The Ministry of the Pew

How many of us give much thought to where we sit in worship each Sunday morning? Do you ever think about the "people work" that needs to be done each Sunday? Colin Marshall gives some much needed attention to the importance of training our people in "The Ministry of the Pew." He says to take this article and teach it in your small groups. It is practical, helpful and full of keen insight. This little study is sure to enhance anyone's evangelistic efforts.

The Briefing Library: Factotum #1: The Ministry of the Pew

Salvation's Fullness a Meditation on Psalm 27

I love Psalm 27, I always have. In this Psalm, David says he wants to dwell in the house of the Lord forever so that the may gaze on the beauty of the Lord. Dr. Carson connects. Ps. 27 and Ps. 84 saying that in Ps. 84 the psalmist wanted to be at least a door keeper in the house of the Lord forever rather than possess all the carnal pleasures of the wicked. Is this my heart?

Why would I not want to dwell in the house of the Lord and worship His beauty when this Holy, most beautiful God sings over me (Zeph. 3:17)? He sings over me!! Of course I want to dwell in his presence forever and ever!

When he sings over me, my heart bursts open in wonder and exclaims, “My God, my God, why have you adopted me, claimed me and made me yours?” Then I know that the reason I love the beauty of the Lord is that there was One who, for my sake and to remove my sin, said, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me? (Ps. 22:1)”

He was forsaken that I may be claimed, adopted, and forgiven. The cross is the assurance of my forgiveness and perfection so that I may gaze on the beauty of the Lord forever.

Thank you Lord Jesus for saving me!

Culture of Discipling

Stacy and I had a great time at The Gospel Coalition 2011 this past week. Matt Chandler said it was like drinking water from a fire hose and it was but there was plenty of time to reflect so that the nurture of the word went deep in the soul. It was a conference with a nice blend of both prescriptive and descriptive information to strengthen ministry of any pastor.

I am more convinced now than ever that the gospel must be the driving force for the church. Not that I lacked that conviction before I attended the conference but it was nice to be informed that the conviction I hold and the the Bible teaches is acurate. So it is with that statement that I post the link to this audio file on what it means to build a culture of discipleship in a church. My next few posts will contain audio files that educate on the gospel and discipleship.

Just click on the link and listen to Mark Dever explain why it is important for a church to develop a culture of discipleship.

Culture of Discipling

Koinonia: Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology read by 800 members of one church

It says a lot about a body of believers that will take theology seriously and read what seminarians are reading. Grudem's book is the staple diet of all of our Southern Baptist Seminaries. I had to read it for Systematic Theology and found it to be one of the most readable theology books I have ever picked up. Anyone can read this book and not be bogged down by technical language. Grudem is a great writer who can take the technical language of theology and bring it down to everyone's level.

Koinonia: Wayne Grudem's <i>Systematic Theology</i> read by 800 members of one church

Papaw's happy birthday wish.