tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50477420544382092432024-03-06T02:50:18.039+11:00Alive in ChristEncouragement to Live the New Life (Romans 6)Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-39152906770658774902014-03-04T09:10:00.001+11:002014-03-04T09:10:07.791+11:00Monthly Wrap - February 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/09/is-atheism-irrational/">Is Atheism Irrational?</a></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - Gary Gutting from The Stone provides a wonderful interview with </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alvin Plantinga, an emeritus professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, a former president of both the Society of Christian Philosophers and the American Philosophical Association, and the author, most recently, of “Where the Conflict Really Lies: Science, Religion, and Naturalism.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> A tough read, but worthwhile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/february/10-ways-to-love-your-neighbor.html">10 Ways to Love Your Neighbor</a></u></span> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can't love your neighbor well if you live an overscheduled life. The key is leaving margin in your life so that when the opportunity to love your neighbor arises, you're available.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Another great article by Ed Stetzer which really impacted me this week. This is well worth a read and provides some very practical ideas around simple ways to best engage with people around you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://timmybrister.com/2014/02/they-do-it-better-than-we-do/">They Do It Better Than We Do</a></u></span> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s a sad commentary and indictment when little league baseball coaches are more successful and committed to training and developing boys into baseball players than disciple-makers are to making and maturing disciples of Jesus." Tim Brister writes a great article exhorting Christians to spend as much time making disciples of others as they do engaging in sporting activities each week. Some great points in this article.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.challies.com/christian-living/work-that-makes-a-difference">Work That Makes A Difference</a></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The work was boring and mundane, dull and tedious, because I allowed it to be that way." </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tim Challies writes a fantastic article </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">urging Christians to glorify God as they work, noting that "...work is a stage to bring glory to my God." A great reminder and challenge for everyone who works anywhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/february/using-social-media-in-your-church.html">Using Social Media In Your Church</a></u></span> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">[Social media] is a tool for interaction and connection, not merely a megaphone to announce the next church program and party. Social media opens doors and opportunities to engage with people who rarely, if ever, step foot in a church building</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">." Ed Stetzer writes a great article about the importance of people in leadership in churches being active agents for God on social media.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All I can say to this video is Amen! Pastor Jeff Vanderstelt shares about what the Church actually is, providing the following definition: "The church is the regenerate people of God saved by the power of God for the purposes of God in this world."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Quincy Adams</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-56702260521108866022014-01-31T18:15:00.000+11:002014-01-31T18:15:00.911+11:00Monthly Wrap - January 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's time! Time for my first Monthly Wrap on this blog. These posts showcase some of the best articles that I have come across over the course of the month. I hope you find them to be helpful for you in your relationship with God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/health/features/stories/2014/01/13/3924704.htm">Digital Overload: Claim Back Your Life</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...Figures show that on average, Australians spend almost one day every week using the internet.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" One day a week? This article from the ABC highlights the worrying trend of people becoming increasingly digitally overloaded and provides some ideas to get your online time back in control. An article that rings true for anyone living, working and ministering in our modern world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/january/5-ways-to-teach-your-children-to-hate-ministry.html">5 Ways To Teach Your Children To Hate The Ministry</a></u></span> - "Pastors' kids are prone to hate the ministry. Why? How can it be avoided?" Another great article by Ed Stetzer encouraging anyone in a pastoral position to firstly be a parent, and then be a pastor. This is well worth a read.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2014/01/20/dont-hate-pray-for-pro-choice-champions/">Don’t Hate, Pray for Pro-Choice Champions</a></u></span> - "...A</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">s Christians, we must not give in to the cultural tendency to denigrate and demonise people on the other side of the political aisle." Trevin Wax writes a great article exhorting Christians who campaign against abortion to pray and not hate people whose opinion differs from theirs.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/january/monday-is-for-missiology-cynicism-doesnt-reach-lost-world.html">Cynicism Doesn't Reach A Lost World</a></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's worth remembering that your (and my) cynicism about certain evangelism methods is not actually evangelising a lost world. In that regard, cheesy does indeed trump unengaged cynicism. Yes, there might be better ways to share Christ, but too many cynics complain about how others evangelise while not sharing Christ themselves." </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another fantastic article by Ed Stetzer who shares his reflections on evangelism in the sky</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-effect-of-your-life-in-1-400-years">The Effect of Your Life in 1400 Years</a></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...What we do in obedience to Christ in this life is never wasted. Our acts are like pebbles dropped in the pond of history. No matter how small our pebble, God rules the ripples. And he causes the design on the face of the waters to be exactly what he wills." John Piper writes an encouraging article about the sovereignty of God and His hand on every single thing we do with our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each month along with my list of articles, I will also be sharing a video that I've come across during the month. This month's video is from David Platt and Francis Chan who recently collaborated to create an eight-minute video about the dangers of diluting discipleship and how the art of "making" disciples is intricately tied to the identity of "being" a disciple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"When all your favourite preachers are gone, and all their books forgotten, you will have your Bible. Master it</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John Piper</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-81195373222882646212014-01-03T15:30:00.000+11:002014-01-03T15:30:01.394+11:00New Desiring God Website<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many of you would be aware that I admire the ministry of John Piper in many ways. To kick of 2014, <a href="http://www.desiringgod.com/">Desiring God</a> - the online home of John Piper - have launched a new website. The website could be described as a treasure chest full to overflowing of jewels for the Christian soul - quality sermons, books, blog content, audio podcasts and much more are offered online; many of them available for no cost.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Along with the new website for 2014, </span><a href="http://www.desiringgod.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Desiring God</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> have also released a short video clip to explain who they are and what they stand for. Take the time to familiarise yourself with </span><a href="http://www.desiringgod.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Desiring God</a> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by viewing the above video.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I encourage you - check out the new <a href="http://www.desiringgod.com/">Desiring God website</a> and make it a regular place that you visit online - you will be blessed by the relevant and biblical content I'm sure!</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.6538286 145.51700630000005 -37.6538286 145.51700630000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-85603150117923115142014-01-03T13:42:00.001+11:002014-01-03T14:26:27.698+11:00New Year, New Vision<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well as you are no doubt aware I have not posted on my blog for some time; almost for six months in fact! Life is busy, our baby is soon to be born, and posting on Alive in Christ has not been at the top of my priority list. I have nevertheless for some time been thinking about how I can best utilise this blog and hopefully continue to provide encouragement to people through exploring the Christian faith together online.