An excellent post by Sam Storms, giving concrete examples to help us understand exactly what Peter is commanding against when he tells pastors not to be domineering. Here are a few especially important examples of domineering: A pastor domineers by widening the alleged gap between “clergy” and “laity.” In other words, he reinforces in them […]
Why Social Action is Both Essential and Not Enough
I love and fully affirm the centrality of the biblical call to meet the full range of people’s needs, not just spiritual needs. When people are hungry, we need to feed them (Matthew 25:35). When they are mistreated, we need to stand up for them (Isaiah 1:17; Job 29:12-17). When they are sick, we need […]
Every Member … Mercy Ministry?
A good observation by Tim Keller in his book Ministries of Mercy: We have done a good job of teaching that every believer is a minister and to be a witness. But we haven’t done a good job of teaching that every Christian is to be engaged in mercy ministries. We have almost completely ceded this […]
5 (Other) Books I'm Looking Forward To
At T4G last week, I was actually restrained in the zero dollar bookstore. Yes, even in the bookstore where every book was free, I didn’t “buy” everything, because for the time being I’m seeking to reduce input in order to increase output (a strategy I’m testing — it’s not always good, but I’m trying to […]
David Murray on "Celebrity Pastors"
This is an excellent post by David Murray: I Met a Celebrity Pastor Yesterday. It is short, well said, and very much worth reading. And it won’t be what you expect.
The Geography of Neglect
I just received in the mail the latest episode of Dispatches from the Front by Frontline Missions. Andy Naselli notes that this episode is excellent, just like the previous ones. I’m watching it right now and find it to be excellent as well. My only recommendation to Frontline Missions is to get these in to Netflix […]
A God-Centered Theology Has to be a Missionary Theology
John Piper: Here are some of my favorite quotes from the video: “The unwasted life is the life that puts Christ on display as supremely valuable.” “A God-centered theology has to be a missionary theology.” “The need of the nations who do not know the name of Jesus is an immeasurable need. It is an […]
Piper: God's 4 Purposes for Mission
God’s purpose is to be known: “That your way may be known on earth” (v. 2) God’s purpose is to be praised: “Let the peoples praise you” (v. 3). God’s purpose is to be enjoyed: “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy” (v. 4). God’s purpose is to be feared and reverenced: “Let […]
Piper on God's Strange Path to Save All the Nations
Piper’s quick summary of God’s path, through Abraham and Israel, to save all the nations: God chose Abraham and said “I will bless you to be a blessing, and through you all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12, 15). Psalm 67 is a realization and praying into reality of that promise […]
Platt: 3 Reasons We Must Go to the Unreached with Urgency
“Let’s apply these truths to the unreached.” “There are 6,000 plus people groups with little or no access to the gospel. Over 2.5 billion people. Why must we give our lives, losing them if necessary, to spreading this gospel? Why must we go to them with urgency?” 3 reasons: 1. The knowledge of God in […]