Sound Words: A Mess May Mean Success!

The world in which we live is a mess. Lives are dominated by sinful habits. People live with little if any restraint, and it shows in their behavior, their dress, and their language. Sinners are messy. Indeed, even when sinners come to Christ, they bring their messy baggage with them. Thus, ministry that engages sinners [...]

My Jesus, Fair Octavo and Orchestration Available

By God’s grace, Greg Habegger’s choral arrangement of My Jesus, Fair has been very well received. Almost 1000 copies have been sold since it was released 3 weeks ago. We’re thrilled to be able help church and school choirs point their hearers Christ-ward, whether for Good Friday, Easter, or other services. The song’s focus on [...]

Micah Potter: NFL Pass, Punt & Kick Champion!

How cool is this?! Micah Potter, the 10-year-old son of my good friend, Pastor Tim Potter, beat 500,000 other kids to become the National Champion of the NFL’s PP&K competition. The story about his qualifying for the finals can be read or viewed here. (Tim and Caleb Potter make cameo appearances in the video.) The [...]

Abortion Perspective

Sobering numbers: Population of Haiti: 10,000,000 Hurricane Katrina death toll: 1836 9/11 death toll: 2974 Hiroshima and Nagasaki death toll: 200,000 Military death toll of U. S. Civil War: 620,000 Military death toll of World War II: 25,000,000 U.S. abortion death toll since Roe v. Wade was passed on this day in 1973: 52,000,000 Shocking. [...]

Pastor Bob Bixby Going to Haiti Tonight. Pray. Help.

I just got off the phone with Bob Bixby, Pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church and one of the hearts behind Global Grace Missions. Bob has spoken frequently about the need for believers to extend compassion and assistance in times of particular need, and the Lord has given Him an unprecedented opportunity to do so. [...]

Follow-Up to “Zero Tolerance”

I’ve been shocked by the number of hits my recent article on serious-minded preaching received. Mercy. The discussion has sprawled—here, on FaceBook, and in private notes. Some of it has been profitable. Some of it has probably been sinful. I think a follow-up is in order, so I’m re-posting a comment I made on that [...]

It’s Past Time to Put a “Zero Tolerance” Policy on Preaching

Most fundamentalist churches and institutions have a “zero tolerance” policy on their music ministry. You’re as likely to find a drum set in the auditorium as you are to find a crucifix. “Not on my watch,” is the pastor’s attitude. “Over my dead body.” I get that, and I appreciate it. No problem. I just [...]

File This Next to “Rock Music Kills Plants”

This has “rock-n-roll sermon illustration” written all over it. :)

Doing What Only We Can in Haiti

Bob Bixby (Global Grace Missions) offers a great perspective regarding the tragedy in Haiti. Whereas the unsaved can provide immediate help for the mind-numbing and desperate physical needs in Haiti the via Red Cross, national efforts, and other displays of common grace (for which I rejoice), there are some things that only believers can do. [...]

Borrowing Brains: 2009 Reading

Just wondering… 1. What was the best Christian book you read in 2009? Why? 2. What was the best secular book you read in 2009? Why? 3. What was the worst/most disappointing book you read in 2009? Why?