Doing Little Things (Dickson)

Jesus said "one plants, another harvests" (John 4:37 NLT). Paul wrote "I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow" (1 Cor. 3:6 NET). These and other teachings in Scripture show that God uses various people to accomplish his purposes. One thing this means is that we aren't necessarily called as Christians to do …

On Avoiding People Who Cause Divisions (Calvin)

When talking about people who sinfully cause division in the church, this is what Paul told Titus: Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11 NIV). This inspired …

Jack Rabbits and Ping-Pong

 I'm surprised how many times I hear people speak negatively about a pastor's seminary education - as if knowledge is deadly to the soul (or ignorance is bliss).  Of course, this sentiment is a common American one that goes way back to the early frontier days of circuit preachers.  Billy Sunday even said, "I don't know …

Martin Bucer’s Pastoral Theology: A Review

 In the early years following the Reformation - specifically 1538 - Martin Bucer (Butzer) wrote Von der Waren Seelsorge (Concerning the True Care of Souls).  Since the Roman Catholic church had harmed, hindered, and hurt many souls, and since Reformed pastors didn't have extensive examples of and training in pastoral theology, a book like this was needed.  So Bucer penned …

Hearing the Gospel (Over and Over!)

 Here's a book that church leaders need to get - pastors, elders, deacons, and other Christians who help God's people in different ways: Counsel from the Cross by Dennis Johnson and Elyse Fitzpatrick.  In a word, this book is a lesson on the gospel and how it applies to Christians on the pilgrim way - fighting sin and …