit.
2. Pastor Al will proclaim the sovereignty of God. He's got a robust theology of suffering and God's complete control of all things.
3. Pastor Al will sing for joy in response to the hope of the gospel. He is the only preacher I've ever heard who sings during his sermons (every sermon).
I'd guess that at least one of his songs will be:
"My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness..."

The Content of Christian Preaching

As I read through Acts in January and February, I jotted down each time the content of the apostles' preaching was mentioned. I'm not surprised by what I found. Here is a summary of my findings:

2:36 – The crucified Jesus is both Lord and Christ.
3:15 – You killed the Author of Life.
4:2 – They were proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection.
4:12 – Salvation in no other name.
5:31 – Jesus is Leader and Savior.
5:42 – They did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
8:5 – Philip proclaimed to them the Christ.
8:25 – they returned to Jerusalem preaching the gospel.
8:35 – Philip told him the good news about Jesus.
8:40 – Philip passed through preaching the gospel.
9:20 – Saul immediately proclaimed Jesus.
11:19 – Those who were scattered spoke the word.
11:20 – They were preaching the Lord Jesus.
14:7 – Paul and Barnabas continued to preach the gospel.
14:21 – They preached the gospel.
15:35 – Paul and Barnabas remained preaching the word of the Lord.
15:36 – They proclaimed the word of the Lord.
16:10 – God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
17:18 – Paul was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.

28:23 – Paul tried to convince them about Jesus.

Preacher: How would you summarize the content of your preaching?

Church member: How would you summarize the content of the preaching you hear?

The Heart of the Cross

I really enjoyed The Heart of the Cross. It is a small little book written by both James Montgomery Boice and Philip Graham Ryken. The first section focuses on the 7 sayings of Jesus from the Cross. The second section focuses on Jesus' words after His resurrection (The Real Last Words of Christ). The final section focuses on the NT teaching about the Cross.

The chapters are short and easily read anywere you have a few minutes. I read a chapter or two between projects and other misc. times to help me preach the gospel to myself and cultivate fresh affections for the Savior.

Imponderable Wonder

Isaiah 53:10: "Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him and cause him to suffer."

Romans 8:32: "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all..."

2 Cor. 5:21: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us..."

How Great Thou Art:
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, he bled and died to take away my sin."

Spurgeon Sermons

I can't remember which message it was, but I remember hearing CJ Mahaney give this advice to preachers: Read a sermon by CH Spurgeon on the text you are preaching the night before you preach. I think his point was to help us cultivate humility realizing that our sermons are pretty weak.

I took his advice and have been extremely helped, humbled, and blessed for over 2 years now. I bought the Spurgeon Collection from Ages Library and read a Spurgeon sermon almost every week. Many of Spurgeon's sermons are online (although not all of them) and you can search by Scripture text.

I've also be treking with Spurgeon's journey to the Cross in Banner of Truth's Majesty in Misery 3 volume series.

Roles, Goals, Schedule

I'll be spending some time this week re-evaluating my life and seeking to cultivate deeper passion for the Savior. I'm going to be relentless on myself and look into every corner of my life and heart. I'm going to shine the light of the gospel into areas I've forgotten about and intentionally shut off.

One of the ways I'm going to do that is to think about my G0d-given roles and what goals I need to implement to fulfill those roles. I've been challenged and helped by Mahaney's recent post describing how he does this. Honestly, I've never even thought about surprising people as a goal.

And, I'll be studying The Gospel According to Daniel. Oh, I mean the book of Daniel :).

Let These Go Their Way...because Christ...

Spurgeon reflecting on Christ's loving care for His disciples in John 18:8:

And so, some of the benefits of Christ’s death were ours before we knew him, and before we loved him. The reason why I was not damned before I knew the Savior was that he had said, “Let him go his way; I have died for him.” You would have been in hell these twenty years, saint, for you were then unregenerate; but Christ said, “Let him go his way; if ye seek me, he shall go his way, sinner though he be;” and now, when gloomy fears arise, and dark thoughts roll over our mind, let this be our comfort. Sinners we are still, guilty and vile; but the same voice says, “Let these go their way.” It is the “let” of command; and who can hinder when God letteth in this sense? “Let these go their way.” You are going up Bunyan’s Hill Difficulty, and there are lions at the top. Christians, remember this message, “Let these go their way.” You will, perhaps, get into Giant Despair’s dungeon; here is a key that will fit the lock: “Let these go their way.” You will be tumbling about in the Slough of Despond; here is a stone to put your foot on to help you to get out: “Let these go their way.” What for? Because they pray? No. Because they serve God? No; the mandate was given ‘before they did either the one or the other. “Let these go their way,” because Christ died in their stead.

