February, 2006
Pastors – Studying and Reading (6)
Today, I want to think with you about some of the goals of reading and studying what we aim at in studying. Now as to goals in study, obviously among them will be God’s glory, your personal growth in grace, the edification of others, and the increase of your own capacities to teach and [...]
Do, Too & Evangelism Recs
Dear CJ, I do read this blog. Thus I know to pray for Al’s busy schedule (can anyone name the 4 states Al ISN’T in this month?), Lig’s ministry of teaching, and your ministry of godly modeling and provoking. My Evangelism book recommendations: 1) Will Metzger, Tell the Truth–best book out there at showing what [...]
CJ RESPONDS
Mark, first I want to thank you for your kind (and mischievous) encouragement (Mahaney “Opens the New Testament Canon”?) about the book I wrote on humility. Although, I would advocate leaving the N.T. canon in its current condition. You followed that post with CJ CONFRONTED, where you accused me of saying “I am worthless for [...]
Pastors – Studying and Reading (5)
Now we come to the question of motivation: why should you study and read? Let me encourage you to be self-conscious about your personal motivations for study. Many a good man has fallen prey to false motivations and thus has lost the real or full benefit of ongoing study. For one thing, your ongoing study [...]
On Denominational Meetings
Well, friends, I have been in Nashville for meetings of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee and related events. This happens twice a year as the work of the denomination and its agencies is coordinated, funded, budgeted, etc. I am tired. Meeting after meeting after meeting. I serve as chairman of the Council of Seminary [...]
CJ CONFRONTED
OK, CJ, my "humble" brother, it’s time to confront you now in open posts. You SAY that you’re no good for this blog, except to ask the rest of us to answer your questions in public. I beg you, in your humility, to consider that you may be wrong in this conclusion. Could it be [...]
Pastors – Studying and Reading (4)
Mark, you are out of the blocks early and strong this morning. Thanks for both the posts. Though I wouldn’t suggest that we add "Humility" to the canon, I do recognize the vital importance of that grace to pastors, and all Christians – and to myself chief among all. One of the first things you [...]
Mahaney "Opens the New Testament Canon"?
OK, Lig & Al, you’ll want to hear about this. You know the way we always give CJ a hard time about thinking he’s [CJ, read "being"] an apostle? Get this. Someone in my study the other day asked if we should "open the NT canon" in order to add CJ’s book on Humility as [...]
Short's Salvation and Long-Term Fruit
Well, my pastor friends, ever feel discouraged after another week at church? Another sermon preached and little–if any–fruit seen? Charles Bridges has a word of encouragement for YOU. From his classic book The Christian Ministry (p. 75): "Ministerial success must be viewed as extending beyond present appearances. The seed may lie under the clods till [...]
CJ – Average? Not
Those of you who think that Mark, Al and I think that CJ is average, I’ve got a great deal on some prime real estate just a few miles east of Miami that I’d like to talk to you about! Indeed, CJ teaches me every time I’m around him, and that’s just one reason I [...]
