Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
These days I am learning that one of the weights of leadership is thinking ahead. As this picture illustrates I'm trying to take my tiny clump of assignments, priorities, and goals (call it my "world") and hold them out in my hand. Specifically, what does God want to do in my life, the Johnston family, and TRPC in 2012?
It takes time, effort, and prayer to envision the next 365 days of life. It takes time, careful communication, and trust-filled cooperation for a body of leaders (i.e. a couple, or a council of elders) to grab hold of a common vision and intentionally pursue it. May the Lord grant wisdom to each one who is pursuing a life of intentional obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Changing Face Of Cyber-Friendships
I love to blog. I guess I've always been a writer -- a words guy. But having a computer screen and Internet wires between you creates a barrier that it's difficult to overcome. That's why Jesus consistently makes the local church a priority, emphasizing that "where two are three are GATHERED TOGETHER in my name, there I am in their midst..." In this context he's not talking about meeting up on the Internet.
So I've been thinking about cyber-connections. They have their place, and indeed, are important (especially to maintain friendships across the miles). But pounding on a keyboard can never replace personal, verbal relationships. This is why Jesus came in the flesh, because the Gospel had to be INCARNATED.
I want to be consistent in friendships. I also want to be reliably available to friends in need. I really enjoy sharing the interesting (and sanctifying) things on the Internet. But the Internet cannot over-occupy my life. It is a tool, not a toy. It needs to be meticulously (not mindlessly) employed, an addition to life rather than an addiction in life.
That's why I've decided to suspend this blog, and to move into the evolving world of Facebook. I'll still keep this blog, and may even post occassionally. But come to see me (Pastor Brad Johnston) on Facebook. That's where I'll be chatting. And I would much rather sit down face-to-face over a warm cup of coffee.
So I've been thinking about cyber-connections. They have their place, and indeed, are important (especially to maintain friendships across the miles). But pounding on a keyboard can never replace personal, verbal relationships. This is why Jesus came in the flesh, because the Gospel had to be INCARNATED.
I want to be consistent in friendships. I also want to be reliably available to friends in need. I really enjoy sharing the interesting (and sanctifying) things on the Internet. But the Internet cannot over-occupy my life. It is a tool, not a toy. It needs to be meticulously (not mindlessly) employed, an addition to life rather than an addiction in life.
That's why I've decided to suspend this blog, and to move into the evolving world of Facebook. I'll still keep this blog, and may even post occassionally. But come to see me (Pastor Brad Johnston) on Facebook. That's where I'll be chatting. And I would much rather sit down face-to-face over a warm cup of coffee.
Friday, October 31, 2008
"Consciences Vexed And Flayed"
Lord willing,
On November 1st, All Saints Day, I will join with ten thousand others to celebrate the revitalization of heart for the pure Gospel. It was a Monk and a Mallet nailing a Gospel-centered proclamation on a Wittenburg door that caught fire in hearts throughout the Body of Christ (Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed and on). Today let us join with that "great cloud of witnesses" in saying a prayer for that revitalization of heart to continue to burn bright in our day.
I invite you to join me and to consider how the truths that cost so much to defend back-when have perhaps yet to come into full fruition in our own hearts today.
How are we saved? By Grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. (Sola gratia, Sola fide, Solus Christus, Soli Deo gloria)
What is the final authority in religious matters? Scripture alone. (Sola scriptura)
What is the Church? The priesthood of all true followers of Christ
What is the essence of Christian living? Knowing God, intimately, where ever we are, whether it's preaching to multitudes or sweeping a broom.
Here's how one faithful preacher long ago said it. It was a day when the doctrines of men ruled and, in his own words, "the consciences of the people are vexed and flayed." Let it never be said of this day.
On November 1st, All Saints Day, I will join with ten thousand others to celebrate the revitalization of heart for the pure Gospel. It was a Monk and a Mallet nailing a Gospel-centered proclamation on a Wittenburg door that caught fire in hearts throughout the Body of Christ (Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed and on). Today let us join with that "great cloud of witnesses" in saying a prayer for that revitalization of heart to continue to burn bright in our day.
I invite you to join me and to consider how the truths that cost so much to defend back-when have perhaps yet to come into full fruition in our own hearts today.
How are we saved? By Grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. (Sola gratia, Sola fide, Solus Christus, Soli Deo gloria)
What is the final authority in religious matters? Scripture alone. (Sola scriptura)
What is the Church? The priesthood of all true followers of Christ
What is the essence of Christian living? Knowing God, intimately, where ever we are, whether it's preaching to multitudes or sweeping a broom.
Here's how one faithful preacher long ago said it. It was a day when the doctrines of men ruled and, in his own words, "the consciences of the people are vexed and flayed." Let it never be said of this day.
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