December 2011
7 posts
9 tags
Jesus Ripped Up Santa’s List
Jen Smidt » God Gospel Justification Sin Culture
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - Ephesians 2:8
As a family, we are in the midst of celebrating the Christmas season which includes viewing all the holiday classics (Heat Miseris my favorite character) and reading all the old standbys and new...
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It’s a Resurgence Christmas
Resurgence » Conferences Recommended Books Culture
Merry Christmas Resurgence readers!
Haven’t finished up your Christmas wish list? Want some more gift ideas to give to others? Don’t fret. We’ve got some thoughts for you here and wanted to clue you in on the things we have available now and that are coming soon.
1. Resurgence College...
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The Dirty Manger
Jen Smidt » God Scripture Gospel Sin Culture
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger” (Luke 2:7).
This is without a doubt my favorite time of year. I love everything about it: glowing lights, fragrant trees, cheerful carols, and cherished memories. One special Christmas memory and a song lyric add a...
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Church membership...is it biblical? →
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Wimpy theology makes wimpy women. →
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Sowing and Reaping
Alex Early » God Scripture Wisdom Coaching
“You reap what you sow” (Gal. 6:7). This is no pithy aphorism.
This comes from the Apostle Paul himself. It’s true in every context of life. We’re all walking in the consequences of choices we made in the past… Some good, some bad.
Do you ever consider that other people reap what you sow into their lives as well? Consider...
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November 2011
10 posts
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According to Scripture, why should every Christian join a church?
Every Christian should join a church because Scripture requires it. Granted, there is no direct command in Scripture that says, “Every Christian must join a local church,” but two factors in Scripture indicate that every Christian should be a member of a local church.
Jesus established the church to be a public, earthly...
7 tags
3 Things You Need to Know about Sin
Nick Bogardus » God Scripture Heart Wisdom Sin
After reading some recent reports in the news, these 3 big ideas came to mind about sin.
1. Confront Sin
Sin can be in word, thought, and deed (sins of commission) or by not doing what you should do (sins of omission). Sin is not neutral; it ultimately destroys and never leads to life (Gen. 4:7; Rom 8:1-8; 1...
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What Can We Learn as Pastors from the Penn State Scandal?
By Pastor Scott Thomas
After 46 years, Penn State football’s head coach Joe Paterno was suddenly fired. The once great reign of the NCAA Division I football’s winningest coach had come to an abrupt and tragic end. 83-year-old Joe Paterno (endearingly known as “JoePa”) achieved 409 wins, five undefeated seasons and two national...
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7 Marriage Lessons Learned on the Dance Floor
Jen Smidt » God Scripture Family Marriage Complementarian
Phil and I took a swing dance class a couple years ago with some friends. After one lesson, I was amazed at the parallels that emerged between my role as a dance partner and my role as a wife.
1. The Woman Can’t Lead
In smooth and successful swing dancing, there is a clearly...
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Judging Others vs. Judging Ourselves
Dave Dorr » Mission Worldviews Gospel Community
What? People Don’t Treat Us Like Saints?
Think of how often we decry people when they don’t measure up to our standards. Think of how often we’re surprised when people don’t act like saints towards us, but sinners. How indignant we become when someone slights us, ignores us, or just acts in a bad...
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The Biblical Necessity of Adam and Eve
by: Pastor Mark Driscoll on Nov 16, 2011 in Theology
Were Adam and Eve real people? Or were they just literary devices and poetic images?
Over the last year, a small volcano of debate has erupted over these very questions regarding the historical reality of Adam and Eve. Christianity Today did a huge cover article on the topic, saying, “The center...
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How To Know What Real Revival Looks Like
Ray Ortlund » Mission Church Holy Spirit
In 1972 I heard J. I. Packer lecture at my seminary. One simple sentence of his has echoed in my mind ever since: “Do not neglect the revival dimension in your ministry.” Revival is powerfullyChrist-exalting. That is what I desire. And I am guessing that you, as you follow The Resurgence, feel the same...
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A Lesson on Grace Sparked by the Harvard Business Review
Justin Holcomb » God Scripture Gospel Doctrine Sin Worldviews
An intriguing post appeared in The Harvard Business Review, “Whom To Pay Is More Important Than How Much or How.”
Grace Is Your Internal Motivator
The first attention grabber is the section on motivation:
It is important to understand the basics of motivation....
