learning the importance of community...

I am being introduced in a greater way than ever to the importance of Christian community and how it teams with the gospel to advance the kingdom of God in our culture.  Community in no way takes the place of or super-cedes the gospel but has a very important place that I am learning to give more attention to.  I highly suggest the reading of "Total Church" by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.  It gives a fresh perspective on many things including community, the gospel, and evangelism.  I have not finished the entire book, but am close and look forward to the rest of it.

Let me say also that I do not recommend any reading over what we find in scripture.  This book simply highlights what scripture already tells us in the Gospels, the book of Acts as well as Paul and Peter's writings.

Must Read...

If you are anything like me and struggle with procrastination in any sense of the word in any area of your life, these are must read blog posts by CJ Mahaney.  The first is titled, "Are you busy" and the second, "Confessions of a Busy Procrastinator" with more to come.

http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Blog/

Audio and Video from the "Biblical Parenting Conference"

http://theresurgence.com/shepherding_a_childs_heart_conference

Humility in the Teaching of Jesus

Here are some scripture references from Chapter 4 of "Humility and Absolute Surrender" that speak to humility shown to us through the teachings of Jesus...

Matthew 11:29

Matthew 20:27

Luke 9:46-48

Matthew 18:3

Luke 20:27-28

Matthew 33:11

Luke 14:1-11

Luke 18:14

John 13:14

Luke 22:26-27

"And let us believe that what He shows He gives, and what He is He imparts.  As the meek and lowly One, He will come in and dwell in the longing heart"  Andrew Murray

There is no time like the present to take to heart our desperate need for humility before God and there is no better example of humility than in our Savior Jesus Christ.  

After election thoughts...

This is a sermon by Al Mohler after the 2004 election...some good stuff in here check it out.

http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Blog/post/After-the-Election.aspx

Let this be my life and message...

Titus 1:11-15

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.  Declare these things, exhort and rebuke with all authority.  Let no one disregard you."

This is the message of hope and change that we need to be championing, and can do it boldly at the call of the Lord.  This is the gospel of Jesus Christ!