“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light,…
Read moreThe Great Architect
The Tabernacle was a wonderful place of mercy and forgiveness. However, this “tent” was not meant to be the source of deliverance for all time. The pangs that the Lord endured to deliver his redemptive plan are mind-boggling, especially when we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God” and…
Read moreLeadership Studies
The assignment was simple. Write and submit an essay about the principles learned during our sessions. I began to do the math; if there were four classes and the report was 1,000 words, I could reflect on each lesson and compose roughly 250 words for each topic. I cannot say that I am surprised, but…
Read morePastoral Studies: Guest Instructor
This semester has been another outstanding term at Purpose Institute. I especially enjoy the Friday night leadership courses because they give us the opportunity to learn from the experiences of pastors and teachers who have seen both failure and success. These failures and triumphs will help us going forward and save time by not repeating…
Read moreChrist’s Influence
Jesus influenced everyone around Him in one way or another. The multitudes thronged Him for His mighty works, and the protectors of the Law crucified Him for pointing out their shortcomings. One constant remained throughout Jesus’ ministry: love. His compassion for people was birthed long before He spoke the world into existence. In the beginning…
Read moreEarly Church Fundamental
eggsandJesus Apostles, discipleship, doctrine, leadership, obedience, observations in supernal, pastoral studies, self study
When asked to identify something foundational for the early church, my mind gravitated directly to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the catalyst and most basic requirement for all we do. It brings “Spiritual birth” (John 3:5); the Spirit guides us into all truth (John16:13) and teaches us…
Read moreMatters of the Mind pt. 2
Ministry is work, but by denying self-interests, we ensure that God alone is glorified. Paul was converted in a knocked-to-the-ground meeting with Jesus. He continued to walk in submission as God methodically adjusted his orders. Peter learned that Satan “desired to have him, that he may sift him as wheat.” At…
Read moreMatters of the Mind pt. 1
This semester was overflowing with great information. Each class’s wealth of resources and experience is truly a blessing. This class, in particular, regarding Leadership that Motivates and Relates, has many beautiful principles and life-changing actions that, when applied, will affect how you live out your Christian walk and approach your…
Read morePastoral Studies II
The classes in Pastoral Studies II were an incredible wealth of information on a variety of subjects. Each class added to the next with useful information to add value to personal ministry and enrich daily Christian discipleship. From the notes taken in each class, I want to highlight the most personally impressionable portions of…
Read moreThe Remnant Book
The Remnant: Restoring the Call to Personal Integrity by Larry Stockstill is an incredible book that is filled with valuable insights and time-tested strategies for maximizing individual potential and that of the local assembly. While reading this book, I felt as though I was turning the pages of two separate and distinct manuals. It is fitting…
Read more