Weekly Once-Over (11.13.2014)
Why Do These Pentecostals Keep Growing?: Well, I'd have some theological nuances I’d like to bring in, but from a sociological perspective my response is, “I wouldn’t downplay what is in the engine.” You don’t care for some of their expression? That’s fine. But Pentecostals are trying to reach the lost and grow the Kingdom.
How Not To Be A Racist: A recent study reveals that the majority of African-Americans still believe that race is a huge issue in our society, while the majority of whites do not think that race is a significant factor. I’m not here to affirm or dispute the report, but at the very least, what these findings reveal is the continued chasm that exists between these two ethnicities.
9 Step To Putting That Sin To Death: All throughout the New Testament we are told to put our sin to death. For example, in Colossians 3 Paul says, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” How do you do that? How do you stop a sin, and how do you stop an especially stubborn and deep-rooted sin? Is there any hope? I want to track with John Owen here (via his great work Overcoming Sin and Temptation) and give a list of 9 things you need to do to overcome sin. Consider that sin that is prevalent in your life and then consider each of these 9 steps.
Give Us This Day Our Daily News: Even more, we must pray as events scroll across the screen. Develop this discipline. Let your news intake get you out of yourself and move you to pray, and then to act as you are able. Let the news be an instigator to get you involved in all that God is doing in this world that belongs—without hype, sensationalism or slant—to Him.
The Missing Ingredient In Many Sermons: From a guy who has to fight every single day to have my heart moved by the gospel, hear my plea: don’t be content to just give your hearers a comprehensive tour guide through a passage, connect the dots to show the glory, grandeur and greatness of God in it so they can join you in marveling at the glorious view. It’s a little thing, but it makes a big difference for you and the church.
A Word About Men And Marriage: I’m tired of men who act like boys. Just because the woman is a weaker vessel doesn’t mean you get to abuse her with your cold immaturity (1 Peter 3:7). Where are the tender-hearted men who cry over their sin instead of their football game? Where are the men who lead like Jesus, selflessly sacrificing their time, energy, and love for the sake of their family? I know you’re out there. Stay the course. And listen, young men who wish to be married, don’t act like a child. You are a man.