"The church is not an audience of spectators; we are a fellowship of disciple-makers." David Platt

Helpful description of how Old Testament history relates to Christ

"In order for Christ the King to come through the chosen nation, the kingdom had to be formed. Under Joshua the Israelites took possession of the land for the kingdom (Joshua). Because of incomplete obedience, this was followed by the oppression of the nation (Judges). But devotion within the nation (Ruth) brought about a long-needed stabilization (1 Samuel) under Saul's kingship. This was followed by the expansion of the nation under King David (2 Samuel). After a brief period of Israel's glorification under Solomon (1 Kings 1-10), we witness the division of the nation into two kingdoms (1 Kings 11-22). Eventually this led to the deterioration of the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 1-17) and the deportation of the southern kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 18-25). Chronicles reviews the prophetic history of Samuel and Kings from a priestly point of view, showing the deprivation (1 Chronicles) and ultimate destruction of the Temple (2 Chronicles). All is not lost, however, for God's providential hand is witnessed in the protection of His people in Babylon (Esther), the restoration of their Temple (Ezra), and the reconstruction of their nation (Nehemiah). Thus the checkered history of the Old Testament ends with the returned remnant awaiting the coming Redeemer." (Norm Geisler in A Popular Survey of the Old Testament, p.21-22)

Preacher, it is one thing to say that a truth is astounding; it is another for people to see that you are astounded.

your brain needs reflection

Here's an important post (important for me at least) that reminded me of the need to spend more time in reflection. Here's a quote that captures the essence of it:

"It’s when we engage our brains’ 'looking in' mode [i.e. reflecting]...that we make meaning out of the mass of experiences and information we encounter when we’re 'looking out.' [i.e. interacting with the world around us]."

Very important discipline for pastors (and Christians in general) to cultivate.

preaching is worship - Ed Clowney

"Since [preaching] is the declaration of God's name it is addressed not only to men, but also to God. It is an act of worship. Our preaching often lacks the punctuation of the exclamation point of praise. Unlike the Scriptures, our sermons are so centered on men that they neglect to bless God. The doxologies that burst from Paul in the midst of his expositions never trouble our placid pools of prose" (Ed Clowney in Preaching and Biblical Theology, p.73).

You are on the verge of wrecking your life.

"You are on the verge of wrecking your life. We all are. Forces are afoot right now, negotiating how to get you fat enough for consumption and how to get you calmly and without struggle to the cosmic slaughterhouse floor. The easiest life for you will be one in which you don’t question these things, a life in which you simply do what seems natural. The ease of it all will seem to be further confirmation that this is the way things ought to be. It might even seem as though everything is happening exactly as you always hoped it would. You might feel as though your life situation is like progressing up a stairway so perfect it’s as though it was designed just for you. And it is. In many ways the more tranquil you feel, the more endangered you are. As you find yourself curving around the soft corners of your life, maybe you should question the quietness of it all. Perhaps you should listen, beneath your feet, for the gentle clatter of hooves." (Russell Moore in Tempted and Tried, p.60)


As believers in Christ, we shouldn't live in anxiety or paranoia but this is a sobering warning to all of us. We can't coast.

Your Ministry Is Not Your Identity - Paul Tripp

One day I'll probably write my own post on the subject, but it is so easy as a pastor to unknowingly allow allow the locus of your identity to be transferred from Christ to ministry. Paul Tripp writes a great post describing his own experience with that challenge. Important read.

what sermon prep really looks like

This post by Kevin DeYoung about sermon preparation is almost unbearably real lol. Glad I'm not the only one.