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So along with a new year, here is my new vision for the blog:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Firstly, my Weekly Wraps are going to become Monthly Wraps. There are so many great articles that I come across every week however, with time constraints I think that it would be best if I provide just one wrap once a month. I'd prefer to take the time to read and then pick from a wider range of quality articles to share online.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildR2_XDwXgZtb3-Fba8MqUhIztvraVJ845Fn8-W5x_4K6uoB5TulAhq32vPyAkuL0rMWZpdU4onqyCmuCcy9wkpbbU3rlnfy1wkPXp73gcu0abyI8oh1EsdTkhxqi9WnANK-rD6ByPhjt/s1600/Book+Review-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildR2_XDwXgZtb3-Fba8MqUhIztvraVJ845Fn8-W5x_4K6uoB5TulAhq32vPyAkuL0rMWZpdU4onqyCmuCcy9wkpbbU3rlnfy1wkPXp73gcu0abyI8oh1EsdTkhxqi9WnANK-rD6ByPhjt/s200/Book+Review-01.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm also going to continue to write book reviews as I read them - this is a skill that I am interested in developing so what better way than to share here? I want to make a concerted effort in 2014 to share a wide variety of book reviews so you should see a couple of reviews here and there throughout the year.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNR1-YvDmeVNfPJ-JMP7lbLehU4CyCRn1vrBjzKQBz4RRC1UVfqPtc8w4-6-MX11LqBY-nteASKKD-Y3Ve33RH6JkpuL4GSW0j9OJvifCGSMb6lhLYwJEzuppHZe3Yk4DCCyv8QQIEx0v/s1600/Theology+Matters-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNR1-YvDmeVNfPJ-JMP7lbLehU4CyCRn1vrBjzKQBz4RRC1UVfqPtc8w4-6-MX11LqBY-nteASKKD-Y3Ve33RH6JkpuL4GSW0j9OJvifCGSMb6lhLYwJEzuppHZe3Yk4DCCyv8QQIEx0v/s200/Theology+Matters-01.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, I also want to commit this year to explore and hopefully explain (to some degree at least!) what various theological terms actually mean. We all hear and read words like substitutionary atonement, post-tribulation, election, dispensationalism but what do they actually mean? I'll humbly try to provide some insights into common theological terms.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMEi198iI9fh088ZaF4MWe5_yMCgTKekJWEaYuvJ1aJGR8MIalieWfPfFU1b01dCnjZyMmI8jAtz28wsIk6UyLFy08NiGJnmWT8UK19CA1a-g4vGRH-Mftq8yct-YQJYo82wdTmJrhMT1/s1600/Ephesians-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMEi198iI9fh088ZaF4MWe5_yMCgTKekJWEaYuvJ1aJGR8MIalieWfPfFU1b01dCnjZyMmI8jAtz28wsIk6UyLFy08NiGJnmWT8UK19CA1a-g4vGRH-Mftq8yct-YQJYo82wdTmJrhMT1/s200/Ephesians-01.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, I'm keen to start reading through and studying a book of the bible and posting my reflections and notes online for discussion. To kick off 2014, I'm going to start with one of my favourite books of the bible: Ephesians. This should be a great way to engage with the bible and hopefully learn from one another along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">So I encourage you to stay tuned in for the all new blog content in 2014 - it should be a great year ahead!</span></div>
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-81434056694200584822013-08-15T19:59:00.001+10:002013-08-15T19:59:20.935+10:00Weekly Wrap (12/08)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thought it was about time to share a lighter-hearted video on my blog..</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. check out this video all about Terrorist Toothpaste... yep, Terrorist Toothpaste. This is well worth a listen and will make you laugh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/videos-for-pastors/169219-hybels-how-to-stay-replenished.html">Hybels: How To Stay Replenished</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bill Hybels shares his painfully-learned lessons about staying replenished in the midst of stormy circumstances. Ask yourself: Am I going to be able to keep this up?</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A great video and a must view for anyone in any kind of leadership position anywhere - fantastic insights and self-care ideas from a much respected leader.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2013/july/church-signs-of-week-july-26-2013.html">Church Signs of The Week</a></u></span> - Okay, so the article is a little old but this is a great post by Ed Stetzer. I have long appreciated his classic church signs posts and this one is terrible (in a good way...) Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://theresurgence.com/2013/07/28/counseling-cohabiting-couples">Counselling Cohabiting Couples</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cohabitation is increasing and becoming more widely accepted as an alternative to marriage, with the result that marriage is being delayed or disregarded altogether. Cohabitation is here to stay. How do we counsel those for whom cohabitation is the expected norm?</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A very good question indeed - Phil Smidt provides some insightful ideas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://eugenecho.com/2013/06/28/parenting-for-dummies-parenting-dos-and-donts-parenting-for-the-rest-of-us/">Parenting For Dummies</a></u></span> - Yes, this is another post that will make you laugh</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">. Enjoy Eugene Cho's post on how to best parent your children. This is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2013/07/24/6-ways-small-churches-can-love-their-communities/">6 Ways Small Churches Can Love Their Communities</a></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What if you are the pastor of a small church but would like to do something to serve your community? What if you love the idea of adopting a school, but barely have enough resources to cover your nursery on Sunday? </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Is it possible to do acts of mercy in your local Jerusalem with a tiny band of volunteers?</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Daniel Darling provides 6 key ideas to empower churches to better love their communities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"As long as we remember who God is, we will serve him radically and joyfully."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tim Keller</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-83808784832190170972013-08-06T09:12:00.001+10:002013-08-06T09:15:31.083+10:00Weekly Wrap (04/08)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Would we have been friends with C.S. Lewis? John Piper and Tim Keller discuss and reflect on the life, beliefs and generosity of C.S. Lewis</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2013/06/26/simon-prevette/">Simon Prevette</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You aren’t incredibly gifted? Well, welcome to the club of the “average.” Most of us dwell there. As an encouragement, let me introduce you to Simon Prevette. He is a man you have never heard of, but he is a man you should know.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A great article written by Jason Helopoulos, guest blogger on Kevin DeYoung's blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://theresurgence.com/2013/07/10/teaching-children-the-bible">Teaching Children The Bible</a></u></span> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These children think they have to keep the rules or God won’t love them. They think if they mess up God will stop loving them. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These children are in Sunday schools. They know all their Bible stories. And they have missed what the Bible is all about. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They are children like I once was</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">." A thought-provoking article from Sally Lloyd-Jones of the Resurgence challenging teachers to consider how they read and teach the Bible to children.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://thomrainer.com/2013/06/22/how-much-time-do-pastors-spend-preparing-a-sermon/">How Much Time Do Pastors Spend Preparing A Sermon?</a> - Thom Rainer writes another great article sharing many pastor's perspectives, on the amount of time that is required to write the weekly sermon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.challies.com/christian-living/ordinary-christians-and-a-great-commission">Ordinary Christians And A Great Commission</a></u></span> - I love Tim Challies writing. Tim writes a great </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">post encouraging all of us to continue faithfully as we go about the day to day, being ordinary Christians participating in a Great Commission.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-boldness-of-knowing-jesus">The Boldness of Knowing Jesus</a></u></span> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The people of Jesus should know Jesus. That is the inescapable impression we get from reading the Book of Acts. We see it in the church’s boldness — that is, the church’s outspoken clarity about the identity and significance of Jesus.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Jonathan Parnell provides some interesting insights into how we as Christians can lead life with boldness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Don't dilute God in order to make him more marketable."