What I'm Reading

Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon
I'm reading this a few pages at a time each day. It is rich in its devotional wisdom and practical applications for pastors. (Read 30 pages.)

The Disappearance of God by Albert Mohler
This is a reworking of some of Dr. Mohler's essays and articles that appeared on his blog a few years ago. Some very important concepts are presented, especially in his article on doing Theological Triage. A must read for every minister and Christian. (Read about 50% of the book.)

Why Johnny Can't Preach by T. David Gordon
An very cutting, but necessary, book on the weakness of preaching today. Gordon argues the problem with preaching isn't with the seminaries' failures to adequately prepare preachers or even with the shortened attention span of congregations, but the fact that preachers don't know how to read the text of Scripture and then prepare a sensible sermon directly from the text. This book will step on your toes and challenge some of the more common ideas about preaching today. (Read about 60% of the book.)

Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions by Mark Driscoll
Based on a series of sermons Driscoll preached addressing the nine biggest questions his church was asking, this book is typical Driscoll. Some solid theology mixed with biting sarcasm and humor, sprinkled with a good dose of pastoral affection. Driscoll is a pretty polarizing figure, but if you can work past the stuff that annoys you, I have found some very good teaching and application. (Read the Introduction and first chapter.)

Happy Birthday Matthew!

Today is Matthew's second birthday! My little buddy is growing up fast.

Recently, my little man has been carrying a ball and a Bible everywhere.

Maybe he will be a baseball playing preacher?

Whatever the Lord has in store for him, I'll always love him!

My prayers for my children

Yesterday was Abigail's birthday. Tomorrow is Matthew's. If (when Lord willing!) we have child number 3, I hope he or she will be born on June 25. That would be fun, right?!

Here is what I pray daily for my children.

• That they would be saved.

• That they would love God.

• That they would love others.

• That they would be wise.

• That they would live according to God's Word and faithfully serve Him.
  

For myself, I pray:

• That I will be a faithful husband and father.

• That I will be a consistent example of Godliness.
  

• That I will disciple and train them in the way they should go.

• That I will have wisdom to raise and guide them.

Happy Birthday Abigail!

Today is Abigail's birthday! She is four years old.

Four years of amazing blessings.

Four years of a deeper understanding of life.

Four years of joy.

Four years of hard work.

Four years I cherish.

Four years of Abigail.

Thank you God!

Adrian Rogers on Church Growth and Progress

In reflecting on Acts 6:1-7 in his book The Incredible Power of Kingdom Authority, the late Dr. Adrian Rogers makes the following points:

• Where there is life there is growth.

• Where there is growth there are problems.

• Where there are problems there are solutions.

• Where there are solutions there is even greater growth.
  

Goodbye Texas, Hello Illinois

On Sunday, June 28, I will preach my last sermon as pastor of Longview Missionary Baptist Church.

I have accepted the pastorate of Tremont Baptist Church in Tremont, Illinois.

I love my LMBC family and will miss them deeply. I have been honored to serve as their pastor for 6 years and on pastoral staff for three years before becoming pastor. But I believe God is leading me to a new ministry. This is a bitter-sweet time for me. I am sad to leave so many people I love. But I am excited at the new possibilities and oportunites in Tremont. Following God's will for our lives may not be easy, but it is always exciting and obedience is always the best choice to make.

Please pray for Longview MBC and their search for a new pastor. Pray also for Tremont Baptist as they prepare to receive us. And pray for my family as we make the move and transition.

No Facebook or Twitter for Me

Occasionally, one of my buddies will send me an email invite for Facebook or Twitter. Just so you know, I'm not ignoring you. I just don't do either. Knowing me, I would waste entire days with those things. So, for my sanctification and self-discipline, I'm staying in the stone ages and staying away from Facebook and Twitter.

I will continue to blog.

Occasionally.

The Connection Between Godly Thinking and Godly Living

Godly living flows from godly thinking, and godly thinking comes from a vital, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

-- Colin N. Peckham in Resisting Temptation, p. 61

Books Coming Soon from Crossway

Crossway is one of the best publishing houses around. They publish some really solid and useful books. Here are a few they are planning to publish in 2009 that I am looking forward to.

1. The Gospel in Genesis by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
2. Proclaiming a Gospel Centered Theology from T4G 2008
3. the previously mentioned Ashamed of the Gospel
4. R.C. Sproul's massive, two-volume passage by passage exposition of Romans
5. The Power of Words and the Wonder of God by Desiring God National Conference 2008
6. Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ: The Cost of Bringing the Gospel to the Nations in the Lives of William Tyndale, Adoniram Judson, and John Paton by John Piper
7. Let Not Your Heart be Troubled by Martyn Lloyd-Jones

New Edition of Ashamed of the Gospel Coming

Word comes today that Crossway is publishing a new edition of John MacArthur's Ashamed of the Gospel (buy the original here or here). God used this book to literally change my life and ministry. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I'm really excited about the second edition and the new material in it. This book is must reading for everyone in pastoral ministry and church leadership. Here is a link to the new edition so you can add it to your wishlist.