Steve Murrell's Blog, page 13

The Other Side of the Wall by Munther Isaac

This book was recommended by my friend and colleague Dr. Fares Abraham. It offers an important perspective from a Palestinian Christian.

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I am for church growth, and we should all be in support of the expansion of God’s kingdom. But we must also be for humility, sacrifice, community, and service.

The Answer to a 40-Year Prayer

Since the summer of 1984 when Victory Church Manila started, we have looked for, prayed for, and saved money for our own property in Manila’s University Belt. Finally, after 40 years, we will soon cut the ribbon on our ministry center in the U-Belt!

Too many have given up on the dream of having ministry property. Others decide that after all the years of rental space, it’s too late to buy and build.

For those who THINK LIKE A LEADER, it is never too late!

“Then, Now, Always” by Victory Alabang Music

Here’s a song from Victory Alabang released late last year. Enjoy.

Foreign Devils on the Silk Road by Peter Hopkirk

Peter Hopkirk is a British journalist, author, and historian who’s written six books based off of different regions he’s traveled to around the world. Foreign Devils on the Silk Road tells the story of foreign explorers searching for lost treasures of the Silk Road.

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My purpose is to put together . . . the story of these expeditions and to show what it was that drew such very different men to this remote and extremely inhospitable corner of China, at grave risk to their health and frequently to their lives.

Hearing God Together

I came across a repeated phrase in Leviticus that I believe is important for leaders. In the first ten chapters, there’s the phrase, “the Lord spoke to Moses,” where Moses hears from the Lord and communicates it to others. But then, in chapter 11, you see the Lord speaking to Moses and Aaron together.

The goal for spiritual leaders is not just to hear the voice of God individually but also to hear God together. It’s dangerous to be the lone spiritual leader hearing and discerning God’s voice. I want to encourage you as leaders to build teams that will hear God’s voice, discern his will, and lead together.

“Yahweh” by Victory Worship

Here’s a Tagalog song from Victory Worship’s Yahweh album. Enjoy.

Costly Grace by Jon Walker

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian during the time of Hitler, wrote The Cost of Discipleship, a wildly influential book on the cost of grace and discipleship and how important that is in our walk with Christ. In Costly Grace, Jon Walker retells this Christian classic for a contemporary audience.

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“Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession,” says Bonhoeffer. “Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”

Leaders Need Constructive Feedback

All leaders need honest constructive feedback. But many leaders don’t get any input because they don’t set up a system, invite people to speak honestly, or have specific people to provide oversight. Every leader needs friends and colleagues who will speak the truth in love.

I am grateful for the leaders who continually speak into my life. The weight of leadership is too heavy to bear alone. I encourage you to find people who are wiser and smarter and give them the green light to give constructive feedback.

“Yours Alone” by Mid-Cities Worship

Here’s an oldie by the Mid-Cities worship team. It’s also featured on our Set Apart playlist from our week of prayer and fasting. Enjoy.

Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin Hansen

Tim Keller’s books and teachings greatly shaped the way I think about ministry. This authorized biography gives a glimpse into the people, philosophies, institutions, and mission strategies that shaped his life and ministry.

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Keller shared Lloyd-Jones passion for revival and initially emulated him in preaching evangelistic messages during all Redeemer services. . . . He didn’t need to choose between edifying believers and evangelizing nonbelievers. Lloyd-Jones showed him he could—indeed, he should—do both at the same time.