</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-63.0022161 104.20841230000005 -12.305441099999996 -173.17439969999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-32264000351591497372013-07-22T11:15:00.000+10:002013-07-31T10:02:20.426+10:00Weekly Wrap (21/07)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Why did North Point Community Church come into existence? Andy Stanley shares his passion for creating an engaging church for all in this video.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2013/06/26/simon-prevette/">Simon Prevette</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You aren’t incredibly gifted? Well, welcome to the club of the “average.” Most of us dwell there. As an encouragement, let me introduce you to Simon Prevette. He is a man you have never heard of, but he is a man you should know.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A great article written by Jason Helopoulos, guest blogger on Kevin DeYoung's blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://ericgeiger.com/2013/07/how-can-i-make-a-bigger-impact/">How Can I Make A Bigger Impact?</a></u></span> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My response and challenge is simple: Be faithful now. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don’t fall into the temptation of merely dreaming about future ministry fruitfulness. Be faithful right now with what the Lord has entrusted to you." An excellent article from Eric Geiger challenging young leaders to remain faithful and develop patience in ministry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://thomrainer.com/2013/07/15/ten-ways-to-be-better-church-staff-person-from-the-pastors-perspective/">10 Ways To Be A Better Church Staff Person</a> - Thom Rainer writes a great article sharing from his experience, the 10 ways that people employed in work from the church can better support their pastors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.transformativechurch.org/2013/02/22/is-discipleship-the-focus-of-most-churches/">Is Discipleship The Focus Of Most Churches?</a></u></span> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Making disciples is not about a church program. It’s not one of the things the church does. It is the thing. Jesus’ last words to his followers were, “Go and make disciples.” So if this is the mission of the church, its reason for being, its all-encompassing purpose, then why isn’t this the focal point of all that we do?</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A wonderful post by Dr Gary Thompson that is well worth a read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://tonymorganlive.com/2010/10/12/spreading-your-message-online/">Spreading Your Message Online</a></u></span> - Wondering how to get your message out to the masses online? Tony Morgan provides some interesting insights into the most effective ways to engage with your desired audience online from recent research on the topic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Christian maturity is not demonstrated through the lack of conflict, but by how we resolve it.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">J.R. Miller</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-90065877244869912062013-07-15T10:30:00.000+10:002013-07-22T11:22:23.348+10:00Weekly Wrap (14/07)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Why is discipleship important? Hugh Halter offers some great thoughts in this short video.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2013/07/08/living-on-mission-takes-time/">Living On Mission Takes Time</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some of us believe in "missions" or the act of being on mission, but we feel like we are complete failures at it. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One of the reasons is because we fail to give mission time to mature. We are too busy to be on mission for Jesus because we are on mission for ourselves</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A great article written by Michael Criner, guest blogger on Trevin Wax's blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.worldmag.com/2013/07/the_importance_of_losing">The Importance Of Losing</a></u></span> - Barnabas Piper writes a great article challenging parents to let their children lose.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://theresurgence.com/2013/07/01/revolutionary-parenting-in-the-lord">Revolutionary Parenting In The Lord</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A myriad of books has been written on what “discipline and instruction,” “bringing them up,” and “provoke” mean. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But we have focused on the wrong parts of these verses. We have solely focused on what we are to do and forgotten what Jesus is about and what he has done."</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> A nice piece from Jessica Thompson of the Resurgence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.challies.com/articles/a-reunion-of-old-friends">A Reunion Of Old Friends</a></u></span> - </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A wonderful post by Tim Challies on some of his most dear friends - his much loved books. Well worth a read.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://theresurgence.com/2013/07/06/reading-the-bible-through-the-cross">Reading The Bible Through The Cross</a></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bible study can become a blind pursuit of self-righteousness. Our quest for the knowledge of God can subtly become a way in which we compare ourselves to other Christians. We can come to believe that our great knowledge of Scripture means that we are spiritually mature.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" In this great article Chan Kilgore reminds us of the importance of reading the bible through the lens of the cross.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Imagine the revolution if every Christian went to church wanting to bless someone and then left the church wanting to bless the world</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— Eugene Cho</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-11864953487615977952013-07-08T10:30:00.000+10:002013-07-08T10:30:01.436+10:00Weekly Wrap (07/07)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I recently came across this video from John Piper discussing the Prosperity Gospel. Somehow I don't think Piper thinks too highly of this kind of theology...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.transformativechurch.org/2013/01/24/consumer-christianity-marketing-or-making-disciples/">Consumer Christianity - Marketing or Making Disciples?</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don’t want to push the analogy too far, but for the sake of illustration, let’s think of the membership model of church as similar to the membership model of the modern health club. One becomes a member of a health club by paying dues (in a church, the monthly or weekly offering). Having paid their dues, the members expect the services of the club to be at their disposal. Exercise equipment, weight room, aerobics classes, an indoor track, swimming pool—all there for them, with a trained staff to see that they benefit by them.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Are our churches about meeting people's needs or doing God's work? A challenging article from Dr Gary Thompson.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2013/06/26/why-gay-marriage-is-good-and-bad-for-the-church/">Why Gay Marriage Is Good (and Bad) For The Church</a></u></span> - Trevin Wax writes a great piece challenging the church to hold fast to the exhortation found in Romans 8:28 amidst the apparent storm that is Gay Marriage in America.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://practicalshepherding.com/2013/06/23/how-much-of-a-pastors-vacation-time-should-he-use/">How Much of a Pastor's Vacation Time Should He Use?</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You may begin reading this post with the idea that I will suggest how many weeks of vacation you should be given by your church, or how much you should advocate to give your pastor. Instead, I intend to answer this question a bit differently. My concern is not about how much vacation time a pastor is given, but how he uses (or doesn't use) what he is given."</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> A great, thought-provoking article from Practical Shepherding.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.insight.org/library/insight-for-today/longing-for-god.html">Longing For God</a></u></span> - </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A wonderful devotional by Charles Swindoll on Psalm 42:1-2. Well worth a read.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tullian/2013/06/14/the-mathematics-of-grace/">The Mathematics of Grace</a></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The world runs by ungrace. Everything depends on what I do. I have to make the shot. