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Faith through the Fire, #2

God’s definition of good is different from the way we might typically define the term. We read Scriptures like Romans 8:28 and then we wonder why bad things happen to good people. Evidently, God sees good in different ways than we are accustomed to seeing it.

In Monday’s post, I discussed the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego as they refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. True faith prompted these young Jews to confront the challenge and confess the Lord to the very face of the world’s most powerful earthly ruler. They made the right decision, but what was the result?

Our definition of the word good would lead us to believe that God would reward these three young men by saving them from the fiery furnace. But God has bigger plans and a greater good in store.

Nebuchadnezzar, filled with rage at the audacity of these young men to disobey him, commanded his men to heat the furnace seven times hotter than it was usually heated (Dan. 3:19). He had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego bound and thrown “into the midst of the burning fiery furnace” (Dan. 3:21). He was so angry that he didn’t even take the time to strip them of their clothes. Daniel 3:21 says they were bound “in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their outer garments.”

It seems that Nebuchadnezzar’s furious command caused his mighty men of valor to get too close to the dangerous, “exceedingly hot” flames of the furnace (Dan. 3:22). As they threw in the three Jews, the fire killed Nebuchadnezzar’s men.

What happened next shocked everyone.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” (Dan. 3:24).[/box]

As they peered through the flames, they counted not three, but four men walking around in the midst of the fire. That which had bound them was now loosed, and the fourth individual looked like one who was sent by God.

This past weekend, Emily and I were able to attend a congregational retreat for the Riggs church of Christ in Chapel Hill, TN. It was a cold Saturday morning to be outdoors, so the fire pit was a popular place to be. The smell of the smoke from the fire lingered on our clothes long after we left the retreat. When Nebuchadnezzar called the three men from the furnace, they came out and looked as though they hadn’t even been around a fire. Their “hair … was not singed nor were their garments affected” (Dan. 3:27). This one is my favorite detail: “the smell of fire was not on them.” God doesn’t do anything half-way, does He? He is truly an awesome God.

Is my faith like the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego? It’s one thing to refuse to bow in a crowd of people who bow around you. It’s another thing to refuse to bow to the face of the one who has commanded that everyone bows before him. It is still yet another thing to refuse to bow and to allow the enemy to bind you and throw you in a furnace. These men trusted in God. He works all things for good.

That’s why I say that God’s definition of good must be different from the way many of us define it. We would not consider losing our lives to be good, yet these faithful three said that if God chose not to deliver them from the death of the furnace, then “let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Dan. 3:18).

True faith confounds the enemy. They won’t understand why we do what we do, but it makes perfect sense to us: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).

True faith confirms the promises. The most powerful man in the world had God’s people punished for not bowing down to his image, but God was still on the throne that day, and He demonstrated that through this incredible miracle. God doesn’t work in miracles today (John 20:30-31; 1 Cor. 13:9-11), but that doesn’t make His promises less true, nor does it make His Word less authoritative.

Note that God did not deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego from the fire, but in the fire. And God will deliver us, too. He is still “able to deliver us” from our fiery trials today (Dan. 3:17).

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:7).[/box]

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Faith Through the Fire, #1

He was the most powerful man in the world – and he had a hot temper. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t respond well when someone failed to do whatever he commanded them to do. In Daniel 2, the king threatened to kill the Chaldeans by cutting them in pieces and making their houses an ash heap (Dan. 2:5); all of this if they could not tell him what he dreamed the previous night. Nebuchadnezzar wasn’t playing around.

When he decided to erect a golden image and commanded that everyone in his kingdom worship it, he threatened them with their lives.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace (Dan. 3:4-6).[/box]

You know what happened: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego didn’t bow. They were brought before Nebuchadnezzar and given a second chance to worship the image, but refused to do so to the king’s face! “Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury” (Dan. 3:19). He commanded his men to heat the furnace seven times hotter than it was usually heated, then he commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego be thrown in.

This is not a story for the faint of heart. Notice three types of hearts that are represented here.

First, notice the heart of the king (3:1-3). Many scholars believe that Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (back in chapter two) got him thinking about his kingdom. God enabled Daniel to see into the future and to tell Nebuchadnezzar that the mighty Babylonian Empire wouldn’t stand forever. Perhaps the image he had made in chapter three is an image of himself. Maybe he called all of his kingdom’s dignitaries to Dura to test their loyalty to the Empire and to him as the king. It seems that his heart is filled with pride coupled with fear. His faith is an egotistical faith in himself.

