The Christian Message

Five Dangers of Speaking in Hyperbole March 6, 2016 by  Sam Rainer Pastors and politicians are notorious for speaking in hyperbole. I’d rather not blog on politics, so I’ll focus this post on pastors and church leaders. Most pastors communicate with good intentions, and most pastors are genuinely excited about God’s work in their churches. In fact, one of the main questions I get when I consult with pastors is  How can I get my church more excited?  I start by telling them it’s unlikely anyone in your congregation will have the same level of passion as you do. As a pastor, you’re the shepherd. You lead by example. Leading out with passion is part of shepherding people. I’ve noticed a recurring theme among pastors, especially with—but not limited to—social media. We tend to exaggerate. I’m among the guilty bunch. For example, every Sunday isn’t the BEST EVER. Not every social media post about your church needs three exclamation points!!! Telling people an a...

Pastor Julius T. Davis Jr. Sunday School March 12, 2016 - Mark 10:17-31 The rejection of God’s kingdom by trust in riches (10:17–27) (Matt. 19:16–26; Luke 18:18–27) This event probably took place as Jesus was leaving the house (cf. Mark 10:10) somewhere in Perea. The rich man illustrated those who fail to acknowledge their own inability to gain eternal life and to receive it as God’s gift (cf. vv. 13–16). 10:17. As Jesus was setting out on His way (cf. comments on 8:27) to Jerusalem (10:32) a man, influential, wealthy, and young (cf. Matt. 19:20, 22; Luke 18:18), came running to Him. His eager approach, kneeling posture, sincere form of address (Good Teacher, not used by Jews to address a Rabbi), and profound question revealed his earnestness and respect for Jesus as a spiritual Guide. This man’s question indicated that he viewed eternal life as something to be achieved by doing good (in contrast with Mark 10:15; cf. Matt. 19:16) and also that he felt insecure about his fut...