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jesus calls us to another way, one that depends not on our performance but his own. We do not have to achieve but merely follow. He has already earned for us the costly victory of God’s acceptance</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A great article courtesy of the Gospel Coalition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"The Lord is kind. He is good to all who take refuge under his wings</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— John Piper</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.6538286 145.51700630000005 -37.6538286 145.51700630000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-44680859990700537372013-07-05T13:25:00.002+10:002013-07-05T13:59:17.577+10:00Weekly Wrap (30/06)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Like being comfortable? Francis Chan talks about why we as Christians should reject comfort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/why-you-need-half-year%E2%80%99s-resolution">Why You Need A Half-Year Resolution</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Life gets in the way of our good intentions and we sometimes abandon them all too quickly." Time to make some changes in your life? A good article courtesy of Relevant Magazine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://fixedpointfix.com/listening-to-young-atheists/">Listening To Young Atheists</a></u></span> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Church became all about ceremony, handholding, and kumbaya," Phil said with a look of disgust. "I missed my old youth pastor. He actually knew the Bible."</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A very challenging and thought-provoking article from Fixed Point on a new breed of young atheists - ex-churchgoing, young group attending, God serving atheists.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2013/june/christ-centered-hermeneutics-and-typology.html">Christ-Centred Hermeneutics and Typology</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Daniel Block suggested that we need to be less Christocentric and more Christotelic in our Old Testament interpretation. By this he means that we need to shift our emphasis from seeking Christ in the Old Testament and more towards seeing Christ as the end, as the destination, as the climax of the Old Testament, which each Old Testament text plays a preparatory part in."</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Like thinking deeply about Theology? Then you will appreciate this great post from Ed Stetzer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2013/06/26/why-i-pray-publicly-for-other-churches/">Why I Pray Publicly For Other Churches</a></u></span> - </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Every Sunday morning, I lead the congregation of Third Avenue Baptist Church in a "pastoral prayer."... The part of the prayer that elicits the most comment, however—both positive and out of sheer confusion—is when I pray for another evangelical church or two meeting in the city of Louisville.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A really timely article from the Gospel Coalition discussing a little known (and likely practiced!) practice: praying for God's broader church, not just your own.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/lay-aside-the-weight-of-self-preoccupation">Lay Aside The Weight of Self-Preoccupation</a></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Want to refresh your soul? Want to run with more endurance today? Cease to be the focus of your attention</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Yet another wonderful and encouraging article from Desiring God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"We've substituted doctrinal belief for personal belief, thats why many people are devoted to causes & few are devoted to Jesus</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— Oswald </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chambers</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-28035766861007433162013-06-28T14:35:00.001+10:002013-06-28T14:43:04.498+10:00Be Still And Know That I Am God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" target="_blank">@jhawting</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you sometimes find it really difficult to sit still and focus at times? I do. I find it really hard at times. The worst part is that sometimes I find it hard to slow down and do that which I most want to do in life; spending time in fellowship with and building a relationship with Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I came across Psalm 46:10 the other day in my quiet time. It reads:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be still. Be still. What is it like to be still? So often in our culture - both church and secular - it is all about the doing. It is easy to get consumed with the busyness of life, moving from one task on our to do list to another, or one ministry meeting to another without even stopping to take a breath. It is easy to get consumed with work, work, work; doing, doing, doing. Trying to cram more and more things into each day. But God directs us to be still. Be still and know that I am God. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What is this passage of scripture actually saying?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The word translated as "be still" is the Hebrew term <i>raphah</i> which is used in multiple places in the Old Testament and refers to that which is slack, to sink, to relax, or to let drop, or in some cases, to be disheartened or weak. In this context, scholars generally agree that "to be weak" is the most appropriate interpretation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So what is this passage of scripture saying then? I see it this way: this passage is highlighting that we need to stop relying on ourselves, we need to stop doing everything in our own strength, and we need to take some time out from the busyness to relax with God! God wants us to take the time out to know that He is God! To recognise His majesty and splendour and to know Him as our heavenly Father! To become weak and allow the divine God of the universe to take back the leading of our lives! To recognise our finiteness and to behold His infiniteness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Whilst we obviously do need to take initiative in our lives to actually fulfill our responsibilities, the key is that we should be relying solely on God to strengthen and prepare us for every task in life. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Funnily enough, the Bible highlights the reality that if God is our focus, everything else that we need will fall into its rightful place in time. Matthew 6:33 says:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but I think it is time to truly be still before God. It's not always easy to do, but it is what we all need to do. After all, the almighty God of the universe is just waiting for us to stop doing life in our own strength so that He can come in and offer us guidance, support and His strength to succeed. Sounds like a pretty good option to me!</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-62994179643544294732013-06-25T14:00:00.000+10:002013-06-26T10:37:48.069+10:00Weekly Wrap (23/06)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is a beautiful video on God's amazing grace by Matt Chandler.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thepangeablog/2013/06/05/what-is-open-theism-greg-boyd-and-a-question-for-n-t-wright/">What is Open Theism?</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - Do you appreciate theology? Then you will like this article and brief video with N.T. Wright on Open Theism.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.challies.com/articles/hymn-stories-i-heard-the-voice-of-jesus-say">Hymn Stories: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say</a></u></span> - Do you know the story of </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Horatius Bonar, the man who penned this famous hymn? If not then Tim Challies post will enlighten you. A great and encouraging read about a man of faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/14-free-ebooks-for-you">14 Free eBooks For You</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Though it won’t replace good old-fashioned books, the upward trend of ebooks has created a new platform for us to spread our message — that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">."</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Check out these 14 free eBooks from Desiring God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2013/06/18/audio-from-the-christ-centered-teaching-panel-discussion-at-the-sbc/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=audio-from-the-christ-centered-teaching-panel-discussion-at-the-sbc">Audio from the Christ-Centered Teaching – Panel Discussion at the SBC</a></u></span> - </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ed Stetzer, Eric Hankins, Jonathan Akin, and Trevin Wax were joined by more than 300 pastors and church leaders for a breakfast meeting devoted to discussing the New Testament’s use of the Old, the appropriate ways of leading people to Christ from Old Testament stories, and the difficulties and dangers of applying this hermeneutic in irresponsible ways. The audio of their conversation at the Southern Baptism Convention is well worth a listen.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2012/december/top-blog-posts-of-2012--unhealthy-christian-organizations.html">Top Blog Posts of 2012 - Unhealthy Christian Organizations</a></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I decided to write about a problem I had seen in a number of organizations throughout the years-- an unhealthy culture among Christians in places of ministry. I wrote about it because I thought that it was an important issue to address, but even I was not expecting the level of response. Unfortunately, this appears to be a widespread problem.