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 moreThe Five-fold Blessing
We should pray daily for our Pastor and church leadership. Ideally, we should be praying for all leadership, for Daniel 2:21 states, “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” (KJV, Tyndale 1987). When we…
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 moreTimeless Evangelism
The types and methods of evangelism used by the 1st-century church and the church of today are still very similar. Certain freedoms and technological advancements have changed how we approach ministry, but the overall mission and mindset are the same. People have also developed a dependency on conveniences, which must be accounted for when…
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 moreHoliness Development pt. 2
Sanctification is defined as the action of making or declaring something holy and the process of being freed from sin or purified. In our daily journey of self-denial, seeking God’s perfect will, and giving up good to receive better, we move in the direction of Jesus. The most basic interpretation of being a Christian is…
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