Can We Love Without Being Vulnerable?
Just recently, I was told by one of our core leaders in the church that I couldn’t be vulnerable and share about my past as it would get people worried that their leader didn’t “have his life together”.
Jonathan Hayashi
Gilbert Tennent and the First Great Awakening
Gilbert Tennent became a strong supporter of the Great Awakening, remembered for his sermon “The Danger of an Unconverted Ministry, which he preached at Nottingham, Pennsylvania on March 8, 1740.
God Isn’t Done With Your Story Yet
Somewhere deep inside, there was a part of me that longed to know that there was more to life than the hard, angry world that surrounded me.
7 Ways to Pray for Church Leaders
The last year or so has perhaps been the most disruptive and draining time for any church leader. This perhaps is not only for pastors or church leaders but was the most difficult year to survive navigating through making very difficult decisions.
The Defender for Biblical Orthodoxy: Charles Hodge
He was a strong advocate for religious experience founded on objective Calvinist theology.
Church Leadership: Prideful Pastor Versus Christ-filled Pastor
The shepherd leaders’ job is as John Calvin said it well, “The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both.”
The Cross Changes Everything
Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, we have needed the rescuing hand of God to deliver us from evil and sin. God’s love for us was ultimately displayed when he sent Jesus Christ to die for us on the cross, only to rise from the dead so that we may be saved.
The Puritan Reformist Preacher John Cotton (1584-1652)
John Cotton held fast to the teachings of justification by faith alone and the importance of conversion.
Four Leadership Principles to Avoid Burnout
Pastors today have a lot on their plates and the stresses of leadership, burnout, and moral failures are all too real.
The 3 C’s for Leaders: Control, Competence, Clarity
Over the past decade or so, I have been in the second chair and now in the first chair and can see from both perspectives. Without the proper three C’s, teams can be frustrated, apathetic, or even chaotic at times.
The 5 Most Misused Verses in the Bible
As I look back at my bible college days and seminary years, “Context, context, context!” is crucial! Context is not just King, but is the Queen, Jack, and Spade and all! A text without a context is with a pretext.
The Story Behind, “Silent Night”
“Silent Night” even came to the attention of the king and queen, and the Strasser children were asked to give a royal performance, assuring the carol’s fame.
5 Ways to Lead and Love Your Wife
One day when you are older and your children have started their own families and have moved to another place, or when your friends become elderly and pass away, your wife is the one who will still be right at your side.
5 C’s on Essential Characteristics for Leaders
Hiring can be such a challenging task for churches. Why? For hiring the wrong person that does not fit the culture of the church can often cause so much heartache and havoc.
Competent to Counsel: 10 Quotes by Jay Adams (1929–2020)
Jay Adam is known as the one who began the resurgence and championing the biblical counseling movement. His book, “Competent to Counsel” published in 1970 had revolutionized the way I have approached counseling with the supremacy of God’s Word (Scripture alone).
6 Reasons Why Baptism Truly Matters
Baptism is a wonderful and easy way to remember the outline for a powerful new life that Christ has for us. How are we supposed to live for Christ day by day? How can we break sin habits? How can we put the past behind us and live a new life?
The Question of God’s Existence in the Practice of Apologetics
People from all walks of life will often ask one or more of the following metaphysical questions: Why should I believe the Bible? Is there salvation outside of Christianity? How do we know that God exists? Given evil, how can one justify God?
The Saving Work of Jesus Christ
Paul’s sole confidence lied within Christ alone for he was radically transformed by this good news of the gospel.
5 Ways to Deal with People Who Cause You Grief
Today, if you face any sort of difficulty with people, the world will say to take the highway. I believe Christians are called to take the higher way.
Is True Revival/Great Awakening Possible? Chauncy vs. Edwards
The Great Awakening divided New England Congregationalism into New Light which was known as the (pro-revival) and Old Light also known as (anti-revival) wings. Jonathan Edwards and Charles Chauncy battled over the truth.
Christians Ought to Forgive the Unlovable
Forgiving others is a mark of genuine disciples of Christ.
15 Quotes “Knowing God” J.I. Packer (1926 – 2020)
I am forever grateful and have been greatly influenced by J.I. Packer and the church has tremendously benefited from him and his life. He was a true servant of the LORD Jesus Christ.
Heretical Advice of “Just Be Yourself”
When we look deep down in the soul, what do we find? What part of our self are we supposed to be, “true to”?
Three Dangerous Leaders
Lately, I have had an opportunity to pull back from all the busy activities of ministry and to simply stop, reflect, and think. Here are three lessons I’ve learned about leadership over the past 10 years.