Mar 1, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Expositions, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Worship
Hear this week’s message HERE. Know The sermon manuscript gives additional references you can review to see how some of the details of the passage were derived. This may serve as a helpful way to digest more of the material. See the manuscript below. Sermon Manuscript The worthiness of jesus 5.6 10 View more documents from Summit Woods Baptist Church. The slain lamb was central to the worship of Heaven. In order to expand your contemplation on the role of redemption in the life of the church and individual believer, consider reading the following books that unpack the theme of Christ’s work on the cross: Books on the Cross The Cross of Christ, John Stott The Cross Centered Life, C. J. Mahaney Be Review the major points of the message and ask yourself How has the perfect sacrifice of Jesus enhanced your public praise of Christ? How has the perfect power of Jesus given you greater confidence in Him regarding the challenges you currently face? How has the perfect knowledge of Jesus comforted you and given you a greater since of joy in your worship? Have you been able to enter worship with your problems and see God’s wisdom at the center of them? Think through the final point (the praise of Jesus) – perhaps read through the manuscript above and consider how the heavenly praise of Jesus should affect the way your praise Christ in our corporate gathering. Write out some responses. Do Jesus’ praise was seen in how he vindicates the saints’ suffering-it is a vivid reminder of those who are persecuted for their faith. How have you... read more
Feb 28, 2011 | Featured Articles, Ordinary Pastor, Pastoral Ministry, Presidential History, Technology
Regardless of what you think of our President’s policies, Barak Obama‘s team is doing an excellent job in its use of media, particularly social media. Technology is enhancing how we communicate our messages and priorities, and the Obama White House has a firm handle on how to do it well. From the first days after his election and as the President-elect, Barak Obama began weekly video addresses (in addition to the old-guard radio address), and a series of video posts from various internal groups working on policy issues. They are always enhancing how they use media to connect with people. Media tends to connect people in a more personal way and not merely in a starched policy manner. In fact, one of the ways the White House is utilizing media well, is to bring the public inside the secured walls of the White House and show them how people and the process work. An excellent illustration of this was the 2011 State of the Union. In addition to a brief video on how the speech was constructed, the White House, for the first time, included enhanced on-line media (like a power-point presentation), chats, use of Twitter, and live online interviews with the President after the speech. I’ve seen few public sector organizations work this well on connecting people more personally. State of the Union Video There is much modern church ministry can learn from the rapid growth of technology. While the message is most important and should be the laser-like focus of leaders and members alike, technology has provided unprecedented ways to publicly broadcast our message. From the use of Twitter and Facebook to quickly inform... read more
Feb 26, 2011 | Personal
Before reading further, know that this is hardly profound – but very cool. Albert Mohler posted a tweet for “Public Profiler” this past week. What? You haven’t heard of it? Put your last name in and find out where in the world your name is concentrated. I mean, really, how many times am I asked, “Where is ‘Capranica‘ from? I will simply send them to Public Profiler – or this post. So, here’s some shots. So, Italy and Missouri seem to have a significant concentration (well, maybe Itally has a few... read more
Feb 25, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Featured Articles, Preaching, Worship
Carefully Think what is the main idea of Revelation 5:6-10? make a list of what you learn about Jesus that makes him distinct from everything else in the passage list what you find to be expression of unique attributes (characteristics) of Jesus What does the passage suggest about the centrality of redemption? In what ways? How/why is Jesus uniquely worthy to take the scroll and open the seals? Prayerfully Meditate how should these attributes and positions of Jesus affect your prayers? meditate on the lyrics to this Sunday”™s songs and consider what we are saying about the worthiness of Jesus What aspects of our redemption are we singing about this Sunday? How have you expressed your gratitude for God”™s saving grace to redeem you? How have you taken it for granted? Lyrics for Sunday's Songs Morning service february 27, 2011 View more presentations from Summit Woods Baptist Church Actively Respond Read the passage with your family either Saturday evening or Sunday morning before coming to church. Talk with your family, wife, or a friend about the various elements you see in the passage that make Jesus uniquely worthy Pray for our gathering this Sunday morning. How should this passage affect how you engage in praying, singing, listening, and fellowshipping? Ask God to make you sensitive to those around you who have needs and who need to see how worthy Jesus is. Ask God to make you sensitive in how you could contribute in conversation, prayer, and helping others through the... read more
Feb 24, 2011 | Miscellaneous
This is one of our newest church members – go Mrs.... read more
Feb 23, 2011 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Worship
MidWeek2-23-11 from Summit Woods on Vimeo. Sun AM-The Uniqueness of Jesus Sermon Manuscript The uniqueness of jesus 5.1 5 View more documents from Summit Woods Baptist Church Expanding This Week’s Sermon Sun PM-Adam Naylor... read more
