Here is part 3 of an essay titled Clarifying Our Theological Vision by Gary Deddo, with an introduction from Joseph Tkach. The essay is being published serially here in Equipper. To read each part, click on a link: introduction, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. To read the full essay in one article, click here. For … Continue reading "Clarifying Our Theological Vision, part 3" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 29:15-28 and Ps. 105:1-11, 45b or 1 Kings 3:5-12 and Ps. 119:129-136 Rom. 8:26-39; Matt. 13:31-33, 44-52 PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM (Matthew 13:31-33) By Josh McDonald Introduction In defining the exercise of power in the world, some distinguish between “right-handed power” (which tends to be confrontational and even violent) and “left-handed power” (which often … Continue reading "Sermon for July 30, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 28:10-19a and Ps. 139:1-12, 23-24 or Isa. 44:6-8 and Ps. 86:11-17 Rom. 8:12-25; Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43 LIVING IN THE ALREADY BUT NOT-YET KINGDOM (Matthew 13:24-30) By Josh McDonald Introduction Perhaps you recall the televangelist couple Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. They set out to build heaven-on-earth in a Christian theme park named Heritage … Continue reading "Sermon for July 23, 2017" Read the article
Parents and others who minister to children have the challenging responsibility and privilege to disciple children, which means teaching them about our triune God and the life that is theirs in union and communion with God, in Jesus, by the Spirit. What is the best way to convey these vital, biblical truths? A Children’s Ministry Magazine article recommends … Continue reading "Kids Korner: Discipling through storytelling" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 25:19-34 and Ps. 119:105-112 or Isa. 55:10-13 and Ps. 65:9-13; Rom. 8:1-11; Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23 CULTIVATING GRATITUDE (Matt. 13:3-9; 18-23) By Michelle Fleming Introduction “The kingdom of God is like _________________.” How would you fill in the blank? Jesus gives us clues in his teaching where he compares and contrasts human experience … Continue reading "Sermon for July 16, 2017" Read the article
The June issue of “Equipper” (articles and sermons linked below) continues our 2017 focus on renewal, noting how the kingdom of God sometimes is advanced by retreating and other counter-intuitive, even counter-cultural tactics. From Greg: Retreating to charge forward Greg Williams encourages pastors to advance renewal in their congregations by going on a spiritual retreat with their … Continue reading "Retreating to advance the kingdom" Read the article
This article is from GCI-USA Regional Pastor and Equipper Feature Editor, Rick Shallenberger. This is part 3 of a series on Christian leadership. For other articles in the series, click a number: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Do you sometimes suffer from insomnia—unable to put aside the ideas, projects, plans and worries filling your mind as … Continue reading "On Leadership: Navigating through life: the 5 Gears" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 and Ps. 45:10-17 (or Song 2:8-13) or Zech. 9:9-12 and Ps. 145:8-14; Rom. 7:15-25a; Matt. 11:16-19, 25-30 THE JOY OF TAKING JESUS’ YOKE (Matthew 11:27-30) By Cathy Deddo Introduction Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I … Continue reading "Sermon for July 9, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 22:1-14 and Ps. 13:1-6 or Jer. 28:5-9 and Ps. 89:1-4, 15-18; Rom. 6:12-23; Matt. 10:40-42 RECEIVING AND REPRESENTING JESUS (Matthew 10:40-42) By Martin Manuel Introduction Let’s begin with a video that illustrates the power of hospitality. [The video shows the work of a Peace Corps volunteer in the Asian country of Timor-Leste.] … Continue reading "Sermon for July 2, 2017" Read the article
Dear pastors and ministry leaders: We each have unique “wiring” (personality). One of the personality assessments I’ve taken identifies me as a “socializing director” with a “pioneer voice.” That means I tend to attract people, though I like winning even more. Being wired that way, I tend to work long hours and push others to … Continue reading "From Greg: Retreating to charge forward" Read the article
