Category Archives: Uncategorized

Lay Down in Silence

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Carl Simmons

As we examined last week, we’re often slaves to our own agendas without even realizing it. We can become so paralyzed by self-analysis and self-inflicted hurry that we forget how to simply be obedient in the things God’s already called … Continue reading →

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Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches

Posted on September 12, 2019 by Carl Simmons

For all you Baptists in the audience. . . . John S. Hammett. Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology. 400p., $25.99, Kregel Academic. An updated examination of ecclesiology from a Baptist perspective. In this useful book, professor and … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Agenda  

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Carl Simmons

We’ve had to lay down a lot so far. Some of it has no doubt been difficult; maybe it’s even felt unnecessarily negative to some. But we have a much longer journey ahead, and we need to travel light—especially since … Continue reading →

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The One New Man

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Carl Simmons

For those looking for a somewhat less academic approach to the Israel question than Three Views on Israel and the Church a couple weeks back, here’s another take for you. . . . Ariel Laurence Blumenthal. The One New Man: … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Future: a small-group session

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Carl Simmons

For this session, you’ll need…. beanbags, stress balls, or other soft items that can be tossed around—two for every group of four or five Laying Down Your Day (10 minutes) Have everyone get into subgroups of four to five. (If … Continue reading →

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The Church Planting Journey

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Carl Simmons

As a lot of you know, I’ve been involved in my share of church plants—a few successful ones, as well as a couple unsuccessful ones (that shared one foible in particular . . . more on that later). One of … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Fears

Posted on August 26, 2019 by Carl Simmons

A great deal of the sin in our lives is little more than a lame attempt to protect ourselves from the possibility of being sinned against. Whether it’s a preemptive strike or a full-scale retreat, we’ll do just about anything … Continue reading →

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Three Views on Israel and the Church

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Carl Simmons

There’s plenty of opinions on Christian and/or American relations with Israel—but what does the Bible have to say about it—and how do we interpret what the Bible says? Jared Compton and Andrew David Naselli, eds. Three Views on Israel and the … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Expectations    

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Carl Simmons

Stop expecting too much from yourself spiritually, or otherwise. Stop expecting instant regeneration, or instant success. Trust God as you once did. Don’t try to anticipate his moves before he’s made them. Allow him to grow you at his pace, instead of thinking you can run out ahead. Continue reading →

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Maximizing the Midsize Church

Posted on August 15, 2019 by Carl Simmons

Got a decent-sized (but not big) church, and want to keep a handle on where you’re at and where you’re going? David J. Peter. Maximizing the Midsize Church: Effective Leadership for Fruitful Mission and Ministry. 176p., $18.99, Kregel Ministry. Nearly … Continue reading →

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