Jesus' Majestic Willingness

I absolutely loved studying and preaching the beginning of John 18 this week. John's goal is not to just tell us the historical events (although those are very important). John's goal is to help us see the glory of Jesus even in these darkest of hours.

I drew out 3 aspect of Jesus' glory from John 18:1-11:
1. Jesus' complete control (over all the events).
2. Jesus' loving care (in protecting His disciples).
3. Jesus' submissive willingness (to the Father's plan).

Pastor Killed During Service

Pray for this family and church.

Study the Gospel

Everyone is an expert in something. I challenge you to become a gospel expert. Wherever you are, whatever you know, why not pursue from this day forward to become an expert in the gospel?

Martin Luther said the gospel cannot be grasped well enough.

So, no matter how much gospel knowledge and affection you have, admit today that you have not arrived. You do not have a firm enough grasp on the gospel (and neither do I).

So, study the gospel, friends, study the gospel. Develop and enlarge your knowledge of and affection for the fact that Christ died for our sins.

One of the ways you can seek to strengthen your grip on the gospel is to read Bible-saturated books that seek to explain the gospel.

Here are some basic recommendations to get you started:

Beginners who are just beginning:

1. Living the Cross-Centered Life by CJ Mahaney

2. A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent

3. Outrageous Mercy by William Farley

4. The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges

5. Fifity Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die by John Piper

Beginners who have already begun:

1. The Cross of Christ by John Stott

2. Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray

3. God is the Gospel by John Piper

4. The Great Exchange by Jerry Bridges

5. In My Place Condemned He Stood by Packer and Dever

(This final book will then serve to point you to hundreds of other resources on the Gospel.)

Not So Ordinary Pastors - Recap of the Interviews

My interviews are complete. Here are the links to each post.

Dan Rolfe
Jim Upchurch
Justin Nale
Jonathan Brooks
Clif Cummings
Mark Gibson
Chase Bowers
Randy Alston
Rob Tombrella
Justin Childers (Me)

A few reflections:
1. God has blessed me with some great friends. I'm freshly grateful for what a blessing these guys are to me.
2. Did you notice how many times The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper was mentioned?
3. There is some profound wisdom in these interviews. I have been challenged by the example of these pastors. Here are some of the nuggets that I appriciated off the top of my head:
-Dan's answer to the question about leadership ("You must do this Dan. No one else will.").
-Jonathan's answer to the question about counsel regarding preaching (His two points are the two most important points in preaching).
-Mark's honesty regarding discouragement over our own lack of change and growth.
-Mark's answer to the question about the use of time: "No one at the second coming will wish they had spent more time watching TV, playing computer games or chess."
-Rob's side note regarding re-reading books: "When I learned that God was the most joyful being in the universe in his own glory in Christ it ruined me. I seem to measure all books on whether or not they point to the glory of Christ as the ultimate solution to sin."

Any highlights for you?

Meet Me

I was reluctant, but there has been a clamoring for me to answer the questions I've been asking others. So, in spite of the awkwardness of asking myself questions (at least I got the questions from someone else), here it is.

Me, thanks for your (my) 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 6am most mornings and about 5:45am on Sunday mornings. I am currently doing the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan so I’m in Matthew, Romans, Psalms, and Numbers.
I usually write a few paragraphs in my journal when I first get up (reflecting on the previous day). Then, I read each section of Scripture and summarize it in my journal. This helps me make sure I’m not just checking boxes and actually processing what I read. It is designed to help me meditate. I am working on praying as I read and actually using the words of the text to form my prayers. After I read and pray through the Scriptures, I pray for one of my church members and then go over my memory verses. Most mornings, this takes about 45mins to an hour.

