One of the books I’m working through this week is Christ-Centered Worship by Bryan Chapell. I plan to post a review of it in coming days, but wanted to share this brief reflection on how cultural sensitivity informs our worship styles. “Sensitivity to worshipers’ capacities goes awry when concern to communicate to those in our…
Month: May 2013
Worship 101
This week I’ve posted three foundational points that are basic to my understanding of worship. They were: 1. Worship is based on our redemption in Christ. (Exodus 20:1-2) 2. God identifies himself as the exclusive object of our worship. (Exodus 20:3) 3. We must guard our hearts against idolatry. (Exodus 20:4-6) The fourth basic concerning…
Worship 101
Our worship is based on our redemption in Christ. Unless we see that clearly, much of our “worship” will be conducted in vanity and will be for the most part self serving. Continuing in Exodus 20 we find the first commandment where God identifies himself as the exclusive object of worship. “You must not have…
Worship 101
Yesterday I began a four week series at First Baptist Church on the subject of worship. In my preparation, I was reminded of Elmer Towns’ famous observation that the first murder in the Bible occurred over a dispute concerning worship (cf. Genesis 4:1-9). As I reflected on the story of Cain and Abel, I thought…
The Book of Acts in 3 Minutes
Love Stories: Acquila and Priscilla
When Lisa and I talked through our sermon series on marriage we considered several possible biblical couples. The list included the likes of Adam and Eve, Jacob and Rachel, David and Bathsheba, and Job and his unnamed wife. Each marriage had its own unique challenge that was not dissimilar from the challenges we face in…
More “State of the Plate” Statistics
Here are some more findings regarding tithing in America gleaned by Brian Kluth via STATE OF THE PLATE.
Love Stories: Joseph and Mary:: 2
I left yesterday’s post with an open ended question: How do we develop and cultivate trust in marriage? 1. Pray and read Scripture together on a regular basis. Many Christian couples who have mastered table grace have found it difficult to develop this routine with any degree of regularity, including us. It’s a hard discipline…
Love Stories: Joseph and Mary
Admittedly, we don’t think much about Joseph and Mary outside of the month of December, and when we do, they serve the story as supporting actors to the star who is swaddled in the manger. We don’t pay much attention to Joseph because we’re not certain of the significance he plays in the story. As…
Love Stories: Boaz and Ruth:: 2
Yesterday I posted that character leads us to make commitments that are fulfilled in the simple, ordinary acts of everyday faithfulness. Doing little things with no expectation of anything in return, acknowledging each other’s kindnesses, accepting your spouse for who he or she is, and seeking to meet your mate’s needs rather than demanding your…