Feb 15 2016

Do Not Teach Students Systematic Theology If…

systematicthology

I love Systematic Theology. Seriously, I read the stuff for pleasure. Systematic Theology has been my most favorite classes, conversations, and lessons to teach. I have seen Systematic FIRE UP students, but I’ve also seen it tear down relationships. Here are some thoughts on “Do Not Teach Students Systematic Theology If…”

First of all, we must answer the question, “What is Systematic Theology?” Think of playing a sport. Sports is not all about the game, but also includes practices. During those practices, coaches will separate out positions from one another to focus on their roles. The same can happen in an orchestra or band as the leader separates out instruments into proper sections for more intentional focus. In the same way, Systematic Theology is the separating out of Christian doctrines from the Scriptures to focus on them individually.

Just like in sports, the point of the separation in practice is for the unity of the team during the game. In music, the point of the separation is the harmony during the performance. In Systematic Theology, we must remember that the point of the separation is ultimately for the unity and harmony of all truth in Scripture that plays its part perfectly together display the glory of the Gospel. Do not teach students Systematic Theology if you do not wish to bring it back all together for the sake of the Gospel! Continue reading →

Mar 12 2011

CBSM EBook “Christocentrism: How Christ is the Center of All Life”

EBook: “Christocentrism: How Christ is the Center of All Life”

Click link for free download “Christocentrism: How Christ is the Center of All Life” (pdf)

Introducing…CBSM’s first EBook. It is written to be a very quick read in order to explain to teenagers, parents, youth pastors, small group leaders, and others…as to how Jesus is the center of all faith and life. That is the way God has designed it. To be the center means that Jesus is the focus, the theme, the goal, the aim, etc. Jesus is the center of the Bible, the Gospel, our motivation for righteousness, our spiritual growth, the church, and more. If you’re spiritual life seems unfocused, off-center, and sporadic…I promise you this quick read will re-center your sights onto Jesus Christ! You might think its small…so maybe we should call it an EBooklet. You’re probably right. But I pray this little book will be a huge blessing to your life in Christ.

Aug 19 2010

framework #31: the doctrine of general revelation – Is the man on the island INNOCENT of sin?

Free files for youth pastors and small group leaders:
2 – MOTI – Innocent (mp3)
2 – MOTI – Innocent (handout)
2 – MOTI – Innocent (ppt)
2 – MOTI – Innocent (sermon)
2 – MOTI – Innocent (notes)
2 – MOTI – Innocent (service)
2 – MOTI – Innocent (small groups)
Sermon Intro Video: Clips from the movie “Castaway”
Last night was another BEST NIGHT YET! Two words that come to mind to describe last night are: EXCITEMENT and GENUINE. All night long the students were truly pumped up to praise Jesus, and the worship just seemed to be more genuine than ever. So the sermon was on “Is Moti INNOCENT of sin?” This is one of the most prominent answers I get from teenagers who think that Moti goes to heaven when he dies (Moti is a man on a deserted island who has never had contact with any other human being, missionary, etc.). So, does God reveal to Moti the existence of sin? Does Moti know that he is a sinner? How in the world does Moti sin? Is he cussing out the island koala bears? Is he drawing dirty little pictures in the sand? Is he torturing any bird he can get his hands on? This is an important message to understand how the entire world is cursed with sin, and how the only cure for sin is the gospel of Jesus!

Aug 12 2010

framework #30: the doctrine of general revelation – Is the man on the island IGNORANT about God?

Free files for youth pastors and small group leaders:
1 – MOTI – Ignorant (mp3)
1 – MOTI – Ignorant (handout)
1 – MOTI – Ignorant (ppt)
1 – MOTI – Ignorant (sermon)
1 – MOTI – Ignorant (notes)
1 – MOTI – Ignorant (small groups)

I literally didn’t sleep at all the night before because I was so nervous and excited to start up this series and preach this message on Romans 1. This is a series on the Doctrine of General Revelation which says that God reveals Himself to everyone, everywhere, at all times so that they are held responsible and without excuse. So the question is: say there is a man somehow (HYPOTHETICALLY) born on an island, and now he is 30 years old. He dies tomorrow. He’s never been reached or contacted ever in his life by another human being. No boat, no plane, and no message in a bottle has ever come by. He dies tomorrow. Where does he go? Does God allow him into heaven or send him to hell? How does the Bible answer this question? What is God’s answer? What is your answer? Your answer will tell you so much about what you think about God, Jesus, humanity, sin, salvation, eternity, etc. Check out this mp3 and these notes to learn more about…is MOTI ignorant of God? (Disclaimer: I heard this series by one of my favorite pastors and professors of all time, Dr. Russell D. Moore. I have taken much of his lecture on this, made it my own, used many of his illustrations, and have come to many of his conclusions. So all credit to RDM!)

Aug 5 2010

storyline #89: Revelation 5 “apps for iworship: Eternity″

Free files for youth pastors and small group leaders:
11 – Revelation 5 – iWorship for Eternity (mp3)
11 – Revelation 5 – iWorship for Eternity (handout)
11 – Revelation 5 – iWorship for Eternity (ppt)
11 – Revelation 5 – iWorship for Eternity (commentary)
11 – Revelation 5 – iWorship for Eternity (outline)
11 – Revelation 5 – iWorship for Eternity (service)
11 – Revelation 5 – iWorship for Eternity (small groups)
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sermon intro video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeyqm9s9_EY
I can’t hardly believe that this is our last sermon in the “Psalms: iWorship” series since we’ve been in it now for 3 months. I knew from the start, I wanted the series to end strong…and not just as a stale old repetition of what we’ve been saying over the past 12ish weeks. What better way to end it than the vivid vision of heavenly worship that God gives to John…for our growth! If you’re worship worship boring then newsflash…YOU ARE BORING…because Jesus is not! Liven up your worship by getting a glimpse of the glory of Christ from Revelation 5!