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) Spurgeon’s sermons in Majesty in Misery and The Heart of the Cross.
(b) Bridges' The Christian Ministry
(c) I don’t read anything if its not for personal enjoyment. I enjoy everything I read or I don’t read it. However, I guess I could put Christless Christianity in this category right now.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
Bible Doctrine
Desiring God
Supremacy of God in Preaching
Living the Cross-Centered Life
The Deliberate Church
I don’t re-read a lot of books, but I find myself going back to these for particular quotes and life-altering truth.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
3 things: (1) If I find something useful, I blog about it. So, if I need a great quote, I look it up on the blog (and you thought I posted quotes for your benefit!).
(2) I mark helpful things as I read.
(3) I have an extensive filing system with a file for every book of the Bible and most important topics. So, if I read something that relates to a particular passage or topic, I photocopy that page in the book, and file it in the appropriate folder.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
Charles Spurgeon or John Bunyan – I would want to benefit from their love for Christ and perseverance in suffering.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
It’s hard to pick just one. I’ve benefited so much from listening to good preaching. I guess the counsel that is foundational to everything is to preach the main point of the text. The Scripture is sufficient; therefore, just preach what the text says.
Bonus: A piece of counsel that I received from CJ Mahaney that has benefited me greatly is to read Spurgeon sermons on the text I’m preaching. I’ll write a post on this soon.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Piper’s The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Azurdia’s Spirit-Empowered Preaching. Chapell’s Christ-centered Preaching.
Examples abound. Piper’s ability to draw every text into the glory of God. Dever’s ability to apply every text to the local church. Mahaney’s ability to relate every text to the substitutionary atonement.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
“Just one life and then its past; only what’s done for Jesus will last.”

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
Teach and Pray; Love and Stay.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
In more ways than I can write. If not for the gospel, I would be constantly depressed. The gospel frees me to not focus on results. The gospel gives me solid ground to stand on when I’ve preached a bad sermon. The gospel informs me that I have been accepted by God when I’m not appreciated by others.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)
I ride my exercise bike mainly so that I can listen to sermons. I might as well be doing something productive while I listen to great preaching. I try to ride it at least 3 or 4 times per week.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?
I like to watch baseball when I can. I like to watch highlights of any sport but hockey. I like to play golf a few times per year.

What do you do for leisure?
Read, play with the kids, keep up with the news and sports highlights. I’m starting to enjoy projects around the house (installing bathroom faucets and lights; changing the antifreeze in my car; etc).

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
I have no idea.

Raising Great Kids

Justin Nale has the details of our upcoming parenting conference (March 27-28). If you are in the area, plan to join us. I'm looking forward to learning from these men.

Meet Rob Tombrella

Rob Tombrella has been my best friend (other than my wife) for the last 10+ years. He is now a pastoral intern at Grace Church in Frisco, Tx (a Sovereign Grace Church).

When Rob came to preach at Christ Baptist in 2007, I mentioned 5 things about Rob I most thank God for in my introduction. I remain grateful for these things and many more.

-Rob, I thank God for your amazing ability to relate to strangers and your evident love for everyone you meet.
-Rob, I thank God for hundreds of hours of wise counsel you have provided over the years.
-Rob, I thank God for the consistent example of your exemplary love for Michelle and your patient example of parenting your boys.
-Rob, I thank God for your humility exemplified in your willingness to lay down your little kingdom for the glory of The Big Kingdom.
-Rob, I thank God for your passionate love for the glory of Christ revealed in the gospel.

Rob, please forgive me for posting the picture at the bottom. It's just absolutely wrong of me to get you up at 4am to stand in line at Staples and then take a picture of you napping (with Spiderman) later in the day. Just had to help you cultivate a little humility after posting two positive pictures.

Rob, 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 usually set my alarm for 4:30am and get up about an hour later! This has been a bad pattern almost always owing to the time I go to bed at night. My wife and I are both using the Discipleship Reading Plan from Navigators (she’s ahead of me). I will spend a short time in prayer and then start reading from my ESV Study Bible. I will occasionally review Scripture memory and journal as well. I will allow myself the freedom to stop and pause over a section of Scripture I feel the Lord wants me to reflect on. I will usually spend 45 min to an hour doing this.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
These categories are hard to differentiate in my mind. Books that most affect my soul I read for personal enjoyment and pastoral ministry. It’s hard for me to venture into the category of broad reading (i.e. picking up The Kite Runner etc.) for some reason. I always wonder if the juice is worth the squeeze. I am currently reading too many books and not giving enough time to a few.

However, the books that I am reading that I am getting the most benefit from are:
Communion with the Triune God by John Owen (edited by Taylor and Kapic) *This is the single greatest book on the Trinity and the love of God I’ve ever read.
Five Views on Sanctification edited by Stanley Gundry (a personal passion to understand the Holy Spirit’s role in our sanctification)
Living in the Grip of Relentless Grace by Iain Duguid (a series we are in on the life of Jacob)
Faith Comes by Hearing: A Response to Inclusivism by Morgan and Peterson

On a separate stack that I keep reading from:
Why We’re Not Emergent by DeYoung
Speaking of Jesus by Mack Stiles
Johnathan Edwards Biography by Marsden
How to Bring them to Christ by R.T. Kendall
Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
I don’t re-read a book from cover to cover very often, but I do go back to find a reference from a book or an argument very often. The books I seem to return to again and again are..

