Posts under ‘Quotes’

I think we sometimes have a sense in which we have discovered things that our forefathers never experienced. As we read the latest Tim Keller we are thrilled by the way he incisively undermines the idols of our day. But as we dig into some of the great writers of the past we [...]

In a lot of British evangelical preaching, there is a focus on having ‘memorable’ points. The test of a good sermon has become whether or not a listener can recall the points, 1 week or even a month later. There is obviously some benefit in this approach. It will be helpful for [...]

In some ways this is one of the hardest chapters to summarise because it ranges over several topics, yet I also found it one of the most challenging yet. The chapter is structured around the 3 temptations of Jesus after his baptism, and explores the idea of Affirming the Will of God.
I found the [...]

It has been a while since I have had time to do any non-essential reading, and so it is rather ironic that the title of this chapter is Retreating from Activity.
As ever, looking to the model of Jesus, Fernando points out how regularly Jesus took time out, especially before particularly significant moments in His ministry, [...]

I read these words from Heinrich Bullinger, a 16th century (reformed) pastor to his son, and they continue to be excellent advice today:
1. Fear God at all times, and remember that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
2. Humble yourself before God, and pray to him alone through Christ, our only Mediator and [...]

This third chapter is called ‘Affirmed by God.’ Fernando argues that:
“The ministry is so challenging that when we think of it, the primary focus always needs to be on what God does for us. Otherwise when problems come and we are faced with our own inadequacy, we could react in harmful ways.”
I would [...]

Having highlighted our need to identify with the people we are ministering to, Fernando secondly emphasises the importance of ministering not in our own strength but in God’s power through His Spirit. As before he roots this in the ministry of Jesus, and also relies on the account of the early church in Acts.
Fernando [...]

In deference to my reader in Suffolk (you know who you are!), rather than just plugging this book I thought I would add the odd comment/summary as I read through it over the next days (weeks? months?!).

Chapter 1 is all about ‘Identifying with people’ – and in particular the people you minister amongst. The [...]

A challenge and a reminder from Jonathan Edwards.
“If there were a great treasure of gold and pearls accidentally found, and opened with such circumstances that all might have as much as they could gather; would not every one think it worth his while to make a business of gathering while it should last? [...]