Feb 22, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Featured Articles, Preaching
For the past few weeks I have been preaching from Revelation 4 and 5, the throne-room scene of heaven. I have been challenging myself and my church to think about how heaven should impact our own corporate gatherings. I have received some wonderful responses from people, particularly over the fact that I am methodically teaching through a very neglected portion of Scripture: the book of Revelation. I plan to preaching through another section of Revelation later this year also. In light of my recent time spent in studying and teaching Revelation, here are the commentaries I have been using with a few comments on them. Detailed Exegetical Commentaries Word Biblical Commentary, Revelation, David E. Aune. 3 Volumes. Amillennial in perspective. This is a solid commentary on the exegetical side of things. Aune tends to miss the impact the book should have on the Christian community in his conclusions, however. The New International Greek Testament Commentary, The Book of Revelation, G. K. Beale. Beale is eclectic in his approach, landing on the futuristic side of things at times while preterist and idealistic in other sections. His exegesis is excellent throughout and is the best commentary in showing Old Testament connections. While I don”™t agree with many of his conclusions, his arguments are thorough and detailed. I never missed reading this one. The New International Commentary on the New Testament, The Book of Revelation, Revised, Robert H. Mounce. Ecclectic in perspective. Not as detailed for this series as I would have hoped, but good exegetical insights in places. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Revelation, Grant T. Osborne. I usually... read more
Feb 21, 2011 | Humor, Personal
I saw this – posted by my friend, Mike Lumpkin (who is a runner). I will find another avenue of... read more
Feb 20, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Worship
You can listen to this week’s sermon through our church”™s website: Heaven Help Our Worship ““ The Uniqueness of Jesus ““ Revelation 5:1-5 How can you respond to this week”™s sermon? Know Take some time this week to read through the breaking of the seven seals (Revelation 6:-8:1). Record what you learn that is unique about Jesus and his involvement in the initial stages of God”™s wrath revealed on the earth. Read through Revelation 1-3 and make note of the differences between the vision of Jesus seen in these chapters and what you seen in Revelation 5-6. Download the lyrics from this week”™s music and make a list of how we exalted the uniqueness of Jesus this week. Download Song Lyrics pdf Be Are there any ways in which you have minimized the supremacy of Jesus in the ways you have responded to situations in your life this week? How could this message affect your attitude and thinking toward your own participation in our public worship gatherings? Do Write down a few things that you learned from today”™s message or the main ideas that struck you and why. Colossians is a book that describes the sufficiency of Jesus. Take some time this week to read through its 4 chapters and write down what you see unique about Jesus and how he is uniquely sufficient for our needs. Make a list of issue you are struggling with right now ““ or are unique challenges to you. How could Jesus”™ sufficiency (from the list you created above) be a foundation for prayer and confidence to you? Who could you talk with... read more
Feb 17, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Worship
Our passage for Sunday is Revelation 5:1-5. Stop and pray for insight, illumination, and wisdom in understanding and making use of this passage. Carefully Think How does this passage fit with chapter 4? How is this section different than chapter 4? Can you summarize what you think is the main idea? What is unique about Jesus in this passage? What is unique about God the Father in this passage? Who else/What else is mentioned/emphasized in the passage? What is the scroll found in the Father”™s hand? How do you know? What do you find in this passage that you cannot understand? What Old Testament concepts do you see mentioned here? Prayerfully Meditate What about Jesus is found here that would assist your worship of Jesus? Is there a song or hymn that uniquely expresses the worship of Jesus that you could sing, or meditate on? What unbelievers do you know who need to comprehend the uniqueness of Jesus? Pray for them by name. How could this passage assist you and others in our church this week when we gather together to worship Jesus? Actively Respond What could you do Saturday night and Sunday morning to prepare yourself to worship with God”™s people on Sunday? Go to our web-site and download a copy of the bulletin and begin to pray through every element of the service. Prepare your mind and heart to be sensitive on how you can serve or encourage someone when you arrive at worship on Sunday. From Revelation 5:1-5, is there any sin for you to confess, promise to confidently affirm, word of encouragement to... read more
Feb 16, 2011 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry
MidWeek Minute 2.16.11 from Bret Capranica on Vimeo. Sunday AM 2.13.11 – Heaven Help Our Worship: The Activity of Heaven, Revelation 4:6-11 – Bret Capranica Sermon Expansion – Revelation 4:6-11 Sunday PM 2.13.11 – A Lifestyle of Worship, Colossians 3:16-17 – Glenn... read more
Feb 13, 2011 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Worship
