Coral Ridge Presbyterian (PCA) in Ft. Lauderdale is a special church to our family for a number of reasons. First, it is Connie’s home church. Her father served as an Elder there and her parents were early members. Second, we have family (Connie’s brother and sister and their families) in that congregation. Third, Coral Ridge has been a leading congregation not only in the PCA but in the country. Dr. James Kennedy, the founder of Coral Ridge, has been a church leader and helped foster an effective evangelism training program known as “Evangelism Explosion” which is being used across the world. Fourth, Connie and I were married in that sanctuary!
Therefore, we have followed their search for a new pastor in the wake of Dr. Kennedy’s death. I am thrilled for them that they have called Rev. Tullian Tchividjian as their new pastor. This will actually involve a merger between Coral Ridge and New City Presbyterian, the church he planted and pastors that is only 12 miles away. Tullian has the distinction of being Billy Graham’s grandson. (I also like the fact that he is a Reformed Theological Seminary graduate like myself!)
What truly excites me is that Tullian has a very gospel centered focus to his ministry and preaching. He is now in a pulpit of great influence. I pray he has great influence for the gospel in Ft. Lauderdale and beyond.
We’re having a just for fun NCAA Tourney pickem game again this year. Winner gets accolades and lots of props from this blog. It’s easy and fun- the more who play the merrier. Last year’s winner defending his title: Stephen Bankson! Click on the link below and then enter the private group # 51120. The password is “calvin” (hey, I’m a Presbyterian minister, what do you expect?). Y’all play!
There’s a fascinating article floating around the internet written by the “Internet Monk”, Michael Spencer. The article is entitled “The Coming Evangelical Collapse” that you can read HERE. Spencer argues that evangelicalisms marriage to conservative politics will earn it scorn, derision, and ostracism to the point of persectution. I must admit, this article has had me thinking all day about the ministry of the gospel in the times in which we live. Are we manifesting the gospel in the way we should? Are we equipping our children and youth to articulate and defend the gospel?
I think Sean Lucas, Church History Prof at Covenant Seminary offers a very helpful response you can access HERE. Any thoughts on Spencer’s assertions? What is the future of evangelicalism? How should the church prepare and/or respond?
We use the ESV at HLPC. This chart is offered as a rationale for its use. The NASB is not in this comparison which is an excellent translation as well. If ESV is my #1, then the Updated NASB is my #1b. This chart is from Crossway Publishers so their inherent bias toward the ESV is duly noted:
The 9Marks blog has had an interesting discussion going on humor in the pulpit. I thought THIS post captured some of my own approaches to humor and preaching. Alistair Begg has said that a preacher ought to bethemselves and not preach themselves. I hope what humor comes across in my own preaching is me being myself as opposed to writing a stand up act and disguising it as preaching. What do you think of the place of humor in the pulpit?
THAT’S a provocative claim! Eric Alexander, one of the best preachers I’ve heard, makes that observation in the quote you can access HERE. What do you think?
This is a very powerful video that is making its rounds on the internet. Its apparent this man was changed by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ which led him to seek reconciliation with John Lewis. Having grown up in Birmingham, AL- I find this extremely powerful.
Long time, no post I realize. My friend, Ed Eubanks, posted some very helpful thoughts on how to pray for President Obama that are well worth sharing. You can find them HERE.
The 9Marks blog has had an interesting discussion going on humor in the pulpit. I thought