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Discipleship 101: Lose Your Life
Dane Ortlund » God Scripture Mission Worship Gospel
Jesus’ secret to joy and life was simple: Die.
“If anyone would come after me,” he said, “let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it” (Mark 8:34–35).
“
Against what all our...
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Why the World Is Wrong about Marriage
Jen Smidt » God Family Marriage Complementarian Gospel
Flipping through a popular women’s magazine recently, I came across an article on marriage.
Since I am married and regularly teach on marriage, I was interested in what advice today’s culture would bestow upon me. I was not surprised and more than a little disturbed. While I did not expect that...
October 2011
15 posts
7 tags
Watchwhat does the death of John the baptist teach us? Allot actually! For one it teaches us the cost of following Jesus. It also shows us how the gospel needs followers who are willing to take the good news even into the darkest of places.
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7 Phrases NEVER to Use at Work (or Anywhere Else)
By Robert Pagliarini
CBS MoneyWatch.com
By Robert Pagliarini for CBS MoneyWatch.com Comedian George Carlin famously spoke about the “seven words you can never say on television,” but the following seven seemingly innocuous words/phrases might be even worse. To say them is almost like dousing your goals, hopes and dreams with sulfuric acid....
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The Church Exists by Mission
Harvey Turner » God Scripture Mission Church Acts 29
“The Church exists by mission as a fire exists by burning.” - Emil Brunner
From time to time, I talk to pastors and church leaders, especially those in the camp of reformed theology, that say things like, “We’re a church that’s all about discipleship,” or “We’re just a church...
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TULLIAN TCHIVIDJIAN|6:40 AM CT
Where To Look When You’re In Trouble
A shift has taken place in the Evangelical church with regard to the way we think about the gospel and it’s far from simply an ivory tower conversation. This shift effects us on the ground of everyday life.
In his book Paul: An Outline of His Theology, famed Dutch Theologian Herman Ridderbos (1909 – 2007) summarizes this shift...
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Watch
Don’t Be More Gospel-Centered Than Jesus
J. D. Greear opens this conversation with Trevin Wax and Greg Gilbert with a provocative question: If we look back 20 years from now on the growing gospel-centered movement, what might we notice that we neglected?
Watch to see how these three pastors and authors respond. Then join us with comments about the potential blind spots you’ve...
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Welcome to the Wall
Mark Driscoll » Church Church Leadership Health Body Wisdom Coaching
Dear ministry leader,
There are different seasons of growth throughout the year for a church, and most of us will eventually hit the wall sometime. You will feel in over your head, grumpy or despairing, tempted or tired. The long, cold, dark days to come don’t help at all for those of us in places like...
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Dear Steve,
Mike Anderson » Scripture Worldviews Culture
Dear Steve,
Some of my earliest memories are drawing pictures on a Mac. In fact, as a young boy my dad was a consultant for Apple. You probably didn’t know him, but he was pushing your ideas. I remember taking road trips with him and watching him teach rooms full of people about how Macintosh computers can revolutionize education. Schools...
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There is nothing more tragic; nothing more merely human than a church built on the effort and gifting of people and not on the power of God. If the Holy Spirit didn’t show up, would our church notice or even care? When the Spirit is moving on mission through the church, dead men are made alive, hard hearts are softened, demons are driven out, affection for Christ is stirred, genuine hatred of sin...
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JUL
27
2011
MIKE COSPER|5:30 AM CT
The Bossypants Guide to Getting Ready for Sunday
Tina Fey’s book Bossypants is somewhat like an episode of her TV show, 30 Rock. The show defies genres, sometimes driven by romantic comedy, sometimes by classic sitcom ensemble dynamics, and sometimes by seventh-grade bathroom humor. Her book, in similar form, ranges from a poignant memoir to absurd...
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WatchJesus is calling! can you hear Him? It is God who persues us and pursues sinner that they may may come to know Him. After being called by Jesus he then sends us out to do his work and be a part of His mission. have you been called, have you been sent out, are you part of His mission?
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WatchAre you waiting for God to do something in your life? How about an un-answered prayer? Do you have anxiety and trust issues, especially with God? In Mark chapter five starting in verse twenty one we learn truly, that jesus has all things under control. Listen in and here how Jesus is all loving, all giving and all caring. You may just find out He is going to give you exactly what your heart...
