Scripture readings: Gen. 21:8-21 and Ps. 86:1-10, 16-17 or Jer. 20:7-13 and Ps. 69:7-10, 16-18; Rom. 6:1-11; Matt. 10:24-39 Sermon by Ted Johnston from Romans 6:1-4 (drawing on John Stott's commentary) CHRISTIAN LIVING (THE LOGIC OF BAPTISM) Introduction In today’s reading in Matthew, Jesus declared that his first disciples were to take up their crosses and … Continue reading "Sermon for June 25, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 18:1-15 and Ps. 116:1-2, 12-19 or Ex. 19:2-8 and Ps. 100:1-5; Rom. 5:1-8; Matt. 9:35-10:8 Sermon by Martin Manuel from Matt. 9:35-10:8 JESUS SEES A HARVEST FIELD—DO WE? Introduction Though Jesus tried to contain his popularity, his reputation spread like wildfire throughout Galilee and on into Judea. Wherever he went, crowds followed, … Continue reading "Sermon for June 18, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 1:1-2:4; Ps. 8:1-9; 2 Cor. 13:11-14; Matt. 28:16-20 REJOICING IN GOD, THE HOLY TRINITY (Ps. 8:1-9; Matt. 28:16-20; 2 Cor. 13:14) By Ted Johnston Introduction Today is Trinity Sunday—the first Sunday following Pentecost. It’s a day to rejoice in God, who is one in being and three in Person—the Holy Trinity. The Trinity is … Continue reading "Sermon for June 11, 2017 (Trinity Sunday)" Read the article
Here is the May “Equipper”—it continues our 2017 focus on renewal by looking at pastoral priorities. The articles and sermons are linked below. From Greg: LEAD-P (priorities for pastors) Greg Williams looks at five priorities for lead pastors. The priority of leadership: growing a strong leader CORE Randy Bloom addresses three characteristics of effective leaders. … Continue reading "Renewing pastoral priorities" Read the article
Here is part 2 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 2" Read the article
Trinity Sunday (June 11) is a great time to teach kids about the Trinity. But how to do so? Here are some thoughts with related resources from Equipper Editor (and grandfather) Ted Johnston. My older grandkids (now 11 and 8) have asked me on several occasions about the Trinity. Explaining to adults that God is … Continue reading "Kids Korner: Trinity Sunday" Read the article
Scripture readings: Num. 11:24-30; Psalm 104:24-35; Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-23 PENTECOST: EXTRAORDINARY LIFE IN ORDINARY TIME (Acts 2:1-21) By Michelle Fleming Introduction Today is Pentecost, which marks the transition from the Easter season to what the liturgical calendar calls “ordinary time.” During the Easter season, we reflect on God’s redemption through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Following … Continue reading "Sermon for June 4, 2017 (Pentecost)" Read the article
Scripture readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:1-9 or Psalm 93:1-5; Eph. 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53 ASCENSION DEFICIT DISORDER (Luke 22:44-53) By Lance McKinnon Introduction Many Christians, it seems, suffer from “ascension deficit disorder.” Perhaps that’s because few churches celebrate Jesus’ ascension, which occurred 40 days after his resurrection and 10 days before the sending of the Spirit on … Continue reading "Sermon for May 28, 2017 (Ascension Sunday)" Read the article
Dear pastors and ministry leaders: One of the most frustrating things in any job is not having clear job expectations. I experienced that frustration during 15 years serving as a lead pastor—at times it felt like a 24/7 job that was not only a bit unclear, but never finished. Do I hear an “amen” echoing … Continue reading "From Greg: LEAD-P (priorities for pastors)" Read the article
In the article below, GCI-USA Publications Editor Ted Johnston suggests ways to use the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), including RCL-based sermons provided each month here in “Equipper.” In one of his GCI Weekly Update articles on The Church and its Ministry, Gary Deddo says this about preaching: The focus of preaching is to identify and remind ourselves of … Continue reading "The priority of preaching: using the RCL" Read the article
