Someone asked me recently how I address a Bible passage in order to teach about it. I certainly don’t claim to be an expert, but I do have a system. Of course the process begins and ends with prayer, but God has wired me to think systematically, so I need a format that works for me in writing a sermon message.
When teaching on a specific passage of Scripture, I consider five questions about the Bible text:
I’m doing some fun posts over the weekend in 2011 aimed at engaging my readership, but also learning from each other. One thing that has occurred to me more in recent years is how different we all are. God must love variety, because He created us all unique.
With that in mind, for the next few weeks I want to point out some of those differences. Each week, I’ll ask a few questions that have differences of opinions or preference. The more comments…the more we get to see our differences.
Here are this week’s questions:
For years, I had a practice of committing Bible verses to memory. Over the years, I probably learned hundreds of Bible verses. I literally “hid God’s Word” in my heart. Whatever the excuse, I haven’t made that a part of my spiritual disciplines in the last few years. I think it’s time to bring the habit back and this time I want to invite you along.
Would you commit to memorizing one verse with me a week in 2011?
Here’s how this will work. Each Saturday I’ll post a new verse. You can write it on an index card to carry with you…or put it on your refrigerator…at your bedside…or maybe write it with an erasable marker on the mirror where you get ready each day. Whatever it takes to see it consistently throughout the week. You should recite it many times. By the end of the week you’ll know the verse and we’ll start over again the next week. Is it a deal? Are you up for the challenge?
Here’s the first verse for us to memorize:
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
Everyone seems to be making top 10 lists this time of year, so here are the top 10 blog posts of 2010. Please allow me to humbly say how thankful I am for readers this year. There are lots of blogs to read, so I’m thankful when you choose this one. I’m planning to write more in 2011, so I hope you’ll keep reading. It was be awesome if you would help promote this blog…I see it as a tool for ministry that…for whatever reason….God is using right now. You can add it as a link on your site, put me on your reader program, or sign up for an RSS feed or email. However you read it though…thank you! God bless you in 2011!
Tweet I once wrote this a post about three questions I use when marriages are in trouble. These are progressive questions and it’s vital they be answered in order. The…
Sunday I spoke about the need to grow as believers if we want to be more like Jesus at the end of 2011. We had a smaller crowd, because of snow and ice on the roads, but I sensed God had who He wanted there to hear this message….at least live…you can catch it here…
I’m very reflective this time of year…
As we head into a New Year, I considering if my life is achieving the things of greatest value…
One way I’m doing that is asking myself some self-evaluation questions…
For example…
Am I more concerned about:
Merry Christmas!
What an incredible year this has been! I’m thankful for the friends and opportunities God has brought our way this year. Our house has seen challenges and trials, as any year brings, but this year has been exceptional.
The circle of life continued again this year! Near the end of 2009, Cheryl’s father passed away with cancer. In early 2010, my father passed away, also with cancer. We walked through cancer with dozens of friends this year and we saw too many families whose lives were disrupted with the grief of death. At the same time,
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12 NIV
One thing I have learned about Bible verse: a verse usually has more than one application. As I have read the Christmas story over the years, I have become intrigued by the phrase “This will be a sign to you”. A sign of what?
I love the readers of this blog, my Twitter and my Facebook friends! Ask a question and you answer!
Yesterday I asked for your favorite Christmas song…and you responded.
Here are the results of this very scientific survey….(j/k)
