Archive for the ‘CP Wisdom’ Category

Thoughts on Greenville from a Presbyterian Pastor

Tuesday, May 20th, 2008

Last Thursday and Friday, a then acquaintance-in-the-Gospel, now brother-in-the-Gospel came to visit our great city. Gordon Duncan is pastor of Sovereign King Church in Garner, NC (http://www.sovereignkingpca.net). I loved having coffee with him on Thursday night. We talked about everything, from family to churches, to paedobaptism (he convinced me – not easy to do), to books (I’ve gotten tons of recommendations from him), to music and everything between. He’s wiser than I (doesn’t take much), and it was really refreshing to have someone that I agree with theologically to pour into my life. We did lunch at Dr. Unk’s together, and he loved the space, just as I do. God has truly been gracious with us there. I look forward to the next time we see one another, in early June at the next a29 conference. I plan on going to Garner and hanging out with him, and then we’re headed to the luncheon together. Should be a blast.

Check out Gordon Duncan’s thoughts on Greenville here at his blog: Greenville and Dr. Unk’s

Ask Neutral Questions

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

How many times, when we discussing a new proposal or idea and want someone’s opinion of it, do we ask a biased question? We slant the question to make our opinion of the matter seem more logical or obvious. Besides being dishonest, it’s also not how Jesus led. Jesus would ask point blank questions, presenting both sides equally. In the story of the alabaster jar of perfume (Luke 7), Jesus tells a story of two men, who both are in debt, and both debts are paid off. Jesus plainly presents the facts, and then asks a blatant question, with no bias to the answer Jesus is looking for: Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?

The next time you’re discussing an idea or proposal and you truly want the opinion of someone of the idea, and not just ’supporters’, ask neutral, honest questions.

Keeping Our Words Afloat

Sunday, July 15th, 2007

I’ve been reading in 1 Samuel lately, and today was a devotion in chapter 3. This verse came out in my reading:

And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.

This is spectacular. How often do our words and ideas hit brick walls, and fizzle out? No one hears them, and if they do, they don’t listen [definitely a difference].  To me as a preacher, this is more of a miracle than the parting of the Red Sea or a talking donkey. For someone’s words to always be heard, understood, and applied is nothing short of miraculous. 

Lord, let my words never hit the ground.