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?

Borrowing Brains: Prophet, Priest, and King

Greg Habegger and I finished a new hymn a few months back, but we’ve not been sure about it. Thus, we’ve not published it at www.churchworksmedia.com yet. As we’re thinking on it, I’ve asked the Huron ladies (friends of mine who did such a nice job on His Robes for Mine) to record it so we could hear it. They did a nice job, as expected. (Thanks for that!) We’re still wondering about the text and tune, however.

If you’re familiar with what we do at CWM, we’d love your input. Please give Prophet, Priest, and King a listen (mp3) and read (pdf) and chime in. Shall we publish it? Tweak it? Bury it? Please advise.

Either way, thanks to the Hurons for doing such a nice job once again!

So…thumbs up or down? :)

Borrowing Brains: Wine

No, I’m not asking for your favorite wines. I’m preaching Sunday on a biblical perspective on alcohol, a topical message that is growing out of our exposition of John 2. It’s coming well. However, I’m still interested in helpful resources (preferably online). What messages or articles have you found to be especially helpful in addressing this issue in an exegetical manner?

Comic relief: I’m a teetotaler, but if anything could drive me to drink, it would be this. (HT: Filops, so blame him)

Borrowing Brains: What Current Events Have Christians Nervous?

At the request of our elders, I’m preaching tomorrow on a godly response to prophecy and current events. It’s not mystery that “the daily news” is the source of angst to multitudes of professing Christians right now. With that in mind, I’m excited about the message, and I’m hopeful it will be both sanctifying and settling for believers here.

My question for you, then:

In your conversations with fellow Christians, what current events are making them nervous, especially as they attempt to connect the dots between biblical prophecy and current events?

Thanks for your input. Feel free to explain and to share “your two cents” on the topic—why Christians are anxious about these matters, whether it’s healthy, potential dangers to avoid, how we should be thinking about them, etc.

“Maranatha!”

Borrowing Brains: Sexual Purity for Young Adults

I’m preparing to minister to college students on the topic of sexual purity. If you were me, (a) what biblical principles would you prioritize (especially realizing that only so much can be said during a limited amount of time), and (b) what miscellaneous advice (in addition to full sermons) would you pass on to them—perhaps specific to guys, girls, etc. What do you think Christian young people must know about the topic of sexual purity?

Thanks in advance!

Borrowing Brains: Stationary Bike Tips?

This is by far the least important post I’ve made for quite some time. Sorry. However, I’ve been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and a stress fracture. I’ll be hobbling around in an aircast for a month or two, followed by some rehab. That means my current exercise options are limited:

• I can’t run (which is sad).
• I can’t walk (not for exercise, anyway).
• I could “burn it up” with my wife, but, well, that’s not gonna happen.
• I could swim, but I can’t do laps in my basement. Plus, it’s hard listening to sermons in underwater.

So, what should I be looking for in a stationary bike? How much will I need to spend? What “gadgets” does it need to have? Do I want it to be upright or more reclined? Is there a certain brand or model I should look for or avoid? I don’t want to over-buy, but I want it to be adequate. And how long does it take to get a substantial workout (similar, say, to a 3 to 5 mile run)? Other tips?

Thanks.

Borrowing Brains: Decentralized Ministry

I’ve spoken quite a bit lately about my burden for (a) decentralized leadership and (b) every member ministry. Both are core values at Tri-County Bible Church, which I’m privileged to pastor. The concept is thoroughly biblical. However, sometimes there’s a “disconnect” between what we believe to be right and what actually takes place. Sometimes the implementation of a right philosophy is challenging. So…

Whether you’re a pastor or not, please help the other readers of MTC by chiming in: What are some practical things churches, pastors, and members can do to encourage decentralized leadership and every member ministry? What hinders these things?

Please explain, and be as specific as possible. Looking forward to reading your thoughts. Thanks!

Borrowing Brains: Favorite Missionary Biographies

I’m taking my own medicine. I recently urged the members of TCBC to expose themselves to missions in a variety of creative ways, one of which was reading missionary biographies. I confess that biographical reading is a weak point of mine, and I’d like to rectify that. I’m also preparing to present a missionary biography message to TCBC in a few months, and I need to choose one model missionary to get to know particularly well. (I did a biographical message on John Wycliffe last year and loved it!) So…

Which missionary and which biography/biographies would you recommend that I read first? Why? What makes the missionary and/or the book noteworthy? How has the Lord used it in your life?

Looking forward to some great answers! Thanks in advance!

Borrowing Brains: Practical Tips for Personal Prayer

Joe and I are tag-teaming on a Sunday night series on prayer. This week I’m preaching on practical helps that can enhance one’s prayer life. I’d appreciate your input.

What specific suggestions have you found to really be helpful to you in your own prayer time, making it more consistent, more productive, more focused, more worshipful, etc.?

Borrowing Brains: Beautiful Secular Music

I’m a music freak. While the majority of my time is spent listening to Gospel-centered sacred music, I really enjoy secular instrumental music, as well. Think common grace. (Alas, I know that some of my friends will see my favorites below as more “common” than “grace.” Probably true.) Anyway, I’m looking for tips on knock-your-socks-off-gorgeous instrumental music—generally orchestral (though I enjoy piano and guitar, as well). I have a decent-ish classical collection, so I’m looking for more (again) “common” music. Realistically? Most of what I enjoy in this regard hales from movie soundtracks. Examples of my favorites? Sure.