Some of the results:
THE PROBLEM
According to Surveys of Pastors . . .
90% felt they were not adequately trained to cope with the ministry demands placed upon them.
80% believe that pastoral ministry is affecting their families negatively.
75% have reported a significant crisis due to stress at least once every five years in their ministry.
For the complete list, see SOULeader Resources.
Excerpts from this article:
Dannah Gresh, a best-selling author and advocate for the sexual purity movement, was a featured speaker at this year’s TEDxPSU event at Pennsylvania State University, and spoke about sexual myths that are hurting teenagers and college students who are navigating a culture that promotes tolerance of all sexual behaviors and choices, except abstinence.
“We’re waving the banner of tolerance over the nation, but the one thing that’s not tolerated is abstinence and sexual purity,” said Gresh in an interview with The Christian Post on Wednesday. “Something parents don’t understand is that their teenagers are living in an age where virginity isn’t tolerated.”
What Gresh strives to do is to teach teenagers and college-aged women to satisfy their cravings for love by having a relationship with God, and to be in the presence of God.
via Sexual Purity Under Attack in Nation’s Schools, Says Christian Author Dannah Gresh.
John MacArthur :: Value of the Word of God – YouTube.
John MacArthur speaks about John Hus (Jan Hus) in the beginning of this message, and again at the end. MacArthur does a great job of conveying respect and awe for the courage and truth of Hus.
MacArthur quotes Hus as saying, “The Bible is the final authority in all things spiritual.”
He goes on to describe the three beliefs which John Hus proclaimed and for which he was burned at the stake:
All three of these truths sharply contradicted Roman Catholic teaching of that day, yet they are truths that evangelicals take for granted today.
Here are a few quotes of MacArthur later in his message:
“When I go to church I want to know [just one thing]: what my Lord asks of me.”
“The Greek word ‘doulos’ should always be translated as ‘slave,’ but often isn’t.”
“The translations of ‘bond-servant’ or ‘servant’ for doulos when referring to a believer is always [inappropriate; it should be 'slave.']
“‘Bond-servant’ is an old English concept, not a biblical one.”
“The foundational reality [of Christian life] is that Jesus is Kurious and we are doulos [or douloi, which is the plural of doulos].”
“Slaves were chosen, bought, owned, subject to, dependent on, disciplined and rewarded.”
“Scripture is the voice of the head of the church.”
“[Preachers] disseminate the mind of Christ.”
“[Preachers] bring the slaves their Master’s will.”
I think John MacArthur has some good ideas in this message, but I also think he misses a very important one – which I addressed to him in an open letter in September 2011.
“The Bible is the final authority in all things spiritual.” - John Hus 1369-1415
His name is also spelled “Jan Hus.” He was a Czech priest and reformer. There is a movie about him.
Dallas Willard, an American philosopher, professor and author specializing his studies in Christian spiritual formation, died early Wednesday morning at age 77 after enduring a battle with stage four cancer.
via Spiritual Philosopher Dallas Willard Dies at 77 After Battle With Stage 4 Cancer.
Over the years, I have been blessed by the work of Dallas Willard – primarily his emphasis on spiritual disciplines and on pursuit of the kingdom of God. I’m not an expert on Willard; I’d even say there’s a lot about him I do not know. I just know that I’ve experienced grace in what I have received from him.
I’ve mainly experienced his teaching through his writing, but here’s a brief example of his teaching in video form:
Hold Me Jesus-Rich Mullins with lyrics – YouTube.
I recall first hearing this Rich Mullins’ song in the early 90′s. The sweetness of the music fits the humble and plaintive cry of the lyrics.
I think this song was first released on the album A Liturgy, a Legacy, & a Ragamuffin Band (1993).
“Everyone in life has a purpose, even if it’s to serve as a bad example” ― Carroll Bryant
Think of Cain, Esau, Pharoah, Balaam, Absalom, Jezebel, and many other biblical characters who went astray from the paths of righteousness.
Thus:
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
That is, learn from the bad examples; don’t be one!
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, unless otherwise noted.
