“But this much certainly is true — wide reading in any worth-while field stimulates the mind and gives the reader something of use to him when he comes to prepare his sermon” (Macartney, Preaching Without Notes, p. 76).
Imagine
“Napoleon said, ‘Men of imagination rule the world.’ The preacher of imagination is the prince of the pulpit” (Macartney, Peaching Without Notes, p. 75)
Deep Black Soil
“A true understanding of the doctrines of grace will not only replace factionalism with visible love and humility, but also usher in powerful gospel preaching. In an age when the church thinks more of marketing herself than preaching her crucified Lord, such a result is greatly to be desired. We may lament the fact that …
Blinded With Science
Karl W. Giberson is vice president of The BioLogos Foundation, and has recently written a provocative piece on how Jesus would believe in evolution, and “so should you.” This is because Jesus claimed to be the Truth, and since evolution is true, darn it, our acceptance of whatever He “would have held” would seem to …
That Eternal Haven
“The Bible very clearly grounds the believer’s security in God. We do not save ourselves, and we do not keep ourselves saved . . . Can we really take comfort in an unbelieving modification of Christ’s words — ‘Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world, if you make sure the world does not …
Reconciliation
Something glittered in the sandy bank. Gull circled noisily, but no one else was there More than a breeze was off the bay, But the clouds were motionless, Unaware of the bite below. Scattered reeds bent back toward the cottages, The early sunlight was bitter still. Sand behind me, forgotten miles, The sand in front …
Descent
Descending out of heaven Into Minneapolis, I saw outside the plane A hard, bright autumn.  Far below, a parking lot, Crammed with automobiles, Flared with momentary glory Like Hopkins’ shook foil.
Audio Reading of Post
Banner of Truth Weighs In
“The ordinances are called the ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, because the Lord hath not wholly limited and bound up himself unto his ordinances; for he can in an extraordinary way bring some out of a state of nature into a state of grace; as Paul, who was converted …
Grease in the Dumpster
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #38 “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: …
We Do Own Our Presents
“Some may object that if we must repent, and we must have faith, then these things cannot be the gift of God. If God gives them, how are they ours? The answer is that they are ours because God gives them to us” (Back to Basics, p.55)