Second, look at the heart of the people (3:4-7). No one is faithless. Everyone believes in something, though they may not possess the right beliefs (cf. John 8:24, 32; 17:17). The key is the object of one’s faith. Where were the masses when the instruments played? They were on the ground, of course! They feared for their lives. They knew the consequences of not bowing before the image, so they bowed: “all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up” (Dan. 3:7). When we put our faith in men, we are sure to be disappointed (Job 14:1). When we base our religious actions on any degree of peer pressure (including governmental pressure), we will find our faith to be fickle and our lives to be pointless.

Finally, look at the hearts of the three Jewish men (3:8-12). They knew God’s commandments.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. (Exo. 20:2-5).[/box]

They were not willing to compromise their beliefs – even with the threat of death. They boldly confronted the challenge and confessed the Lord. They knew that He could deliver them through whatever means were in accordance with His will for them (Dan. 3:13-18). They trusted God and they obeyed Him.

If your faith that strong? Now there’s a difficult proposition. Yet, why can’t our faith be as strong as theirs was? The fact that the age of miracles has ceased doesn’t mean that our faith should be any less strong than the people in the hall of faith (Heb. 11; cf. John 20:30-31).

It seems that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had accessed a two-fold key to strong faith: true trust in God and in His Word, and relentless obedience to His commands.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You (Psa. 119:11).[/box]

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A Workweek Devotional

We all get it – Mondays are challenging. I thought we might could use a few reminders to get our workweek off on the right foot (unless you’re a lefty, then maybe this will get you off on the left foot??).

1. Today is a gift. It is the Lord’s will that we saw at least this much of our Monday.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” (James 4:14-15).[/box]

The gift of a new day has been given to us by a patient, loving God, who wants everyone to be saved.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).[/box]

2. Today is a blessing. The Bible says that God’s blessings are new every morning – even on Mondays!

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” (Lam. 3:22-24)[/box]

3. Today is an opportunity. It’s your opportunity to be the salt of the earth, that is, to make the earth a better place (Mat. 5:13). It’s your opportunity to be a light (Mat. 5:14-16). Today is your opportunity to tell someone about Jesus (Mat. 28:19-20). It’s another opportunity to please God by your devotion to Him (Eccl. 12:13).

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:14-15).[/box]

4. Today is about God. I know that yesterday was the Lord’s day. That’s a day of worship to God (John 4:23-24). It’s a day of remembrance of our Savior and His great sufferings (cf. 1 Cor. 11:23-27). However, I think we did something wrong yesterday if we weren’t motivated all the more to live right today (By the way, the preacher, the song leader, prayer leader, or Scripture reader isn’t necessarily to blame if you didn’t come away from worship refreshed and renewed. That’s a very personal thing). Everything exists to bring God glory (Rev. 4:11).

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. … And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Col. 3:17, 23-24).[/box]

May He be pleased today by our stewardship of His blessings.

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Photo Credit: Marilyn Peddle on Creative Commons

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Hidden Christians?

When Paul wrote the epistle to the Colossians, they had seen better days. An earthquake had destroyed their edifices, leaving life forever changed and unsettled. There was no such thing as normal anymore. On top of that, they were about to face some major religious persecution by unbelieving Judaizers and Gnostics. These brethren needed encouragement and exhortation. So, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote the little letter to the Colossians, Christians who lived in a world that did not understand who they were or what they were doing. Can you relate?

I love the way Paul described their Christianity:

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory (Col. 3:3-4).[/box]

Christians died, but they are not dead. That these Colossian Christians had died is a fact that Paul already established (Col. 2:20). In fact, he said they had been buried (2:12). Paul said they died with Christ, were buried with Him in baptism, and were raised with Him. A Christian’s life is far from dead. Christ has given us life! In fact, He has become my life (Col. 3:4). Notice that, while this relates to eternal life in heaven, this life specifically refers to living the Christian life here, in preparation for the heavenly home. Yes, Christians died with Christ, but in so doing they connected with the very Source of spiritual life (John 1:4; 14:6; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:21; 4:13) and the One in Whom eternal life rests (John 4:14; 11:25; Titus 1:2; 3:7).

