A few years ago, as I (Nelson) was studying Genesis in preparation for a teaching series, God brought something significant to my attention—a truth that became a paradigm-shifting revelation concerning my view of sleep. At first glance, the truth seems simple enough: when God created the world, he created the night before the day (Gen. 1:2–4). The darkness preceded the light. … Read More
Leaders Live Lives Worth Imitating
“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” — Hebrews 13:7 (NLT)
John Wycliffe On the Silence of the Holy Spirit
“There was good reason for the silence of the Holy Spirit as to how, when, in what form Christ ordained the apostles, the reason being to show the indifferency of all forms of words.” — John Wycliffe, Bible Translator and Morning Star of the Reformation (c. 1330 – December 31, 1384) Wycliffe was an English professor, priest, and reformer. He is … Read More
The Necessary Qualities of a Close Friend
What does a person, who is a friend, an advisor, and a confidant, look like? Are there certain qualities that make a person fit for this position in your life? These are important questions because, for many average pastors, they have never had someone like this in their lives. You may feel fearful of having someone who has that kind … Read More
Leaders Humble Themselves to Help Others
“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” — John 13:14-15 (NLT)
Win Arn on God’s Plan for Churches
“The church is God’s plan for making disciples and for winning a world.” – Dr. Win Arn, founder of the Institute For American Church Growth, director of Religious Education in Baptist and Congregational Churches, promoter of the Church Growth Movement, and film producer. June 26, 1923 – December 13, 2006
Happy Reformation Day!
In celebration of Reformation Day today and Luther’s act of defiance 505 years ago that started the Protestant Reformation, I’d like to share some of his major achievements: Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany in October 1517. These were the differences Luther found between the Roman Catholic Church and the Bible. His refusal to … Read More
Leaders are Genuine and Helpful
“He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.” — Psalm 78:72 (NLT)
Calvin on the Relationship Between the Holy Spirit and Scripture
“The Spirit, promised to us, has not the task of inventing new and unheard-of revelations, or of forging a new kind of doctrine, to lead us away from the received doctrine of the gospel, but of sealing our minds with that very doctrine which is commended by the gospel.” – John Calvin (July 10, 1509 – May 27, 1564), Leading … Read More
Martin Luther, Passionate Reformer
Today’s guest post comes to us from ChristianityToday.com in celebration of this month marking the 505th anniversary of the Reformation. In the sixteenth century, the world was divided about Martin Luther. One Catholic thought Martin Luther was a “demon in the appearance of a man.” Another who first questioned Luther’s theology later declared, “He alone is right!” In our day, … Read More