by Bret Capranica | May 14, 2011 | Twitter
David and I completed our downtown DNow duties as an Orange orangutan. We especially enjoyed the ice cream cone at Poppy's! # Worth the read: Apple usurps Google as world's most valuable brand (Reuters) http://yhoo.it/mnudbB # Worth the read: Apple usurps Google as world's most valuable brand (Reuters) http://yhoo.it/jxfMlE # Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel-he is the one who gives power and strength to his people…. http://esv.to/Ps68.35 # Worth the read: Google to Unveil Service to Let Users Stream Their Music http://nyti.ms/inAuKO # Worth the read: Doug Richey: Wed. @ noon the Expository … http://bit.ly/madC2D # Worth the read: Philosophy of Worship http://bit.ly/iWJd8n # Worth the read: Biggest Great White Shark Caught, Released http://bit.ly/igxU7l # When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. http://esv.to/Ps69.32...
by Bret Capranica | May 12, 2011 | Ecclesiology, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
This week”™s sermon will look at 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 and how the Lord”™s Supper should be a clear, visible indication of who the church is. Think through the following as you prepare for Sunday: Carefully Think Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. List as much as you can about the right ways we should approach the Lord”™s Supper. From what you read here, what were the Corinthians doing that prompted this instruction from Paul? In 11:28, we are called to examine ourselves so as not to participate in the supper in an unworthy way. How was the Corinthians”™ participation unworthy? What does that suggest about how we could participate this Sunday in an unworthy way? From what we learn about the Corinthian abuse of the Lord”™s Table, what does it suggest about how they improperly viewed the church? Read 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. What is the “body” referred to here? How does this impact how we should view the church during the Lord”™s Table? Prayerfully Meditate How do you normally prepare yourself to take the Lord”™s Table? How could what you see in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 help you? In what ways do you think about those in our church with whom you will take the elements of the table? How could 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 help you? In addition to personal reflection and confession of sin as a means of preparation, reflect on the benefits of the body of Christ and the relationships you share in the church. If your relationships with those in the body are weak, why? What can you do to strengthen them? If your participation in the lives of...
by Bret Capranica | May 11, 2011 | Ecclesiology, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
Taking a few mid-week minutes to think about how to enhance our fellowship with each other. Sunday’s Sermon, What Makes a Church? Baptism – Romans 6:3-5 Resources you may find helpful in thinking through baptism and children: Guidelines for Godly Parenting, Grace Community Church Evangelizing Children, Grace Community Church Look at pages 82-85 in Covenant Life Church’s New Member’s Material, Starting Point. Here you will find a section entitled, “The Sacraments-Questions and Answers for Parents” Why Wait for Baptism, Bethlehem Baptist Church Two Views on Childhood Participation in Church Ordinances, Bethlehem Baptist Church & Sojourn Community Church The Baptism of Children at CHBC, Capitol Hill Baptist Church Children and Baptism, Mark Dever (audio) Children and Baptism, Mark Dever – Q&A (audio) Resources from Children Desiring God Believer’s Baptism, Thomas Schreiner and Shawn Wright – excellent book on the biblical basis for...
by Bret Capranica | May 10, 2011 | Featured Articles, Ordinary Pastor, Pastoral Ministry
Over a year ago, I wrote The previous article discussed essentials for a pastor”™s study. In this one I want to think through the benefits and drawbacks of having a study primarily at the church or at home. For some this is not an issue. Either the church does not provide a place for a study (especially for church planters), or someone does not have the space at home for a study. I have served four churches in my almost 23 years of pastoral ministry. In two of the churches I kept the totality of my study at the office the church provided me. I did not have any place in the homes I lived in for a separate study. In the last two churches, I have maintained both a home and a church-based office and study. Even with very young children (and at times, a lot of them), I”™ve found it most helpful for me to do the bulk of my serious Bible study, thinking work, and sermon preparation at home. For meetings, planning, administrative work, etc., I love using my church office. Here”™s a look at the benefits and drawbacks of keeping the bulk of my study at home. Benefits Concentration. Years ago, I heard John Piper in a Q & A session indicate that he kept his study at the church for a few months, but found out that it didn”™t work for him to concentrate and so he moved it to his home. I have found it easier to have uninterrupted concentration at home as opposed to the church office. At my office, I want...
by Bret Capranica | May 9, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Ecclesiology, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
I am in the midst of a short series of sermons on What Makes a Church. Yesterday’s sermon was on the subject of baptism and looked particularly at Romans 6:3-5. Here are my notes from that message: Baptism Makes a...
