One question pastors like to ask each other is: "How do you prepare your sermons for Sunday?" The responses differ based on personality, capabilities, experience, and time constraints. For example, Jim Shaddix used to prepare all week for his sermon. John Piper studies and writes his on Friday. Joby Martin spends all day Monday getting … Continue reading One Preacher’s Process for Preparing A Sermon
THE ERLC NEEDS REFORM RATHER THAN BEING ABOLISHED
We are weeks away from thousands of Southern Baptist messengers migrating to Dallas, Texas for the annual Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Southern Baptists hold to the autonomy of the local church. Unlike a denomination, which consists of a top-down organizational structure, the SBC has a bottom-up polity. Local and like-minded churches choose to partner with … Continue reading THE ERLC NEEDS REFORM RATHER THAN BEING ABOLISHED
A Biblical Response to Suicide: What the Bible Actually Teaches?
The act of suicide is heartbreaking for many reasons. First, the person who committed the act believed that the only way out of whatever troubled them was by prematurely ending their life. Second, those who are left behind must deal with the many emotions, questions, and uncertainties as they process the loss of their loved … Continue reading A Biblical Response to Suicide: What the Bible Actually Teaches?
One of the Biggest Reasons You Need to Purchase the 8 Money Milestones Program
It Emphasizes Great Commission Stewardship For years, Dave Ramsey has been the staple for Christians wanting to know more about how to manage their finances. Many readers will be familiar with his "7 Baby Steps" program, Financial Peace University, and his best-selling book, The Total Money Makeover. This post does not intend to take away … Continue reading One of the Biggest Reasons You Need to Purchase the 8 Money Milestones Program
2 Types of Hypocrisy that Hinder the Gospel’s Advancement
Paul's Example of Gospel Change After the Apostle Paul met Jesus, his entire life changed. His life changed so drastically that people were talking about it for miles. This is what they were saying, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy" (Gal 1:23). The gospel--i.e., the … Continue reading 2 Types of Hypocrisy that Hinder the Gospel’s Advancement
3 Characteristics of False Teachers
The New Testament warns believers that false teachers and false gospels will be an ever-present reality until Christ returns (click here to learn more). John Stott once wrote, "The church's greatest troublemakers (now as then) are not those outside who oppose, ridicule and persecute it, but those inside who try to change the gospel" (Stott, … Continue reading 3 Characteristics of False Teachers
The New Testament’s Warning about False Teachers
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven … Continue reading The New Testament’s Warning about False Teachers
Why I Love the Apostle Paul’s Testimony for Evangelistic Purposes: Part 2-The Rebellious Lost Person
Part 1 Review and Summary To remind beimitators.com readers, last time we reviewed why I love the Apostle Paul's testimony for evangelistic purposes to those who would fit into the category of a religious lost person--you can review this article by clicking here. The term "lost" people implies four truths: 1) all people are inherently … Continue reading Why I Love the Apostle Paul’s Testimony for Evangelistic Purposes: Part 2-The Rebellious Lost Person
Why I Love the Apostle Paul’s Testimony for Evangelistic Purposes: Part 1-The Religious Lost Person
What Is Meant by Lost People? Lost people typically fit into one of two categories: religious and rebellious. The term "lost" in biblical language means that these people are not followers of Jesus Christ. In other words, they have not repented of sin and put their faith in the finished work of Jesus (cf. Rom … Continue reading Why I Love the Apostle Paul’s Testimony for Evangelistic Purposes: Part 1-The Religious Lost Person
Review of Wounded by God’s People: Discovering How God’s Love Heals Our Hearts by Anne Graham Lotz
God's Mercy in Scripture God's Word says, "Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful" (Luke 6:36). The Greek word for "mercy" can mean "to treat as a loving child" (cf. Louw-Nida). This phrase seems to fit the context of Luke 6:36, which identifies God as "your Father." In the midst of our struggles … Continue reading Review of Wounded by God’s People: Discovering How God’s Love Heals Our Hearts by Anne Graham Lotz
Be Imitators 