Blog
Blog
The Journey to Know God - You Need To Know
Growing up in the church, I often heard people talking about what it means to “know God.” I assumed that they meant knowing about God, presumably from reading their Bibles and paying closer attention to our pastor’s sermons than I probably did. But...
Should You Learn Biblical Greek? Consider This...
The main purpose of writing the new Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar, Fourth Edition is to help you to understand better and to communicate more clearly the Word of God. This must be kept in mind at all times. It should motivate you, encourage you...
Scripture’s Motivation to Seek Racial and Ethnic Unity Right Now
“These words are a call to abandon complicit Christianity and move toward courageous Christianity.” History and Scripture teaches us that there can be no reconciliation without repentance. There can be no repentance without confession. And there...
Pastor, Lose Your Swag and Embrace Your Limp
Not long ago, I failed miserably at practicing what I preach. I committed a very hurtful sin with my tongue, to which my wife responded, “Out of the heart, the mouth speaks.” She then told me what I already knew. My sharp words were a betrayal of...
Answering the Call to Lo Debar
by By Rob Cowles, adapated from the new book The God of New Beginnings: How the Power of Relationship Brings Hope and Redeems Lives When Mephibosheth was five years old, his father, Jonathan and grandfather, Saul the king of Israel, were killed in a...
The Golden-Mouthed Preacher: Lessons Learned from John Crysostom
John Chrysostom (ca. 349–407) boldly called for distinctive Christian living and piety, and he denounced the abuses of the wealthy and powerful. His direct preaching eventually raised the ire of the imperial family, and he was deposed and died in...
Preparing Couples for a Marriage, Not a Wedding
As pastors, our call isn’t to put on a great prelude to a party (i.e., a wedding). It’s to prepare engaged couples for marriage, a lifelong relationship. Too often, time constraints lead many of us to focus the bulk of our “preparation” on planning...
3 Lies About Fighting Sin
Sin is a reality for every Christian. Which is why fighting sin is one of the most common topics a Christian thinks about, wrestles with, and seeks counsel on. However, many of us carry around 3 subtle lies about how to fight sin. If we want to...
How to Tell the Gospel with Storytelling
“For every generation, or maybe even every decade, a book comes out that will become a standard reference for evangelism and apologetics,” says CT’s recommendation . “ This book has the potential to become the leading manual for Christians engaged...
Matthew’s Surprising and Barely Recognizable Christmas Story
Matthew’s version of our favorite holiday <Matthew 1:18-2:23 > is hardly recognizable except for the star and the wise men. Joseph nearly divorcing Mary, Herod’s diabolical ploy, the slaughter of the innocents, the flight to Egypt, waiting...
Feeling Overcommitted? Here’s Some Practical Wisdom
A married father with two kids is living at maximum capacity. Between work and family, trying to be a good husband and father, his plate is full. Now, add to this his hatred of disappointing people and his love of having fun. He prefers saying yes...
A Fresh Look at Doubt and Doubting Thomas (Complete Sermon Outline)
Free sermon outline! The Zondervan Pastor’s Annual gives you a planned preaching program for a full year, including complete sermon outlines for morning and evening services, messages for special occasions, and more. Start saving time in your sermon and service preparation.
How to keep leaders (and guests) coming back for more
Alpha is a ten-week course that provides a safe place to explore life’s biggest questions. Globally proven and highly effective, Alpha creates a culture of invitation within your church and is a great front door for people exploring faith. We know...
The Power of Preaching Like a Teacher
J. I. Packer (1926–) is known primarily as a writer, theologian, and professor; however, throughout the majority of his career, he was a preacher dedicating himself to the training of theologically astute church people. Having stood in hundreds, if...
8 Spiritual Practices for Pastors (and Everyone) Facing Pressure to Achieve
Twenty years ago, when I first came to pastor Tenth Church in Vancouver, I was intimidated. I felt nervous about the challenge of pastoring a historic church that had dwindled from more than one thousand to a little more than one hundred members....
Creative Outreach with Alpha
Alpha is a ten-week course that provides a safe place to explore life’s biggest questions. Globally proven and highly effective, Alpha creates a culture of invitation within your church and is a great front door for people exploring faith. From...
Free Resources
Using How (not) to Save the World with your church or small group?
Here are some tools to help:
The Small Group Tool Kit includes two mobile-friendly invitation cards, reflection cards to enhance your small group experience, and a worship song playlist curated by Hosanna Wong that can beplayed during small group meetings or personal Bible study time.
The Church Tool Kit includes a downloadable poster, bulletininsert, invitation card, and Power Point slide.
Is your church talking about anxiety, depression and mental health issues? You should be.
Shawn Johnson, lead pastor of Red Rocks Church, gives a
searingly honest portrait of anxiety and depression and shows readers how to fight back and live free. He also has put together three free tools pastors can use to help their congregation have a productive conversation around mental health, including a discussion guide, sermon notes and key Scripture verses.