Four Views on Hell
Much of the reading in graduate studies is like a blur because there’s so much to digest in such a short time. But one of the most memorable books that I read in sem...
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The Discipline of the Tongue: Evangelism
As we conclude our series on spiritual disciplines, we end on the needed topic of evangelism. When I first became a Christian, I was so excited to be saved that evangelism was something I aspired to and often did. I still had timidity in initiating one-on-one conversations, but evangelism was very close to my heart....
The Discipline of the Tongue: What to Say and What Not to Say
One of the most powerful verses in the Bible is Proverbs 18:21, which says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” James 3:5 has the same idea when it states that the tongue is like a fire. Just as a small spark can set a forest into a roaring blaze, the tongue can likewise do devastating work....
Spiritual Disciplines: the Relationship Between the Holy Spirit, Discipline and our Sanctification
I love sports! I love watching sports, playing sports, and going to sporting events, but more than anything, I love watching and coaching my own kids in sports. Coaching sports gives me the opportunity to build relationships with young people and try to help teach them about discipline, commitment, teamwork, and leadership. Coaching has helped me become a better pastor because many principles of pastoring and coaching bleed into one another....
A Renewed Vision for Pastoral Visitation: A Historical Example, Pastoral Encouragement, and Edificat
I went back to seminary to pursue a Master of Divinity degree in 2016. The overall experience was great and foundational for my life and ministry. I remember going to a conference at the seminary that year, and I cannot remember one thing I heard there. It was ten years ago! But I do remember one encounter I had....
The Discipline of Decision-Making
Making decisions and standing by the consequences of our decisions is a part of maturity. Like Adam in the Garden, we often shirk responsibility for our choices and pin it on someone else. Maturity in Christ owns up to our decisions, for good or ill....
Anger and New Christ-like Affections
In our first blog entry, we defined anger by saying, “I am god, you are not, and as god, I am not happy with you,” or, to quote Good and Angry, anger says, “I am against that.” In short, anger is a value barometer....
The Discipline of a Cool Head- Part 2
Last week, we examined the reasons for our anger. By definition, anger says, “I am god, you are not, and as god, I am not happy with you.” Or, as one book we quoted stated, anger is saying, “I am against that.” It is critical that we know why we are angry, and it is critical that we see our anger as the sin it is. Yet, if we do not repent and desire to have new affections replace our old fleshly inclinations to anger, we will remain in the same angry rut....
“The Discipline of a Cool Head,” Part 1
Sinful anger is saying, “I am god, you are not, and as god, I am not happy with you.” I hope to demonstrate this throughout this blog and discuss how serious sinful anger is....
Why Do Pastors Keep Falling?
Why do so many pastors fall into serious sin—and what can churches do to prevent it? In this week’s blog, Pastor Seth examines the biblical qualifications for church leadership, the need for meaningful accountability, the dangers of unchecked power, and the importance of church discipline. While scandals can bring deep pain and shame upon the church, Scripture gives us clear principles for protecting Christ’s flock and maintaining the integrity of gospel ministry. This is not a call to abandon the church, but to pursue healthier, more biblical churches where pastors are known, supported, corrected, and held accountable. ...
The Discipline of Purity: Part 2
In the first part of this series, we began looking at the battle against lust and considered several foundational truths that help us understand both the seriousness of the struggle and the strategies needed to fight it. Lust is not a small issue. It is a war being waged within the soul, and Scripture calls us to take that battle seriously....
Feeding the Dead Nutritious Meals
My wife and I can be morbid. Over the last several months, we have discovered a YouTube channel where a mortician answers questions about her practices and life’s vocation. It is fascinating – but again, we can be morbid! Being a pastor, I have been around the dead quite a bit. I can still remember the first time I went to the hospital and sat with a member and her...
Keep ReadingHow Often Should We Take the Lord’s Supper?
The partaking of the Lord’s Supper in many churches is like the national anthem before a sporting event. Everyone is used to it. Everyone participates. One person leads it. However, the national anthem is often treated like nothing but an ancient ritual we want to get past to get to the game. ...
Keep ReadingA Mother’s Day Tribute
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Mother’s Day came about after a Philadelphia mother held a memorial service for her mother in 1907. Seven years later, President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday in 1914. The idea of having a day to celebrate our mothers is a wonderful idea. Few roles in life are as sacrificial and selfless as that of a parent. You pour your...
Keep ReadingWhat A Bad Sermon Delivery Reminded Me About Good Sermon Methodology
I am a perfectionist is some areas of life. I am not advocating theological perfectionism, but rather confessing to the personality construct of feeling like you always have more to do in a certain area and you are never satisfied with it. This is something many people deal with, but more on that in a moment....
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