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”
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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”
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”
“The War of Art”: A Book Review
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven PressfieldMy rating: 2 of 5 starsThe book starts strong. Pressfield does a good job at rallying the troops to fight the Resistance (that part of us that doesn’t want to do what we know is the right next thingContinueContinue reading ““The War of Art”: A Book Review”
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”
A Pockey History of the United States: A Book Review
Pocket History of the United States by Henry Steele CommagerMy rating: 3 of 5 starsWriting a pocket history of any nation is a tremendous task I’m sure, but I think a better title would involve “brick” and not “pocket.” The only pocket thing about this book is the surface area of the front and backContinueContinue reading “A Pockey History of the United States: A Book Review”
In the Shadow of the Broad Brim: A Book Review
In the Shadow of the Broad Brim by Richard Ellsworth Day My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is a well-written, light biography and therefore a good introduction to the life of Spurgeon. If Spurgeon’s own autobiography seems too large, I recommend Day’s work. I appreciate how the author divides the book into aspects ofContinueContinue reading “In the Shadow of the Broad Brim: A Book Review”
Escape from Doubting Castle
A few quotes I liked from today’s reading:From Cottage Lectures (an anonymously written exposition of The Pilgrim’s Progress), regarding Christian and Hopeful’s escape from Doubting Castle:”Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw,Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw.””And sometimes, in the most unexpected way, our humble petitions will be abundantly answered. Before, however, this answer can beContinueContinue reading “Escape from Doubting Castle”
On Metaphors and Mindset
Taylor Pearsonraises an interesting point in his essay titled “How to ImproveYour Mindset.” Taking inspiration from George Lakoff and Mark Johnson’s book Metaphors We Live By, Pearson points out that our mindset is how we approach a topic – and our mindsets (or mini-worldviews as I call them) can be changed. Our view of somethingContinueContinue reading “On Metaphors and Mindset”
On Reading and Listening to Audio Books
A brief rant:In my perusal of productivity content, I continually come across writers who give tips on “how to read more books.” It is not uncommon to discover that one of the tips or practices of these voracious consumers of the written word is listening to audio books.Listening to audio books is not reading booksContinueContinue reading “On Reading and Listening to Audio Books”
Joe Cassada 