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Feature Friday (06/7/19)

There were needing men everywhere. Every bed was full. Directives were being hollered repeatedly and loudly. “Bandage.” “More medicine.” “I need help.” The needs were great. The need for discernment was greater.

This was a routine scene for the life of a Civil War field surgeon. Injuries were numerous. Life-threatening situations happened daily. And the surgeon needed minute by minute discernment to prioritize which situations needed his immediate attention and which could wait for later. This discipline was known as triage. It is routinely practiced in the medical world, but something that is needed in all areas of life, especially in regards to theology.

Albert Mohler wrote such an article concerning triage in the theological realm. It is excellent in helping one think through priorities when it comes to theological issues. It helps one answer the question of first importance as Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Check out Mohler’s article “A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity“.

So look for ways to triage decisions this weekend. What is of first importance? What is of secondary importance? Why? Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

As always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day.

Photo by Marcelo Leal on Unsplash

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Feature Friday (05/03/19)

“Buddy watch out for…” No sooner had the words come out of my mouth then did I immediately have to change the ending of the sentence from one warning to another. Word to the wise, when watching your children learn to do anything know there are dangers aloof at every turn.

The same is true for adults, especially those who call themselves followers of Jesus. Living the Christ-like life is full of dangers. I referenced an article last month about some of those dangers. But today I want to link to another form of dangers. Here are “8 Dangers in NOT Studying Theology” by Chuck Lawless.

He has great insight and balances his earlier article well. Know that we live in a dangerous world and being a follower of Jesus is no simple task. However, it is so worth it, but we can’t do it alone, so be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day! Enjoy the read.

Photo by DDP on Unsplash

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Feature Friday (04/05/19)

Having just portaged our canoes, packs, and gear across the dry ground for the last mile, the lunch break we had was perfectly timed. We only had one more large lake to cross until we were at our campsite for the night. All had gone well and we pushed out into the lake for a couple more hours row. We were experienced, confident, and sure of our path. But that is when it all changed.

A storm blew in quickly. Rain began to fall heavily. The wind picked up violently. Danger was in store. And danger is what we got. Rowing into the wind, over a half mile from the nearest shore, and with our buddy canoe out of earshot, danger hit! Capsized in 42F water was a life-threatening, dangerous situation. But what made it worse was we were not expecting it. We had not seen the danger. That was the problem.

The same is often true in life. We gain some experience, become confident in our ability, and are certain of our path. Then danger strikes. It is true in driving, parenting, leading, marriage, and it can even be true in studying theology. Which is why Chuck Lawless’ article, “7 Dangers to Studying Theology” is a must-read.

If you are a follower of Jesus, especially a pastor, ministry leader, or someone who takes great measures to understand your faith, please take the time to read the quick 7 points Chuck makes here.

As always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day!

Photo by DDP on Unsplash

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Feature Friday (11/02/18)

It’s a constant struggle. Similar conversations over and over again. Simple instructions are given and clarified and yet still argument ensues. The action would take no more than a couple of minutes, but the discussion drags on for much longer. Ever have this type of feeling or interaction? Maybe as a parent with your children? A teacher with your students? A leader with those you are leading? Or even with your spouse?

As a husband, father, and leader the struggle always exists between simply getting others to do the things that need done and helping them want to do the things that need to be done. It is a difference of action and motivation. It is the difference between conduct and character. It is the difference between doing and being. But as a leader, I must understand one major truth…

Jared C. Wilson shares the insightful principle between action and motivation, conduct and character, doing and being in his article “Life in the Spirit Isn’t Just ‘Doing’ Differently, But ‘Being Different“. So if you want to know how to help your students, children, or other loved ones go from just doing to being, check out the article.

As always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day! And I’d love to hear your thoughts or reflections on the article!

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Feature Friday (05/04/18)

When you start a new job, move to a new area, or join a new group there is always new language to learn. Having recently done all three of these things I have been learning a lot lately. I have been learning new acronyms, phrasing, and ways of doing things at my workplace. I have been learning new areas of the county I live in.

While I may not be learning a new language, it certainly feels like it with the number of new words and phrases I have had to adopt over the past 2 months. But instead of being frustrated by it (ok maybe a few times) or getting angry and giving up, it has given me a new found sympathy and compassion for new followers of Jesus.

Having followed Jesus for some time now, I often forget what it is like to not know what a certain Bible word or phrase may mean. But I don’t think that means we don’t use words the Bible or even Jesus used. NO! Instead, we must patiently seek to teach and help others learn the new “language” of a great relationship. Which is why I love Ryan Higginbottom’s article Big Bible Words: Covenant. An unfamiliar word for many, but a vital word to Bible readers – skeptics, seekers, and believers alike.

Enjoy the read and as always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day!

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Feature Friday (5/5/17)

Discouragement. Disappointment. Depression. Despair. All emotional states we try to avoid, yet realities we all experience. Sometimes these states last longer than others. For some these states can linger for years even decades. They can be brought on by external difficulties or internal fears. But the truth is, they are not states any of us desire. So how do we handle them? How do we break out?

Now, I don’t want to minimize or trivialize the reality of extended times of discouragement, disappointment, depression, or despair. Nor do I want to portray the solution as a simple “look to Jesus” band-aid. But Josh Hedger wrote a fantastical piece when he “was in a 3-week span of much discouragement and despair. His heart was riddled with doubt and fear and his disposition dripped of frustration.  It seemed like one thing after another had gone wrong.”

Check out Josh’s article “Theology 101 From My 2-Year-Old“. And as always enjoy being with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day!

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