Sermons on Leadership
The King Of Righteousness (Hebrews 7:1-3)
When a writer for a Christian magazine asked N.T. Wright which books were the most important in his thinking and work, he told them it was the reference works that he always keeps near his desk. He noted how the dictionaries and encyclopedias, especially those dealing with the original languages, help bring the darkness of another world to light. I probably would not have answered that way, but I think he makes a great point. I might miss those reference…
The King Of Glory (Matthew 21:1-11)
Charismatic leaders have deceived entire nations into following them. They have stirred up support to enter into unjust wars. They have tortured and slaughtered innocent people (oftentimes their own citizens) in order to extend their wealth and power. History is full of leaders of that sort. The King of Kings was radically different. Rather than earning wealth and power, the second person of the Trinity was willing to empty himself of his heavenly prerogatives. He humbled himself taking on flesh,…
Crowned With Glory And Honor
In “The Good of Nationalism Pt 2”, Bradford Littlejohn notes the temptation Christians had after the conversion of Roman Emperor Constantine: “In every age, Christians have been tempted to ‘immanentize the eschaton,’ translating the expectations of the eschatological kingdom of God into the midst of history. So it was for early Christians, dazed and delighted by the conversion of Constantine and the end of persecution: perhaps Christian Rome was to be the earthly political manifestation of the worldwide kingdom of…
The Radiance Of Glory
Every once in awhile I get a little controversial from the pulpit. I know there are some differences among us on very weighty issues, but please hear me out. I think we can all agree that music peaked in the eighties. And the only genre that really mattered in the eighties was soft rock. But narrowing down a favorite soft rock song is where it gets challenging. “The Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera has to be in the running.…
A Dedication To Celebrate
US: 40M adults (18.1%) suffer from anxiety disorder. 18M major depressive disorder. The first year of Covid increased prevalence of depression 25% worldwide. Barna (2011): Almost 1/5 young adults leave church because their faith isn’t helping them cope with depression or other emotional problems. If church is a refuge, it won’t ignore genuine emotional tensions or paper over them with platitudes. Remember how book began? Neh. 1:1-3 God raised up Nehemiah, supplied resources + volunteers to rebuild the wall > Revived interest…
Meet The Wall Builders
Meet the Wall Builders I have mentioned before that my favorite novel is Les Miserables. It is long, but the plot generally moves at a swift pace. Victor Hugo covers a lot of ground over the course of its 1200 pages. I say it generally has a fast pace, because there are a few sections of the narrative that come to a grinding halt. The two points that particularly stand out to me are his lengthy descriptions of the convent where Jean…
The Need For Nehemiah
In The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis writes that the doctrines of Psychoanalysis have given most people the impression… “…that the sense of Shame is a dangerous and mischievous thing. We have labored to overcome that sense of shrinking, that desire to conceal, which either Nature herself or the tradition of almost all mankind has attached to cowardice, unchastity, falsehood, and envy. We are told to ‘get things out into the open,’ not for the sake of self-humiliation, but on the…
The Character of an Elder (Titus 1:7-9)
Introduction Skipping his typical thanksgiving, Paul’s urgent need is to instruct Titus to appoint elders. An elder’s ability to shepherd his home reveals his ability to shepherd the church. Similarly, his ability to manage himself reveals his ability to manage the church. As Paul delineates the qualifications for elder, he specifies several vices and virtues that apply to all of us to varying degrees. Read Titus 1:5-9 Early on, a church needs biblically qualified leaders. How will we choose? What…
The Elder in His Home (Titus 1:5-6)
Introduction Research continues to reveal that today’s children are less stable than previous generations. That is true physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. The primary reason children are unstable is because their parents are unstable. 46% of children live with mom and dad in first marriage. 96% of children live in a dysfunctional family (at least one member has addiction > neglect). What’s the solution? Godly men who lead their homes well, then equip other men to do the same. Paul’s…
Shepherd the Flock (1 Peter 5:1-4)
Introduction Same themes continue to emerge as Peter encourages his suffering readers with hopeful reminders of Christ’s return and their eternal inheritance that awaits. Specifically addresses the elders > your future session. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4 What about those of you who aren’t elders (all of you)? Do you get to tune out? You’re overhearing Peter’s instruction to fellow-elders. He’s not speaking to you, but he’s speaking loud enough for you to hear. In fact, he knows you’re there. You…
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