Darryl Dash's Blog, page 66
September 12, 2020
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Have we reached the Biblical threshold for civil disobedience?
If You’re Fighting the Culture War, You’re Losing
Is a warlike posture the proper response to an increasingly anti-Christian society?
Why Unhealthy People Crave Controversy
Sometimes we must be ready to “speak a word” into a controversy, but often what’s called for is for someone to model the different way of valuing his soul over having something t...
September 8, 2020
Preach the Word
I’ve enjoyed reflecting on Paul’s charge to Timothy, contained in 2 Timothy 4:1-2:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
So much here to unpack.
The Stakes
Paul goes out of his way to raise the stakes:
It’s a charge, not a suggestion or an idea.It’s before God a...
September 5, 2020
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
3 Reorienting Truths for the Discouraged Pastor
Here are a few truths that can renew your perspective and give you hope as you keep your hand to the plow.
Pastor, Your Church Needs You to Take a Vacation
Everyone needs rest. Taking a sabbath is important. Taking a vacation is important.
The love that goes farthest starts with loving what is nearest.
When Looking for a Church, Beware the “Right Fit”
Let’s join and se...
September 1, 2020
Worth the Obsession
I’m always tempted to try to spread myself thin, to try to accomplish more than I should. The result is that I sometimes do a good enough job rather than giving something the care that it deserves.
I was challenged by a principle called “Do less, then obsess,” found in Morten Hansen’s book Great at Work:
Top performers did less and more: less volume of activities, more concentrated effort…
To work smart means to maximize the value of your work by selecting a few activities and applying ...
August 29, 2020
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Cool Christianity Is (Still) a Bad Idea
Better than the awkward desperation of “cool Christianity” is the quiet confidence of faithful Christianity.
What Could Be Wrong with ‘Church Planting’?
I’m not surprised that a relatively new missions strategy called the Church Planting Movement (CPM) has captured the imaginations of missions-minded people around the world.
How Hamilton Can Help Us Preach Better Sermons
Is there a way to make what ...
August 25, 2020
A Thought, a Quote, and a Resource
We all get too many emails. I regularly unsubscribe from as many as possible, but it doesn’t seem to stop the number of emails hitting my inbox.
But I look forward to getting a few. In fact, if I don’t spot them, I search for them. A while ago, I started thinking about what makes me look forward to the few email newsletters I enjoy receiving. Here’s what I came up with:
They’re short. They don’t take too much time to read and absorb.They’re informative and get me thinking. Their shortn...
August 22, 2020
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
The Difference Between Tolkien and Lewis
The time and the trouble, is the whole point of the story. What is the point of narrating a great quest, if you skip over the journey itself and only talk about the end?
Five Ways Churches Will Have Changed One Year From Now
Because we hear from so many church leaders and church members, allow me to venture where local churches will be in one year.
Are Churches Losing the Battle to Form Christians?
...
August 18, 2020
A Way With Words
I’ve wanted to quit social media lately. Open up Facebook or Twitter and you’ll mind all manner of opinions on any issue you can imagine. I haven’t quit yet, but I’ve made good use of the unfollow and mute features.
The worst part is what happens to my heart. I want to join the fray. I want to share my perceptions of what’s right and wrong. I am part of the problem.
I can’t think of a more timely book in times like these than Daniel Darling’s A Way With Words: Using Our Online Conversa...
August 15, 2020
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Overcoming Disagreement For God’s Glory
Christ is glorified when we value him, his cause, and his people more than we value our own plans.
I can think of at least five ways in which criticism is a blessing.
The Blessing of Plural Eldership
Here are a number of reasons a good eldership is a blessing.
But I’ve Never Been Discipled!
Whether or not you’ve experienced an ideal mentoring relationship, ask yoursel...
August 11, 2020
The False Gospel of Visionary Success
“The whole problem is that churches don’t operate like businesses,” the businessman explained. “If they did, we’d all be a lot better off.”
I can’t remember what prompted this discussion, but I heard it a few times from this man and others. Pastors should look to business leaders for inspiration. Churches should adopt business practices. Churches should also teach their people how to do this so that they know how to really live well in this world.
It’s widespread. It’s the false gospel...
