Managing Monday with John Calvin – Take 3
We continue to look at some of the insights of the hugely influential French theologian, John Calvin (1509-1564). The apostle does not say that Christ was sent to help us obtain righteousness, but to be our righteousness – John Calvin Christ is much more powerful to save than Adam was to destroy – John Calvin We ought to read the Scriptures with the express design of finding Christ in them – John Calvin and why not a bonus quote… The sun is no less bright because men do not perceive its light – John Calvin
Read MoreThe Listening Life… About conversations in our head
I’ve been reading Adam McHugh’s newish (2015) book The Listening Life. McHugh is well know for his book Introverts in the Church and in this new book, turns his attention to the importance of ’embracing attentiveness in a world of distraction’ – to cite the books sub title. In exploring attentiveness he looks at, amongst other areas, listening to God, to Scripture, Creation, Others, People in Pain and Your Life, before finishing the book with a chapter on The Society of Reverse Listening where he poses the intriguing question of what might happen if instead of...
Read MoreWhat makes a sermon bad?
While by instinct I prefer to focus on things that are positive, given that I posted on what makes a sermon good, it is only appropriate that we look at what makes a sermon bad. While it might be tempting to look at the earlier post and say, ‘everything that’s the opposite of the seven good points’, that is just a cop out. So what makes a sermon bad? Here are my thoughts, and as always, feel free to add your own. A bad sermon misinforms about God. It can do that in many ways. It can be unbiblical. It can present a partial truth as a whole truth (remember the principle, when...
Read MoreManaging Monday with John Calvin – Take 2
We continue to look at some insights from prominent French theologian, John Calvin (1509-1564) – after whom Calvinism is named. The whole life of man until he is converted to Christ is a ruinous labyrinth of wanderings – John Calvin Repentance is not merely the start of the Christian life. It is the Christian life – John Calvin The tongue exists to reveal our hearts – John Calvin and why not one more There is not one blade of grass, there is no colour in the world that is not intended to make us rejoice – John Calvin
Read MoreWhat makes a sermon good?
The last post asked if preaching has a future. I guess many would answer – ‘depends on the preaching. There is no future for shabby preaching, but good preaching, bring it on.’ Fair enough, but what is a ‘good’ sermon? I came up with these seven ideas (I like the ‘one for each day of the week’ concept) – and am interested in others that you would add to the list (perhaps we’ll get to one for each day of the year!) Lest you think, ‘but I am not a preacher, so have nothing to say on this topic’ – it is as important that we...
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