poolsandpastures
Thoughts on the Gospel, Life, and Ministry
Category: Uncategorized
3 Necessary Commitments for Planting New Churches
Planting new, biblical, Christ-centered, and confessional churches is the most effective way to impact the lost world for Christ. Period.
Praying the Lord’s Prayer
Here are a few thoughts on praying the Lord’s Prayer from Bishop JC Ryle. I shared these with our congregation last Wednesday evening as we prayed our way through the prayer. Take a moment to read them and then pray through the prayer the Jesus… Continue Reading “Praying the Lord’s Prayer”
Keep Calm and Trust Jesus
One of the aspects of my job that I never thought I would enjoy as much as I do is reading. I read a lot. I read for sermon prep. I read for Bible Studies. I read for ministry vision. I read to understand… Continue Reading “Keep Calm and Trust Jesus”
Worship is About Jesus.
I want to begin this post with a confession: I struggle with self-centeredness occasionally. Ok, you got me, I struggle with it a lot. That should come as no surprise to you or anyone else reading this post. You know that I am no different… Continue Reading “Worship is About Jesus.”
Happy Thanksgiving and A Blessed Advent
Thanksgiving is upon us, and Advent is on its heels. These two wonderful seasons bring great joy and thankfulness into our lives. This is always an exciting time of the year. As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, Advent, and then Christmas, take a moment… Continue Reading “Happy Thanksgiving and A Blessed Advent”
Why the Church, and Why Now?
The earliest Christians lived and breathed in times that were very similar to ours. They were certainly no strangers to relativism and narcissism. They also suffered from another deadly “ism,” syncretism, which wreaked havoc on their spiritual and religious climate. Yet, they found their balance and we are to learn from them.
5 Helpful Practices for Sharing Jesus with Our Friends
We all have friends and family members that aren’t involved in a church. Some may be members of a church, but they aren’t by any means active. Others currently aren’t members of any church and probably have never been members of a church. We… Continue Reading “5 Helpful Practices for Sharing Jesus with Our Friends”
Why We Love the Apostles’ Creed
During our recital of the Apostles’ Creed in Sunday’s worship service, I heard a young woman’s distinguished voice over the rest of the congregation. I thought to myself, “Man, she really believes this creed.” When I spoke to her after the service, I said,… Continue Reading “Why We Love the Apostles’ Creed”
Give Thanks in Everything — Thanksgiving 2014
I haven’t written in a while, but since Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I thought I would write a brief piece on the importance of “giving thanks in all circumstances.” The majority of this piece originally appeared our congregation’s November 2014 newsletter. It won’t be long until we… Continue Reading “Give Thanks in Everything — Thanksgiving 2014”
The Bible Is Mankind’s Book
I recently read an essay by B.B. Warfield, a 19th century Princeton theologian, in which he made the claim that Christianity is the chief among the world’s religions. The reason for this, he said, was that Christianity has the Bible – “the book of… Continue Reading “The Bible Is Mankind’s Book”
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