Weekly Wrap (03/03)

by Joel Hawting | @jhawting

Christian Rapper LeCrae explains what Biblical Manhood is. Well worth a look! Check out more great video, audio & print resources at www.desiringgod.org.

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Community As Sacrament - "Are Christ’s characteristics and heart for the world reflected in the way we live as a community?  Do we love selflessly?  Do we care for the underserved?  Do we steward the land out of reverence for God’s Creation?" John Huckins writes an interesting article for Red Letter Christians on how Christians should be living in community with purpose.

The Cost of Compromise - "The appearance of unity, no matter how enticing, is not worth sacrificing the clarity of the gospel." John MacArthur urges all Christians in this piece to "...contend and not compromise." Well worth a read.

Five Signs of an Arrogant Pastor - "Arrogance stifles mission. It redirects the focus of our ministry to us instead of to a kingdom focus. And if left unchecked, our ministry will begin to exist for its purpose, not God's purposes." Ed Stetzer writes yet another thought provoking article on Arrogance.

How to be Mentored Without a Mentor - Jodi Ware writes a great piece exploring the issue of mentoring for Christians, and offers alternatives to the traditional one-on-one mentor relationship. Well worth a look.

Who Does What? 5 Observations on Clarifying Leadership Roles - This is a process that we have been going through recently at our church. Tony Morgan provides some great points on the importance of clarifying leadership roles in the church.

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Thought for the day...

"Compromised truth has no hope of rescuing the eternal souls of men and women..."

— John MacArthur

Weekly Wrap (24/02)

by Joel Hawting | @jhawting

For those of you who have never before heard the story of Ian and Larissa, prepare to be challenged and encouraged by their inspirational story. Check out their video, hosted by www.desiringgod.org below.

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My Coming Out As A Friend of Dan Kelly & Chick-fil-A - A very interesting article written by Shane L. Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride in the USA, exploring his interactions with Dan Kelly, President of Chick-fil-A and opponent of Same-Sex Marriage. It is well worth a read.

Food for Thought: Essendon's 'Whatever It Takes' Slogan Depends on Values - Most of us in Australia would be familiar with the recent controversy around professional athletes taking performance enhancing drugs. This article by David Wilson provides some Christian food for thought on the issue.

God Uses Intentionality To Grow Us Spiritually - "The point of seeking God is not that He is hard to find. Rather He desires we constantly invest in this relationship and seek to follow Him in every area of life. This requires intentionality and ultimate priority in a disciple's life." Ed Stetzer provides some interesting statistics and research on "Seeking God" today.

Don't Drink The Dirty Water - "We're drinking from water that will never satisfy if we're not drinking from the Living Water (John 4:7-30)." Lore Ferguson writes a beautiful piece on the importance of getting our water from Jesus and Jesus alone.

7 Strategies To Empower Leaders - "It does no good to invite leaders to be a part of your team if you’re not going to let them lead." Tony Morgan provides some great points on empowering leaders within a church context.
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Thought for the day...

"Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart and soul to God."
— John Bunyon