This morning I talked about some follow-up things for Isaiah 42. (Hear the sermon from this morning here.)
Perhaps the most famous Christian reading that takes up the topic of the bruised Reed is a book by that name- The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbs (1577-1635). You can find a good summary article on the content of the book here. You can find a free PDF copy of the book here. The whole book is only 69 pages. If you like it, most of his complete works are here.
Banner of truth publishing has published a Kindle version with some updated language. There are a few words in 17th century English that can puzzle you a little bit- and this version makes that a little easier. But reading 17th century theology is about a 70 page investment – once you’ve read that much you’ve pretty much picked up on the different ways they use certain words.
The research on church planting is often not very encouraging to those of us serving in established churches. For a good primer on the absolute importance of church planting, I would recommend Why Plant Churches by Tim Keller, published in 2002.
The fact we all must reckon with is that church planting is a crucial strategy. “Nothing else – not Crusades, outreach programs, para-church ministries, growing mega-churches, congregational consulting, nor church renewal processes – will have the consistent impact of dynamic, extensive church planting.” (Keller, 2002.) Many of us would like to believe that we should spend our effort revitalizing established churches rather than planting new ones. After all, they have plenty of seats, already have buildings, and it would put more Christians together with each other in unity.
Many of you know about my vision to make High Point a “teaching church” – much like some hospitals are teaching hospitals. In other words, my hope is to build a robust in vibrant church in which some of our top young people can cut their teeth in ministry and be prepared for whatever ministry God is calling them to. Some of these people will be church planters. Some will lead in established churches, seeking to revitalize them. Others will work in parachurch ministries. And others may not go on to work in vocational ministry, but will be lifelong major contributors to a local church.
In any healthy church you’ve got to hope you’ll be running into people all the time who are just starting to read the Bible. What do you tell them? Where should they start? Do they need any aids?
I was recently asked in our small group to put together a list for where someone can start reading the Bible. Here is my list.
Here is the Rick Warren talk I was talking about Sunday Morning.
Warren talks about three categories of temptations that sum up all the temptations we deal with. They are:
Lust of the Flesh
Lust of the Eyes
Pride of Life
If you didn’t catch the sermon at High Point on Sunday, November 17, you can listen to it here.
Resurgence 13 is a great thing, and I’d recommend any session that looks interesting. I especially like Matt Chandler. Mark Driscoll’s main session is important.
There was an aroma of lime, garlic and spices if you were in the church on Saturday, November 2. Fourteen ladies and two guys manned the spatulas, knives, and pans to make Crockpot Chipotle Lime Chicken, Italian Medallions, Chicken Garlic Mushrooms with Alfredo Pasta, Chicken and Rice Bake, and Hearty Italian Meatloaf. The Congregational Care Ministry will use these meals to bless our HPC families who are unable to prepare their own meals, while recovering from illness, surgery or a recent birth. Continue reading COOK-A-THON RECAP: OH, THE JOYS OF COOKING!→
Banner of truth publishing has published a Kindle version with some updated language. There are a few words in 17th century English that can puzzle you a little bit- and this version makes that a little easier. But reading 17th century theology is about a 70 page investment – once you’ve read that much you’ve pretty much picked up on the different ways they use certain words.
Engage & Equip 