In 2013 I was visiting seminaries trying to decide which one to attend. In God's providence, while I was visiting Southern Seminary, there was also a 9Marks conference on Expository Preaching happening at the same time. It was at this conference that I heard the talk below that helped shape my view of preaching. Mike... Continue Reading →
T. David Gordon on Christian Proclamation
Pastors and all Bible teachers use many words. Just think, if a pastor preaches or teaches 50 weeks a year and each of those weeks includes an hour and a half of sermons or classroom style teaching, then that would be 75 hours of words used to talk about God. That is more than three... Continue Reading →
Dan Doriani on 4 Principles to Observe Scripture
One temptation for those who study the Bible is to always approach a biblical text through predetermined theological lenses. This can start when people are young and usually answer questions in Sunday School by saying "Jesus." Although it is a good tactic to answer questions with the name of our savior, this practice can lead... Continue Reading →
Recommended Resource: Steal Away Home by Matt Carter & Aaron Ivey
It is no secret that there are racial tensions in our country today. These tensions exist both inside and outside the church. People have different opinions about what is the cause, effect, and actual result of these tensions. As a youth pastor, I have the privilege of attempting to help students think through cultural issues... Continue Reading →
3 Theology Books to Read with High School Students
Many people hear the words "Theology Books" and think of large, dust covered books that professors and pastors use to write papers, sermons, and even more books. This is true and a beneficial use of these resources. However, theology books are more than resources to be used by pastors and scholars. R.C. Sproul reminded everyone... Continue Reading →
10 Quotes from Journey Well by Mick Naples
Journey Well is a book that was published earlier this year by Mick Naples. Mick is a friend of mine who serves on staff with me at our church and has a background in education and counseling. This is combined in the pages of this book with a heart to help others know and follow... Continue Reading →
2,213 Days of Seminary
2,213. This is how many days went by from my very first class at Southern Seminary to the date my last assignment was due for my Master of Divinity degree. I started seminary with a systematic theology class at an extension center near Baltimore and ended with an online class about family ministry. When I... Continue Reading →
3 Resources to Help Teens Know the Bible Better
The teenage years are where people lay the foundation for which they will live the rest of their lives! It is during this time that we must help teens learn the Bible and also equip them to read the Bible on their own. I want to recommend three resources that can be helpful for teens... Continue Reading →
Donald Whitney on Selecting a Book to Read
There are MILLIONS of books available for you and I to read. These books serve different purposes: education, recreation, etc. How can we decide which books are most helpful to read? Well, the answer to this would be complex. However, Don Whitney has a helpful thought in his book titled Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian... Continue Reading →
Roark & Cline on Biblical Theology
Theology involves people studying and learning about God. In one essence, as RC Sproul wisely titled one of his books, everyone is a theologian. Even those who reject God have learned about him and have made decisions based off of what they believe about him. How would you describe your theology? Hopefully it is based... Continue Reading →