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Ed Stetzer shares his research into the characteristics of unhealthy Christian organisations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"We must not be content with a theory of faith. We must have faith within us so that we move from the ordinary to the extraordinary</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— Smith Wigglesworth</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-41960452740254570192013-06-24T22:17:00.002+10:002013-06-27T20:52:47.300+10:00It Is Not Good For Man To Be Alone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is not good for man to be alone. A long time ago in the garden God realised this and brought Eve into the world from the flesh of Adam. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Genesis 2:18 reads:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God provided for Adam a companion. A lover. Someone to 'do' life with. Someone to be united with. God created the first woman in the history of the world as he saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've seen this passage of scripture in a new light recently. You see, my wife has been away on a remote work trip for the last week or so. She has been on a trip to some remote parts of central Australia in the Northern Territory, and was so remote at times that she did not have internet or phone reception. We have only been apart for a bit over a week so far - and we will only be apart for nine days total - but I'm feeling lonely. I'm missing my wife; I've realised for myself how it is not good for man to be alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God has made the institution of marriage for this very purpose. Two become one flesh and live to love, nurture and honour one another, developing an earthly relationship that reflects the heavenly relationship that the members of the Godhead experience. To live together in intimate relationship. To practice unconditional love and acceptance. To rely on and trust in one another. To spend time enjoying and experiencing life together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God realised that it wasn't good for man to be alone and God brought into existence the perfect partner for Adam back in the days of Genesis. After this time apart, I am eagerly anticipating God returning my perfect partner to me tomorrow afternoon. Just like Adam, I've had enough of being alone. Just like Adam, I've realised that it's not good for man to be alone.</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-3626348871626584062013-06-17T15:00:00.000+10:002013-06-17T15:00:06.494+10:00Weekly Wrap (16/06)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jon Acuff speaks from personal experience on the value of integrating social media into your organization's communication strategy</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> in this video.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/167847-paul-alexander-paying-people-to-do-ministry.html?p=1">Stop Paying People To Do Ministry</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As they grow, many churches eagerly anticipate the moment when they're finally big enough that they can afford to hire more staff and offer more ministry options for people... </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Paying people to “do” ministry instead of “lead” ministry is an expensive mistake that many churches fall into</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A very interesting article by Paul Alexander urging the church to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/167852-ed-stetzer-churches-love-that-kill-outreach.html?p=1">Three Things Churches Love That Kill Outreach</a> - Seriously, you've got to love the stuff that Ed Stetzer brings to the table. Another great article from the man right here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/we-are-far-too-easily-pleased">We Are Far Too Easily Pleased</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s a beautiful thing when a single sentence reorients a soul for good. When one proposition proves potent enough to be life-changing for the better. Especially when it’s a short one."</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> David Mathis provides a wonderful article here that is well worth a read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/worship/worship-articles/167855-amie-patrick-lies-about-introverts.html?p=1">Four Lies About Introverts</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm an introvert. Most people who don't know me well wouldn't guess this about me, but it's true. On a practical level, being an introvert means I'm generally more energized by time alone than by time with people, and I have a preference for a less externally stimulating environment. I feel very alive in a quiet, empty room. On the introversion/extroversion spectrum I fall closer to the middle, but still lean decidedly toward the introverted side</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Amen sister! A great article that clearly debunks myths about those of us who are introverts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/new-ebook-piper-celebrates-the-influence-of-lewis">New eBook: Piper Celebrates The Influence of C.S. Lewis</a> - Another free eBook from Desiring God. What could be better that John Piper reflecting on the teachings of C.S. Lewis?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"If you read history... Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next."</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-73405661408355011832013-06-13T21:12:00.000+10:002013-06-13T21:12:22.260+10:00Weekly Wrap (09/06)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"We live in a day where is means almost nothing to be a Christian. According to research almost 4 out of every 5 Americans identify themselves as Christians...But in this group of self proclaimed Christians, less than half of them are involved in church on a weekly basis. Less than half of them believe the Bible is true.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" David Platt discusses what it looks like to be a Christian today in this thought-provoking video.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/frankviola/bono-on-jesus/">Bono On Jesus</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bono’s career is unlike any other in rock history. As the lead singer of U2, Bono has sold 130 million albums, won fourteen Grammys, and played numerous sold-out world tours, but he has also lobbied and worked with world leaders from Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to Nelson Mandela on debt relief, AIDS, and other critical global issues.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Frank Viola posts an interview with Bono where he shares his Christian faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jdgreear.com/my_weblog/2013/06/the-church-is-gods-demonstration-community.html">The Church is God's Demonstrated Community</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The church exists to share the gospel, and a large part of how we demonstrate the gospel is through local outreach. As we preach the announcement of Jesus’ finished work on the cross verbally, we have to tangibly display the love of the gospel through the work of our hands.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" J.D. Greear provides some good thoughts in this very short blog post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.transformativechurch.org/2013/02/20/was-bonhoeffer-right-is-there-a-cost-to-discipleship/">Was Bonhoeffer Right?: Is There A Cost To Discipleship?</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In his book The Cost of Discipleship Dietrich Bonhoeffer insisted, “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” Was he right?</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Dr Gary Thompson writes a great article here - well worth a read</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-bible-as-one-story">The Bible As One Story</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How does the Bible hold together into a single, cohesive story? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s an important (and intimidating) question reserved for the discipline of biblical theology, an angle of scholarship that focuses on sections of Scripture, sometimes the whole of the Bible, to show how the texts fits together within the unfolding drama of redemption and consummation in Jesus Christ.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" This well written book review is for those of you who appreciate theology as much as me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/168065-joe-mckeever-sexual-lines-no-pastor-should-cross.html">7 Sexual Lines No Pastor Should Cross</a> - John McKeever writes an interesting article outlining 7 things that people new to ministry want to steer clear of. What do you think? Should point 1 & 2 be included or is he right in listing them?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fasting is abstaining from anything that hinders prayer</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-75115688615640602822013-06-07T11:47:00.002+10:002013-06-07T11:47:49.562+10:00Weekly Wrap (02/06)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rob Bell, Rob Bell... the slippery slope continues... check out this video of Rob Bell and Andrew Wilson discussing the issue of Homosexuality and the Bible. We need to be praying for this man and all the people who follow him... he has made it clear where he stands on his view of scripture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thomrainer.com/2013/05/29/why-every-pastor-should-read-about-melissas-suicide-2/">Why Every Pastor Should Read About Melissa's Suicide</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many of us in vocational ministry want to try to fool our churches and the world. We want to act like our home has no problems. We never fight with our spouses. Our children are the embodiment of angelic beings. We are never tempted. We have no sin issues in our lives. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And we certainly don’t have family members who are depressed, and perhaps, suicidal.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A fantastic article by Thom Rainer - a must read!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2013/05/29/should-i-start-a-grassroots-movement-to-change-my-church/">Should I Start a Grassroots Movement to Change My Church?</a> - Kevin DeYoung provides 7 keys to consider when you don't agree with where your church is headed</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/legalism-or-love-religious-or-radical">Legalism or Love? Religious or Radical?</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you’re struggling with legalism, don’t fight it by quitting your quiet times. That’s the good advice I remember once hearing from a pastor. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In other words, there’s a temptation to presumably fight legalism by running away from good things, whether Bible reading or acts of love, because we mistake them to be part of the problem</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Another great article from Desiring God</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.barnabaspiper.com/2013/05/quit-calling-your-wife-hot.html">Quit Calling Your Wife Hot</a> - I completely agree with this article from Barnabas Piper (just not the plate throwing bit!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/prayer-we-get-the-help-he-gets-the-glory">We Get The Help, He Gets The Glory</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the unique things about God is that he displays his glory by helping rather than demanding help... This changes the way we pray. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When we ask him for help, we know that he will give it for his name’s sake, not because we deserve it. His helping us highlights his riches.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Yet another fantastic article from John Piper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"All of history is moving toward one great goal, the white-hot worship of God and His Son among all the peoples of the earth</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-22793015678612897552013-05-28T12:15:00.001+10:002013-05-28T12:15:50.301+10:00Weekly Wrap (26/05)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Meet Zach Sobiech: The story of a man who was diagnosed with cancer and given only a few months to live. This video shows what he did with his remaining time on earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/apr/28/australia-boom-aboriginal-story-despair">Australia's Boom is Anything But for its Aboriginal People</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - Not a faith-based article but one which resonates with my heart for justice for all people</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. A great article highlighting the disparity in experiences between Aboriginal and Non-aboriginal Australians.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2013/04/wea-wycliffe-muslim-bible-translation.html">Wycliffe Bible Translations for Muslims</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bible translations that avoid the phrase "Son of God" have proven successful among Muslims. But dismay by some missionaries and scholars recently led at least two denominations—including the three-million-member Assemblies of God—to threaten boycotts of Wycliffe Bible Translators unless it ended the practice.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A interesting Gleaning from Christianity Today on this contentious issue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/167066-hershael-york-teaching-preachers-is-like-saying-they-have-ugly-babies.html?p=1">Why Some Preachers Get Better & Others Don't</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No one denies that a preaching class and some coaching can help anyone become better. What we question is the possibility that someone with no natural giftedness and ability can be taught well enough that he can become really good.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Hershael York offers some interesting reflections on the art of teaching people to preach</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/167689-david-murray-do-rookie-pastors-get-fired.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=clnewsletter&utm_content=CL+Daily+20130526">Why Do Rookie Pastors Get Fired?</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have a simple two letter answer. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">EQ. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Or rather, the lack of it.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" A good, thought-provoking article.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/167347-tom-lawson-ministry-ruin-your-marriage.html?p=1">Is Ministry Ruining Your Marriage?</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, how do you keep church conflict from impacting your home life? </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The short answer is, you can’t. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you’re in church leadership, serious church conflict will, in various ways, impact your family life.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" An interesting article highlighting the importance of boundaries in cultivating a strong and healthy marriage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't obey God to get things. Obey God to get God. He is your shield and your very great reward.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mike Pilavachi</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-37179976319130868912013-05-28T11:56:00.002+10:002013-05-28T11:56:53.335+10:00Weekly Wrap (19/05)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This should make you laugh... stories of Preaching Goofs from members of the Gospel Coalition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/videos-for-pastors/166830-david-platt-is-prayer-necessary.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=clnewsletter&utm_content=CL+Daily+20130513">Is Prayer Necessary?</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You don't need prayer when there's nothing at stake in your walk with Christ.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" David Platt offers some thoughts in this great video.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/videos-for-pastors/167116-john-piper-on-regrets-and-retirement.html">John Piper on Regrets & Retirement</a> - A video interview with John Piper discussing his reflections on his long time ministry leading Bethlehem Baptism Church in the USA</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/it-happens-after-prayer#more">It Happens After Prayer</a> - A great book review by Tim Challies - well worth a read</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://fixedpointfix.com/">Fixed Point</a> - Fixed Point Foundation have recently released a new and improved website with lots of interesting content.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://open.lifechurch.tv/">Free Resources for You & Your Church</a> - Life.TV offer some seriously cool graphics and powerpoint slides to use for your church for free</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">. Check them out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The best work is done out of rest.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span></div>
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.8549106 145.19428280000005 -37.4527466 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-45922795880738220882013-05-14T09:14:00.001+10:002013-05-14T09:14:46.554+10:00Weekly Wrap (12/05)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's a contentious one... Shai Linne a Christian American Rapper slams False Teachers in his song which names many popular Christian leaders in it. What do you think?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/john-piper-praises-rapper-of-controversial-fale-teacher-song-93553/">John Piper Praises Rapper of Controversial 'Fal$E Teacher$' Song</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - Here's what John Piper thinks of Shai Linne's song. An interesting read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/church/how-dallas-willard-changed-american-christianity">How Dallas Willard Changed American Christianity</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dallas Willard’s legacy and influence will continue, despite his death. His writings will endure and the many institutions that looked to him for guidance will continue to practice the life of the kingdom in the ways he commended.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Matthew Lee Anderson writes a fantastic tribute piece to the much loved and respected Dallas Willard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.propreacher.com/preach-better-sermons-2013-highlights/">Preach Better Sermons 2013 Highlights</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you missed the free online Preach Better Sermons conference put on by the good people at the Rocket Company, don’t worry. I took a ton of notes. Here are a few of the nuggets I got from each speaker.