https://open.spotify.com/show/2Rdo3FjvzHufjdaVO3v3iw?si=P81ihp1sTIylWoUYGzUaUA Today, we're continuing our conversation with Brenden Taylor from last week. This week, part of our conversation includes a discussion of part of John Eldredge's Book "Fathered by God." We'll also be hearing part of Brenden's story about making peace with his father (who's now passed on). I think you're going to enjoy this! ___________________________ … Continue reading TJS Podcast – Men of God, Part 4: Unfinished Men (Episode 67)
Intimacy
TJS Podcast – Growing in Intimacy with God: Prayer as Dialogue (Episode 12)
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6r58pAQBITN3wcWIigxywN?si=Bp94gmk4T7GkBAp5-4JFvA It’s a little intimidating to talk about prayer. I mean, for 2,000 years, theologians, pastors and priests and monks have written a bazillion volumes on the topic of prayer: where to pray, when to pray, what to pray, how to pray, and what to pray for. What can I possibly say that hasn’t been … Continue reading TJS Podcast – Growing in Intimacy with God: Prayer as Dialogue (Episode 12)
TJS Podcast – Growing in Intimacy with God: Does God Talk to Us? (Episode 11)
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0xrOG4F66PVG1dACKx8bdQ?si=UXPW-m8gTCCNvzm8cm49IA If we’re going to be the people God wants us to be in the Kingdom of God and to function as agents of hope and blessing in the world, we’ve got to be different people. God needs to transform us. And we've talked a bit about the role of the Spirit in transformation, and … Continue reading TJS Podcast – Growing in Intimacy with God: Does God Talk to Us? (Episode 11)
Reflections on Spiritual Maturity
Analysts and church growth experts say the North American church is in decline and “in a state of lethargy.” The signs are everywhere: a steady decline in church membership, especially among mainline denominations, a striking increase in the percentage of Americans who do not attend church, and a decrease in the numbers of young adults … Continue reading Reflections on Spiritual Maturity
God’s Spiritual Roadmap
God has two primary goals for us, and both of them start with the gospel. According to the apostle Paul, the gospel is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16). In practice, the power of God in the gospel accomplishes two things: 1) The gospel is the message of salvation from sin through Christ’s … Continue reading God’s Spiritual Roadmap
Ron’s Five Immutable Laws of the Christian Faith
There is an awful lot of thought and talk and hand-wringing today about what's wrong with our churches and why church attendance is in decline in America. In my view many of these discussions are focused on the wrong things. So in an attempt to bring something meaningful to the discussion, I've distilled much of … Continue reading Ron’s Five Immutable Laws of the Christian Faith
The Power At Work Within Us
One of the issues raised by the situation I described the other day is the old issue of providence and suffering. It goes like this: If God is all good and all powerful, how could he allow the innocent to suffer? I’m not sure this is a great way to frame this question, because in … Continue reading The Power At Work Within Us
Real Life in a Fallen World
I’ve known for a long time that I tend to be powerfully affected by the weather. This summer has, nonetheless, tried me in new ways. This summer has been extraordinarily dry and hot in Texas. The heat and drought and relentless sun has done its best to suck the life out of my soul. Two … Continue reading Real Life in a Fallen World
Of Service and Intimacy
I've been thinking lately about two passages, and what they have to say to each other, particularly in relation to our service to God. The first passage is 2 Tim. 3:1-9, in which Paul talks about people "holding to a form of godliness, but denying its power." In other words, going through the motions of … Continue reading Of Service and Intimacy
Ministry Values
I've been thinking lately about what it would take to get me back into some kind of full-time ministry. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm considering it. But what would it take? There are parts of full-time ministry that I absolutely love. As I think back through my last ministry appointment, and some of … Continue reading Ministry Values
