Steve Murrell's Blog, page 10

Bible Study that Works by David Thompson

David Thompson, Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, has written one of the best books I’ve read on understanding and interpreting scripture. If you’ve never read this little book, I strongly recommend it. If you have read it before, I encourage you to keep it as part of your regular reading rotation, it’s that good.

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Study in units—few disciplines will revolutionize your Bible study more than this. The reason is obvious. When you read the Bible in this way, you begin to see through the eyes of the author.

Hearing from God through His People

As spiritual leaders, we must be able to hear and listen to the voice of God. Some of us hear from God directly, and some tend to hear God through other people. If we want to think and act like leaders, we must be open to hearing the voice of God no matter how he wants to speak to us.

“Come Holy Spirit (Uthando)” by Every Nation Rosebank Worship

Here’s a song from Every Nation Rosebank. Love hearing Zulu throughout the song.

The Leadership Runway

The Leadership Runway came out five months ago, and I have been encouraged to see how it has helped leaders around the world in transitional leadership.

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Leading in Pain

When it comes to spiritual leadership, there are added pressures that may not be present in other types of leadership. Ministry is a fulfilling calling, but it’s not easy. Sometimes, we have to lead in painful situations along the way.

In 1 Samuel 30, David was faced with a tremendous loss and was unjustly accused and blamed. His four responses show us what we, as spiritual leaders, must do when leading in pain:

Strengthen yourself in the Lord.Inquire of the Lord.Lead your team.Continue the pursuit of the will of God.

“You Gave It All” by Every Nation Music

A beautiful song featuring Every Nation Church Berlin from Every Nation Music’s Generations album. Enjoy.

Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC by Frederick Buechner

Frederick Buechner is a Presbyterian minister, professor, theologian, and author of thirty-nine books, including Pulitzer finalist Godric. Wishful Thinking is the first of his much-loved lexical trilogy and is an enjoyable and insightful read.

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Faith is better understood as a verb than as a noun, as a process than as a possession . . . Faith is not being sure where you’re going, but going anyway.

Run to God

Spiritual leadership is not always comfortable or easy. In times when we are unjustly attacked verbally, what should we do? Numbers 21 gives us an answer through Moses’ leadership example. Moses found himself in a difficult situation where he was unjustly spoken against. How did he respond? Before he responded to his accusers, he ran to God.

Missionary Monks: An Introduction to the History and Theology of Missionary Monasticism by Edward L. Smither

Ed Smither serves as Professor of History of Global Christianity and Dean of the School of Missions at Columbia International University. Prior to his academic work, he served fourteen years in intercultural ministry in North Africa, France, and the US.

All pastors, campus missionaries, and cross-cultural missionaries should read this book.

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Why is a book on missionary monks relevant for Christians today, . . . ? As we journey through the pages of mission history—especially from about AD 500 to 1500—it’s impossible to do so without stumbling over quite a few missionary monks. In fact, I would argue that if we don’t have monks in this period, then we really have little to talk about in the way of Christian mission.

“Psalm 27” by Every Nation Southern Africa Worship

Here’s a song from ENSA Worship’s new EP. Enjoy.