“Christian preaching, on the other hand, grounds the ethical imperatives in redemptive indicatives” (Azurdia, Spirit Empowered Preaching, p. 75).
Three-Fold Ministry
“At this vital point, three essential principles of apostolic ministry converge: the message, method, and means for ministry ordained by Jesus Christ. The divine message? Jesus Christ. The divine method? Authoritative proclamation. The divine means? The power of the Spirit of God” (Azurdia, Spirit Empowered Preaching, p. 63).
Dismantling and Rebuilding
“There is nothing particularly intelligent about doubting. But intelligence can be revealed in how the doubts are raised and then answered” (Beyond Stateliest Marble, p. 167).
A Lot Like Sardis
“Powerlessness prevails among us. And yet it must be said that this condition is not unique to us. It has been endemic to every moment of evangelical history. What is unique to our time is the extent of our failure to recognize this powerlessness” (Azurdia, Spirit Empowered Preaching, p. 31).
Instead of the Other Way Around
“A scriptural Christian knows how to take the truth seriously without taking himself too seriously” (Beyond Stateliest Marble, p. 164).
What the Broken Pustules Want
Lurking just beneath the surface of every reform movement to change the world is the innate and depraved human lust to run the world. And since this is actually the fundamental thing about our sorry planet that needs to be reformed (and can only be reformed by the Holy Spirit), we find that the medicines …
And Sometimes Hidden Under a Head Covering
I followed a link from Tim Bayly over to Pyrotown, and found a fantastic article there. Check it out here. Among conservative women there is sometimes a temptation to strike “I wish-he-would-lead” poses, which is quite a different thing than helping him lead.
And Poof, It Was Gone
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #26 “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can …
Orthodusty
“The greatest deficiency in contemporary expositional ministry is powerlessness; in other words, preaching that is devoid of the vitality of the Holy Spirit” (Arturo Azurdia, Spirit Empowered Preaching, p. 12).
Wisdom at Home
“Shrewdness is wisdom in a homely setting . . . A wise professor might tell you not to take on more than you can handle. A shrewd uncle would tell you not to become a baker if your head’s made of butter. A lofty bit of advice might be to do your work right the …