Steve Murrell's Blog, page 23

Wonderstruck by AWAKE84

AWAKE84, a campus worship band from the Philippines, released their first album recently. May these songs encourage you and give you a fresh encounter with God.

When God Seems Gone by Adam Mabry

I was able to read an advanced copy of Adam’s newest book, and he gives a refreshing take on the art of lament from a place of faith and hope. I encourage you to buy it and read it. Or do what I did and buy a dozen to give to friends and families who feel like God is gone.

View book here →

The Apollos Creed for Preachers

For forty-three years as a preacher, I have tried to embrace both the theological accuracy of my Presbyterian background and the spiritual passion of my Charismatic background—not just one or the other.

Acts 18 shows both spiritual passion and theological accuracy in the story of Apollos. As a preacher, Apollos was both:

Eloquent and CompetentPassionate and AccurateBold and Teachable

I hope this simple video will help preachers follow Apollos’ example.

“Nothing Can Stop (It Is Finished)” by Wondersigns

Another new release from Every Nation Church Petaling Jaya in Malaysia. This song is a reminder of what Jesus did on the cross for us.

The Pastor: A Memoir by Eugene Peterson

In The Pastor, Eugene Peterson simplifies what it means to be a pastor from his own life story and faith as opposed to the commercialized and celebrity-driven version of a pastor. I encourage every pastor to read it.

View book here →

The Blessing of Global Mission

While recently reading Psalm 67, I saw something about global mission in the context of blessing that I hadn’t noticed before. Three things stood out to me that could help us as leaders better understand the missional aspect of God’s blessing.

The divine blessing of God is primarily:

Communal, Not IndividualMissional, Not LocalDoxological, Not Personal

“Not Alone” by Mosaic Church Austin

Here’s a new song from Mosaic Church Austin. A reminder of God’s great love for us and why we’re not alone.

Mere Orthodoxy

I highly recommend this theological journal, started by millennials twenty years ago, which contains insightful theological conversations and reflections. It’s always great to learn from the next generation.

View journal here →

When Leaders Are Treated Like Gods

Honor is a biblical principle and is deeply embedded in certain cultures. And yet, over-honor can be both destructive and dangerous. As leaders, how should we respond when we find ourselves being over-honored?

In Acts 14, as Paul and Barnabas spoke and healed a crippled man, the crowds began to praise them, calling them gods. In this moment, Paul and Barnabas responded with:

A sense of urgency,A message of clarity, andA focus back to Jesus.

If you find yourself in situations of over-honor, I encourage you to respond the same.

“大声赞美 // Praise Out Loud” by 回响 Echo_Huixiang

Here’s a new song in Mandarin from one of our Every Nation churches in Malaysia. It’s always great to hear songs written in other languages.