Sermon Leftovers

As we prepare to go through our 40 Days In The Word series, I sent out an email today which linked to an article about studying God’s Word. You can link to the article here. The author lists 25 different methods of studying the Bible. I found the list to be fun. Not every method is for every person, but every person will probably find 2–3 methods that work for them. Below are a couple of my favorites: Survey the Word Whether it be the whole of Scripture, an entire book in the Bible, or a given passage, capturing the big picture makes a deeper engagement of the Word more accessible and productive. Discuss the Word Discussions about meaning, interpretations, doctrinal substance, and sheer trivia can be a productive means of engaging the Word and driving it more deeply into our hearts. Hand-copy the Word Hand-copying the Word slows the brain down and synchronizes the mind with the meaning of a passage. Bible on one side. Journal on the other. Copying the word i

People have many reasons for not joining a small group. Some are good reasons and some are not as good. "I don't have enough time" is a less-than-good reason. Consider these four time-creating ideas which will enable you to spend two hours a week in a LIFEgroup  (the two hours includes thirty minutes of drive time!) DVR two television shows for the next six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, you may decide you don't need to watch that show anymore, or you can find time on a weekend to binge catch-up. Wake up 30 minutes earlier four days a week. Organize your schedule to use that extra half hour each day to accomplish the tasks that keep you from being able to go to LIFEgroup. Skip a workout. Your spiritual muscles are as important (if not more) than your physical muscles. You may not work out for two hours, but factor in transportation, cool-down, and clean-up as well! Cut out (or just reduce) your social media use. The New York Times reports tha

I wrote this on election day 8 years ago. Back then, these thoughts were slightly novel and most felt I was being a bit extreme. They seem a bit more relevant today (all but the "write in Rudd" part at least...). As you vote today, don't forget to "Write in Rudd"! Seriously. When I vote, I ask myself two questions to determine if I can give my vote to a candidate. 1. Will he/she vote the way I would on legislation? I don't really pay attention to the specifics of candidates plans. Those are most often empty campaign promises. What I am interested in is the foundational philosophy behind their plans, because that tells me how that person will vote when real live legislation is placed before them. If I don't think a candidate will vote the way I would, they don't get my vote. I do, on occasion vote for a candidate with whom I have a philosophical difference, if I determine the issue at stake is more of a preference issue than a moral i