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What Shape is Your Life?
Every part of our lives demands attention. From the most serious things to even frivolous things, we have different parts of our lives that demand our time, effort, and talents. As Christians, though, we need to see our life in a more complete way. A Christian worldview demands it. What I mean is that we should not be so quick (or even apt) to compartmentalize our lives. We talk that way too often, speaking of “my work life” and “my home life” and “my church life” and “my social life”…. and on and on. Too many of us see our lives much like a post office lobby, with dozens or…
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Lebanon Road Reading for December 16-22
Month: December Theme: Through the New Testament in 31 Days Taking all we have learned in the previous 11 months, we should now have a wonderful understanding of the New Testament. So, let’s read it together to end our year! Sunday, December 16: Acts 15-21 Monday, December 17: Acts 22-28 Tuesday, December 18: Romans 1-8 Wednesday, December 19: Romans 9-16 Thursday, December 20: 1 Corinthians 1-9 Friday, December 21: 1 Corinthians 10-16 Saturday, December 22: 2 Corinthians Note: This series has been adapted from Zondervan, as published at http://alextran.org/2007/11/25/23-bible-reading-plans-that-will-satisfy-anyone/.
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In the Wake of Newtown
I recorded these few words just to express some of what I have been thinking over the past few hours.
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Our Responsibility to Our Elders
When a congregation is getting ready to possibly appoint new elders, the people usually have some sort of study about that subject. Maybe they have a sermon–or several–on the qualifications of elders. Maybe the Bible classes take a few weeks to really discuss the roles that elders play. Maybe there is a study of the several New Testament words for that office. Rarely, though, do we discuss what a congregation’s role is toward the elders. And the Bible makes it clear: we have a responsibility. Hebrews 13 speaks of it twice. Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life,…
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Preachers I Want to Hear
Sometimes I get asked what preachers I like to hear preach. The fact of the matter is, every person–even every preacher–has a favorite or two. But preachers can also play the “If I could only preach like…” game. There are some guys who just do certain aspects of preaching so well that I sit back and am blown away. Then, I find myself thinking, “If I could just…” If I could have the recall of Jay Lockhart, preaching with no notes but with seemingly perfect command of his material… If I could make people think for the entire duration of the sermon like my dad does… If I could drive…
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The Hardest Part of Doing is Doing
Ready… Aim… … … Does that sound familiar? Does it sound like your life? Does it sound familiar even within the work of the Church? How much time do we spend learning how to be productive, but fail to be productive. In other words, we can read about every organization system in the world and every tip, trick, and shortcut that will help us get more done or have more margin in our lives, but never actually do any of them. …and we are right back where we started. That got me to thinking about more than just organizing my office or my files or my schedule. It caused me to…
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Lebanon Road Reading for December 9-15
Month: December Theme: Through the New Testament in 31 Days Taking all we have learned in the previous 11 months, we should now have a wonderful understanding of the New Testament. So, let’s read it together to end our year! Sunday, December 9: Luke 12-18 Monday, December 10: Luke 19-24 Tuesday, December 11: John 1-7 Wednesday, December 12: John 8-13 Thursday, December 13: John 14-21 Friday, December 14: Acts 1-7 Saturday, December 15: Acts 8-14 Note: This series has been adapted from Zondervan, as published at http://alextran.org/2007/11/25/23-bible-reading-plans-that-will-satisfy-anyone/.
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The Big Announcement: 24:15 Publications
Today, we are so excited to let you know about a brand new endeavor we are undertaking. Obviously, as one who blogs so often, I enjoy writing, but blog posts are short-format. I also enjoy writing longer-format materials. Like books. So, for some time, I have started a writing regimen that has led to the formation of our own family publishing company. Today, we are thrilled to let you know about 24:15 Publications. We take the name from Joshua 24:15, where that great leader told the people of Israel, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” We want to help you and your family learn more…
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One Announcement and Another Coming Tomorrow
Today, I need to let you know about a couple of things that I hope you’ll get behind. First, Lebanon Road is hosting a blood drive on December 21. This blood drive is being called “Help Blake Give Back,” as it is a way for the Rader family to give back to all those who have helped their son, Blake, through his year of cancer treatments. This is the 2nd such drive we will have hosted, but we want people from our community to be involved. For a little more information, including how to make an appointment, click the picture below. Second, you may have seen at the bottom of…
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When the Blues Come
Christians are people of joy (cf. Philippians 4:4), but we still have days that are difficult. Relationships are strained. Finances are tight. Sin ensnares. Sometimes, even the most godly people experience “the blues.” However, if we are not careful a down day can turn into full-blown depression. [Disclaimer: I am not talking about clinical depression, which is a very real struggle for many of you. I am speaking of long seasons of “the blues” that we often describe as depression.] When one of these days of “the blues” hits, what are some things we can do to start the healing process? Here are a few. 1. Spend time with comforting…