Desiring God by John Piper
Let the Nations be Glad by Piper
All books by John Piper
Pleasures Evermore by Sam Storms
One Thing by Sam Storms
All books by Sam Storms
Sermons by Edwards
Sermons by Spurgeon
Paul: Apostle of the Heart set Free by F.F. Bruce Getting Things Done by David Allen
Body for Life by Bill Phillips
Our Solar System coffeetable book

When I learned that God was the most joyful being in the universe in his own glory in Christ it ruined me. I seem to measure all books on whether or not they point to the glory of Christ as the ultimate solution to sin.


When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I mark in all my books as dramatic as I can. I re-write summaries of points as big as I can on the page I discovered it with stars and phrases like “yes!” and “wow..” and “read and re-read!” I can almost always thumb through a book and find those quickly and remember how that truth jolted me when I read it. This has led me to fear loaning books out lest they see my phrases and awkward glee.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
I would study under Jonathan Edwards until he got tired of me asking him questions he’s already dealt with in a book or sermon. I would also like to spend time with John Owen and see how similar they he and Edwards are. I’d also love to know Jim Elliot and let him rebuke me for not getting the glory of this gospel out into the harvest.

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

“Uhh..mmm…I’m not really sure that’s what Peter means” by Jeff Purswell at the Pastor’s College on a an over-emphasized point I made in my sermon about Peter’s response to Jesus at the miraculous catch of fish in Luke. Those words stay as a low-grade haunt in my mind in sermon prep to not hear those words again. Passion can’t make up for missing the clearest and most manifest meaning of a text.

“Your tendency is to go too Martin Lloyd-Jones” by Craig Cabaniss. He picked up a tendency to zoom out and do systematic on a point rather than drilling down and staying put in a text. Also, “you went a little Piper there” on an attempt of mine to play with words and do what only geniuses do.

“It was good!” by Justin Childers after a sermon in which I was ready to never preach again. Countless times sincere encouragement kept me going.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Supremacy of God in Preaching by Piper
Christ-centered Preaching by Chappell
Between Two Worlds by Stott *Particularly the illustration on turning a point into a screw—and drilling it down into your hearer over and over.

I have learned how to preach by listening and watching mostly. I’ve been most influenced in preaching by Louie Giglio (illustrations and communicating a prop statement), John Piper, Craig Cabaniss, Sam Storms, Jeff Purswell, CJ Mahaney, and Justin Childers and Alan Splawn (my pastor as a teenager where I first fell in love with preaching).

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
“Being gifted doesn’t just make effective. Many pastors may be gifted in leadership and preaching but don’t know how to steward that gift and administrate it.” A paraphrase when Craig Cabaniss invited me to read “Getting Things Done” with him by David Allen.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
“Only do what only you can do” Andy Stanly in Next Generation Leader. It’s overstated I think but a marvelous argument for being the leader God made you to be and utilizing your gifts rather than pursuing to grow in areas you’ll probably remain weak in.


Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
Probably when I lack vision. When there doesn’t seem to be clear vision for the future and a clear direction ahead. This can be personally or ministry related. When I don’t see clearly the future picture of the work God wants to do in me and through me to others.


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

Yes. I work out at 24 Hour Fitness in the morning after my devotion time. I try to follow the Body For Life plan however imperfectly. This means alternating between free weights and cardio.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?
I’ve grown in my liking to watch football—but I’m fairly equal in my passion for watching sports. It’s mostly spending time with my wife, boys, and others that I enjoy the most about watching any sports. That and the big bowl of 7-layer.

What do you do for leisure?

I love to go to bookstores. I actually enjoy walking around the mall but hate going into certain stores and hate buying things. But something about getting around people sometimes refreshes me and gives me fresh vision in ministry. I also love to watch thoughtful movies or mind-bending thrillers. I love dates with my wife. I love to go to Dunkin Donuts on Sunday nights with my boys.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
I would probably look at teaching in a public school or some form of sales.

What He Must Be:...If He Wants to Marry My Daughter

I'll be reading this new Voddie Baucham book in about 10 years (God willing).