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Seeing Missional in 3D— A First Draft
ShareThisMonday October 3, 2011 ~ 5 Comments
Missional. Depending on your perspective, it brings warmth to your soul or a shiver down your spine. Yet, just about everyone is using the term now— often without awareness of the historical debate around the terms and focus.
I’ve been thinking about the term missional and how it is used...
“@louiegiglio: Dear Iran, it’s called the gospel dilemma. Execute Pastor...”
6 tags
Count All Things What!?
Steven E. Runge » Study Scripture God
“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in...
September 2011
5 posts
7 tags
NOTICE: Prolonged use of the Bible may result in maturity, wisdom, and character. Read at your own risk!
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Quick link to listen to my sermons via your web... →
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How to Lead Gospel Conversations
Jonathan Dodson » Mission Evangelism Gospel CounselingView the Leading Gospel Conversations series
Have you ever sat in a group discussion and found it incredibly difficult to get a good conversation going? I’ve found it can be very challenging to move conversations along, especially when you’re trying to go deep and get to the gospel. Here are a few principles...
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THE GOSPEL OF IMMIGRATION
DR. RUSSELL MOORE | 14 SEP 2011
I’M AMAZED WHEN I HEAR evangelical Christians speak of undocumented immigrants in this country with disdain as “those people” who are “draining our health care and welfare resources.” It’s horrifying to hear those identified with the Gospel speak, whatever their position on the issues, with...
August 2011
7 posts
7 tags
Real Men Repent
Carlos Montoya » God Family Church Leadership Acts 29
Machismo
Growing up in Santa Fe, N.M. I was exposed very heavily to the “machismo” type of masculinity. A man is defined by how many fights he has been in, how many girls he has slept with, and how much liquor he can consume. This is handed down from father to son, generation after generation. I can’t count how many times...
vinnysbeard asked: Hi my names Alysha. I'm new to the whole Christianity thing and I want to learn more. I'm an 18 year old female and have only been to church about 3 times with a friends family. I attended a youth group a few years back with that friend but we barely went (I don't think she liked it) I really enjoyed it but didn't go when she didn't because it wasn't my church. Now a...
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4 Questions Leaders Should Ask Themselves
Perry Noble » Church Church Leadership Church Planting Coaching
My counselor told me of a study that was performed in 2007 of people in the ministry. He said that around 90% of the people entering the ministry do not finish—they either disqualify themselves or flat out quit! In light of this I wanted to share four questions I believe leaders should...
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“What the Dictionary Missed
By Steph Gehring...”
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WatchEver feel like Jesus has abandoned you? Like your life is full of trials, hard times and he is just ignoring you? In the book of Mark chapter 4 we see the disciples felt this way as well. In the middle of a storm, in the middle of the sea, in a boat Jesus was fast asleep. The disciples woke Him and asked him if he cared for them at all. In this passage we learn alot about Jesus. his word should be...
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A quick look into a pastors typical week.
My week! starts on Sunday. two worship services! 9:30am I assist and meet with various people in the church, usually finding several people I can pray for. 2-4pm I play flag football with kids, adults and the hot sun! 7pm I teach our evening worship service. Monday morning, i study and prep for a mid week sermon, do counseling, answer emails, work out at...
July 2011
14 posts
6 tags
WatchSome say Jesus was just a good man. However, in Jesus day they said He was possessed by the devil. The very fact the Jewish leaders made this statement, was proof they could not deny that Jesus had power. in Mark chapter three Jesus explains where his power comes from. we learn in this passage that Jesus alone is our mans strong man, our redeemer, our hope. He alone has the ability to clean the...
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“Gandhi Needed a Savior Too
It is amazing how many celebrities wreck themselves...”
– kairosjournal.org
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Know the 9 Marks of a healthy Church! →
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An Excellent Wife Is Forged, Not Found
Jen Smidt » God Scripture Family Marriage Complementarian Gospel
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. – Proverbs 31:10
I often believe my husband has not found an excellent wife. When he tells me I have been short with him lately, overreacting and snapping unnecessarily, I am discouraged at my lack of...
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5 Reasons the Gospel Can Demand Obedience
Charles Spurgeon » God Gospel
Disobedience to the Gospel: Click | View Series Romans 10:16—”But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?’” Man is the same disobedient creature under all dispensations… When any receive the gospel it is a work of grace: “the arm...
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