Two Class Sessions on Postmodern Ministry
Here’s a link to the audio for two classes on postmodern ministry which I taught at this year’s Pepperdine Lectures: http://www.highlandcc.org/audio_specialevents.html
Growth
Prayer from Psalm 82-God’s Prayer
God, I heard that you gathered all the powers-that-be and made a request. I heard that you asked: “Stand up for those who cannot stand,… Read More »Prayer from Psalm 82-God’s Prayer
The Offering: Leave it at the Altar (Rom. 12:1-2)
I recently saw a t-shirt which made for Christians. On the front of the t-shirt is something that looks like a fire-fighter’s logo or crest. Inside the crest are these words: “God doesn’t sell fire insurance.” Beneath the crest are these words: “But he gives it away to his friends.” On the back of the t-shirt is one more line: “Are you a friend of God?” There, in three lines, is a t-shirt designer’s summary of the Christian faith: God doesn’t sell fire insurance. But he gives it away to his friends. Are you a friend of God? Here, the Christian faith is all about “fire insurance.” And what is “fire insurance”? It refers to the fires of Hell. Based on this t-shirt synopsis, the Christian faith is primarily “fire insurance” to save you from Hell.
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A Do-Not-Steal Prayer
[Martin Luther is known to have prayed regularly through each of the Ten Commandments. He did so by 1) contemplating the commandment’s teaching, 2) considering how the commandment might lead to thanksgiving, 3) recognizing how the commandment would lead to confession, and 4) praying for empowerment to live out the commandment. In that same spirit, I’ve written a prayer below which reflects on the Eighth Commandment–do not steal (Ex. 20:15)]
You are the LORD my God. You brought my ancestors out of Egypt out of the land of slavery. You have brought me out of my own Egypt, out of other kinds of slavery.