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Which Translation(s)?
I wonder which translation pastors preach from the most? Study? If you use one predominant version in preaching, which other translations do you most often refer to in order to provide other shades of meaning? What is it that you like about the translation(s) you use the most, and why do you consider it to be the most effective for you? Read the responses.
Trophimus and our Need for Resilient Faith
Tony Cooke
The Bible simply does not explain why Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus, why John the Baptist died in prison after hearing of the miracles received by others, or why Peter was miraculously rescued from prison but James was not. As much as people sometimes don’t like to hear it, there are still “secret things” that belong to the Lord our God (Deuteronomy 29:29). There are examples in Scripture where faith seems to be more of a transcendent faith, an over-arching faith in God Himself that stood strong in spite of specific results (such as healing or deliverance) that were not realized or experienced in certain situations. Read this article by Tony Cooke.
Aggressive Discipleship: The S.P.T. Program of the Rock Church
Pastors Jim and Deborah Cobrae have graciously made available the training manuals and outlines from their Spiritual Personal Trainer ministry at the Rock Church in San Bernardino, CA. They deliberately and intentionally go after new believers to transform them into committed disciples, and these are the tools they use.
Click here to view the Spiritual Personal Training materials.
Click here to listen to the interview, “How to Give Aggressive Altar Calls with Pastor Jim Cobrae.
Christian TV’s All-Time Worst Fundraising Gimmicks
J. Lee Grady
Let's stop the hypnotism, the guilt manipulation and the high-pressure gimmicks. It's time to reclaim our lost credibility. Read this article by J. Lee Grady.
Planning Effective Missionary Crusades and Events
Ron Martin
Nothing compares to watching an entire village in the Amazon jungle come to Jesus, or the joy of seeing those bound by religion in Asia set free as they hear about our loving Savior. As the Word is preached in Africa we’ve witnessed God’s delivering power transform lives right before our eyes. There are guiding principles in the planning and preparation of a successful event that will reach the multitudes and impact lives. Read this article by Ron Martin.
Taking a Break
From The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing
While we read in Genesis that God rested on the seventh day, a growing number of ministers are finding that there is more work — and stress — than ever before, and fewer opportunities to unwind. The result has been a myriad of health problems among the clergy... Read this article from the Pastor’s Weekly Briefing
Reasonable Compensation for Pastors and Ministers
Thomas J. Winters, Esq.
In recent years, pastoral and key church staff compensation has come under a great deal of governmental scrutiny. Government representatives and agencies such as the IRS now require increased transparency and public accountability. The procedures churches should follow in setting compensation for their pastoral and other key staff members can be found in Section 4958 of the Internal Revenue Code. By following the procedures set forth below... Read this article by Tom Winters
Read all of our quotes by visiting our Quotes Page.
RELATIONSHIPS
"Every disciple needs three types of relationships in his life. He needs a ‘Paul’ who can mentor him and challenge him. He needs a ‘Barnabas’ who can come along side and encourage him. And he needs a ‘Timothy,’ someone that he can pour his life into."
- Dr. Howard Hendricks
SERVICE
"I could never forgive myself if I elected to live without humane purpose, without trying to help the poor and unfortunate, without recognizing that ...the purest joy in life comes with trying to help others."
- Arthur Ashe
OPPOSITION
“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.”
- Albert Einstein
BREVITY
“I have made this letter longer than usual, only because I have not had the time to make it shorter.”
Blaise Pascal
PRAYER
“God will do nothing on earth except in answer to believing prayer.”
- John Wesley