Monthly Archives: October 2010

Small Churches; Contemporary Sermons

Posted on October 31, 2010 by admin

Yesterday I started reading Brandon J O’Brien’s  The Strategically Small Church. I had commented on a blog post about it, and one of my commenters suggested I actually read the book. It’s a short book that gets right to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Mark's Blog, Mark's Currently Reading | Comments Off on Small Churches; Contemporary Sermons

Remembering My Real Goals

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

Here’s my Tuesday status for Facebook: “Life is pretty good. I never set out to make a bunch of money, and have accomplished that — having not much money. I did hope for a few friends and to impact a … Continue reading →

Posted in Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | Comments Off on Remembering My Real Goals

I Wonder About Stanley’s Scripture Selection

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

“While I’m a firm believer that all Scripture is equally inspired, observation tells me that all Scripture is not equally applicable. Consequently, preaching for life change requires that we emphasize some texts over others (Communicating for a Change, page 96).” … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible and Theology, Pastoral Ministry | 1 Comment

I Resonate with Stanley’s Passion

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

What motivates how we preach? I was riveted by this statement in Communicating for a Change (page 88). “Every single person who sits politely and listens to you on Sunday is one decision away from moral, financial, and marital ruin.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry | Comments Off on I Resonate with Stanley’s Passion

Can We Do Both?

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

I was challenged by the bigness of Psalm 68. Not so much the number of verses; but the number of values. The first value is holding high standards: “Arise O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog | Comments Off on Can We Do Both?

Handling Unemployment, Part 2

Posted on October 25, 2010 by admin

I was celebrating how well God is bringing me through joblessness when I got snagged on Psalm 65:1 in my devotions this morning. As I read the Psalm, I asked “Is there anything that overwhelms me?” “Rejection,”  answered my heart, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | 2 Comments

Handling Unemployment, Part 1

Posted on October 25, 2010 by admin

I was visiting with a friend Saturday who remarked, “You seem surprisingly cheerful in spite of the fact that you say your unemployment bothers you.” For the most part, I think it’s honest to say that I don’t feel badly … Continue reading →

Posted in Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | 1 Comment

Forgiving Quotes

Posted on October 24, 2010 by admin

Today I listened to a fine sermon on our need to forgive others. If you have ever preached on this topic, you join me in empathy for the preacher. Forgiveness is essential for Christian wholeness; but almost every Christian holds … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog | Comments Off on Forgiving Quotes

Great Motto

Posted on October 24, 2010 by admin

“Helping people know and follow Jesus . . . one person at a time.” Jan & I had the privilege of visiting Countryside Christian Church in Keizer, OR today for worship. Jerry Christensen, my youth minister when I was in … Continue reading →

Posted in Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry | Comments Off on Great Motto

What is the goal of preaching?

Posted on October 21, 2010 by admin

I just started reading Communication for a Change by Stanley and Jones and already I like the book. Early on, they pose the contrast between communication for information transfer and communication for life change. Too many sermons are “about” the … Continue reading →

Posted in Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry | 2 Comments