Shouldn’t church be easy? Shouldn’t I just click with the people in my church? Shouldn’t it be the most natural thing in the world for me to spend time with my brothers and sisters in Christ? …but what if it isn’t? Is something wrong with my church? Is something wrong with me? We look at our neighborhoodsContinue reading “Church Relationships Don’t Come Easy–and Why That’s Okay”
Category Archives: Church
Where to Turn in a World of Competing Narratives
I was reading Psalm 73 this morning, and Asaph reminded me of Reason #372 why it is so important to be in church on Sunday mornings. He begins his Psalm bewildered by the conflict of what he believes to be true in his heart and what seems to be true in the culture: Truly GodContinue reading “Where to Turn in a World of Competing Narratives”
A Baptist Catechism for Kids
When I was growing up, there was this infomercial for a countertop appliance called the Showtime Rotisserie. I can remember the salesman showing the product’s many practical uses, and after putting a whole turkey or chicken or a salmon or a pineapple or whatever inside, he and the audience would repeat the catchphrase together: “Now…setContinue reading “A Baptist Catechism for Kids”
The Blessing of “And”
Preparing a new sermon on 2 Thessalonians last week, I carried a photocopy of the Greek text into the gym with me (as I often do). For about an hour, I couldn’t make it past the first two words of the letter: “Paul and…” 2 Thessalonians 1:1 And. Such a seemingly insignificant word. The ESVContinue reading “The Blessing of “And””
New Posts @ TGC and Southern Equip: ‘Chiasms’ and ‘Hope’
I’ve got a couple of articles up at The Gospel Coalition and Southern Seminary’s blog Southern Equip on two totally different topics, with two totally different tones. The first explores chiasm and symmetry in Scripture. The second shares personal testimony about my own struggles in the early years of ministry and the hope I foundContinue reading “New Posts @ TGC and Southern Equip: ‘Chiasms’ and ‘Hope’”
The Proverbs 31 Woman at CT!
At Christianity Today, I had the pleasure of sharing some new (read “old–very old”) theological reflection on a famous passage: Proverbs 31. There’s a woman out there who needs to hear this chapter the most: In recent years, many faithful Christian women have internalized the words of Proverbs 31, but I can’t help wondering withContinue reading “The Proverbs 31 Woman at CT!”
Articles at 9Marks, Southern Equip, and Think Christian!
It’s been a busy week! I’ve got posts up at three different platforms online: 9 Marks, Southern Equip, and Think Christian. Whether a church member, a pastor, or a music aficionado, you’ll find something for you. Below you’ll find links to articles on rediscovering the “service” in our worship service, the therapeutic nature of expositoryContinue reading “Articles at 9Marks, Southern Equip, and Think Christian!”
