by Bret Capranica | Jun 29, 2011 | Christian Living, Pastoral Ministry, Video
Don’t Waste Your Summer
by Bret Capranica | Jun 2, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Christian Living, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
Carefully Think Read Romans 12:14-21. From this passage what ways are given to display the gospel when you are personally wronged or hurt. Can you think of any recent event, interaction, or issue in your life that one of these ways you listed above would apply? What constitutes persecution (v 14)? Who are the lowly (v 16)? Who would biblically be considered your enemy (v 20)? Prayerfully Meditate Which of the ways to respond, among those you listed above, seems to speak most pointedly to you? Why? Pray and ask God to give you wisdom in how you should apply the exhortation you see in the passage. Write out a few ways you could apply one or two of these exhortations. Intentionally Act Who do you need to speak to this week in light of how you responded above? Could you send a note of encouragement to someone? What are practical ways you could take the initiative to make sure you are living at peace with someone you find yourself at odds (v 18)? Pray for our church as a whole that we would evidence the characteristics mentioned in this passage. Pray for those who will be leading and assisting us in worship today. Pray that we honor the Lord and encourage each other in our gathering this week. Meditate on the lyrics of the songs we will be singing (see below). To listen to or download the songs, click on the links below. Songs we will sing: All Creatures Of Our God And King Before the Cross When I Survey Lyrics: Morning Service – June 5,...
by Bret Capranica | May 4, 2011 | Christian Living, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Reading
Taking a few mid-week minutes to think about how to enhance our fellowship with each other. Books linked here: One-to-One Bible Reading, David Helm Reverberation, Jonathan Leeman Sermon Manuscript from Sunday, May 1, 2011 on Church Discipline What makes a church discipline matt 18.15-20 View more documents from Summit Woods Baptist...
by Bret Capranica | May 1, 2011 | Bookreviews, Christian Living, Featured Articles
The aim of Men of the Word is to paint a biblical portrait of manhood. Rather than appealing to a culturally driven, testosterone imbibed view of what makes a man”™s man, Men of the Word (MOTW) defines qualities of masculinity from biblical biographies. Nathan Busenitz, a former personal assistant to John MacArthur, and current faculty member of The Master”™s Seminary, edits the book. A staff member of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California writes each chapter. Using the lives of men such as Abraham, Solomon, Josiah, Elijah, Timothy, David, Daniel, Nehemiah, Peter, Elisha, and Paul, MOTW biblically chronicles God”™s expectations for men. While the focus of and a few of the applications within the book are primarily for men, these character studies are actually well-written expositions that would benefit anyone. The qualities highlighted in MOTW include what it means to live by faith, find satisfaction in God, treasure God”™s word, pray, worship, fight temptation, repent of sin, stand firm against compromise, lead with courage, love your spouse, shepherd your family, work hard, love your enemies, share the gospel, love the church, and pursue purity. The book also contains some brief questions related to each chapter that would make the book well suited for a small group or men”™s Bible study discussion. If readers desire quick references to biblical passages addressing any of the main subjects of the book, a “Biblical Reference Guide” is included at the end. Highlights for me include John Martin”™s chapter on worship. With John being an accomplished musician, it was refreshing to see worship defined beyond music. His chapter describes lessons from Israel”™s hymn...
by Bret Capranica | Sep 6, 2010 | Christian Living, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry
An Affirmation About Alcohol from Bret Capranica on Vimeo. An increasing drumbeat in contemporary American churches is one on the subject of alcohol consumption. Not alcohol abuse ““ but consumption. I believe the vast majority of evangelical Christians (if not all) would affirm that the Bible speaks not only derisively, but condemningly of the abuse of alcohol. The contemporary dividing line is over the use of alcohol. In this post I want to look at a few issues on this subject, describe my position as I understand the Scriptures, and conclude with an affirmation I join in making with the elders at Summit Woods Baptist Church. The Use of Alcohol Can Be a Divisive Issue: It Can Be Generationally Divisive The use of alcohol seems to have a very dark line of division between generations. A large portion of the rising, energetic, biblically loyal, evangelistically passionate, and serious minded, younger generation of Christians is far more open to the use (again, not the abuse) of alcohol. This is in stark contrast to other generations who have traditionally advocated a position of complete abstinence. In my interaction with both groups, this issue brings out high energy and intense emotions. I find that a younger generation is more ready to make use of what they see as a biblically gray area and eschew others who are offended by their beer drinking (or whatever beverage they choose). In turn, in receiving the tongue lashing from the teetotalers, these imbibers return the favor with equally biting comments about the legalistic behavior of their oppressors. I honestly believe each group has valid concerns and...
by Bret Capranica | Mar 29, 2009 | Christian Living, Interviews
Watch as Cindy Winters shares about the centrality of Jesus Christ through the tragic slaying of her husband. Fred Winters was shot and killed while on the platform during a Sunday service just four weeks ago. HT: @Ed...
