Don’t just explain the text
‘There is a sentence that can sound wonderfully spiritual at the end of a sermon “Now go and apply this to your life.” The problem is that it may mean almost nothing.’
Why do I need training for ministry?
‘“Great news, folks! We’ve arranged a training night for . . .” (insert pastoral care team, children’s ministry, music team, etc.). Does that sound like good news? Even with coffee and donuts, many just hear this as another demand on scarce time. But training for ministry isn’t optional polish; it’s how we love God’s people and honor Christ.’
10 accusations made against Christians during the early persecutions
This one simply lists 10 things Christians were accused of early doors.
Listen to the working class before you diagnose patriotism as idolatry
My friend and colleague, Ian Williamson, recently wrote a provocative article in response to another that hit the UK evangelical press. The point he makes is well worth thinking about. The article may be behind a pay wall but you can sign up for a free read.
The case against video preaching
Agree or diagree with this one. It simply makes the case.
You don’t always need an answer
‘While attention to Christianity may be growing, that does not mean everyone is open to hearing and responding to the Gospel. Many will respond to Christ’s claims with antagonism. And many in the church feel unprepared to answer the questions that could be thrown at them. By all means, let’s train our churches to be ready to give an answer for the hope that they have. But let’s also make sure they know they don’t always need an answer. Even when a question is too hard or too harsh, we always have our story. We need a revival in confidence in the power of testimony.’
From the archive: Our God doesn’t want us to make ourselves ill to please him, does he?
‘There are those with very little on their plates who are very quick to talk about the need for rest. There are those who need chivvying up to perhaps take on a bit more because, well, they don’t really seem to be doing very much in the cause of the gospel. But it should also be noted that I do not believe that is the majority of pastors, missionaries and gospel workers. Most have a tendency to overwork and push themselves to the point of burnout and illness. Our God, we insist, doesn’t require us to make ourselves ill to please him – unless, of course, we have made an idol out of ministry or we are working on our own functional points system so that we can access God’s grace. Then, we will gladly allow people to make themselves ill in ministry because, actually, we think Yahweh requires this to make him pleased with us.’
With reference to the first item, Chalmers’ Blog, and the passing reference to Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”, an informed exegesis is much easier if the preacher knows that “things” is an epexegetical word inserted into the English translation to help it read more smoothly which has no corresponding direct equivalent in the Greek text. It has misled generations of preachers and readers of the Bible who have taken it out of context as a universal promise of omni-competence.
The original text can be represented word-by-word as ‘All I can do in the [one] empowering me’. If one inserts the word ‘this’ instead of ‘things’ it becomes clear that the apostle Paul is referring back to the challenges of the previous verse, and one avoids the mistake of assuming omni-competence.
The meaning of words is attributed to them by the person reading or translating them, and sometimes a mis-attribution of meaning can be perpetuated for centuries.