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" ProPreacher does indeed share some nuggets from the many well known Christian communicators who participated in the Preach Better Sermons Conference this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/april/suffering-servants.html?paging=off">Suffering Servants</a> - Sarah Pulliam Bailey interviews </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Joni Eareckson and Ken Tada and discusses in detail their deep struggle to make their marriage work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2013/04/21/not-only-to-profess-but-also-to-practice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=not-only-to-profess-but-also-to-practice">Not Only To Profess, But Also To Practice</a> - Trevin Wax shares a short, yet powerful poem by </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thomas Becon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first responsibility of leadership is to make time to humbly listen to God. Without that, you're on your own.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rick Warren</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.854908099999996 145.19428280000005 -37.4527491 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-28358150189703786412013-05-05T08:00:00.000+10:002013-05-05T08:00:02.577+10:00Weekly Wrap (05/05)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John Piper and Kevin DeYoung </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">discuss in this video, the process of working hard towards holiness and the effort that is involved in developing a life that reflects Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/worship/worship-articles/166086-david-walker-four-reasons-not-homeschool-your-kids.html">4 Reasons Not To Homeschool Your Kids</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - This is an interesting article that is sure to stir up some conversation amongst many Christians who choose to home school their children</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. What do you think?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.edstetzer.com/2013/04/the-availability-heuristic-why.html">Love Your Neighbour: Even the Muslim Ones</a> - "For many Americans, their knowledge of Muslims is what they see on television news rather than what they know from experience. Yet, forming a view of any group based solely on what one sees on the news is a bad idea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When the Boston Marathon bombing occurred, many Americans were quick to assume it was the work of Muslim extremists, even before it was confirmed... Yet, far too many take it further, leading me to ask, why do some people assume that all, most, or even many Muslims must be terrorists?<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Another brilliant article from Ed Stetzer that is worth reading more than once.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/preaching-teaching/166585-ryan-hobbs-telling-lies-when-you-preach.html">Are you Telling Lies When You Preach?</a> - This is an interesting article by Ryan Hobbs which suggests the need for preachers to check the authenticity of stories that they use as sermon illustrations week to week. An interesting read.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tullian/2013/04/27/a-fathers-love/">A Father's Love</a> - "</span>When I was 16, my parents kicked me out of the house. They had tried everything. Nothing worked. And it got to the point where my lifestyle had become so disruptive to the rest of the household, that they were left with no choice but to painfully say, “We love you but you can’t continue to live this way and live under our roof.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Tullian Tchividjian from the Gospel Coalition shares the story of his own father's love for him in this great post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/april/antidote-to-poison.html">Antidote to Poison</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was haunted by failure to the edge of suicide—and then came life." Ravi Zacharias shares his personal testimony in this blog piece. A very powerful and challenging read!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The power you need is not found In faith, but in WHOM you place that faith. Tiny faith in a big God gets big results.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rick Warren</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.854908099999996 145.19428280000005 -37.4527491 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-72571162834378072942013-05-02T21:07:00.001+10:002013-05-02T21:16:53.310+10:00Book Review: Forgotten God by Francis Chan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I indicated <a href="http://joelhawting.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/welcome-to-alive-in-christ.html">when I started this blog</a>, one of my priorities would be to provide book reviews on interesting Christian books that I come across from time to time. So here it is: my very first book review on </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Alive in Christ</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Francis Chan's <i>Forgotten God</i> is a great book - let me just start by saying that. Why the title <i>Forgotten God</i> you might be thinking? Francis Chan outlines his justification for his provocative title from his introductory passages, suggesting that the Holy Spirit is:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"...tragically neglected and, for all practical purposes, forgotten. While no evangelical would deny His existence, I'm willing to bet there are millions of churchgoers across America who cannot confidently say they have experienced His presence or action in their lives over the past year. And many of them do not believe they can."</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Francis Chan poses this challenging thought:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"...what if you grew up on a desert island with nothing but the Bible to read? Imagine being rescued after twenty years and then attending a typical evangelical church. Chances are you'd be shocked... Having read the Scriptures outsides the context of contemporary church culture, you would be convinced that the Holy Spirit is as essential to a believer's existence as air is to staying alive."</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"There is a big gap between what we read in Scripture about the Holy Spirit and how most believers and churches operate today. In many modern churches, you would be stunned by the apparent absence of the Spirit in any manifest way."</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Challenging thoughts indeed! Through his book, Francis Chan provides a basic overview of the Holy Spirit and provides some fantastic, thought provoking statements - such as the ones above - that could be pondered for some time after the reader has finished the book. This is what <i>Forgotten God</i> does well. <i>Forgotten God</i> is not a deep, theological book, written to provide definitive answers on all aspects of theology about the Holy Spirit. Rather, Francis Chan's <i>Forgotten God</i> provides an endless array of statements, illustrations and stories which challenge and unsettle the reader, causing the reader to reassess the degree to which the Holy Spirit has influence and is evident in their own life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tim Challies <a href="http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/book-review-forgotten-god-by-francis-chan">in his book review of <i>Forgotten God</i></a> makes the following statement in concluding his review:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"...for those who have thought little about the person and role of the Holy Spirit, Forgotten God may be just the thing to get them thinking. For those who have not thought about the Spirit for a long time, this may serve as a good wake-up call. It is far from a full-orbed or exhaustive treatment, but neither is that its purpose. Chan sets out to get the reader thinking “that by keeping in step with the Spirit, we might regularly fellowship over what He’s doing rather than what He did months or years ago.” It’s about living a life dependent on and surrendered to the Spirit, about seeking how we can live faithfully here and now. And this he accomplishes well.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think Tim sums it up well. Francis Chan's Forgotten God is a great read that exhorts the reader to live a life of reliance on - and surrender to - the Holy Spirit. Any book that encourages the reader to do that can only be a good thing in my opinion.