by Bret Capranica | Sep 27, 2012 | Featured Articles, Marriage and Family, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
Carefully Think Read Matthew 5:31-32 Where did this instruction originally come from in the Old Testament? What is the connection between 5:31-32 to 5:27-30? What is the connection between 5:31-32 and 5:17-20? Is Jesus contradicting what was said in the OT by his statement in 5:32? Why or why not? Who are the various parties that Jesus indicates are guilty of sin in 5:32? Why would divorce and remarriage except on the grounds of immorality cause someone to commit adultery? Prayerfully Meditate Divorce is a prevalent and painful subject in our society. What are some of the modern day challenges with what Jesus says about divorce in 5:31-32? Why are they so challenging? What is Jesus saying about marriage in these verses? Why would immorality be legitimate grounds for divorce? Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-24. What grounds for divorce does Paul give? Read Matthew 19:1-9. What are the similarities and differences to 5:31-32? In light of the above passages and considerations, what elements would make for a stronger marriage? If you or someone you know has pursued divorce for unbiblical reasons, how could you helpfully serve them? How could you help a person who has legitimate grounds for divorce think through their heart attitudes and approach to the situation? Intentionally Act Has God put anyone on your heart in thinking through these issues? Pray for them to have a heart for God and a desire to obey His word. Plan a time to talk with them about what God’s word says on the issue. Do you and your spouse need to talk through what would make for a stronger marriage...
by Bret Capranica | Sep 25, 2012 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Prayer, Preaching
Praying for the pastor who will preach each Sunday is something many Christians eagerly do each week. We realize that the task of teaching Scripture is a difficult one. Ensuring Scriptural accuracy, adequately serving a wide variety of people ethnically, in gender, generationally, socially, etc., all in one gathering is a daunting task. Doing it every week of the year, sometimes multiple times a week, makes the task even more challenging. Not only are the physical elements of preaching daunting, the spiritual challenges are even more pressing. To think in the terms Paul used, when we preach, we are either an aroma of life producing life, or death producing death: eternity is at stake each time we preach (2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 1 Timothy 4:15, 16). Above all the external challenges, the effectiveness of preaching is ultimately a work God must do in our hearts. That’s what makes praying for the preacher and the work of preaching so essential. And again, many Christians are so faithful to pray for their pastors each week as they preach. Preparation Prayer Teams For a number of years I have been honored, encouraged by, and helped by a group of people who have committed themselves to pray for me each week in respect to my preaching. But this group of people have not merely prayed in general for me and my preaching on Sunday, they have taken it a step further and have been to committed to pray for me long before Sunday. I’ve been blessed to have a team of people who commit to pray for me on the days and during the...
by Bret Capranica | Sep 22, 2012 | Twitter
Budget Meetings=fall is here. # @jayhawkman826 I’m not sure you have enough time or intensity. in reply to jayhawkman826 # @Mt_Rhino I really don’t want Romo to help me out with sermon application today. in reply to Mt_Rhino # The 3 year old just scored some new clubs-can hardly contain the excitement! http://t.co/JhML8lu4 # @DawsonBryant bless your little heart. in reply to DawsonBryant # @jayhawkman826 this is an excellent list-who needs accounting text books anyhow? in reply to jayhawkman826 # Celebrating big Dave’s b-day! Lovin his new train table & Billy Butler Royals bat. http://t.co/641M6nLt # @jayhawkman826 @NotKennyRogers ha! Prob true! Too funny! in reply to jayhawkman826 # @JayBizzleBizzle @jayhawkman826 very likely-but a geriatric version. **vomit** in reply to JayBizzleBizzle # Ready for our tour of Kaufman! Happy b-day Dave! http://t.co/HiaWH9pm # Our first press interview at the K’s press room! http://t.co/rIz8BHkw # Look who’s trying to sneak into the locker room… http://t.co/8kPgSCCo...
by Bret Capranica | Sep 15, 2012 | Twitter
@warnerluke36 @bryanna_fry well done Luke! Excited and praying for you both. in reply to warnerluke36 # Battling Depression . . . Together http://t.co/DfnmFaYX # @lynnfewell4 bummer that we couldn’t see you guys as you came through! But you stopped at one of KC’s most popular spots. in reply to lynnfewell4 # Battling Depression . . . Redemption, Medication, and Christ http://t.co/YsXyvg9j # You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. http://t.co/DbVUX4jj # @jayhawkman826 especially when so brightly attired, I’m sure. in reply to jayhawkman826 # @justinjpeters I’ve received similar mercy! Glad to see you hanging out together. in reply to justinjpeters # @temek85 you’re an Android user now?! I’m Checking out the temperature in Hades… in reply to temek85 # Mormonism and the 2012 Presidential Election http://t.co/7hA4IQiA # @BittyKitty89 BOOM! Did you have one? THE best. in reply to BittyKitty89 # Had a great day on the course with @DawsonBryant @ashtag27 and twitterless Tim Asher. Cooperative Program invitational-thanks @MoyerandMoyer # @BittyKitty89 yeah, that’s probably the only thing that would have kept me from it. in reply to BittyKitty89 # @Mt_Rhino @dawsonbryant @ashtag27 @moyerandmoyer unbelievable day! in reply to Mt_Rhino # @Mt_Rhino @dawsonbryant @ashtag27 @moyerandmoyer incredible day. Not sure I’ve seen one like it … 😉 lets go play chad! in reply to Mt_Rhino # @jayhawkman826 we all want in on that! in reply to jayhawkman826 # @ashtag27 @mt_rhino @dawsonbryant @moyerandmoyer exactly…minimum…on 9. in reply to ashtag27...
