Author Archives: JoeCassada

Concerning the True Care of Souls: A Book Review

Martin Bucer’s Concerning the True Care of Souls is a mixed bag of papist leftovers and fresh Protestant theology. It helps to understand the times in which Bucer ministered to appreciate the good parts. Bucer (1491-1551) left the Dominican Order after meeting Martin Luther in 1518. “For more than 25 years Martin was Bucer wasContinueContinue reading “Concerning the True Care of Souls: A Book Review”

How You Can Know If You Are Called to Preach

In any discussion regarding the call to the ministry, the question often asked is “How do I know if I’m really called to preach?” It is a good question – and an important one. In addition to being sure of his salvation, the pastor should be sure of his divine commission to the pastorate. ForContinueContinue reading “How You Can Know If You Are Called to Preach”

Unbelievable Preaching

Few things are as dishonoring to Christ and His cause as boring sermons. Preaching should be heralding the riches of God’s glory, calling sinners to repentance, and edifying the saints. Instead, it is often the instrument by which God is portrayed as irrelevant, sinners are bored to tears, and the saints are afflicted with habitualContinueContinue reading “Unbelievable Preaching”

The Easiest Way to Instantly Improve Your Preaching

The simplest way to improve your sermon delivery is to make eye contact with your audience. Some public speaking coaches will tell you to stare at the back wall to mitigate nervousness. Do not do this. It ruins your delivery.  Other preachers make the mistake of preaching at their pulpits with only the briefest ofContinueContinue reading “The Easiest Way to Instantly Improve Your Preaching”

Pride and its Destruction of Fervent Prayer

As a teenager, I developed a sweet affection for God. I remember reading the Bible as a “hart panteth after the water brooks,” drinking in every word, thirsty for the knowledge of God. My times of solitary prayer were rich and meaningful. I especially remember one night when I wept for hours in my bedContinueContinue reading “Pride and its Destruction of Fervent Prayer”

My Biggest Hindrances to Prayer

We preachers know that prayer is the lifeblood of ministry. Without it, we are of all men most miserable. Spurgeon put it this way: Of course the preacher is above all others distinguished as a man of prayer. He prays as an ordinary Christian, else he were a hypocrite. He prays more than ordinary Christians,ContinueContinue reading “My Biggest Hindrances to Prayer”

The Preacher and Hustle Culture

There is a notion, entertained by some, that sleep deprivation is a means to holiness. Honestly, I do not get it. I do appreciate a good tired feeling – one that comes from an honest day’s work. Ecc. 5:12 – “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet…” But I hate chronic fatigue. Hate it.ContinueContinue reading “The Preacher and Hustle Culture”

The Call to the Ministry: Did Your Phone Ring?

Summer is coming to an end, the youth conference season is closing, and new college recruits are packing out their Hondas and heading off to train for the ministry. I always reminisce this time of year. Recently, my mind traveled back to a day in college long ago. I was a freshman. One morning, oneContinueContinue reading “The Call to the Ministry: Did Your Phone Ring?”

One of My Favorite Journals

Andrew Bonar: Diary and Life by Andrew A. BonarMy rating: 5 of 5 starsSeveral years ago I was given this books as a gift from a dear friend and church member. I began to sip from Bonar’s cup over these years (diaries are best sipped), and then last month I decided to guzzle the remnants.ContinueContinue reading “One of My Favorite Journals”