</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.854908099999996 145.19428280000005 -37.4527491 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-35032389536952511802013-05-02T11:57:00.001+10:002013-05-02T11:57:48.702+10:00Empty Me - A Song by Jeremy Camp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Holy Fire burn away,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My desire for anything</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That is not of you and is of me,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I want more of you and less of me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Empty me,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Empty me,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fill, won't you fill me, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With you, with you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Empty Me, Jeremy Camp</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.854908099999996 145.19428280000005 -37.4527491 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-65774749493160077672013-05-01T17:05:00.000+10:002013-05-01T17:06:43.646+10:00The Daniel Project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I recently came across <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/tv/Documentary/The-Daniel-Project-4330701.html">this Documentary on the Age website</a> and watched it with my wife. We had both never really looked in to the issues of End Times and Biblical Prophecy in too much detail, so we were eager to check this Documentary out. The Documentary (<a href="http://www.thedanielprojectmovie.com/index.htm">according to the official website</a>) is:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"...an acclaimed and gripping 90 min feature length documentary for our time. The Daniel Project is a genuine investigative documentary that puts ancient predictions under a journalistic microscope and presents this astonishing subject in a unique format that is both entertaining and challenging."</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Age website promotes the Documentary in this way:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Did ancient scrolls predict not only the path of modern human history but also signs of its destruction? The Daniel Project puts these prophecies under a microscope and discovers that many appear to have already come to pass. Writings by the prophet Daniel in the 6th Century BC appear to predict with uncanny accuracy today's surveillance society, climate change, terrorism and the rise of conflict in the Middle East. Known as the real Nostradamus, he was famous for his apocalyptic visions. Could his foresight be a sign of a deadly pattern we fail to see today?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I thought that it was quite interesting to see such a Documentary on a secular news site and after watching it, thought that it was worth sharing online. Wherever you stand on Biblical Prophecy and End Times thinking, you will get a lot out of viewing this challenging Documentary. So make yourself a cup of coffee, <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/tv/Documentary/The-Daniel-Project-4330701.html">stream the Documentary online from The Age</a>, put your thinking cap on and enjoy!</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.854908099999996 145.19428280000005 -37.4527491 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-38353708501466461122013-05-01T11:38:00.000+10:002013-05-01T11:51:27.850+10:00Weekly Wrap (28/04)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.edstetzer.com/2013/04/confessions-of-a-pastor-who-us.html">Confessions of a Pastor Who Used to be More Reformed Than Jesus</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - Ed Stetzer writes an interesting article about a pastor who used to be more reformed than Jesus, called Danny Slavich</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.edstetzer.com/2013/04/monday-is-for-missiology-we-sh.html">We Should Shine Bright In The Darkness</a> - "Churches are not peddlers of Christian goods and services; we are cells of subversion and transformation. We're not just opening our doors and hoping for a good turnout; we're opening our lives to show off the glory of our Savior by the way we live together, by the way we serve together, by the way we reach out in Jesus' name together.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Another great article from Ed Stetzer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/worship/worship-articles/166429-aaron-armstrong-always-expect-god-to-heal.html">Should We Always Expect God to Heal?</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My answer is somewhat simple, but then again, maybe not so. Here’s how I answer the question: </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We should expect God to do what will bring God the most glory.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Aaron Armstrong writes a thoughtful take on the hot topic of God and physical healing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://thomrainer.com/2013/04/24/autopsy-of-a-deceased-church-11-things-i-learned/">Autopsy of a Deceased Church</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I worked with the church for three weeks. The problems were obvious; the solutions were difficult.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Thom Rainer writes a reflective piece on his time working with a church that was slowly on the decline.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://thomrainer.com/2013/04/27/can-a-dying-church-find-life-six-radical-steps-to-yes/">Can a Dying Church Find Life?</a> - A follow-up blog post to Autopsy of a Deceased Church from Thom Rainer. This is well worth checking out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"How can we expect to live with God in heaven if we love not to live with him on earth?</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">— </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John Mason</span><br />
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.854908099999996 145.19428280000005 -37.4527491 145.83972980000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047742054438209243.post-87272028621679031922013-04-16T14:30:00.000+10:002013-04-26T16:29:30.227+10:00Weekly Wrap (14/04)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Joel Hawting | </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhawting" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">@jhawting</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I came across this video recently where N.T Wright - renowned author and Christian speaker - speaks about his views around Atheism. It is worth listening to if you have time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://pastormark.tv/2013/04/10/rick-warren-critics-and-the-hope-of-god-s-son?" target="_blank">Rick Warren, Critics, And The Hope of God's Son</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - I'm sure you are well aware by now of the terrible tragedy that happened just this week: the suicide of Rick Warren's son Matthew. You might also be aware of the horrible judgement and criticism that Rick Warren has received as a result, both within some areas of the church and in secular media. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mark Driscoll - Pastor of Mars Hill Church - writes a fantastic post on the three different types of Rick Warren critics. This is well worth a read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/relationships/get-mentor-2013" target="_blank">Get A Mentor in 2013</a> - This is from early on this year, but it is a helpful article still nonetheless. Tyler Braun exhorts all of us as believers to take the time to meet regularly with a mentor stating: "It could change your life. I know it changed mine."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/166122-aaron-armstrong-surprising-reasons-churches-grow.html?p=1" target="_blank">Three Surprising Reasons Churches Don't Grow</a> - Aaron Armstrong writes a thoughtful post about why it is that some churches just don't grow. A great article that is well worth checking out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/166121-cameron-cole-leaders-must-resist-sexy-cutting-edge.html?p=1" target="_blank">Learning To Resist Cutting Edge & Sexy</a> - "The longer I work with students, the more convinced I am that there is nothing sexy or cutting edge about effective youth ministry.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Cameron Cole writes a great post on <a href="http://churchleaders.com/">Churchleaders.com</a>, exploring the need for Youth Ministries to remain grounded in what is important: "...</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">pursuing relationships, teaching scripture, proclaiming the Gospel, worshipping and praying fervently."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/166136-joe-mckeever-people-disqualified-from-ministry.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=clnewsletter&utm_content=CL+Daily+20130405" target="_blank">Are Some People Disqualified From Ministry?</a> - "</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not everyone is qualified to serve and lead in the Lord’s church. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don’t miss that — "to serve and to lead." </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the Lord’s work, serving and leading often consist of the same activities, performed by the same people. The Lord’s best servants are the congregation’s best leaders. Those who lead best are humble servants willing to stoop and wash the feet or rise and lead the charge, whatever the situation requires</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">." Joe McKeever writes a great article on leadership qualities that churches should be looking for in appointing people to positions of leadership.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ is not a problem, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He is the solution to every </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">problem for life, for death, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and for eternity</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span></div>
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Joel Hawtinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484818917337617150noreply@blogger.com0Healesville VIC, Australia-37.6538286 145.51700630000005-37.854908099999996 145.19428280000005 -37.4527491 145.83972980000004