Christians’ lives are hidden, yet glorious. How can you hide something as beautiful as a life that has been transformed by the great Life-Giver? Well, in what way is a Christian’s life “hidden?” Some assert that Paul is talking about their salvation and that it is secure to the extent that these Christians will never fall (Barnes, a Calvinist, is among those who so profess). While God promises security for our souls (2 Tim. 1:12), that security is based upon our continued obedience (1 John 1:7). Otherwise, why does John warn Christians to “keep [themselves] from idols” (1 John 5:21)? Why does Jude exhort us to “keep [ourselves] in the love of God” (Jude 21) if we can’t fall back into sin? Why would Peter warn us to watch out for Satan if our souls are kept from falling away (1 Pet. 5:8)? This isn’t what Paul was talking about when he said Christians’ lives are “hidden with Christ in God.”

We see the answer when we consider verses three and four together. There’s coming a time when Christ will appear (to show or to reveal oneself to someone), and, when He does, Paul said that we (Christians) will also appear (same word) with Him in glory. [highlight]Here’s the point: right now, the world doesn’t understand us. We have died, yet we live, but we do not live for ourselves anymore, we live for Christ (cf. Gal. 2:20). A world that rejects Christ just won’t get that. But one day, when Christ comes again, the world will understand (Phil. 2:10-11; Rom. 14:11). God’s people will appear with Him in glory.[/highlight] Lightfoot says,

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]The veil which now shrouds your higher life from others, and even partly from yourselves will then be withdrawn. The world which persecutes, despises, ignores now, will then be blinded with the dazzling glory of the revelation (St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon, J. B. Lightfoot, p 210).[/box]

Inspiration says is best:

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2).[/box]

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:17-18).[/box]

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself (Phil. 3:20-21).[/box]

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7 Reasons You Should Attend PTP

Have you ever been to Polishing the Pulpit? Don’t let the name mislead you, it isn’t just for preachers.

Polishing the Pulpit (PTP) is an annual workshop designed to refresh, renew, and recharge Christians. Each year, thousands (literally!) of Christians gather at the Sevier Events Center in Sevierville, TN for a week of Christian growth like no other. This year’s attendance goal of 3,000 people is expected to be met by Christians who will travel hundreds – or even thousands – of miles. Are you coming? Here are just seven reasons why you don’t want to miss PTP.

1. The teaching and preaching. PTP consistently delivers the best lessons I have ever heard. There are at least ten concurrent sessions every hour, and each one has a compelling, contemporary, practical topic. Do you want to be better equipped to face the challenges facing our world? Then you need to come to PTP. Where else are you going to get this kind of teaching in this much quantity at one place?

2. The teachers and preachers. You won’t find better speakers anywhere. Do you want to sit at the feet of some of the greatest Christian men and women of our time? Then PTP is for you. Do you want some time to interact with these men and women, asking questions and seeking their counsel? Then PTP is for you. To make it even better, you’ll get to hear many of your favorites multiple times throughout the week. What’s not to love?!

3. The fellowship. You’ll catch up with old friends and make new friends when you go to PTP. You’ll be encouraged by the realization that you’re not alone in your Christian journey. You will be reminded that the struggles you face at home are common to all Christians (1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Tim. 3:12). Your faith will be challenged as you hear about all of the great things that your brethren are doing for Christ’s kingdom.

4. The singing. Picture it (if you can): three thousand people who love God more than anything worshipping Him with the fruit of their lips (Heb.13:15). Need I say more? The sound is heavenly.

5. Sunday morning worship. Take the previous point and apply it to an entire period of worship to God on the Lord’s Day. If you can’t be there for the entire week, then be sure you are there for Sunday morning worship.

6. The fire. After your first day at PTP, you’ll begin to feel a fire within you. That’s your heart being convicted of all the great things you’re learning and observing from this incredible experience. You’ll begin to think of things that you can do at home to help keep this fire going, and you’ll begin to think of someone that you want to bring with you next year, Lord willing.

7. The difference. People who go to PTP don’t return home the same. They’re changed for the better – to God’s glory. They’re leaving PTP more aware of their purpose on earth as Christians. They’re leaving with a renewed zeal for Christ and His cause. They’re leaving with tons of ideas that they can’t wait to implement in their lives, their families, their neighborhoods, and in their congregations. They’re leaving with friendships that will last a lifetime and beyond.

That’s what is awaiting you this year at Polishing the Pulpit. Are you going?! You still have two weeks until it begins! PTP is August 23-29, 2013. For more information and to register online, check out the following links:

Question: For those who have been before, what’s your favorite part of PTP?

