In preparation for a sermon on lust, temptation, and sexual immorality, I reread Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is) by Joshua Harris. Â While I read this book while I was in college, I was amazed at how much his teaching had influenced the way I personally handled and taught on these issues. Â While I couldn’t directly quote from the …
As we prepare for The Gathering 2016, I re-read this essential volume on holiness.  The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges should be required reading for Christians. “Be holy, for I am holy,” commands God. But holiness is something that is often missed in the Christian’s daily life. According to Navigator author Jerry Bridges, that’s because we’re not exactly sure …
As a pastor, I have regular conversations with those who are suffering through depression. Â Many people are wondering if the struggle they are experiencing can be labeled depression or something else. Â In the evangelical world, there are many people who believe in the diagnosis of depression and the need for medicinal aid, and there are other people who feel like …
Practical Family Ministry: A Collection of Ideas for Your Church is a book written by Timothy Paul Jones and many other contributors. Â I began reading this book as assigned reading as a mentor for a seminary student doing a family ministry project. Â It was assigned reading for him, but I wanted to go over it as well. The book serves …
A friend shared this video with me the other day. Â It is an extremely powerful spoken word by Joseph Solomon. Â Well worth 7-minutes of impactful truth!
On a regular basis, I thank God for Russell Moore. I mean that as serious as I can say it. Â Oftentimes, when I read something he has written or hear something he has said, I will offer a prayer of gratitude for this work in Dr. Moore. Â As the President of the SBC ERLC, he speaks on issues of religion …
I often see books that spark my curiosity. Â Occasionally, I will see a book concept that I just applaud the brilliance behind the topic or the approach. What’s Your Worldview? was one of those books for me. Â Years ago, I thought about creating an adult Choose Your Own Adventure book working through the consequences for our sinful actions. Â The CYOA …
I got a copy of Carey Publications’ A Catechism for Boys and Girls to implement in our homeschool.  As we take primary responsibility in our children’s spiritual education, I constantly research methods. The word “catechism” carries all types of stigma with it.  Some of them good and some of the bad. In its basic form, a catechism is a summary of …
Currently, I am working with two organizations going through a leadership transition time. Â As a pastor of North Side, our student pastor just took a job as a pastor at another church. Â As a trustee of North Greenville University and member of the presidential search team, we are picking up the pace and work regarding the school’s next leader. I …
I read James K. A. Smith’s You Are What You Love this week.  Here is the description: You are what you love. But you might not love what you think. In this book, award-winning author James K. A. Smith shows that who and what we worship fundamentally shape our hearts. And while we desire to shape culture, we are not often aware …