How can you respond to this week’s sermon? You can hear the two sermons on Revelation 4:1-11 through our church’s web-site: Heaven Help Our Worship – The Atmosphere of Heaven – Rev 4:1-6 Heaven Help Our Worship – The Activity of Heaven – Rev 4:6-11 Revelation 4 is a brilliant description of God”™s supremacy and a picturesque vision of the purest worship of God. God”™s authority, centrality, mercy, redemption, judgment, omniscience, transcendence, and sovereignty are all stunningly described as the very atmosphere of heaven. The activity of heaven responds to God”™s blazing centrality with an intense, focused exaltation of who He is. Here is the pinnacle of corporate praise. The entire scene begs the question as to whether our weekly earthly gatherings mirror the emphases we see happening unceasingly in heaven. Our two sermons on Revelation 4 delved into the details of the passage and called us to consider how central God is in our affections, our vocabulary, our prayers, our music, our conversations, and our mindset when we gather with God”™s people on the Lord”™s Day. How can we grow in our worship of God on earth so that our gatherings are more reflective of the worship that happens in heaven? Something to Know Increase your understanding of who God is Simply reading through the Bible, particularly the Old Testament has helped me with this. For example, while reading through Old Testament books, underline every time the narrator (in the historical books) indicates that God did something. You will be amazed at what God does ““ and thus see His attributes on display. Read some excellent books on... read more
Jan 17, 2011 | Humor
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Jan 16, 2011 | Culture, General Theology
For further reading and more extensive information from tonight’s message on the biblical response to homosexuality, I found the The Fall 2008 issue of The Master’s Seminary Journal helpful. I’ve linked to the pdf copies: “God’s Word on Homosexuality: The Truth about Sin and the reality of Forgiveness,” John MacArthur “Cultural and Medical Myths about Homosexuality,” Michael A. Grisaniti “Marriage and Homosexuality: Toward a Biblical Understanding,” Irvan A. Busenitz “Parenting and Homosexuality,” Richard L. Holland “The Church’s Response to Homosexuality,” Alex D. Montoya Also, much of the material in my message on the biblical term used in the NT for “homosexuality” can be found in the following article: “The Source and NT Meaning of APZENDOKOITAI with Implications for Christian Ethics and Ministry,” James B.... read more
Jan 11, 2011 | Personal
Though a bit delayed, here’s this year’s Cap Clan in Review. It’s longer than usual – but this was one of the most eventful years to date in the Cap Clan lives. Here’s the highlights. Cap Clan 2010 in Review from Bret Capranica on... read more
Dec 31, 2010 | Reading
I love reading through Scripture each year. If you are considering an annual trek through the Scriptures, you may find some of the other approaches linked here to be of use. Here are a number of Bible reading plans: Begin in Genesis and read about 4 chapters a day, 5 on Sunday. I forget where I first heard about this one, but it was the first plan I used years ago, and it proved very helpful. Discipleship Journal Annual Plan. I’ve used this plan for about the past three years. It keeps you in the Gospels all year, the Old Testament writings all year, and also takes you through the rest of the Old Testament and New Testament within the year. I like staying in the Gospels throughout the year, meditating on the life of Christ in small portions, while moving more steadily and quickly through the rest of Scripture. The drawback is being in 4 different locations within the Bible each day. Some find it difficult to maintain the context of each section. M”™Cheyne Plan. This one has been around awhile and was made available by Robert Murray M”™Cheyne. It takes you through the entire Bible in one year, with reading in the morning and in the evening. Family Plan. This annual plan gives you a portion of the Scripture to read through for family devotions while also providing a section for your personal time of meditation in the Scriptures. Denny Burk Plan. Here is one Dr. Denny Burk (Boyce College) put up recently, taking you through the Bible about 4 chapters a day through the year. Shorter Plans.... read more
Dec 30, 2010 | Reading
I think you should read your Bible through each year. However, this post is not to suggest that those who do not choose an annual Bible Reading plan are somehow doomed to a spiritual wasteland. Simply put, we need to be reading our Bibles. I am also not suggesting that this approach to reading Scripture should replace detailed study of Scripture. I am merely suggesting a few reasons I have found it helpful to read through the Bible each year. New Translations. I rarely read the same translation for my annual reading. I generally start a new translation of the Scripture with each year”™s beginning. I have found this helps me think more critically of a given passage and how it may differ from a more well-known translation (I read through the Holman Christian Standard Version this year). I also find myself less tethered to the physical location of passages in my Bible (i.e., “oh, that verse was on the top left corner of the page about ¾ of the way through John), and more tied to the chapter and verse. It allows me greater dexterity in remembering where significant passages are located. Full Perspective. Reading through the entire Bible every year helps me develop a mindset of seeing the details in light of the whole of Scripture. Context. Regularly reading through large swaths of Scripture helps me to see each portion within the context of its given book. So, when I pray through my reading devotionally, I have a Spirit-inspired context from which to think through how to apply the passage”™s God-originated intent. Non-Neglect. I can”™t neglect any... read more
Dec 25, 2010 | Personal
CapChristmas from Bret Capranica on... read more