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Living Godly in a Godless Society, Part 2

Yesterday, we identified the problem of godlessness in our society and we introduced the solution to the problem. What about those of us who are trying to live the Christian life? What should we do? Here are four imperatives to remember as you and I seek to live godly in a godless society:

First, the Word is forever (Psa. 119:89). Cultures will shift as imperfect people continue to be carried away by sin (James 1:13-16), but God’s Word will never change. Read it (Eph. 3:4), study it (2 Tim. 2:15), soak it in (Psa. 119:11), and live it (Psa. 119:17).

Second, the world won’t understand (1 John 3:13). John reminds us that we shouldn’t find it strange if the world hates us. In fact, the world hated Jesus (John 15:18; 17:14). “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). We are strangers and pilgrims here (Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11; 4:4), because our home is in heaven. Today, we work and we suffer for the cause of Christ, but in the bright tomorrow, we will rest (Rev. 14:13), reap (Gal. 6:9), and realize that it was worth it all (Rom. 8:18; cf. 2 Pet. 2:9).

Third, we exist to share the message (Mat. 5:16; 28:19-20). Paul reminds us that “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph. 2:10). If the message will be spread, we – and only we – will be the ones to spread it. If we decide to hide that message, then we are veiling it “to those who are perishing” (2 Cor. 4:3-7). This is serious business.

Fourth, love is imperative (Eph. 4:15). It doesn’t matter how well we speak, what talents we have, or how seemingly selfless we may be; if we lack love, our work is pointless (1 Cor. 13:1-3). Love neither excuses sin nor compromises God’s truth. Instead, love introduces the sinner to God’s only way of salvation (John 14:6; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:1-4, etc.).

Of this I am sure: Jesus is the only hope for our godless society. In what ways are you reflecting His light today (1 Pet. 2:21-24)?

 

[box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]Parts 1 and 2 of this article were originally published in the Ichthys magazine, which is available from my friends over at The Ministry Source. Check out their website to read this month’s issue of Ichthys and to find more information and resources.[/box]

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Living Godly in a Godless Society, Part 1

We live in a godless society. That is not to say that God is not present with His people or that God is not aware of what is happening in our culture; we know that He is (1 Pet. 3:12; Heb. 4:13). Instead, we call our society “godless” because of the moral decisions it makes. Let’s briefly illustrate.

On June 26, 2013, the United States Supreme Court found the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to be unconstitutional. In the majority opinion, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the Court found that it is unconstitutional for the federal government to refuse to recognize a “same-sex marriage” that is legal on the state level. The majority argued that DOMA was passed in 1996 (unanimously by the House and by President Clinton, by the way) out of hatred and hostility toward the homosexual community in an effort to ostracize them from society. DOMA defined marriage as between one man and one woman. With DOMA’s demise, the cultural acceptance of the sin of homosexuality (Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11) gains further support in America, while the Christian’s worldview becomes less and less popular. So, what do you think? Is it fair to describe our society as “godless?” I think the answer is an unavoidable and emphatic “YES!”

Ours is not the first “godless” society. Think of the many pharaohs, kings, and other rulers who failed to bow before the Great I AM in the Old Testament. Coming into the New Testament, we realize that, even when Immanuel (God with us) ministered on earth, the majority response to His teachings was nothing more than godlessness. Was it not that godlessness that put Jesus on the cross? And what about when the elders bribed the guards of Jesus’ tomb to cover up the truth, that the Lord had risen from death (Mat. 28:11-15)? Think about the Roman Empire, and the godless society that permeated early Christianity as a result of its wicked rule. Don’t feel hopeless or helpless as you consider the godlessness that permeates our culture. Instead, understand that Christians are, by design, counter-cultural. We are called to shine as lights in our dark world (Phil. 2:15; cf. John 3:19-21).

What is godly living? Those two words – godly living – sum up all of the New Testament’s instructions for the Christian’s life. Clearly, it’s much easier to sum it up in words than to practice in life. I think Paul offers some insight into what it means to live in a godly way. He writes,

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age (Titus 2:11-12).[/box]

So, godly living has to do with adding some things (sobriety, righteousness, godliness) and removing other things (ungodliness and worldly lusts). Godly living is not a once a week notion, but a lifestyle that God expects of His people (Rom. 12:1-2). Note two important points about the godly way of life.

First, this is a lifestyle that will determine your destiny. The heavenly reward is promised to those who give their entire lives to Jesus (Luke 9:23; cf. Gal. 2:20). These are people who do not “love their lives to the death” (Rev. 12:11; 2:10; cf. Mat. 16:25). They fight the good fight, remain steady on the course, and finish the Christian race (2 Tim. 4:6-8). Do you want to go to heaven? Then that godly lifestyle is a must.

