A student at Augustana College approached me and asked how I could worship a God that endorsed abortion. I didn't handle the objection well. So, when I got home I opened my Bible and studied. Study the Last Question Asked My friend, Mark Spence, taught me something very important several years ago. He said, "Study the last question asked." Here's what he meant. If you … [Read more...]
Search Results for: study
Word Study: “Life” in the Gospel of John
The word "life" appears 47 times in the ESV translation of the Gospel of John. "Life" is translated from three primary Greek words--"Zoe," "Psuche," and "Bios." One appears in the Gospel of John more than any other. One appears only a few times. And one doesn't appear at all. The Reason for This Study I recently returned home from my second trip to Kenya. God has graciously … [Read more...]
Word Study: παρρησίᾳ (parrēsia)
Definition παρρησίᾳ (parrēsia) – 1. Freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech; openly, frankly, i.e. without concealment; without ambiguity or circumlocution; without the use of figures and comparisons. 2. Free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance. 3. The deportment by which one becomes conspicuous or secures publicity. A French philosopher, … [Read more...]
Roberto Clemente, Fandom, and Why Your Pastor Matters
While talking to a Christian brother about a popular preacher and the importance of appreciating our own pastors, I invoked Roberto Clemente. Roberto Clemente, the GOAT Growing up in a small town, about a half-hour north of Pittsburgh, PA, I dreamed of one day being a Pittsburgh Pirate. My plan was to succeed Steve Blass as the pitching ace of the team. If that didn't work … [Read more...]
Follow-Up: Dinner with the Technician’s Family and the Gift of Hospitality
Recently, I shared about my interaction with an Internet technician who came to my home on a service call. Saturday night we had him and his family over for dinner. It was a wonderful evening of gospel conversation and hospitality. Before They Took Off Their Coats and Shoes The Smith Family (I am not using their real names) arrived on time. I watched from the window next to … [Read more...]
Timothy Project: Allen Jerkins
For the third time, I was blessed to have a brother spend a week at my home to participate in a Timothy Project. His name is Allen Jerkins (Twitter) and he's from Arlington, TX. Donnie Johnson was the first participant (2015). Virgil Walker and Dan Perina participated in the second Timothy Project (2017). Day One Allen arrived Monday afternoon from Arlington (TX), for … [Read more...]
The Timothy Project: Helping Churches Prepare Men for Public Evangelism
I enjoy disicpling others in the area of public (or "street") evangelism. When the discipleship is structured, I call it The Timothy Project. What is The Timothy Project? Simply put: The Timothy Project is an opportunity I provide to Christian men (only one or two at a time) to spend a week with me engaged in evangelism training, discipleship, and fellowship. Why I Believe I … [Read more...]