Pastors

I believe clarity counts for a lot in the arena of preaching as well. Every congregation needs to hear a clear word of truth and a clear call to action, both personal and corporate. It’s the right and fair thing to do.

Parenting advice for pastors - Your children will either grow up in a performance-driven house or a grace-driven house. If they grow up in a performance-driven house, then they will either be hypocrites or rebels. If they grow up in a grace-driven house, they will be disciples who seek the grace of God.

"At first glance, God’s love doesn’t appear to be much of a theological problem."

Even during his first moments on earth, Jesus chose the marginalized, the poor, the lowly and humble, to be the stars of his story.

"Sometimes people don’t know how well they are doing."

Matthew 2 describes the incredible circumstances around the birth of Jesus as the fulfilment of prophecy, and all three prophecies he points to are geographic—Jesus is the Messiah because he was driven to Egypt, his exile caused weeping in Ramah, and he returned to Nazareth.

All of that birthday stuff is just a distraction from the really good stuff.

I actually prepare notes, but I rarely if ever use them when I speak. So, why should you learn to speak without using notes? Because you can. And because it will make you far more effective.