Second, this is a lifestyle that will make a difference. Some people wonder whether our society is too far gone. Would it do any good to try to counter our culture with Christianity? Absolutely! That is our culture’s only hope! This was the answer even in Isaiah’s day.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow (Isa. 1:16-17).[/box]

Being made clean from our sin-stained souls, ceasing to do evil, and learning to do good weren’t just the answers for Isaiah’s hearers, they are the key ingredients to turn our society around, too!

NOTE: In a special post coming tomorrow (Lord willing), I have four imperatives that we must remember as we seek to live godly lives.

[box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]Parts 1 and 2 of this article were originally published in the Ichthys magazine, which is available from my friends over at The Ministry Source. Check out their website to read this month’s issue of Ichthys and to find more information and resources.[/box]

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Preaching the Tough Stuff

We’ve all heard them – the toe-stepping, “hell fire and brimstone” sermons that render uncomfortable those who, just moments before, sat comfortably in the pew. They’re the sermons that cause everyone to think, “was the preacher talking specifically to me today?” In many ways, these tough kind of sermons separate the spiritually weak from the spiritually strong because the weak go away blaming the preacher, while the strong leave challenged to live a better life. The hard sermons bring us face to face with who we really are and what we’re really like, and sometimes that is not a pleasant sight to behold.


What motivates preachers to preach the tough sermons? Why would he choose to use his Sunday sermon time to discuss negative or hard to hear concepts? I don’t think any of us enjoy to hear about hell, the eternal punishment of sinners. I think Peter would say that the tough sermons must be preached so that we do not forget Jesus’ great sacrifice for us (2 Pet. 1:9, 12-13, 15; cf. Luke 22:34, 60-62). Paul would tell us that he preached the “electric” sermons because “the love of Christ compels us” (2 Cor. 5:14). He would admit that many of his sermons were delivered with tear-filled eyes (Phil. 3:18), but preaching the truth is necessary, “in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2; cf. 1 Cor. 9:16). Stephen would remind us that God blesses those who preach the necessary, hard sermons (Acts 7:54-60).

Jeremiah definitely felt the weight of preaching the tough stuff. It weighed so heavily upon him that he contemplated giving up.

For when I spoke, I cried out;
I shouted, “Violence and plunder!”
Because the word of the LORD was made to me
A reproach and a derision daily.
Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him,
Nor speak anymore in His name.”
But His word was in my heart like a burning fire
Shut up in my bones;
I was weary of holding it back,
And I could not (Jeremiah 20:8-9, NKJV).

It seems like Jeremiah thought his preaching did more harm than good. It was as if his preaching only amplified the sin that existed among his people. He decided it would be best for him to simply be silent than to continue down this path. But God’s Word is too powerful to be hidden. Notice that this hard sermon was even hard for Jeremiah to preach. This is often (if not always) the case when preachers must preach the tough stuff. It wasn’t that Jeremiah enjoyed bursting bubbles or tearing people down. It was the fact that he had the light to show the way of righteousness (Psa. 119:105). He had the life preserver that would save his fellowman, who was drowning in iniquity.

Today, preachers have the powerful, profitable Word of God that shows us the way toward heaven (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12). To withhold any part of the message – a part that could be the very part that motivates someone to obedience – is to withhold true love for God and true love for others (John 14:15; 1 John 3:18).

Love is the motivator for the hard sermons – love for God, for Christ, for the Truth as revealed by the Holy Spirit, and love for others.

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This week on Preachers in Training, Ben Giselbach joins me to discuss “Preaching the Electric-Topic Sermons.” Join us live in the chat room this afternoon at 3:45 PM (CST) or watch it Thursday (when it’s released) over at The Light Network.

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Blog Hop: Podcasts We Like

There are over 250,000 podcasts in iTunes. They’re from 155 countries and are in over 40 different languages! Clearly, there’s no shortage of material out there for you to tap into. How do you choose which podcast(s) are right for you? That’s where today’s post comes in.


Today is an especially exciting day here on the blog! I’m happy to be participating in a “blog hop.” Five bloggers have gotten together and decided to write on the same topic: podcasts.

We’re going to list the podcasts that we listen to by categories and point you to the places where you can go and listen (or even subscribe) for yourself. At the bottom, you’ll find the links to the other blogs. Hope this is helpful!