Meet Randy Alston

Randy Alston is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Pulaski, Va. You can read Randy's blog here.
I've known Randy for a few years now and have enjoyed getting to know he and his family. Randy was even a part of my church for a few months while he was in transition.

Randy loves Christ, his church, and his family. And, he is one of the most silly friends I have (Just check Randy's facebook profile pics for proof).

Randy, 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 goal is to get up around 5:30 in the morning. This takes more discipline than I sometimes exercise since it means going to bed at a decent time the night before. My goal in the morning is to spend time reading through my Bible every year and taking time to meditate on what I’m reading. I also try to spend a significant amount of time in prayer (minimum of 15 minutes, preferably about 30). I also spend some time reading through different books during this time. Right now I’m reading several books on personal holiness such as The Pursuit of Holiness and Holiness Day by Day by Jerry Bridges and Whiter than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy by Paul David Tripp.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chappell
Don’t read much for enjoyment right now since school is in full session

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
I do not typically re-read books. I have read Desiring God several times because it was a foundational book for my present thinking. I’ve gone back to it several times to meditate on the importance of delighting in God for His glory and my joy.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I don’t have a good system. I have tried different ways, but haven’t found one I like. I am planning to start writing in the front and back of books different quotes and pages that are significant.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
John Owen. I’ve heard several times of the importance of picking a theologian from church history and diving in. I’ve tried that with Owen. He is quite challenging to read, but I love the fruit of the labor.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
A friend of mine, Wil Owens, once critiqued a sermon of mine when we were serving together. I don’t remember everything that was said, but what I gained from it was that I missed the point of the text. In my pride, I got angry. After cooling down and praying, I realized he was absolutely correct. Since then it has been my goal to make sure I get the point of the passage right before I try to 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 has been the most influential book. However, I’m presently going through several more for an internship I’m a part of that are helping as well. That may change after this semester. John Piper has been the most influential person in my preaching, but there have been several friends who’ve helped as well: Justin Nale, Justin Childers, Jonathan Brooks, and Wil Owens.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
Not sure where it came from, but what helps me is to try to focus on one thing at a time and don’t let the small things pile up. Knock it out and move on. I still need to work in this area better.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
Guard against pride. It’s easy to creep up because it’s a part of everything I do. Reading C. J. Mahaney’s book Humility: True Greatness has been helpful in this. I guess that’s another book I’ve come back to several times.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
I get discouraged a lot actually. I regularly feel like my preaching needs to improve. I often question my decisions. I don’t like to let people down, but I sometimes have to in order to get things done. This brings me discouragement.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)
I try. I have recently purchased an exercise bike so I can exercise in the mornings before I head out to the office. I have run in the past (thought I don’t like to) and I’ve exercised on the elliptical at the gym quite a bit. I’m not much for weight lifting since I got out of high school (which is distancing itself more and more).

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?
My favorite sport is UNC TarHeel basketball. I also love watching the Carolina Panthers in the NFL. I’m an Atlanta Braves fan in baseball, though I haven’t watched it much in recent years. I enjoy playing sports, but need to exercise more to do so. I probably spend too much time watching the sport of the season.

What do you do for leisure?
See the above question about sports! I do enjoy my family greatly. I have a wonderful wife and precious daughter and another gift from God in the womb. I like to take my family out for dates.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
I have no idea. When I was young I wanted to be a pediatrician, but I don’t think I would have gone that route. I wasn’t saved until late in life (21) and was installing elevators in Charlotte, NC at that point. I guess I may still be doing that if I wasn’t saved and felt the need to preach.

Spiritual Disciplines Audio for Free

The Christian Audio free download of the month is a good one. Be sure to download this one and have it on file for your next long trip.

Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life by Don Whitney

John 15:17 - Memory Verse Meditations

John 15:17 – “These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

Just as He did in verse 12, Jesus calls us to be marked by our love for one another. Love for God manifests itself in love for His people. As you meditate on this short verse this week, go back and review all of John 15:1-17. Evaluate your life based on Jesus’ commands.

A Glorious Intimacy

In John 17:24, Jesus concludes His High Priestly Prayer by stating His desire. What does Jesus desire just hours before He goes to the Cross?

He says He desires for His Bride (those given to Him by the Father) to be with Him and to see His glory.

As He approaches His death for those whom the Father gave Him, Jesus ponders eternity future where His pure Bride will be with Him and enjoy His glory.

Jesus is not reluctant to reveal His glory. He desires that we see His glory. And, we will spend all eternity exploring and enjoying a glorious intimacy with the Savior.