Bill Gernenz blogs at Broken and Undone. Principle #4: Faithful Biblical Application is Redemptive If God-centered, exegetically-based, faith-building application is going to prove genuinely biblical, it must be presented in a thoroughly gospel context. Therefore, the final principle of sound biblical application is that biblical application must be redemptive. In the midst of all applying, knowing, and striving the preacher must firmly tether his teaching and his audience to the cross. The work of Christ in securing, revealing, and preserving salvation for his people cannot be … [Read more...] about Making Biblical Application – Principle 4 (by Bill Gernenz)
Are Catholics and Christians the Same? (by Andy Hynes)
Andy Hynes is a PhD candidate at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Follow him @ABHYNES on Twitter. While my family and I were standing in line for the Jack Sparrow ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a couple of teenagers in front of us turned around and asked me that question. I responded with the typical, “Well Catholics can be Christians, but they are not synonymous.” Later as I was pondering my response, I became concerned about what I said. Linking the possibility of being a Christian to the Catholic Church may not have been the best idea. Maybe I am the only one who has said … [Read more...] about Are Catholics and Christians the Same? (by Andy Hynes)
Why I Decided to Publish With Cruciform Press
Before I answer that question I have to confess that the title might be a little misleading. It is not as if I had ten to twelve different publishers knocking on my door begging me to publish with them. But Cruciform was the only place that I submitted my work to. I did not pursue publication with anyone else. The simplest answer to why I am being published by Cruciform is that they were crazy enough to take a chance on me. There is however, a much bigger answer to that question and I want to share it with you today. Here are six reasons why I decided to pursue being published by … [Read more...] about Why I Decided to Publish With Cruciform Press
Help Select Torn to Heal’s Book Cover
My first book, Torn to Heal, is releasing on May 1st. We need your help designing the cover. Our design team has narrowed their options down to these 11: Which do you like the best? You can read a sample chapter here: Torn to Heal Chapter One. After reading that chapter which cover do you feel best captures the books intention? Go here and vote!! … [Read more...] about Help Select Torn to Heal’s Book Cover
Could You Do It?
So, you believe in the need for church discipline, ehh? How strong is your belief? __________________________ Hey William - Will - come on in. I think you know everyone. We're having to meet in the library tonight. The preacher, over on your left, offered us the use of his office, but there just weren't enough chairs. Coffee? No? Well....I guess we'll just jump right into this. I asked the pastor if I could be the one to lay this out for you. We've been through a lot, you and I, and I thought it was only fair that I be the one to, um, do this. Will, there's been a lot of … [Read more...] about Could You Do It?
Making Biblical Application – Principle 3 (by Bill Gernenz)
Bill Gernenz blogs at Broken and Undone. Principle #3: Faithful Biblical Application Builds Faith The aim of God-centered, exegetically-sound biblical application should ultimately be what Wayne McDill identifies as “a faith response” (12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching, 187-198). While pastors discuss the many and varied purposes of preaching, “the fundamental objective of preaching remains faith.” McDill explains: The overarching aim of preaching is to call for faith in the hearer. . . the focus of preaching must be the object of faith, the person of God. The preacher enhances … [Read more...] about Making Biblical Application – Principle 3 (by Bill Gernenz)
Habemus Papam?: Some Observations from Church History
As popes go, Jorge Bergoglio seems to be a nice enough guy. He is from Latin America: a mark in his favor, in my book. He appears to have strong convictions on important moral, ethical, and social issues. He seems to prefer a simple lifestyle, at least in comparison to a lot of the pomp and circumstance that normally goes along with the office of priest/bishop. He even, from what I gather, appears to be on comparatively friendly terms with Evangelicals. All fine and well. Only time will tell what his legacy in the role of supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church will be. Seemingly lost … [Read more...] about Habemus Papam?: Some Observations from Church History
John 3:16, Calvinistic Traditionalists & Evangelism Conferences
This article, with minor changes, was originally posted at From Law to Grace. You can also find From Law to Grace on Twitter and Facebook. Sitting at the Baptist Convention of New Mexico's Evangelism Conference in Albuquerque last week, I was reminded yet again why I describe myself as an "Calvinist Traditionalist," someone who agrees with Reformed Theology (i.e., the Doctrines of Grace, TULIP, etc.), but who does not always strictly preach or practice in conformity with said doctrines and theology. Perhaps the clearest example of my own Calvinistic Traditionalism manifests itself when I … [Read more...] about John 3:16, Calvinistic Traditionalists & Evangelism Conferences
For your reading pleasure…
I'm doing something a little different with this post. Most of what I have to say is going to be contained in an attached .pdf file. (file here: follow) The church I pastor is smallish (60-90, any given Sunday) in a small town (1700 peeps), so needless to say we don't have the resources (read $$$$) to purchase a lot of outreach materials. So, what happens is I end up writing some homemade tracts, pamphlets, booklets, etc. Then we print 'em and hand 'em out. Good thing I actually like writing, when I have time... :) This April, I've put together a sermon series for my church, simply … [Read more...] about For your reading pleasure…
Remember Me?
Due to reasons that are beyond my control, I've been unable to write or even monitor the blog the last few days. I hope to get back into the swing of things tomorrow, though the internet is out at my home (one problem among many) and I don't know how to get it fixed. … [Read more...] about Remember Me?