My Podcast List

I mainly listen to three categories of podcasts: brotherhood podcasts, tech podcasts (I’m kind of a geek), and leadership / self-help podcasts. While I have listed several podcasts under each category, I do not necessarily listen to every episode. Also, I cannot endorse everything that comes from the podcasters that I have listed below. However, all of the podcasts that I have listed keep a “family friendly” environment (which, to many, is relatively defined). Please use your discretion.

#1: Brotherhood Podcasts (produced by members of Churches of Christ)

I love it when lectureships have podcasts of their lectures. Here are a few lectureships that I subscribe to each year:

A growing amount of content is being produced for youth groups. I’m excited to see Horizons in iTunes!

Podcast networks by our brethren:

  • The Equip Network – The Equip Network has, in many respects, lead the way for podcasting in the Lord’s church. I love iPreach, MinistryGeek, and Equipped Today.
  • The Light Network – I’m privileged to be one of the directors and founders of TLN. We offer eight podcasts that I believe are worth your time. Check them out on the website and let us know what you think (including what we can do better).

#2: Tech News and Information

I listen each week to several tech shows from the  TWiT (This Week in Tech) Netcast Network. Here are some of my favorites (they have around 25 podcasts total).

Another techy network, the 5by5 network, offers some great content

  • Old Tech News with Andy Ihnatko (I love anything Andy Ihnatko produces. He’s been writing tech columns for years for the Chicago Sun-Times. On this show, he discusses some of the tech headlines that he has written about.)
  • The Ihnatko Almanac with Andy Ihnatko and Dan Benjamin
  • The Mixdown with Anthony Stauffer and Dan Benjamin (This is a show about how to podcast, hosted by the founder of 5by5. They have discontinued the podcast, but it is still available in archived form.)

Are you interested in starting a podcast of your own? Then you simply MUST listen to the Podcast Answer Man, Cliff Ravenscraft. Cliff has been podcasting since the early days. He loves it so much that it ultimately became his full-time job! He offers tons of free tips that are worth your while if you’re interested in the medium of podcasting.

#3: Leadership & Personal Development

  • This is Your Life: A Podcast by Michael Hyatt (Michael Hyatt is so practical and helpful. If you love his podcast as much as I do, then you’ll jump head over heels when you discover his website!)
  • The Accidental Creative (I’m relatively new to this show, but am enjoying what I’ve heard and the premise behind the show. Worth a glance.)
  • Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn (Pat Flynn’s name has become synonymous with how to make money online. He comes highly recommended by leadership experts like Michael Hyatt.)

Now that you have seen the podcasts that I like, take a few minutes to “hop” over to the other writers who are doing the same thing today:

Adam Faughn lists his favorite podcasts here.

Daniel Howell shows you his must-hear podcasts here.

Dale Jenkins joins in here.

Chad Landman shares his list here.

QUESTION: Do you like the “blog hop” idea? What other podcasts do you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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Good News! A Message to Proclaim

Do you know someone who is searching for life’s purpose? Many people are looking for the point of life, but they’re looking in all of the wrong places. Wisdom, wealth, power, prominence, pleasure – none of these things have what can really fill your life with purpose. What if I told you that the key to fulfillment in life is likely right under your nose?

The average American household owns at least three Bibles. At the very heart of God’s book, we see a positive message: the gospel of Jesus Christ! Jesus will give you purpose (Col. 3:4). I don’t have to remain in the shackles of sin any longer! Jesus Christ has saved my soul! That’s a powerful message. That message will give you purpose.

I imagine the majority of people who read my blog already know about the message of the gospel. You have probably experienced the grace that it brings. Your life, though imperfect, is purposed on heaven and you are traveling there via the Way, the Truth and the Life, Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

But what about everyone else (Mat. 7:13-14)?

The gospel must be proclaimed. It has been designed for that very purpose. Paul says, ” I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you” (1 Cor. 15:1). Jesus commanded, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15-16).

Maybe you’re on fire about the message, but you don’t know where to begin carrying it to other people. It seems like our first century brothers and sisters were motivated by at least three things:

  1. They proclaimed the gospel because of their love for God (1 Thes. 2:1-4).
  2. They proclaimed the gospel because of their love for people (1 Thes. 2:5-9).
  3. They proclaimed the gospel because of the judgment (1 Pet. 1:25; 4:5-6; cf. Rev. 14:6-7).
We have a positive message that has been handed down from heaven; let’s go proclaim it to as many people as we can!

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things! (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15)

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel (1 Cor. 9:16-18).